All About Pocket Knives

I was wanting to know when production stopped on the Harness Jacks. I came across a Henry Sears and sons and was wanting to date it. It has wood handles dark in color cocobola maybe. I know that our friend from upnorth will know the answer, it is nice to have access to the best knife people around.

Stockman

PS who made the punch blade?

Based on my study of old knife catalogs, I do not believe that any US pocket knife manufacturer had a hrness jack in production after WWII. They have only come back in the last few years as collectibles, and as far as I know Queen is the only US company to make them in the modern collector era.

I agree with knifeaholic, I think I have read somewhere that sometime in the mid to late 30's the last harness jack was made. Of course my memory is not the best and knifeaholic and upnorth would know if anyone does..

Sunburst

I don't believe I've seen a Harness Jack in a post WWII catalog, stockman.
Henry Sears & Son dates from 1883 to 1897 according to Goins, after a name change. Henry Sears & Co. dated from 1865.
Further from Goins, the company was sold to Farwell, Ozmun and Kirk Hardware, in '97, who used the brand name until 1959.
It would be nice to see some close-ups of your knife!

I have looked for Sheffield made examples of harness jack knives with no success so far . I know there were horseman knives etc but have not found anything quite like the harness jack. Is this an uniquely American pattern? Thanks in advance. s-k

I don't know much about Sheffield knives, s-k. This one may not be that old, but if you or anyone can help me date it, I'd appreciate it. Is it post war??

Same question here folks; please help me with anything you know. And that's it for my Sheffield HJs!

Upnorth your knives are top drawer and you pictures are also. Here is a poor picture of the Henry Sears & Son 1865 I was asking about. I think the punch blade has been tipped master is a tiny short, still a neat old knife. If you know who made the punch please let me know. Any information is wanted. Thanks Stockman.

The punch on your knife has a laminated tang, stockman. I would dearly love to see it close up, as it's fairly rare. I've seen two similar versions of a laminated tang on NYK made knives, the Alfred Williams above has a different one, and I've seen a third distinct one on a Schatt & Morgan, of which I have two examples. The handle on yours is somewhat candle-ended, just like the Schatt. Curious!

Thanks for showing those great Sheffield Harness Jacks Upnorth. The Wostenholm is hard to date without access to catalogues etc. That stamp was 1891-1971. However, in the 1930s Wostenholm started using 'oil the joints' on the back of the tangs. If not present, then likely pre WWII. Goins lists Alfred Williams ebro 1891-1920. That's the best I can do at the moment. Great knives. s-k

I love the jigging style on that Brit HJ, I would like to see more of that style...

Sunburst

Thanks for the info, s-k! The Wostenholm has "oil the joints", so must be after 1930. I'm surprised the Alfred Williams is that old- it is virtually unused!
Sunburst, that jigging wraps almost around the handle to the liner! It must have been jigged and dyed after a fairly close fit. A lot more hand work than today's knives for sure.
I got that knife from a nice old gent in Ontario who has since passed away. He answered my ad in Knife World.
He used to criticize Bernie Levine's column in Knife World (in a positive way) especially re; militaria. When I remember or find his name, I'll post it here.
He never had a computer, and did everything with courteously written letters (as in snail mail!)! A blast from the past!

That's a nice story upnorth, we don't see handwritten letters much these days if any...A time and era fading away...

Sunburst

upnorth wrote: I'm surprised the Alfred Williams is that old- it is virtually unused!

it is a beauty upnorth. I love the bone on that one. It is possible that the name was bought and used by another company. That seems to happen quite alot. I will try to find some more information. s-k