All About Pocket Knives

Thanks so much, Roger.

Wow Joe. I don't have any Empire knives but if I was ever to run across one like that I'd sure get it. Awsome stag.

Thanks Keith, if you acquire a decent one you will not be disappointed.
They are a fine old stamp and a fine old folder.

Joe you don't see a lot of Empires with stag handles. That is quite a find! Absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on that one.

Quote: "Not a bad knife"
Understatement ! It is a fantastic knife with those very fine Stag handles. I believe Stag is relatively rare on an Empire and Stag this attractive is simply rare, period.
I would love to see this quality Stag on a current production knife, with bolster to bolster 'bark', no underlying white showing. I think the hafting technique needed is an all but lost art.
kj

Here's a pretty decent little dog leg Jack that came in today. 3 3/4 closed with engraved blade.

Good one, Greg.
That is a very well cared for knife.

Thanks every one for your earlier comments.

Really nice knife Greg.I was watching that one myself.

Thanks Joe and Roger. That blade caught several peoples eye I think.

I've never seen this addressed before in this thread but I was wondering if the different tang stamps on Empires might hold a key to period of manufacture. Anyone know?

A couple of my recent finds.

Two pearl sleeveboard whittlers - different sizes.

One more jack.

Very nice Steve! I love that lock back and the pearl whittlers!

Beautiful old Empires, guys. Love to see them in spite of having considerable heartburn from the fact that they aren't mine.

gsmith7158 wrote:I've never seen this addressed before in this thread but I was wondering if the different tang stamps on Empires might hold a key to period of manufacture. Anyone know?

Empire Knife Co. 1856-1930

Greg, Beardsley and Alvord, owners of Empire Knife Co., bought a building in W. Winsted in 1878. Stamp undoubtedly used there but also built another factory in a different location in 1886. Hard to say when they did or didn't use the stamp.
I have a W. Winsted stamp too, some where.

FRJ wrote:Beautiful old Empires, guys. Love to see them in spite of having considerable heartburn from the fact that they aren't mine.

gsmith7158 wrote:I've never seen this addressed before in this thread but I was wondering if the different tang stamps on Empires might hold a key to period of manufacture. Anyone know?

Empire Knife Co. 1856-1930

Greg, Beardsley and Alvord, owners of Empire Knife Co., bought a building in W. Winsted in 1878. Stamp undoubtedly used there but also built another factory in a different location in 1886. Hard to say when they did or didn't use the stamp.
I have a W. Winsted stamp too, some where.

Joe, some are marked with Empire Knife Co. and others simply Empire. To bad there is not more documentation on these great knives. I don't suppose you have any of the originals with the French guys name on them do you?

gsmith7158 wrote: I don't suppose you have any of the originals with the French guys name on them do you?

Thompson and Gascoigne ---- Oh, wouldn't that be a find.
No I don't Greg, but there must be some of those knives laying around somewhere. They were in W. Winsted too. 1852-1854.
Be sure and let me know when you find one!

Here's a Boys Knife. 2 7/8".

This is wonderful! Just the simple fact that you fellas share the knives, and the information about them is so very special because a person like myself would never in a lifetime experience how awesome these old knives are.

What I mean is that even modern day US coins will not be around in 50 years. They decompose. Modern cars will not last 1/2 that long but these old knives that are closing in on 200 years are just amazing.
I was just admiring an old German Anchor knife that most likely hasn't been sharpened in 50-60 years, and it'll still split a hair. Just amazing...

Here's a new one for me that I picked up from Barry Wolder. A tiny split spring whittler at just 2 5/8 closed but just look at the workmanship on this thing and of course that fabulous jigged bone that Empire is famous for.

That's a beauty, Greg. Nice little wedge liner.

Thanks Joe!

I just picked up this little pearl gents knife with an extra long file blade and still has a little etch on the master.

Here is a pair I just picked up. An Ebony Jack and a Pearl pen knife.