All About Pocket Knives

Recent acquisition, an old Shilin Cutter from Taiwan. Regrettably, its not in the best condition. These are getting difficult to find and it was at a good price, so I picked it up regardless. The seller believed this dated from late 19th-early 20th cen., but they weren't aware of this knife's origins. Most of the examples I've seen of these are post-WW2, so I'm not sure what to make of his estimate. The mark on it just reads "Shilin Knife", Shilin being the district of Teipei where these were traditionally made. I don't know who the manufacturer might be. I believe the blade is carbon steel (I know Kuo and Chiu made these with laminated steel imported from Japan) and the handle is horn, likely water buffalo. This has a nice halfstop, but the spring is pretty worn and weak. This used to have a bail too, which is missing.

My only real point of reference for this are descriptions and pictures of knives made in the last few decades by the Kuo and Chiu workshops, respectively. The simple stamp on this blade doesn't resemble marks on either of those craftsmen, so I assume this is from an older, anonymous maker that isn't around anymore. Any additional info would be appreciated.

Perhaps a prior owner has implanted a bit of material into the interior of the handle where the blade’s kick should strike the interior of the handle in order to help prevent damaging the hardened blade edge. I’ve noticed that Westerners let the blade self close causing it to strike the interior of the knife handle injuring the blade. The Shilin Cutter blade usually has an inadequate kick so it must be closed softly or damage can happen. Check for a blade catcher to explain why the tip is proud when closed. Cool find. I can usually identify maker by the bale. If the handle is indeed natural horn I say Kuo. Email him a pic and ask him. He is a terrific fellow.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/66sxkrZxtkEcuDaM7

Left: Chiu (notice ivory scales) all other scales are resin and notice steel bales with pinch fit
right: Kuo notice brass bales with brass pins that pierce the handle

Here is a Kuo Shilin Cutter into which I’ve inserted a small bit of black plastic wire tie, friction fit, so the blade won’t rest on the pin securing the bale to the handle. The spring in the larger knives are hugely strong. I cannot safely operate this highly polished large blade without rubber gloves and I have XL hands. The scales are natural horn.

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/0P ... b-MYQ53FB7

Thanks for the pictures and information. I've heard Kuo is full up on orders for new knives for years to come. I'd love to follow up on your suggestion of sending him some pictures and getting the master's opinion, if you can point me in the direction of an appropriate e-mail address.