It's In The Mail

[tongueriver]

I have been reading a little on those trade knives, and I think that is the era that interests me the most (mid thru late 1700's) Those knives, and the men that carried them built nations. There is no denying the history in any trade knife.

Better be careful on those; if you are after authentic pre-American Civil War trade knives, which look about like modern butcher knives, you could be in the 99% who get burned. Just sayin....

[americanedgetech]

I appreciate that Cal.
Once you get past early 19th century it is almost impossible to date a knife visually. At least for me it is.
The subtle differences in eras seem to blend into non existence.

For those early knives I do not think FleaBay is going to be my best buddy as it is in the later knives that I am buying now.
Thru this forum I have been developing a network of resources and pathways to better information that I didn't have or even know where to begin looking for just a few months ago.

I fully expect to get "burned" here or there in collecting but the advantage I have is acceptance. I buy hoping for the best, and I have already decided that I have made a fair purchase before I buy.
Will I lay out 10k for a trade knife that might have been owned by some random trapper that just happened to give it to Meriwether Lewis just before he died? No. I'm not biting...
Estate sales, yard sales, antique shops, junk shops... maybe 50 bucks for a box of knives, and I might get lucky.

I'm just saying that I am keeping my eyes open for them more so than seeking them. I have a friend in Toronto that is doing the same for me. Just keeping an eye open for something unusual.

Thanks for the reality check Cal. I guess you see how eager I can get!

[gino]

I pulled the trigger on this one last night can’t wait for her
Maher and Gross Kansas cane cutter (by GEC)
I bought this because I love the pattern, blade choices, bone and size she’s 4 1/8” closed and also something important to me half stops

[kootenay joe]

I have one of these M&G "Cane Cutter" knives. Well built strong knife with everything about it easy to like.
kj

[Railsplitter]

Beautiful knife, gino! GEC really knocked it out of the park with that old timey looking bone.

[Tsar Bomba]

I probably (ok, definitely) overpaid for this Barlow. But I so don't care. Look how full the blades are. Look at that sawcut.

This wasn't ever a grail Barlow for me, but apparently it was closer to one than I thought.

[sunknife]

That barlow is a beauty Bomba, I can see why you were attracted to it. Bolster stamping and saw cuts are so crisp and perfect looking, nice score.

[RobesonsRme.com]

This little Robeson is due to arrive shortly.

It's discussed, at length and with more photos, in The Robeson Forum.

It's a pre-1900 knife. Most likely an import from Germany or possibly England.

Charlie Noyes

[supratentorial]

This little Robeson is due to arrive shortly.

It's discussed, at length and with more photos, in The Robeson Forum.

It's a pre-1900 knife. Most likely an import from Germany or possibly England.

Charlie Noyes

Nice knife, Charlie!

[JohnR]

I probably (ok, definitely) overpaid for this Barlow. But I so don't care. Look how full the blades are. Look at that sawcut.

This wasn't ever a grail Barlow for me, but apparently it was closer to one than I thought.

s-l1600.jpgs-l1601.jpg

Tony,I was the one you beat out. looks like you got a nice one and I don't think you overpaid at all, nice Barlows have been pulling good money lately.

[Quick Steel]

Tsar: You have a gem of a barlow there.

[JohnR]

Added 2 this week, a bone handles Camillus 67 that appears unused and a large Joseph Rodgers Congress in unused condition, seller surprised me by taking 40% less than their buy it now price, guess it don't hurt to offer. very excited to get the Rodgers.

[peanut740]

John,both are nice.That Rodgers looks to have some age to it.

[JohnR]

Thanks Roger, its marked Cutlers To His Majesty with a #6 street address which probably dates it to George V 1910 to 1936 or Edward VII which would be 1901 to 1910.

[americanedgetech]

The Rodgers is a gem.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

John those are both great finds, but that rodgers stands out.

[JohnR]

Thanks guys,looking forward to getting the Rodgers.

Scored another last night as a BIN, looks to be an unused advertising Camillus Barlow, what I think is neat is the 4 digit phone number.

[americanedgetech]

Yeah... That's a nice Barlow. I like it!

[FRJ]

Very nice knives, John.
How long is the Rogers?

[JohnR]

Thanks Joe, the Rodgers is coming from a seller that is not a knife seller, they left size out of the description and they also had it listed as bone when it is stag. I based my estimate on size based on this picture, I'm thinking it's a large one although I've been surprised before when I open the box.

[kootenay joe]

I think your J.R. is easily a $500 knife. I have seen well used J.R. bone Congress of same age sell for $350.
kj

[JohnR]

Thanks KJ for the estimate, I know pretty much any vintage Rodgers in good condition is a valuable and desirable knife, I was surprised when they accepted my offer but then again they are not a knife seller.

[DM11]

Good scores JohnR!

[philco]

I can't compare to some of the vintage beauties you guys are hauling in but I did scoop this one out of the bay early this morning.

[gino]

That’s a beauty Phil