All About Pocket Knives

Hi. Does anyone have any information about knives stamped "J. W. & S. Newark, NJ"? I bought this toothpick awhile ago but can't find any information about the manufacturer. Thanks.

welcome to the site! did not find anything about J.W.&S in goins or levines. possibly a contract knife for a wholesaler. nice looking toothpick at any rate. maybe someone else has seen the stamp.

My hypothesis is J. Wiss & Sons of Newark NJ. Started as the Jacob Wiss Cutlery Company in the mid 1800s and became J Wiss & Sons in 1885. It was the company that bought Boker USA in 1969. s-k

I have an equal end pen with the same marking

smiling-knife wrote:My hypothesis is J. Wiss & Sons of Newark NJ. Started as the Jacob Wiss Cutlery Company in the mid 1800s and became J Wiss & Sons in 1885. It was the company that bought Boker USA in 1969. s-k

This made me think that the knife may have been made between 1969 - 1978 when Wiss owned Boker USA.

I found this in The Official Collectors Guide to Collector Knives: Page 528

24,000 three blade whittlers made by Boker in 1973 to Commemorate the 125th anniversary of Wiss Cutlery. Blade is etched "Wiss Commemorative 1848-1973" Serial number stamped on the master blade tang. White composition handles with special shield.

I know it's not stamped similar in any way, but the white composition handles seem curious. I know that we are often fooled by yellowed handles that originally were white.

Thanks for the warm welcome and feedback. I had seen a similarily stamped knife on eBay that the seller said was made by John Williamson & Son but he or she did not provide a source. Most likely it is a J. Wiss & Sons.

By the way, how long is that toothpick closed?...my guess would be 4 1/2 inches. I like 3 " closed toothpicks...and I like yellow ones!

Anyways it is nice.

dcgm4 wrote:Thanks for the warm welcome and feedback. I had seen a similarily stamped knife on eBay that the seller said was made by John Williamson & Son but he or she did not provide a source. Most likely it is a J. Wiss & Sons.

You're welcome. I had a quick look and I could not find anything on John Williamson & Sons. Maybe someone else here has some information. No definitive support for J Wiss & Sons either but still my best hypothesis for now. s-k

hey steve, i think with the newark, new jersey connection you nailed it. could not find john williamson & son either.

Pen & Toothpick wrote:By the way, how long is that toothpick closed?...my guess would be 4 1/2 inches. I like 3 " closed toothpicks...and I like yellow ones!

Anyways it is nice.

You were pretty close with your guess. It measures 5" closed.