All About Pocket Knives

Posted: **Fri Sep 03, 2021 5:59 pm**

doglegg wrote: ↑Fri Sep 03, 2021 2:42 pm Very.....

Thank you Floyd.

I wish it was in my collection.

Posted: **Fri Sep 03, 2021 11:25 pm**

This pocket knife DID NOT escape me. This afternoon, it became the most recent addition to my collection and to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J.", 2 blade, single spring, 3 1/8" closed, 2 tang stamps pocket knife. It says "SEATTLE PLUMBING SUPPLY CO." on both sides. The two tang stamps on this particular pocket knife are the curved/arched lettering tang stamps, without USA in the centers. This is the seventh pocket knife of this pattern or style that I've obtained. It is the first pocket knife of this pattern or style that advertises this particular company/business. It is only the second pocket knife of this pattern or style with "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J. tang stamps (the other one has a broken secondary blade). It is only the second pocket knife of this pattern or style that DOES NOT advertise "The Travelers Insurance Company." The other six pocket knives of this particular pattern or style have all been previously posted throughout this topic/thread. There is a VERY GOOD chance that this pocket knife was manufactured by one or more of the following cutlery companies: MERIDEN, L.F. & C. (Landers, Frary & Clark) or ROBESON. It required some cleaning.
I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Here is the link to my other 2 blade (one broken), 2 "W & H" tang stamps pocket knife.
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=70226&start=30#p915238

Here are, in alphabetical order, the (updated) states that are represented by most,
but not all, of the advertising on these pocket knives (as of this posting).
Also, there is one advertised foreign country (as of this posting).
These are the pocket knives that ONLY have the "W & H" tang stamp(s).

1. Illinois
2. Indiana
3. Massachusetts
4. Michigan
5. New Jersey
6. New York
7. Ohio
8. Pennsylvania
9. Washington
10. West Virginia
11. Montreal, Canada

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:13 am**

Skip, you will soon have as many of those as you do 72's. Very cool collection.

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 2:00 am**

doglegg wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:13 am Skip.....

Thank you Floyd.

There is a method to my madness.

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:00 pm**

The following is NOT my pocket knife. The following are NOT my pictures.
The following description and pictures are for posterity and for reference.
Captions, if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

WOW! A different "W & H" pattern or style pocket knife. Another clue.....

The following is the EXACT description of this pocket knife, it is NOT mine. There was NO author listed to credit.
"TEC pen knife supplied by The W & H Co. to Technical Supply Co.
Equal end pen knife, 3-1/8 inches long closed. Coined metal handles, nickel silver -- possibly silver-plated.
Blades tang stamped THE W. & H. CO. / NEWARK, N.J. and THE W. & H. CO. - The Whitehead & Hoag Company, Newark, New Jersey. Benjamin Whitehead and Chester Hoag became partners in 1892. Their company sold all types of advertising, promotional, society, union, and political items. Their specialty was printing in color on celluloid, which they did in their own large factory. They held many patents related to this process, including the original pinback badge patent. The W. & H. Company also sold private brand products made for it by other firms, notably advertising, souvenir, commemorative, and presentation pocket knives. Most of The W. & H. Co. marked knives that I have seen were made by H. Boker & Co., also then of Newark NJ, later of Maplewood NJ. The Whitehead & Hoag Company endured until 1959, but its heyday was prior to World War I. This knife most likely dates from the period c1906-1907. Its original owner, M. P. Hench, was the superintendent of the Technical Supply Company factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania."

.....and the quest continues!

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:33 pm**

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:00 pm The following is NOT my pocket knife.

Atleast not yet.......

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:49 pm**

doglegg wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:33 pm At.....

True, you just never know.

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 10:00 pm**

This pocket knife also did NOT escape me. This afternoon, it became the latest addition to my collection and also to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J.", 2 blade, single spring, 3 5/16" closed, 2 tang stamps pocket knife. It says "EX-LAX - GIVES THE DRUGGIST A LIVING PROFIT" on one side. The other side says "EX-LAX - A FRIEND IN NEED." The two tang stamps on this particular pocket knife are the curved/arched tang stamps. There is NO "USA" in the middle of either tang stamp. This is the second pocket knife in this pattern or style that I've obtained. It is the first pocket knife advertising this particular product. This pocket knife needed cleaning. I cleaned it, took some pictures and here it is.
Captions, if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

***** Here is the link to my other "W & H" pocket knife that is the same pattern or style. *****
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=70226&start=15#p911707

***** Here is the link to another "W & H" pocket knife that is the same pattern or style, but is NOT mine. *****
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=70226&start=120#p945266

***** This is NOT the "EX-LAX" pocket knife that I previously posted (that I did NOT get). *****
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=70226&start=120#p944301

Posted: **Sun Sep 05, 2021 3:59 am**

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Fri Sep 03, 2021 11:25 pm This pocket knife DID NOT escape me. This afternoon, it became the most recent addition to my collection and to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J.", 2 blade, single spring, 3 1/8" closed, 2 tang stamps pocket knife. It says "SEATTLE PLUMBING SUPPLY CO."

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Sat Sep 04, 2021 10:00 pm This pocket knife also did NOT escape me. This afternoon, it became the latest addition to my collection and also to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J.", 2 blade, single spring, 3 5/16" closed, 2 tang stamps pocket knife. It says "EX-LAX - GIVES THE DRUGGIST A LIVING PROFIT" on one side. The other side says "EX-LAX - A FRIEND IN NEED."

A couple of nice additions Skip.

I should have known you would find another Exlax W&H Co. You a lucky duck for sure!!

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2021 5:00 pm**

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Sun Sep 05, 2021 3:59 am A.....

Thank you Smitty.

I was hoping that eventually, I would find another "W & H", EX-LAX pocket knife.
What I didn't expect, was to find another one so quickly (the next day).

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2021 9:40 pm**

This afternoon, this advertising pocket knife became the latest addition to my collection and also to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J.", 2 blade, single spring, 3 5/16" closed, 2 tang stamps pocket knife. It says "PEELLE PRODUCTS PROTECT - THE PEELLE COMPANY - BROOKLYN. BOSTON. SAN FRANCISCO. - PHILADELPHIA. CHICAGO. CLEVELAND." on the main side. The other side says the exact same thing WITH the addition of "THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO., NEWARK, NJ." The two tang stamps on this particular pocket knife are the curved/arched tang stamps. There is NO "USA" in the middle of either tang stamp. This is the third pocket knife in this pattern or style that I've obtained. It is the first pocket knife advertising this particular company and/or product. The other two "W & H" pocket knives, in this pattern or style, have both been previously posted under this topic. The secondary blade rides a wee bit high in the saddle. That does not cause me any concern at all. It needed some cleaning. I cleaned it, took some pictures and here it is.
Captions, if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Here are, in alphabetical order, the (updated) states that are represented by most,
but not all, of the advertising on these pocket knives (as of this posting).
Also, there is one advertised foreign country (as of this posting).
These are the pocket knives that ONLY have the "W & H" tang stamp(s).

1. California
2. Illinois
3. Indiana
4. Massachusetts
5. Michigan
6. New Jersey
7. New York
8. Ohio
9. Pennsylvania
10. Washington
11. West Virginia
12. Montreal, Canada

***** Here is the link to one of my other, posted, "W & H" pocket knives that is the same pattern or style. *****
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=70226&start=135#p945602

That particular post has links to the other, posted, "W & H" pocket knives that are the same pattern or style. *****

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2021 2:35 am**

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Tue Sep 21, 2021 9:40 pm This afternoon, this advertising pocket knife became the latest addition to my collection and also to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - NEWARK, N.J.", 2 blade, single spring, 3 5/16" closed, 2 tang stamps pocket knife. It says "PEELLE PRODUCTS PROTECT - THE PEELLE COMPANY - BROOKLYN. BOSTON. SAN FRANCISCO. - PHILADELPHIA. CHICAGO. CLEVELAND." on the main side. The other side says the exact same thing WITH the addition of "THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO., NEWARK, NJ." The two tang stamps on this particular pocket knife are the curved/arched tang stamps. There is NO "USA" in the middle of either tang stamp. This is the third pocket knife in this pattern or style that I've obtained. It is the first pocket knife advertising this particular company and/or product. The other two "W & H" pocket knives, in this pattern or style, have both been previously posted under this topic. The secondary blade rides a wee bit high in the saddle. That does not cause me any concern at all. It needed some cleaning. I cleaned it, took some pictures and here it is.

Another nice find Skip. I am familiar with that company, and believe they are still in business today. When I worked in the Small Arms Division at Anniston Army Depot, a lot of our security doors and double walled warehouse doors were made By The Peele Company.

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2021 7:45 pm**

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Wed Sep 22, 2021 2:35 am Another.....

Thank you Smitty.

Your personal connection with the company is a bonus!

Posted: **Thu Sep 23, 2021 3:17 pm**

This arrived this morning and became the latest addition to my collection and to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - USA - NEWARK NJ", single blade, 2 1/16" closed, all metal, fob/key ring pocket knife. This is my first fob/key ring pocket knife that is advertising this particular company, business or product. The main side says "THOMSON-CROOKER SHOE CO. - 18 STATION STREET - BOSTON, MASS." The other side is blank. I gave it a minor cleaning, took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Posted: **Sat Sep 25, 2021 8:16 pm**

This eBay auction ended with a sale, but NOT to me.

I am posting this strictly for posterity and for future reference.
I can NOT be sure about the name on the tang stamp(s), if any.
It could be a "W & H" tang stamp, it could be a "MERIDEN" tang
stamp, it could be a "L.F. & C." (Landers, Frary & Clark) tang
stamp or it could very well be a "ROBESON" tang stamp. Examples
of each of these have been previously posted under this topic or
thread. It may also be a tang stamp that I haven't encountered yet.
This is NOT my pocket knife. These are the seller's pictures and
they have not been edited in any manner, except for size.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

***** EDIT *****
A few minutes ago (1:50 pm, pst), I bought a real beauty.
It makes the pain of not getting this one, much more bearable.
I'll post it when I get it.

Posted: **Sun Sep 26, 2021 4:41 am**

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 1:30 am This afternoon I added this, "THE W & H CO - USA - NEWARK NJ", single blade, 2 7/32" closed, all metal, fob/key ring pocket knife to my collection. This is my second fob/key ring pocket knife advertising this particular company. The main side says "NATIONAL ARMATURE & ELEC. WKS. - BLUEFIELD, W. VA." and the other side says "MANUFACTURERS - ARMATURE COILS-FIELD COILS." It needed a little cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Here's the link to the other, same style/pattern, same advertised company, pocket knife (previous page):
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=70226&start=105#p938584

That's about 15-20 minutes from me. I've heard the name, but I don't know where exactly. Likely downtown.

Here's one from roughly the same area. Bluefield Hardware went under in the 1980s, and their building was purchased by the neighboring Citizens Building Supply, an Ace Hardware affiliate. Their main storefront is in the former Bluefield Hardware.

I never knew a Reg Wickham, and my Granddad got the knife secondhand many years after it was produced.

Posted: **Sun Sep 26, 2021 5:20 pm**

Getting back on point. Yesterday afternoon, this pocket knife arrived and became the most recent addition to my collection and to this topic or thread. It is another, "THE W & H CO - USA - NEWARK NJ", single blade, 2 7/32" closed, single tang stamp, all metal, fob/key ring pocket knife. The main side says "THE ALMS & DOEPKE CO. - CINCINNATI, OHIO - 1865 1925 The other side says "WHOLESALE - DRY GOODS, NOTIONS - CARPETS ETC." This is the second fob/key ring pocket knife, in this pattern or style, that advertises this particular company, business and or product(s) that I've obtained. I gave it a minor cleaning, took pictures and here it is. This is NOT the pocket knife that I mentioned buying in my previous post.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Posted: **Tue Sep 28, 2021 1:23 pm**

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 3:17 pm This arrived this morning and became the latest addition to my collection and to this topic/thread. It is a "THE W & H CO - USA - NEWARK NJ", single blade,

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Sun Sep 26, 2021 5:20 pm Getting back on point. Yesterday afternoon, this pocket knife arrived and became the most recent addition to my collection and to this topic or thread. It is another, "THE W & H CO - USA - NEWARK NJ", single blade, 2 7/32" closed, single tang stamp, all metal, fob/key ring pocket knife.

Just catching up, been away for a while. I see Lady Luck is still smiling on you Skip. Some interesting knives and reading.

Posted: **Wed Sep 29, 2021 2:49 am**

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Tue Sep 28, 2021 1:23 pm Just.....

Thank you Smitty.

Posted: **Sun Oct 03, 2021 12:45 am**

Just when I thought I had seen all of the "W & H" fob/key ring, advertising pocket knife and handle patterns or styles, I found this one and I pounced on it. This afternoon, it joined my collection and also this topic or thread. It is GORGEOUS and it is the first "W & H" advertising pocket knife, of this pattern or style, that I've seen (so far). It is a "W & H", 2 blades, 2 different tang stamps, 3 1/8" closed, almost all metal, advertising pocket knife. The main blade tang stamp is the 2 line, curved or arched style stamp, WITHOUT USA (THE W. & H. CO. - NEWARK, N.J.). The secondary blade tang stamp is a 2 line, block style stamp (THE - W. & H. CO.). Here's an interesting fact. This is the first, so far, "W & H", 2 blades, advertising pocket knife that has 2 DIFFERENT "W & H" tang stamps (that I own). The main handle side says "THE STEVENS - GREASE & OIL CO. - CLEVELAND" It also has a round, enameled logo that has the following "S G & O C" in script. The other handle side says "I. P. M. A. - CLEVELAND SEP'T. 1913" I. P. M. A. might mean "Independent Petroleum Marketers Association." That information is per the seller. I'm 99.999% sure that NONE of the previously mentioned cutlery companies that could be associated with Whitehead & Hoag, had a hand in the manufacturing process of this pocket knife. If so, then what cutlery company or companies manufactured or had a hand in the manufacturing process of this pocket knife? Could this pocket knife possibly be a clue that links H. BOKER & CO and or VALLEY FORGE CUTLERY COMPANY to Whitehead & Hoag? The investigation and hunt continue! It is in FANTASTIC condition. It did not require any cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Could this pocket knife possibly be directly related to, or a distant relative of, this previously posted pocket knife?
Click this link for the other pocket knife: viewtopic.php?f=35&p=952061#p945580
Ignore the handle graphics, patterns and designs. Compare the 2 different tang stamps on both knives.
Compare the secondary blades on both knives also. Judge for yourself.

Posted: **Sun Oct 03, 2021 3:40 am**

New_Windsor_NY wrote: ↑Sun Oct 03, 2021 12:45 am Just when I thought I had seen all of the "W & H" fob/key ring, advertising pocket knife and handle patterns or styles, I found and I pounced on this one. This afternoon, it joined my collection and this topic or thread. It is GORGEOUS and it is the first "W & H" advertising pocket knife, of this pattern or style, that I've seen (so far). It is a "W & H", 2 blades, 2 different tang stamps, 3 1/8" closed, almost all metal, advertising pocket knife. The main blade tang stamp is the 2 line, curved or arched style stamp, WITHOUT USA (THE W. & H. CO. - NEWARK, N.J.). The secondary blade tang stamp is a 2 line, block style stamp (THE - W. & H. CO.). Here's an interesting fact. This is the first, so far, "W & H", 2 blades, advertising pocket knife that has 2 DIFFERENT "W & H" tang stamps. The main handle side says "THE STEVENS - GREASE & OIL CO. - CLEVELAND" It also has an enameled round logo that has the following "S G & O C" in script. The other handle side says "I. P. M. A. - CLEVELAND SEP'T. 1913" I. P. M. A. might mean "Independent Petroleum Marketers Association." That information is per the seller. I'm 99.999% sure that NONE of the previously mentioned cutlery companies that could be associated with Whitehead & Hoag, had a hand in the manufacturing process of this pocket knife. If so, then what cutlery company or companies manufactured or had a hand in the manufacturing process of this pocket knife? The investigation and hunt continue! It is in FANTASTIC condition. It did not require any cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

Could this pocket knife possibly be directly related to, or a distant relative of, this previously posted pocket knife?
Ignore the handle graphics, patterns and designs. Compare the 2 different tang stamps on both knives.
Compare the secondary blades on both knives also. Judge for yourself.
viewtopic.php?f=35&p=952061#p945580

Another very nice find Skip. The blue enameled Logo really enhances the eye appeal of the handles. You should know that when we think we've seen most of a particular make, there will always be another variation pop up. Congrats on a very nice find.

Posted: **Sun Oct 03, 2021 4:21 am**

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Sun Oct 03, 2021 3:40 am Another.....

Thank you Smitty.

I don't imagine that there can be too many variations on the size and shapes of these "W & H" knives.
Variations on the handle graphics, the patterns and the designs are hopefully limited.
Obviously, there is no limit to the variety of companies and or products that are being advertised.
It's fun and challenging to track these down and acquire them.

Posted: **Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:58 am**

Very interesting topic & knives Skip! I like advertising knives. I am especially intrigued by the button hook tool. I don't have any knives with a button hook yet but I would like to add one of those to my own collection some day. Anyways, cool thread, thanks for sharing!

Posted: **Sun Oct 03, 2021 4:23 pm**

Beauty of a knife, Skip!

Posted: **Sun Oct 03, 2021 7:00 pm**

TPK wrote: ↑Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:58 am Very.....

Thank you Tom, much appreciated.

Waukonda wrote: ↑Sun Oct 03, 2021 4:23 pm Beauty.....

Thank you Ike.

It's one of my favorites.

All About Pocket Knives

THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.

Re: THE W & H CO + USA + NEWARK NJ = Whitehead & Hoag.