boyd & fireman of san francisco

[ogrickesteves]

anyone ever heard of or know anything about an old knife company named Boyd & Fireman from San Francisco?

[Miller Bro's]

Hi,

Can you post a clear closeup of the tang stamp?


M.B.

[ogrickesteves]

the only other pic I have

[knife7knut]

Looks like an early custom knife with the pin spanner nut for adjusting the blade play.There was a custom knifemaker named(I believe)Francis Boyd from San Francisco that specialized in Oriental swords;don't know if he made pocket knives though.EDIT:
Just perused BRL's 3rd edition and on page 298 found under High Tech Folders a knife by Francis Boyd and Ken Fireman.A push dagger that folds into a straight knife with the same pin spanner adjustment.

[ogrickesteves]

Thanks. Is this one an older or newer knife? Also, what is the book you use for reference?

[knife7knut]

Thanks. Is this one an older or newer knife? Also, what is the book you use for reference?

Looks to be an older knife.Book is "Levine's Guide to Knives and their Values" 3rd edition published by DBI Books ISBN # 0-910676-94-1. Copies are still available occasionally.I bought this one at a gun and knife show last year for $10.

[historydigger]

Boyd and Fireman was a small custom knife making operation that existed in San Francisco on Market street and had their main shop in Vallejo, CA. The principals of the operation were Francis Boyd and Ken Fireman. Francis had a background as a blacksmith, custom knife maker and Japanese sword smith and polisher. He also became interested in making a pocket knife, similar to the Paul knife. Ken Fireman had a background as a sculptor, and had his own studio and forge in Vallejo. The example you show is probably one of the early batch made up as samples by Francis. I worked for them part time, and cataloged some of their output. The blades were usually made from stainless carbon steel, drop forged. The handles were of stamped bronze, and the lock block inside made of 4140 gun steel.
Each of the knives was hand finished and assembled. The operation ran roughly from 1981 to 1983 when Francis and Ken went their separate ways. Francis went on to patent a knife that was bought by Schlage, and to this day is still working as a blacksmith in Berkeley, CA. You may view his site at:

http://www.francisboyd.com/

Best regards.

historydigger

[Miller Bro's]

Thanks for the information