All About Pocket Knives

I was recently given, by a very good friend, a full size Xerographic copy of a one-hundred-sixty-eight page Robeson Cutlery Company catalog that measured 16"x11".

The original catalog had leather front and back covers and was of loose leaf construction so pages could be added or removed.

Most of the pages dated to the early 1900's; for sure 1910 to 1916, as there were some Terrier Cutlery Co items included with the Robeson items and those are the inclusive dates for Terrier production.

The entire catalog most likely significantly predated WWII.

One of the things that I found particularly interesting were the early descriptions of Robeson's two four blade scout/utility patterned pocketknives that were available at that time.

The larger knife, the 642214 3 5/8" knife was described as "Boy Scout" knife with capiital letters.

The smaller knife, the 642814 3 1/4" knife was described as "Girl Scout" knife with capital letters.

I know that several cutlery companies did such things until they were forced by the respective Scouting organizations to cease doing so as the knives were not "official".

Just thought that was interesting.

Here are examples of the two knives. The photos should expand with a left mouse click.

Charlie Noyes

What great knives and you are so fortunate to have that material and friend.
Robeson sure knew how to put a knife together.

Charlie,

That's very interesting information. Thanks for sharing it here.

Phil

There's a nice one on the Bay. I'm watching it but I know it's going to fly out of my price range. You have a very nice friend there, Mr. Charlie.

Great score on getting a copy of the Robeson catalog from your friend as old catalogs are so hard to find. Interesting information on scout knives not being officially licensed, I wonder if those "Unofficial" scout branded models were meant as potential legitimate models or just knock offs for profit?