All About Pocket Knives

A small story about this knife. A few years back my elderly Mom called, she was at an auction looking to buy the pretty glassware she loves. She found a pocket knife on the sale and wanted to know if it was any good. Mother bless her heart was unable to provide a better description than it has a bone handle and lots of blades. Was not rusted and the blades did not appear to be broken. With little to go on I said sure I would like it but don’t spend too much since I had no way I knowing what it was. I forgot about it and on my birthday gave me the knife she bought that day. She hoped it was worth the $20 she gave for it. Needless to say I assured her she did really well. New York Knife Co Buffalo Bill about mint with blade etch! Anyone knows if there is any truth to the tale these were sold at the Wild West Shows?

I can't speak to the tales, but that's a fine knife, and mom did really great!

Great story and a great find!

Great find - that’s what keeps us going in this hobby!

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 7:06 pm Great find - that’s what keeps us going in this hobby!

Ken

Don’t you sorta feel sorry for those who don’t have knives as a hobby? But that means these is more for the rest of us. Lol.

Great story to go with your knife and who doesn’t like a good story?

From Joseph Kerr’s “600 Scout Knives” on page 118:

“Knife companies have often solicited endorsements from a famous person, event, organization, or place in an effort to create more sales. True to form, New York Knife Company sought increased sales by use of a short note from William F. Cody, better known to most Americans as "Buffalo Bill." Upon official stationery entitled "The Col. W. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), Historical Pictures Co." he recorded in handwriting a note as follows:”

Dear Sir,
You certainly make the best all round camp or hunting knife I've ever used. I want another one for one of the greatest hunters in the world who is stuck on mine.
Yours truly,
W. F. Cody
"Buffalo Bill"

Two (2) associated knives, of the utility ("scout") pattern, were known to have featured the image of Buffalo Bill. called the "Buffalo Bill" pattern.

The first is a 3.38" 4-Blade New York Knife Company, Waterfall Handle, Clip point, Screwdriver/wirescrapper, Punch, 1--piece Can Opener, Plain bolster, removable bail and 3-rivets.

The second (matches the OP’s knife) is a 3.38" 4-Blade New York Knife Company, Dark Bone Handle, Clip point, Screwdriver/wirescrapper, Punch, 1-piece Can Opener, Bolster Line, removable bail. 3-rivets.

I sold my unofficial Scout knifes a few years ago but I did find this family picture of Buffalo Bill Scout knives, enjoy!

Rockingkj wrote: ↑Sat Jan 06, 2024 4:42 pm New York Knife Co Buffalo Bill about mint with blade etch!

Here is an advertisement for your knife.

There was another variation with Buffalo Bill branding. It is a larger knife (4 (?) inches) and bears no likeness to the man himself, only his name.

Very knife scout knife