Through the years, knife manufacturers have had a very large band-wagon to jump on to produce Boys Knives.
Picture Knives, Hero, Hero Character knives, Scout knives, all are a little different, but they all have the same DNA: To produce knives related to the interest young boys and girls.
Character knives are knives that relate to heroes or popular characters of a given time.
In years past, many young Boys looked for a Hero to relate to.
I was still a pre-teen in 1960 and had an extremely large cast of Character Heros to choose from. Weekly T.V. programs in the 1950's added to this excitement of course and had its magic impact on me as well. I had many Heroes and have collected many of them in the following years.
Mr. Dennis Ellingsen, (A well known and respected cutlery writer) stated:
"It is my opinion that the period from 1950 until mid 1960's can rightfully be called the Golden Age of Cutlery Character/Hero Knives".
"It would be interesting to dwell on each of the character/hero knives that appeared during the 1950 to 1960"s period, but that would be a book unto itself."
This all changed in the early 80's, extending into current times, kids find their heroes in video games and the most recent Hollywood movie release which will be forgotten and replaced next month with a newer fantasy in theatres. None of which in my opinion are worthy of being placed on a pocket knife handle.
I obtained the below pictured "Bronco Billy" carded knife set at a Toy Show in the mid 1980's.
I had never heard of "Broncho Billy" before the day of my purchase, and have never seen or read about "Broncho Billy" in any knife article or publication. (He was also called Bronco at times)
The only way it survived close to eighty years to its present condition is because it was never in the hands or pockets of its intended target. As you can view: never carried, used or sharpened. I am sure other "Broncho Billy" knives exist, but I have never seen one. Perhaps even fixed blades?
The Shell Handles on this 3" inch "Hammer Brand" 2 blade jack knife would date it to be manufactured by "Imperial Knife Co" c1938-1940 due to its shell handles and clip bolsters.
Many collectors admittedly could care less about history pertaining to their knives, but only their current value and what financial gain they can obtain if they were to sell it. Not me, no sire-eee. I'm all down the road researching for every little detail I can find.
Many would classify or call the quality of this knife as "Cheap," I do not use that term, I prefer "Inexpensive." Mr. Ellingsen whom I quoted above along with most other well known authors will never use the term "Cheap" they prefer using "Low Cost" or "Inexpensive." And yes, there is a difference.
Gilbert M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson was born on March 21,1880 and passed on January 20, 1971. He was 90 years old.
A well known actor in theatre and movies. He was "The Lone Ranger" in his day and age.
In the below Moving Picture 5 part play advertising poster dated 1919 you can see the resemblance of his neck scarf and chaps.
Has there ever been a "Broncho Billy" in your pocket?
... Not an easy one to find in decent shape like yours - at least I haven't found one yet 
...
but now fixed...
- I would have jumped on that one if I saw one up for sale 
