Kinfolks Model 340 W/Pics

[KLJ77]

A bit of a backstory. So...about two years ago, I was at an estate sale and saw this knife, in the sheath laying on a table. I picked it up, slid it out of the sheath and saw "KINFOLKS" on the tang. Never heard of them. So I said to myself; 'self, you better grab this right now, because this just might be something special.' So I did...for $15.00. The knife itself was in pretty darn good shape and I gave myself an estimate of it probably being at least a 60's - 70's knife. I did some research and came across http://www.kinfolksinc.com and discovered my knife is a model 340F and made in the 60's. The sheath is the original sheath, which is sweet...that makes it all the more collectible. imho

Leather rounds on the handle are still tight, no rotting; however, there are some gaps between some of the rounds. The blade doesn't appear to have been used much, albeit, there are noticeable scratches. The pommel and guard are in very good condition.

Anyway...just wanted to share a nice find. Pics below.

[doglegg]

Great looking knife and with the sheath! Excellent find not to mention the price.

[KLJ77]

Great looking knife and with the sheath! Excellent find not to mention the price.

Yeah...I got lucky on that find, doglegg. Timing is everything, right time, right place.

[Gunsil]

Cool Kinfolks from the era when they were owned by Robeson and made in Perry, NY. If you get a chance read Brad Wood's article about the founding of Kinfolks in Little Valley in the March edition of Knife Magazine. Dean Case's book and website are very good and I consider Dean a friend but Brad Wood discovered previously unknown Kinfolks paperwork a couple years ago after Dean had published his fine book. I have always liked Kinfolks hunting knives and a couple years ago had the pleasure of walking around Little Valley with Dean Case, Brad Wood, and Brad Lockwood who is another Case family descendant and viewing the sites of all the old but now mostly gone factories. Kinfolks was a prolific maker of contract knives for other companies such as Boker, Case, Cattaraugus, Shapleigh, LL Bean, and many more.

[Doc B]

Nice! Thanks for sharing the pics!

[FRJ]

That's a beautiful knife. I enjoyed the pictures and the story.

[KLJ77]

Cool Kinfolks from the era when they were owned by Robeson and made in Perry, NY. If you get a chance read Brad Wood's article about the founding of Kinfolks in Little Valley in the March edition of Knife Magazine. Dean Case's book and website are very good and I consider Dean a friend but Brad Wood discovered previously unknown Kinfolks paperwork a couple years ago after Dean had published his fine book. I have always liked Kinfolks hunting knives and a couple years ago had the pleasure of walking around Little Valley with Dean Case, Brad Wood, and Brad Lockwood who is another Case family descendant and viewing the sites of all the old but now mostly gone factories. Kinfolks was a prolific maker of contract knives for other companies such as Boker, Case, Cattaraugus, Shapleigh, LL Bean, and many more.

Bravo Zulu, Gunsil, for having such a great experience with those well-known Kinfolks people. I've read quite a bit about the Kinfolks knives and the past history, but probably not as extensive as you have. I'm not a Kinfolks knife collector, per se, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick another one up if I came across it at an estate sale or flea market. The 340 is the only one I own, and I feel fortunate to have been able to get it.

Thanks for the info and insight. I appreciate it.

LJ

[zoogirl]

Very cool looking knife! I’d be happy with it!