All About Pocket Knives

I ran across this little long pull that wasn't busted up, but it doesn't have a tang stamping. The only thing that it has is STA-SHARP 9502 written on the blade. Does anyone have knowledge to share on this one?~ Jon

Sta-Sharp is a brand name used by Sears. That knife was most likely made by Camillus.

Very nice knife. Made by Camillus for Sears likely in 1930's - 1940's. "Sta-Sharp" was the top line of pocket knives sold by Sears and are some of the best knives Camillus made.
Sta-Sharp pearl & bone handled knives make a fine collection. Most of the bone handled ones have been used but there are never used examples that show up from time to time and they are very impressive old knives. Part of Sta-Sharp collecting can be collecting old Sears flyers & catalogs so you can accurately date your knives.
kj
being a slow typist, Greg answered while i typed.

Greg doesn't need my support but here's a plus one for him.

This is what the Kastor List has to say about it. (Left click on the image to enlarge it.)

I've seen a number of these knives that like your's, were only blade etched and not tang stamped. Once the etch is worn off the brand value is lost. Sweet little pearl in the OP!

Wayne as you've noted, like you, blade etch is the only Sta-Sharp marking I've ever seen.

The Kastor list is wrong.
Sta Sharp knives were made in USA by Camillus. I cannot recall seeing any Sears knife that was "Made in Germany".
kj

Here is one that has both the blade etch and the tang stamp. Unfortunately it was also fated to be made with unstable celluloid handles which completely rotted away the brass liners.Note the excellent condition of the stainless blades though.

Wow, thanks for the great information on this knife. I tried to Google it and the examples that were shown were bone handled and looked like they had a tang stamp, but when you click on Google images they throw everything in the mix. I had concerns about the legitimacy since there was no stamping. I would never have imagined this knife would be as old as it is and still be in such nice shape. I don't believe that it has ever been put on a stone, appears factory. Thanks Family ~ Jon

Here's a 4" stockman with both etch and stamp.

And here is a four blade stockman with the STA-SHARP etch and a tang stamp of High Carbon Steel.

Here is a Sta-Sharp cattle knife pattern where the main blade is both etched and stamped.

jerryd6818 wrote:Greg doesn't need my support but here's a plus one for him.

This is what the Kastor List has to say about it. (Left click on the image to enlarge it.)

Jerryd do you think that perhaps the knives with the sta-sharp tang stamps were the ones from Germany?

Craftsman Sta-Sharp 9548 Chrome Plated High Carbon Steel U.S.A.
kj

gsmith7158 wrote:

jerryd6818 wrote:Greg doesn't need my support but here's a plus one for him.

This is what the Kastor List has to say about it. (Left click on the image to enlarge it.)

Jerryd do you think that perhaps the knives with the sta-sharp tang stamps were the ones from Germany?

Couldn't say Greg.

kootenay joe wrote:Craftsman Sta-Sharp 9548 Chrome Plated High Carbon Steel U.S.A.
kj

Roland you're just showing out with that one!

Here are a couple of Sta-Sharps with the High Carbon Steel stamp.

"Roland you're just showing out with that one!"
Yes, this is a Sta-Sharp competition. Your saber grind Trapper is right up there, in third place by my judgement.
I used to have more of the minty Sta-Sharp knives than i do now. Not sure but some of these being shown might have come from my collection ?
Bone handled Sta-Sharp knives make a fine collection. They are a step up from the regular Camillus knives.
kj
ps: I doubt there ever was a Sta-Sharp branded knife that was made in Germany. However Sears had a very wide array of pocket knives and their catalogs show that the knives offered continually changed. A pattern offered might not be repeated in the same configuration in the next catalog.
I have never seen a Germany knife but i have only seen a few of the great many Sears catalogs, so ya never know to the 100% certain level.

Great knives, loving yawl showing out , continue please.

Sta-Sharp 9474 trapper.

Roland, that Craftsman Sta-Sharp scout is just stunning!

Ken

peanut740 wrote:Sta-Sharp 9474 trapper.

Roger does that one have milled liners or is that trick of the light?

Trick of the light.But it is nice.

peanut740 wrote:Trick of the light.But it is nice.

Yes it is . Does the Lucky Sportsman etch help pin the date down any?

I don't know.