Marbles sleeveboard and cattle knife

[Beavertail]

Got these in the mail today. They have good fit and finish and rides well in my pocket.
I'm thinking these were made in the same factory as the Rough Ryders.

[Gunsil]

RRs I can understand, but I just don't get why folks would buy a Chinese knife with a defunct famous USA brand on it. It isn't a Marbles and never will be a Marbles. Especially since Marbles never made folding knives other than their famous safety folder. They did sell a few folders early on, but they didn't make them. Beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder.

[Beavertail]

RRs I can understand, but I just don't get why folks would buy a Chinese knife with a defunct famous USA brand on it. It isn't a Marbles and never will be a Marbles. Especially since Marbles never made folding knives other than their famous safety folder. They did sell a few folders early on, but they didn't make them. Beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder.

Thank you for the information on the original Marbles knives.
I bought these to be used and for the price I thought it was a pretty good deal.
Most of my knives are users and not safe queens.(I don't own a safe!)

[Steve Warden]

It isn't a Marbles and never will be a Marbles.

So? Some of us just don't care.
I don't mean for that to sound snarky, but I don't buy knives for any kind of re-sale value or as a retirement fund.
If I like the looks, if it's functional for its intended purpose, if others have claimed it doesn't fall apart just by looking at it; good enough for me.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

I think you are right about them being made in the same factory where the RR’s are made. I have thought that myself many times. I think these Marbles made in China are some of the best made in China, at this price point. The bone handles are usually very high quality.

[Steve Warden]

Got these in the mail today. They have good fit and finish and rides well in my pocket.
I'm thinking these were made in the same factory as the Rough Ryders.

I do like that cattle knife. I have the Marble's Cattle King jack with the same bone. My only beef (yes, pun intended ) is the pen blade covers the nail nick of the main blade. Let me know how the fit on yours is when you get it.

[Eye Brand Man]

Guess it all depends on what stance you look at it from. A collector or user. I tend to look at knives as a collector so when I see knives that have absolutely no connection to the original company it gives me pause. If looked at as a user I guess it really doesn't matter. But don't forget there are many old usa made knives that can be had for similar prices if you look around.

[Beavertail]

Got these in the mail today. They have good fit and finish and rides well in my pocket.
I'm thinking these were made in the same factory as the Rough Ryders.

I do like that cattle knife. I have the Marble's Cattle King jack with the same bone. My only beef (yes, pun intended ) is the pen blade covers the nail nick of the main blade. Let me know how the fit on yours is when you get it.

Steve,
I'm holding the cattle knife right now.
The pen blade partially covers the main blade but I can still open it pretty easy.
I really like the half-stops!

[Steve Warden]

Guess it all depends on what stance you look at it from. A collector or user. I tend to look at knives as a collector so when I see knives that have absolutely no connection to the original company it gives me pause. If looked at as a user I guess it really doesn't matter. But don't forget there are many old usa made knives that can be had for similar prices if you look around.

I agree there is a difference between a collector and user. To me, it sounded like a collector (not you, EBM) making the statement while looking down their nose, coming across as condescending. Probably just me.

As for finding the old USA made knives under $20, no doubt they're out there, but 1) I don't do ebay, and B) antique malls and flea markets 'round here have had nothing that has interested me for the past 5 years.

[cudgee]

Bought this to get a Ram Horn and was all i could get over here. Chinese made, but a great little well made knife, and feels great in the hand.

[Steve Warden]

Bought this to get a Ram Horn and was all i could get over here. Chinese made, but a great little well made knife, and feels great in the hand.
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And it's a sowbelly! Really like the stockman pattern and the variations.
I like that one, cudgee.

[Mumbleypeg]

I can relate to what Gene (Gunsil) said. If you read his post, he has nothing against Rough Riders. His complaint is with a respected old brand being prostituted by the current owners of the brand name, making knives that in no way resemble the well-respected originals. As a student of cutlery history I agree. IMHO the travesty currently being made of the Miller Brothers brand is the same situation. As Gene points out, Marbles did not make folding pocket knives. Nor did Miller Brothers make knives with plastic purple handle covers, but the knives made in China marked and marketed as “Miller Brothers” are all over eBay. It saddens me every time I see them.

I totally understand that those people laid down their money to buy those brand names, and by so doing it is their right to do with them as they see fit. But I don’t have to lay down my money to buy them, nor do I have to like what they’ve done. To each his own. If you like them and choose to spend your money on them, so be it - it’s your money. I’m simply saying I understand where Gene is coming from. JMO

If you’re going to use the brand’s name, respect the reputation. The Maher & Grosch knives being produced currently are a fine example of how it should be done. They use the same materials and as close as possible the same patterns. They are not cheapening the brand, but rather respecting the brand and carrying its legacy forward to new generations.

Ken

[1967redrider]

. . . "His complaint is with a respected old brand being prostituted by the current owners of the brand name, making knives that in no way resemble the well-respected originals . . .

For me, as a collector, that's what I like. There is absolutely NO confusing this with a potential original, and even a knife collecting newbie should be able to spot the difference. I don't like when they ink "China" on the blades, I prefer them to be stamped so removal is also obvious. Just my 2¢ as a Marble's collector.


As for the knives posted here, they're pretty cool users and I bet they cut.

[cudgee]

. . . "His complaint is with a respected old brand being prostituted by the current owners of the brand name, making knives that in no way resemble the well-respected originals . . .

For me, as a collector, that's what I like. There is absolutely NO confusing this with a potential original, and even a knife collecting newbie should be able to spot the difference. I don't like when they ink "China" on the blades, I prefer them to be stamped so removal is also obvious. Just my 2¢ as a Marble's collector.


As for the knives posted here, they're pretty cool users and I bet they cut.

The one i posted came razor sharp out of the box. I gave it a couple of runs on a strop, it is scary sharp now, as they say. Showed it to a friend of mine who is really good at sharpening, he could not believe for what i paid for it, it,s quality and how sharp it was. As i said, i purchased it because we have very limited selection and i wanted a Ram Horn, but yeah it's sharp.

[Beavertail]

. . . "His complaint is with a respected old brand being prostituted by the current owners of the brand name, making knives that in no way resemble the well-respected originals . . .

For me, as a collector, that's what I like. There is absolutely NO confusing this with a potential original, and even a knife collecting newbie should be able to spot the difference. I don't like when they ink "China" on the blades, I prefer them to be stamped so removal is also obvious. Just my 2¢ as a Marble's collector.


As for the knives posted here, they're pretty cool users and I bet they cut.

They are razor sharp.
I hope take an edge and keep it.

[Froe]

An Indian Motorcycle purchased new today is not and will never be the same Indian Motorcycle as was last produced in 1953. But it's a fine ride and lots of guys enjoy them. I see no reason a someone can't buy a recycled motorcycle brand (or knife brand) and enjoy and appreciate it for what it is now instead of what it isn't.
That Marbles is a beautiful knife and I'd gladly put it in the rotation.
Froe

[Mumbleypeg]

An Indian Motorcycle purchased new today is not and will never be the same Indian Motorcycle as was last produced in 1953. But it's a fine ride and lots of guys enjoy them. I see no reason a someone can't buy a recycled motorcycle brand (or knife brand) and enjoy and appreciate it for what it is now instead of what it isn't.
That Marbles is a beautiful knife and I'd gladly put it in the rotation.
Froe

Don’t think I’ve ever seen a bicycle or a tricycle with the Indian Motorcycle name on it. But a person can ride one, so if it says Indian Motorcycle on it, by your analogy I guess it’s still an Indian Motorcycle

Ken

[Beavertail]

An Indian Motorcycle purchased new today is not and will never be the same Indian Motorcycle as was last produced in 1953. But it's a fine ride and lots of guys enjoy them. I see no reason a someone can't buy a recycled motorcycle brand (or knife brand) and enjoy and appreciate it for what it is now instead of what it isn't.
That Marbles is a beautiful knife and I'd gladly put it in the rotation.
Froe

Don’t think I’ve ever seen a bicycle or a tricycle with the Indian Motorcycle name on it. But a person can ride one, so if it says Indian Motorcycle on it, by your analogy I guess it’s still an Indian Motorcycle

Ken

Here you go.

[Mumbleypeg]

An Indian Motorcycle purchased new today is not and will never be the same Indian Motorcycle as was last produced in 1953. But it's a fine ride and lots of guys enjoy them. I see no reason a someone can't buy a recycled motorcycle brand (or knife brand) and enjoy and appreciate it for what it is now instead of what it isn't.
That Marbles is a beautiful knife and I'd gladly put it in the rotation.
Froe

Don’t think I’ve ever seen a bicycle or a tricycle with the Indian Motorcycle name on it. But a person can ride one, so if it says Indian Motorcycle on it, by your analogy I guess it’s still an Indian Motorcycle

Ken

Here you go.

At least they apparently did make one. (They also didn’t call it a motorcycle.)

Like I said, if that’s your thing go for it. I’m just saying I understand the sentiment conveyed by Gunsil.

Ken

[Beavertail]

I totally get where You and Gunsil are coming from.
My post was in no way meant to disparage the old original brands of knives.
It's all good!

[bighomer]

I understand where the collectors are coming from, and I respect that. I've heard collectors of Robeson say that although they are nice knives the queen made Robeson are not Robesons. I put the Maher & Grosch made by GEC in the same category. I own two Case knives that were made by Camillus, so it seems we have a lot of illegitimate children in the knife world. But I love everybody and like all things sharp and pointy. Even though they cut me sometimes.

[bighomer]

Bought this to get a Ram Horn and was all i could get over here. Chinese made, but a great little well made knife, and feels great in the hand.
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Wow Cudgee, I need to find me a sowbelly, cool.

[bighomer]

My marbles.

[Beavertail]

Very nice!!!

[Dinadan]

Nice knives, Beavertail. I have one of those sleeveboards, and I agree it is pretty well made.

Regarding the revival of old brands by unrelated companies, I have mixed feeling. The Chinese Marbles and the GEC Maher and Grosh are both fakes in a sense. Is a fake that is top quality better than a fake that is lower quality? I have wondered if the GEC knives might not be more likely to be confused with the real thing in the future than the cheaper China knives.

Here is a Marble that I like; I would never have sprung for an ole USA made version, but I have enjoyed my China made revival.