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1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:44 pm
by JeffersonCo97501
Hello, AAPK knife experts -
I've still not learned the true manufacturer & country of origin of my series of Bird's Head bolster auto lever knives, all purchased new in the late 1980's.
- Bird's Head.png (642.39 KiB) Viewed 818 times
The blades are solely stamped "Rostfrei" in script...
but "Rust-Free" does not narrow down the source!
These are similar to the modern versions stamped Armando Beltrame, AKC and SKM/FOX. But, the new knives do not have bayonet blades, or the art design, as shown.
Any help, info, links, and photos will be greatly appreciated!
Best regards,
Don
JeffersonCo97501
Re: 1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:06 pm
by New_Windsor_NY
All I could find is this. I didn't really do any deep searching.
Circa 1984.
I am not an AAPK knife expert.
Re: 1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:50 pm
by JeffersonCo97501
Yes, that was my previously listing, which incorrectly described the knife as an "SKM", according to another member's advice. This made sense, since SKM does make their own version of this "classic" pattern.
But, it turns out that the modern SKM model is different in several ways from this "vintage" example from the 1980's.
Another enthusiast recently suggested that these older bird's-head versions with the art design on the blade originated from a French knife company, but I can't find anything to support this possibility, either.
There must be SOMEONE out there who has collected these types? Thanks in advance for any clues!
Best regards,
Don
Re: 1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 1:50 am
by Jeepergeo
Nice looking knife!
Re: 1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 2:52 am
by 1967redrider
Maybe this helps?
Re: 1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 3:20 am
by JeffersonCo97501
Many thanks for this lead, 1967redrider!
This knife shows the correct bayonet blade with the "art design" added. I'll guess that the tang is stamped "INOX", rather than "Rostfrei" as stamped on the series which I'm looking to sell here on AAPK.
Do you have the link for the page where this photo was found? I'd like to check if there was any other background info provided in that auction.
Many thanks for all assistance in narrowing down the maker of these nice 1980's autos!
Best regards,
Don
Re: 1980's BIRD'S HEAD knife manufacturer ID help?
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2023 3:34 am
by JeffersonCo97501
The BidSquare auction details did not disclose the maker or country of origin. Interesting that the adjacent similar pattern model is stamped "FOX", which is made by SKM, but likely after the year 2000. The mystery continues....
Don