All About Pocket Knives

Old family 3 blade pocket knife, only markings are “Forged USA”. Blades are hard to grasp and open without pliers. What is the best way to loosen these blades enough that it’s possible to open it?

Have you oiled the pivot?

I’m not sure if this is plastic or bone/horn. I know it’s a cheap knife, but because of its age is there a chance the handle material is something besides plastic? I’m trying to be careful with any chemicals I get on it.

They are bone.

Welcome!
A lightweight machine oil, such as 3-in1, or even mineral oil, can work wonders and won't harm your knife.

Thanks. I have used WD-40 on it in the past because I can direct the spray to wash out the crevices and lubricate. When they stop using bone on “no name” knives like this? I’m trying to age it. The knife feels solid and looks well made. I’m wondering if it was made by a large company, like Case, for hardware stores and the like to sell as a generic knife.

Nice Whittler pattern, with Rogers Bone. Probably made for Sears or Wards.

Harold

Made for Sears by Camillus.

I stopped using WD-40 because I've heard it can gum up over time. Fact or fiction?

Thank you both! It’s amazing what you can learn if you just get your question in front of the right people. Can you tell me or direct me to info about “Rogers Bone”, and what time period do you think it’s from, 60’s?

Quick Release works better than anything else I've ever used on old hard opening knives.

A few pictures

The only inscription is “Forged USA”

One of my reference books shows the "Forged USA" tang stamp was used on knives made by Camillus for Sears c. 1930s.

Below is a link to a thread here on AAPK devoted to Rogers Bone which should answer some of the questions you may have. By the way, that's a really nice old knife you have, and welcome to AAPK.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=45098&p=455766&hil ... ad#p455766

Thank you Phil. I appreciate the help.

Wonderful old Camillus made knife! I wouldn’t use WD-40 for line though. It’s great for cleaning, but it reall has little to no lubrication properties. 3-in- One oil will work, Quick Release is the best imo.

Thank you Colonel

Welcome Clyde! Here are a few more links to "Forged USA" knives.

viewtopic.php?t=48391

viewtopic.php?t=49005

viewtopic.php?t=45214

As you can see, once you start down the rabbit hole of pocket knife research you never quite know where it will lead. One of the more enjoyable aspects of this addiction.

Dennis

Welcome to AAPK. Glad to have you aboard.

Something for you to stash in your memory banks in indelible ink, "WD-40 is not a lubricant. It was developed to chase and eliminate moisture, not to lubricate anything."

If you want to lubricate the joint, choose any light machine oil, such as but not limited to 3-In-One oil, Rose oil, etc, etc.

These ole boys are behind the times, WD40 has products now that do it all. Try it you may like it. Ace is the place or Tractor supply or your favorite big box has a wide selection, or if you like you can order online.

bighomer wrote:These ole boys are behind the times, WD40 has products now that do it all. Try it you may like it. Ace is the place or Tractor supply or your favorite big box has a wide selection, or if you like you can order online.

I've got to get out more.

jerryd6818 wrote:I've got to get out more.

DON"T DO IT !! It's a trap . . . . . .

royal0014 wrote:

jerryd6818 wrote:I've got to get out more.

DON"T DO IT !! It's a trap . . . . . .

Jerry, walk towards the light...
it's only sunshine