All About Pocket Knives

This thing looked like it had a rough life. Looked like it had been run over by a vehicle. You can see it was squished in. Secondary blade was broken. One bolster had an extra pin in it...where I guess someone previously pinned the bolster on, when it came off. Handles were wood and broken. For .99 cents and 3.99 shipping..the long pull, double swedge and large shield called my name. When I got it apart, all 4 of the bolsters dropped off...so I soldered them on to their liners. Took out the broken blade, hammered out the bent liners and rehandled in black canvas micarta. There is a small chip in the edge, but it doesn't affect it too much...it took a good edge. Figured I'll just let it sharpen out. There's not too much to be found on the Quaker City Cutlery Company...if anyone has any info...feel free to chime in.
I kinda like the Quaker dude on the back side of the tang.

I seem to recall that Quaker cutlery had a Wichita Kansas connection. I used to collect knives from Wichita, as I was born and raised there. I don’t have any knife books anymore, so I can’t look it up. Sorry it doesn’t help much.

If I remember right there is a little information in Goins book about Quaker Cutlery.

Good show Doc! Nice save.
That old knife needed some love and it found you! Looks like it would be an interesting carry knife. Show it off to friends. I bet they have never heard of that maker before!

Doc B wrote:This thing looked like it had a rough life. Looked like it had been run over by a vehicle. You can see it was squished in. Secondary blade was broken. One bolster had an extra pin in it...where I guess someone previously pinned the bolster on, when it came off. Handles were wood and broken. For .99 cents and 3.99 shipping..the long pull, double swedge and large shield called my name. When I got it apart, all 4 of the bolsters dropped off...so I soldered them on to their liners. Took out the broken blade, hammered out the bent liners and rehandled in black canvas micarta. There is a small chip in the edge, but it doesn't affect it too much...it took a good edge. Figured I'll just let it sharpen out.


There's not too much to be found on the Quaker City Cutlery Company...if anyone has any info...feel free to chime in.
I kinda like the Quaker dude on the back side of the tang.

I believe that Quaker City Cutlery Company was in Pennsylvania.
I believe the "Quaker dude" is William Penn.
I'm probably incorrect. Wouldn't be the first time.

New_Windsor_NY wrote:
I believe that Quaker City Cutlery Company was in Pennsylvania.
I believe the Quaker dude is William Penn.
I'm probably incorrect. Wouldn't be the first time.

I was thinking maybe Pennsylvania too.... That is Quaker country up that way.

Meridian_Mike wrote:

New_Windsor_NY wrote:
I believe that Quaker City Cutlery Company was in Pennsylvania.
I believe the Quaker dude is William Penn.
I'm probably incorrect. Wouldn't be the first time.

I was thinking maybe Pennsylvania too.... That is Quaker country up that way.

Pennsylvania is called "The Quaker State." California should be called "The EarthQuaker State."

New_Windsor_NY wrote: Pennsylvania is called "The Quaker State." California should be called "The EarthQuaker State."

Seems like it was a well made knife, once upon a time.

Doc B wrote:Seems like it was a well made knife, once upon a time.

Sho 'nuff....
Back "in the day" the knife craftsmen tried to make some good knives. That is why I like the older knives better than the newer stuff.
Although.... I can't speak for the "quality" of the older steels.

Great save DocB! Restored the old fellows dignity.

N W NY you made a funny.

Nice save Doc!

Was there any indication of how the bolsters were originally attached, either by solder or pins?
I have encountered a number of old German knives that had no means of attachment for the bolsters. They were hollow, curved pieces of nickel silver that were apparently held on by the pivot pins. As soon as I cut the pivot pins the knife was in pieces except for the springs and liners held together by the rocker pin.

orvet wrote:Nice save Doc!

Was there any indication of how the bolsters were originally attached, either by solder or pins?
I have encountered a number of old German knives that had no means of attachment for the bolsters. They were hollow, curved pieces of nickel silver that were apparently held on by the pivot pins. As soon as I cut the pivot pins the knife was in pieces except for the springs and liners held together by the rocker pin.

Dale, the bolsters were indeed hollow. The liners (brass) appeared somewhat silverish, where the bolsters were in contact. May have just been the corrosion effect. I too was trying to determine if there was ever solder. If there was...it wasn't much. Based on the fact you've encountered many, without solder..I think it is possible, these were held on, originally, with just the pins.

According to Goins Encyclopedia, Quaker City Cutlery Co. c 1886-1935 Was A trade mark Used by H. Disston. Smith & Seltzer Was The Exclusive Agent For This brand. Hope This helps!!

Disston is still in business in Philly known as Disston Precision, Quality since 1840 according to their website. Maker of saws and such.

Thanks for the additional info, gentlemen