All About Pocket Knives

Got my first two Ruana's a couple of days ago. The knife was made in 1944 with ivory scales and is the last of the square handle inserts. It also has the original sheath. The double blade axe was made in the 1990's and was one of only a handfull made. It's handle has elk stag scales and is 8 3/4" long. The head is 5 5/8" from edge to edge.

Here's the axe.

FJ
Truly fantastic.
moss

The fixed blade is either a 1/1, or a 1/2 made. It still is razor sharp.

Wow.

Those are both amazing Jim...Congratulations and enjoy!

All I know about Ruana is that they are held in almost mythical high esteem like Scagels or Randalls...I'm looking forward to getting some schooling on them in this thread.

Thanks again for sharing the pix...man-o-man those are nice.

FJ:
You make it look so easy. Were I to see something like this for sale I probably would be taken to the cleaners. Is there some specifics you look for to authenticate.
moss

I purchased both of these from Dave Shirley who knows his Ruana's, Scagel's and a considerable amount of other fixed blades. At one time Dave had a pretty large collection of Scagel knives and has even bought the rights to the name. I just ordered the book, "Hear the Hammer", which is about Rudy Ruana and his knives, so there should be some good info in there. I've been fascinated with both of these ever since I first saw them at the store and was surprised when Dave sold them to me. I'm putting them in the bank safety deposit box because I don't want them laying around the house. I have to go on a peanut butter sandwich diet now and my wife is refusing to speak to me...which might be a good thing afterall.

FJ;
Thanks for the update.
moss

Most excellent Jim!!

Bill

I sent pictures to Mr. Hangus at Ruana Knives in Montana this morning. He responded back that the knife was definitely made between 1943-1944. He is going to get back with me as to exactly how many double head axes were actually made and an estimated value of each.

A great find! Dave is taking good care of you!

God Bless Ole Dave. Just a great man to know and work for.