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New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2026 7:30 pm
by philco
I recently acquired the knife shown below and I honestly don't have a clue what it is. It is stamped Hammer Brand on one side of the main blades tang and stamped New York Knife Co. Walden on the reverse tang. The can opener/bottle opener blade is not stamped. The handles look to be jigged wood. The pins are peened not spun. It measures 4 7/8 inches closed. It has bear trap snap on both blades.
I've never seen anything quite like it. A knowledgeable collector told me he thought this might have been military issue during the WWI era. If anyone has any information I'd very much appreciate you sharing it here. Thanks.
Re: New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2026 9:49 pm
by OLDE CUTLER
Maybe a Frankenknife?
Re: New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 1:31 am
by FRJ
That is an interesting old knife, Phil.
Can you show us the tang stamps?
Re: New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 3:55 am
by 1967redrider
I have one of those I picked up from Voyles, Phil. I think it's some kind of composition/wood scales, and the snap is like a bear trap. Mr. Blister would call it a HAWG.
Re: New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 3:12 pm
by philco
Yep, that's a twin to mine.
Tang stamps are exactly the same too.
Did whomever you bought that one from know any history on it?
Re: New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 3:53 pm
by ea42
Phil I have an identical knife as well, it's out at the museum. I've seen a few up for sale here and there over the years. I have no idea about its history but I do lean toward the WWI possibility.
Eric
Re: New York Knife Co. Hammer Brand Mystery Knife
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 6:10 pm
by 1967redrider
This is all Voyles had posted about the knife. But I don't thing the scales are cellulose, feels like composite wood to me-