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Kukri Note Book Section 1 Note All Are Rat- Tail Tangs

Kukri Note Book Section 1 Note All Are Rat- Tail Tangs

KNEWSLETTTER IN A KNUTSHELL

4 Article 4 Kitchen 4 The Congress Pattern 4 Great Eastern OKCA Whittler 4 Dual Advertising 4 The WWII Collins

Our international membership is happily involved with “Anything that goes ‘cut’!” February 2017 Picture 1 and 2: Show five with various types of butt caps. Kukri Note Book Section 1 Note all are rat- tail tangs. Ted Fitzwater Picture 1 Item #1 :The butt cap has the tang lightly This is my first section of The Kukri Notebook, with section mushroomed over and pinned at two points to secure the butt one we will go over some of the various parts of the kukri. We cap to the handle. It dates to World War 1or earlier. will start with kukri tang types. Item #2: The butt cap is highly engraved and inlaid with 1) The Tang -Generally the section of the that goes into silver. Note the butt cap may be a part of the handle. It dates the handle and blade to handle is secured depending on the to the 1920s. type of tang. There are three types that I know of. Item #3: This butt cap may have at one time been a silver coin A) Half tang: The oldest of tang styles and that was hammered and shaped into the cap. It has two copper it is still in use today but has somewhat keepers which is unusual for a for a rat-tail tang. It dates to fallen out of favor. A hole is drilled into the late 1930s. handle to fit the tang of the blade. The kami or knifemaker makes a form epoxy and uses Picture 2 Item #4: The butt cap is green horn and secured it to secure the handle to the blade tang. with a diamond keeper. When I first got this kukri, the wood The homemade epoxy is made from various pommel was damaged; and I could see light through the types of local tree sap. pommel cap. This told me at once it was not metal. Dated to the 1950s. B) Rat-Tail or Stick: The tang passes through the handle and secured by a keeper, washer, Item #5: The butt cap covers the top of the pommel as well as or in some cases a threaded nut. an inch down the handle pommel. Dates to mid -1950 s. C) Flat Tang: This 4) The Kukri Handle - The kukri handle is normally wood; style appeared in but as you will see, there are a number of variations in small numbers before materials: or around 1900. The A) Wood such as walnut, chandsen, rosewood, breech, and Military Mk.2 and Mk.3 sisnal. use this style of tang. B) Metal such as white metal which can be about anything, The wood handles were secured by two Brass and cast iron sometimes highly worked. rivets Most had pommel caps. C) Horn such as water buffalo, yak, giraffe, rhino ,ivory both 2) Tang Buttons or keeper - These are what secure the elephant and marine. pommel cap and handle to the blade of a rat-tail tang. The tang button may be decorative or very plain in appearance Picture 3 Item #1:This has a traditional half tang of an and made of a variety of materials. unknown wood and has no butt cap. Picture, 1: #2 has a very nice sun style keeper, #3 has two sun Item #2: A very fine cast iron engraved and silver inlayed burst keepers handle of a traditional design. Picture 2: #4 and #5 both have a diamond style keeper. The Item #3: A very nice rosewood traditional design handle with diamond keeper is one of the most common styles. a sterling silver butt cap and bolster. There are ivory dots around the pommel and just above the bolster. 3) Pommel Cap (butt cap) is found on full tang and half tang , and the purpose on both styles is to protect the handle. Item #4:This is a non-traditional design as is #8. The handle If it is dropped, the handle will not be damaged. The butt is possibly a Indian black buck horn. cap may be made of bone, horn, or various metals. It may be Item #5: This is one of the oldest styles of the collection. pinned, secured by a keeper or woodscrews. Continued on page 7 a 13” with a squared point. But the reputation of the would also lead One Man’s Opinion sample board has #18 model that looks more to legal complications for the sellers of said like a knife, and it’s even more knife like #17 cutlery. The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing of an or Fact? model; and my goodness, both are described as American Legend by Norm Flayderman notes B.K. Brooks a “bowie” in Henry’s book. So that settles that, in Chapter 8 “A Bowie…Is a Bowie. Or is it an So was the World some might say. ,” (or in my case a machete) War II Collins #18 So the #18 is a Bowie! Well there are various notes counties in Mississippi would tax such Bowie knife really styles of the model #18 with various handles, Bowie knives with copies of tax receipts. Many a machete and is one with even a bronze handle, different blade states made laws against the Bowie knife, such it being a machete lengths; but we are pinpointing the model #18 as Tennessee’s wordy description on page 270. “just ones man’s used and bought prior to World War II by the Some of these laws were overturned just prior to opinion” (referring Army Air Force. For one thing these older the Civil War in the South (page 266). generally most likely to D. E. longer #18 Bowies do not have the green horn the laws were maintained against the sale and Henry, not myself)? or the later phenolic (plastic) handles that the ownership of Bowie knives. Bypassing these This question was World War II model has. laws and taxes could be as simple as changing posed to me by an the name from Bowie to machete for the Collins irate friend about There are pictures in Henry’s book with Carlson Company. what he called Raiders brandishing what Henry describes as their “Bowie knives” (page 166). But Henry claims What about sales of a Bowie to the military? the Collins #18 One would assume that the South would be Carlson’s Raiders that these #18 Bowies were renamed by Collins V44 Company as in 1926. Henry notes that buying and handing out Bowie knives by the “Gung Ho” Bowie thousands. Well on page 206 in The Bowie Knife: knife V-44. he was unable to find purchase orders when they were adopted by the AAF in 1934, but in October Unsheathing of an American Legend it notes: First let’s look at the Collins Company. Besides First 1945 the newly created Air Force purchase Official Confederate Army Regulations not only axes they produced in a large profusion, called them Machete 9 in blade approx in leather did not recognize the Bowie knife, but never machetes; but let’s ask did they make knives? sheath---AF stock No. 7900-486870. mentioned it either. Flayderman confirms that Looking through The Collins Company One companies of men possessed knives that could Hundred Years with its machetes, axes, shovels Henry notes some discrepancies in Cole’s only be described as Bowies; the Confederate and even a plow, you do see a knife. It is a description of Collins #18 noting, “Cole was not Army just ignored these personal weapons. Louisiana and another simply cane aware Collins had renamed these machetes in Bowies on both sides were considered personal knife, both not looking like a knife at all but a 1926.” Connecticut Tercentenary: The Collins side arms which a blind eye was turned to and machete with a squared off tip (page 60). Closest Company booklet printed in 1935 has the #18 not officially recognized by either army. thing to a Bowie knife is on page 59 which is described as a machete, but it is the elephant handle model. So are there other opinions than Henry’s? The U. S. Navy was not so particular and had called the #18 elephant handle machete. This weapons such as the Eligin Bowie Knife pistol same #18 elephant handle machete is pictured “Another Man’s Opinion” is in Military Knives: and Dahlgren Bowie . The aversion in the Connecticut Tercentenary: The Collins A Reference Book with an article by Frank to calling anything a Bowie knife by the U. S. Company on page 29. Trzaska V-44, or is it? Frank Trzaska in his first Army is apparent in their purchase orders and The #18 model appears many paragraph notes: stock lists. The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing of an times and in many styles and “One of the first knives to be issued to our American Legend notes on page 174 the words blade lengths in Collins Machetes fighting forces during World War Two was really “Bowie Knife” were “abhorrent words,” not to and Bowies 1845 - 1965 by not even a knife. The piece of cutlery pressed appear in or used in any official correspondence.. Daniel Edward Henry whose into service as a was none other Flayderman notes on page 178, “Both generals title one says lends proof that than the Collins #18 Machete.” and the accompanying Army and Navy Journal Collins produced Bowie knives! editorial all stayed clear of mentioning Bowie Trzaska, when referring to the Collins #18 in So was the #18 that was bought Knife.” On page 179 what is collected today the article, uses the word knife in quotation prior to World War II by the Army as the “Bowie Bayonet” for the model 1898 marks (“knife”). When discussing the #18, he Air Corp a “Bowie Knife” or a Springfield Krag rifle is called by the military notes it was chosen because, needing to pack machete? It looks like a Bowie “Combination Intrenching Knife-Bayonet” light, the #18 could be used as a knife, machete knife, it definitely looks more like despite its Bowie knife look and failure in and entrenching . Trzaska notes that other a knife than a machete, and any digging rifle pits. companies copied the #18, but all were meant to good lawyer would quote: “a rose be survival kit machetes. So much like the collector named “Krag by any other name is still a rose?” Bowie Bayonet” the World War II Collins #18 Still another man’s opinion is Mike Silvey who Looking through Collins “Bowie Knife” was never recognized as such in his book Knives of the United States Military Machetes and Bowies 1845- by the Army in military purchase orders. It World War II notes on page111, “The Collins 1965 by Daniel Edward Henry, was officially a Collins #18 machete despite its #18 machete….”Silvey does not call it a knife. Collins & Company definitely looks and true use. That’s the way it was bought made knives. Looking at Collins The Collins Company may have had good by the Army Air Force and later “found on sample boards you come up with reason to call the #18 a machete versus a Bowie AAF planes” by Carlson’s marines. The Case knives like #444 in 1926. One is Collins made mainly machetes made V-44 fixed blade machete for survival or #490, 11” knife point curved marketed to South America and other parts kits that somehow got added to the misnaming Collins down. There is even a #1255 of the world, who would say “Who is this of the Collins #18 machete. They don’t even #18 bamboo knife which looks like Jim Bowie?” But in North America the bad look alike. Page 2 accumulation of really neat knives. An Wages - Eugene OKCA Knews application form is in this Knewslettter. OR & Musings Getting my attention Articles this ibdennis I am really pleased with the efforts of month.... members of the OKCA. Unsolicited are from B.K. Kukri Article donations for our Silent Auction are Brooks, Martin Ted Fitzwater has done an outstanding arriving to help raise funds for our event Drivdahl, Ted job on his two articles on kukri knives. from those who are unable to be here in Fitzwater, This is perfect timing, as we will have person on a day to day basis. It really Auggie Schmirtz, Ray Simonson a kukri blank for the DISPLAY Award tickles me when a table-holder cancels and Little Orphan Annie. There is KNIFE for our 2018 Show. The kukri his table, but requests no refund and some great reading this month that is has undergone numerous modifications, offers it to a budding knife person who truly educational. I must remind our revisions and changes over its long would not be able to afford one. And then membership that all our Knewslettters history; therefore it has been difficult there was the display award knife sent in are available on line and that the Google to trace its history. So use this article as with the comment, “It is an honor to be bots pick up on these articles. That makes your primer when you spot a kukri. able to help the OKCA.” And I will not these words available worldwide. So it Two tables at the Gun Show forget those who step up to help make isn’t just this Knewslettter, but issues the Show happen. These are a few things going back to April 2001 are available On March 18 - 19 the Willamette Valley that fill our tanks to keep the fires going. for research and education. Arms will hold its annual Gun Show at the Lane County Events Center. It Custom Competition at the Show Todo’s.... will be located in the Performance Hall One of the hallmarks of our April Show Get ready for the April Show - Get which is the room north of the room in is the Custom Knife Competition. We your membership updated to 2017 (see which the OKCA Show is held. It is a have had standard categories forever and code on mailing label) - Attend the new and bigger venue for them and to have always encouraged other categories OKCA Wednesday meeting if near by - show our support the OKCA will have for judging. The requirement is that we Get your paring knife blank completed two tables. Your OKCA membership need to have at least three entries for - Knifemakers get that custom knife will get you in at no charge, and their that category to be eligible for an award started for the competition at the 2017 will be no cost to an OKCA member to offering. Last year we tried scrimshaw Show - Make a paring knife - Make a use part of the tables. Please contact us and miniature, and both categories chef knife. if you are interested to sell or display failed to reach the required submissions. Lodging for the Show on the tables. So come sell or show or So this year we will try once again promote our Organization. I would like and encourage more entries in these I would say that for at least 25 years to see as many of our members show up two areas. I am getting the feeling the we have had a partnership agreement to support this two day Show. We will scrimshaw might make it. In fact one with the Valley River Inn, referring our have display cases in which you can of the proposed scrimshaw entries was visitors to “being the place to stay.” place items if you like. a shocker for me. More later in another It was really a great partnership. If Knewslettter. there was a problem, we had a line of The Congress Whittler communication available for the problem Our 2017 offering of a Great Eastern The paring knifemakers... to be resolved; and there was a break in Congress Pattern Whittler will be another A custom made paring knife will be the price to our visitors. There was also one-of-a kind offering by the OKCA. I awarded to the displays that have been a block of rooms reserved for us to make thought it was just another neat whittler, judged Best Of Show. The makers who sure there were rooms available. Just but closer inspection proved me wrong. have volunteered to finish these blade mention the Oregon Knife Club and all This is one neat knife offered as per the blanks are: John Coleman - Citrus was smooth. Last year the Valley River specs of Roy Humenick. The knife will Heights CA - Jose Diaz - Ellensburg WA Inn had a change in ownership; and with be 3.71” closed, with a split back spring - Theo Eichorn - Grants Pass OR - Gary that there are always changes. Some of and will have laser engraved artwork on Griffin - Bend OR - Cameron House - the amenities were changed, and some of the bone scale. But the thing that caught Salem OR - Jim Jordan - Junction City our guests took exception to this. my attention was the congress pattern. OR - David Kurt - Molalla OR - Gene Our working relationship was strained How many whittlers have you seen Martin - Williams OR - Jeff Murrison with one person’s excessive complaints with a congress pattern? Well it isn’t the - North Plains OR - Bernard Ortiz - for their 2016 visit. If you have six blade congress pattern that Lincoln Brookings OR - Sterling Radda - Grants complaints, please advise an OKCA had in his pocket while at the theater, Pass OR - Jeremy Spake - Portland OR Officer; and they will be addressed. but this knife will do perfectly in my - Blair Todd - Gresham OR - Bryan Continued on page 4 February 2017 Page 3 2017 OKCA Great Eastern Whittler for which the Oregon Knife The Seek-Re-Tary Club knife. There is an order form in Collectors was founded..Also a Report this Knewslettter for the Great Eastern thank you to Lisa Wages for her elayne whittler. (As of this Knewslettter we have contribution to our Facebook only four tables available and have two page. If you are a Facebook The January meeting was held at the Wayne Goddard knives available.) If you member, check out our page. Sizzler Restaurant on January 18, 2017. have requested a Wayne Goddard knife One of the easiest methods to There were 23 present. President Craig but we have not received payment for it, reach our page is through the link Morgan was absent. Meeting was please pay now. The guy with the money on our website. Also thank you to conducted by Vice-President John Priest. will bump the guy with no payment. Bernard Levine for his emails to our local members to remind them of We are mailing this Knewslettter to We have ordered the 2018 Show flyers and table application forms. (As of this the meeting date. His emails are always 2016 (as well as the 2017 members) to entertaining and informative. encourage renewal of your membership Knewslettter we have them in hand.) for 2017. Please note the date located We have two tables at the Willamette January is the election of officers. All of above your address. Only 2017 members Valley Arms Collectors Show in March. the current slate of officers have agreed to will be allowed to enter on set-up and If you are interested to sell items on the serve another term. A motion to re-elect the members-only day, Friday, April 7, 2017. tables, please contact us. It will be a first- current slate of officers for another term All the membership cards and table come first-serve reservation. We will also was made (Larry Criteser) and seconded. confirmations for the 2017 members and have information regarding the OKCA as By unanimous consent we were elected for table-holders have been mailed. If you well as membership applications. Please another term. Thank you for your vote of have not received your confirmation or promote this Show on our behalf. Show confidence. The Board works diligently to cards, please contact me. dates are March 18-19, 2017. act in the best interests of the organization, and your vote confirms you are pleased Table-holders–You will pick up table- We have received three of the display with our actions. holder badges (two per table-holder) in award knives from the custom the lobby (west entrance) of the Lane knifemakers. Please view our website President - Craig Morgan Events Center on Friday, after 10:00AM. to see the photo and description of these Vice President - John Priest If you are not sure of the name you have very special donations. When you ship Secretary/Treasurer - Elayne Ellingsen assigned to the second badge, please your knife to us, please ship it to the contact me to confirm the correct name. OKCA -3003 W 11 PMB 172- EUGENE Master at Arms - Joshua Hill We have decided on the 2018 display OR 97402. The address for memberships, Show Chairman - Dennis Ellingsen award knife - a kukri. Gene Martin will table reservations and correspondence is We are trying to contact the individuals coordinate the purchase of the blade OKCA - P O BOX 2091 - EUGENE OR who have conducted seminars in blanks and distribute them at the 2017 97402 Phone (541)484-5564. the past years to confirm they will Show. If you are interested to complete a Thank you for the contributions by our be available for 2017. We also are display award knife, please contact him at members to our Knewslettter. If you are requesting that any individuals with the Show in April. not able to type or email your articles, displays forward a display description. As of this meeting, we have 14 tables write it in longhand or print it; I will See you at the Sizzler Restaurant, available for the 2017 Show. We have five type the article for you. No problem. We February 15, 2017 for our dinner Wayne Goddard tribute knives available, want to encourage all of our members to meeting. Bring a show-and-tell item and we are accepting payment for the contribute with an article. The sharing of (but only one, please). our collective knowledge is the purpose OKCA Knews & Musings continued from page 3 We have been trying to patch it up, as the concierge room. We will now Wednesday of the month which makes but damage control has been difficult. again recommend the Valley River Inn it February 15, 2017. I always look Recently a member made a reservation, for your stay while here. Mention the forward to this gathering, so mark your and as a surprise to us received a special Oregon Knife Club, and you should get calendar and come be with us. Come rate and space after the mention of the adjusted rate. If not let Elayne or me smile with us with your latest purchase. the Oregon Knife Collectors. Further know. Call (541)743-1000 or (800)543- It is always nice to see my fellow knife conversations with the VRI got us 8266 to make your reservation. enthusiasts that are a cut above. reconciliation, and an understanding that The Sizzler... Looking for a place to stay while in town all would be as before with the exception for the Show. Try airbnb. of some of the previous amenities, such Don’t forget our monthly meeting at the Sizzler Restaurant. It is the third Page 4 accompanying photo A Dual Advertising criss-crossed with Knife each other. The top Martin Drivdahl saw is a cross-cut Featured herein is a small all metal pen saw and the bottom knife with the names of two companies, saw is a ripsaw. one stamped into each metal side scale Both saws have quite of the knife. On the mark side appears ornately fashioned the name DISSTON before which is the wooden handles date 1840 and after which is the date which are riveted 1940. This would indicate the little to the . One folder to be a 100 year commemorative rivet head on each for Henry Disston and the company he saw is cast as a brass founded. Below the DISSTON name button marked H. is an outline of a keystone, which is DISSTON & SONS the company logo, and on the larger PHILADA. With a blade tang is stamped FRESNO keystone logo inside AGRICULTURAL WORKS FRESNO. of which is shown, CAL. The little knife appears to be of in very fine detail, a very high quality with precisely fitted balance scale (such blades and a very strong back spring, as you’d see in a gold giving each blade a crisp snap, both on scale). The name T. fully opening and on closing. W. Fisher is very neatly stamped into I’m always curious about the history the wooden handle of old American companies, especially of the ripsaw and on where cutlery is in any way involved. its blade is etched It turns out each of the two companies HENRY DISSTON & was started by a European immigrant SONS KEYSTONE who came to America in the mid to (logo) SAW WORKS later part of the 19TH Century. Both PHILADELPHIA served in the Civil War and, upon individuals started with little but their CAST 7 WARRENTED discharge in 1865, joined his father knowledge and skills and grew their PATENT GROUND. (See included in the saw business; and the company fledgling companies into giant sized photo of saw handle.) The grinding was name was changed to Henry Disston businesses with worldwide sales. evidently a patented process, perhaps & Son. Henry Disston and his sons Two of my knife books make reference to obtain a precise blade thickness. set the standards for American saw makers, both in quality and innovative to Henry Disston and Sons as a saw By being nice to my dear wife and methods. The company maker, so I proceeded to scour the humbly requesting her to search on name was later changed again to Henry garage and shop building where, over line to obtain more history on the two Disston & Sons, Inc. This firm is time, I’ve accumulated a number of companies in question, I was able to credited (according to this article) with hand saws, plus numerous other old obtain more information on both. I will casting in 1906 the first crucile steel in , knife parts and various junk and endeavor to present herein a summary the U.S.A. using an electric furnace. stuff. of each of these very interesting The firm went on to manufacture the To my surprise, I came up with two histories. first “Knuckle Duster” for old handsaws made by Henry Disston Henry Disston was born in 1819 and Sons. They are shown in the in England and immigrated to Philadelphia in 1833. He started out making saws and framing squares in 1840 and in 1850 founded the Keystone Saw Works, which would become the largest saw maker in the world. Henry’s son Hamilton Continued on page 6 February 2017 Page 5 A Dual Advertising Knife ditches and canals to irrigate the filling all local demands and later in continued from page 5 dry San Joquin Valley was rapidly them being shipped by the thousands developing, the incentive to create worldwide for decades. WWI and made a large volume of steel a mechanized way to move dirt was armor plate for tanks during WWII. Porteous didn’t stop with the Freno also being aggressively explored. Scraper and is credited with 46 Henry Disston passed away in 1878 at Porteous, with his inventive mind, inventions and held some 200 patent the rather young age of 59. The family along with other and rights on all sorts of specialized owned company survived until 1955 several farmers, began working on a agricultural machines and other when it was bought out by H.K Porter u-shaped iron bucket scraper pulled mechanized equipment. However, the Co. Of Pittsburgh. Porter’s Disston by horses (and later tractors). This Fresno Scraper is recognized as one Division was sold in 1978 to become implement was designed to scoop soil of the most vital of civil engineering the Henry Disston Division of Sanvik into its “bowl” allowing the operator and agricultural tools ever made and Saw of Sweden. to fill it and empty it using a pair of was listed in 1991 by the American A brief history of Fresno Agriculture wooden handles. Society of Mechanical Engineers as an Works follows: James Porteous, a An early scraper design was done International Historical Engineering 29 year old and Scottish in 1872 by the farmers Frank Dusy Landmark. immigrant, settled in Fresno CA and Abijah McCall in 1876. He found work there in a and received a patent blacksmith shop located at Mariposa in 1885. Porteous and J (now Fulton) Streets. He bought the patent soon took over the shop engaged in rights, improved the making heavy wagons and buggies. design and turned As his business thrived, he bought it into the famous more lots and built additional shop “Fresno Scraper.” space, naming his business Fresno The demand for the Agricultural Works. During those scrapers grew rapidly years when the need for constructing resulting first in In the Kitchen Knives The other kitchen item is an . NEW POLICY: Ray Simonson It works great for making salads. I acquired a pile of 15N20, This Knewslettter is being sent as a In the January issue there was an article blades, that are 5/32” thick. I think I courtesy to 2016 members who have not called “Most Used Kitchen Knives.” made up four of them; but they didn’t updated their membership to the current year, 2017. We felt many may not have We have two knives that get a lot of use sell, so again mother, mother-in-law, learned of this new policy change. in our kitchen. etc., got them. The blades hold a good edge, it’s been a couple years now and We will not accept any membership still no sharpening. Of course, though payments for new or renewal on cutting salad on a board can’t be too Friday, April 07, the members only and table-holder set up day. No exceptions will be made. Please be sure One is a paring knife that I just bought WE have RECEIVED your renewal the blade for. I have put about 30 of these membership by WEDNESDAY, April together, none to sell, but they make 5. If we receive your membership nice gifts. Mother, mother-in-law, sister, payment prior to WEDNESDAY, sister-in-law, daughters and daughter- you will be able to pick up your new in-law. You get the drift anyway, it’s a 2017 card in the table-holder line nice little knife to give away. I never had in the lobby of the building. Please anybody refuse them. The blades are confirm I have your renewal card around $4.00, so as to not break you. I tough on a blade. The blade has acquired available PRIOR to WEDNESDAY so think all the major knife suppliers stock a patina after a couple of years. I also your entry will not be impeded. For and sell them. They are offered as small used Curly Koa on this one too, I guess those with membership up to date filet blades. I have some small pieces it is one of my favorite woods, as long ---- Thank you. of Curly Koa that I used on the handles as I have some around. with nickel silver pins. Page 6 Kukri Note Book Section 1 6) Kukri Cho or Kauri/kaura (Notch) - Just D) Sita’s Temple note Sita is the wife of continued from page 1 about every Oregon Show where I have Vishnu, she is known for her dedication self- Its handle is possibly rosewood and is called had my display at least six people will look sacrifice, courage and purity. a hand and a half style. It dates to the early at it and then come over to my table and 1800s. ask what the notch is for. There has been a lot of speculation on it, it was thought to be Picture 4 - Item #6: A traditional design with E) Peacock it is a religious symbol for both for catching an attacking enemy’s blade and Hindu and Buddhist. Now there has been some a green horn pommel, then rosewood and twisiting it out of his hand, to keep blood off finally white metal. speculation by some that this open winged your hand after hack on an opponent, and to falcon but for now it is only speculation. Item #7: This is a solid white metal of a sight when you are going to throw. Well, none One other point this was a popular symbol traditional design. are even close. The notch is a religious symbol for Christians because it appears to also Item #8: Another non-traditional design, it that is supposed to bring the owner good luck. symbolize a cross. has a light green jade pommel, with mother The notch or cho come in an endless variety of pearl, red coral between each section of and configuration. mother of pearl, and some gold wire between each section of mother of pearl. Needless to F) These have been called Buddha’s eye or say this took a great deal of skill. the eye of a dove. Item #9: Traditional design with a bone handle 1) Cows hoof, Shiva’s temple or the holy and water buffalo butt cap. trinity, most of the native people in Nepal are of the Hindu faith, and the cow is sacred 5) Carved Handle Rings - The traditional and the cho’s shown above are of the most G) This is a odd one I have only seen one or kukri usually has a single exterior ring which common. two similar, but I think it could stand for the serves to hold the kukri firmly in the hand, so Holy Hindu trinity. it will not slip. There are also most often found Sheva is the Hindu god who is the destroyer a number of interior carved rings, I have seen or transformer and is among the holy trinity. any where from three to six. What do they A) Holy trinity in the cow’s hoof mean? More than likely they have religious overtones, but it is not known for sure. H) These two I think are Buddhist temples Picture 5 You can see how the handle fits and are on Mk1 military kukris. The one on in my hand, the large exterior ring fits well B) This Cho design may represent the Red the right has two dots which may stand for the between my fingers. Note there are carved Fort of Agra. eyes of Buddha. rings of unknown meaning in front of the large ring. As stated before, they may have C) Lord Buddhist Symbols. at one time had religious meaning; but it is Picture 6 shows three kukris and the location currently unknown. of the cho’. Item #1 has a Lord Buddha as does Item #2, and Item #3 is a Military Mk. 1 made in 1914 with the large Buddhist temple cho.

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

Picture 5 Picture 6 Picture 4 February 2017 Page 7 American market at that time. It must congress no doubt found use in many The Congress have been a popular pattern, as other other ways. OKCA Free Classified Ads Pattern Knife cutlery manufacturers soon followed My first impressions of the congress with their versions. The sheer volume Free classified ads will run up to three issues and then be dropped. Available only to paid members. Write your ad on anything you Roy Humenick pattern knife was how well suited it might have handy (except bamboo leaves) and email or snail mail to the OKCA, PO Box 2091, Eugene OR 97402. The number and size of of knives produced, along with a little be for whittling. I had imagined a small ads submitted by a single member will be accepted, or excepted, dependent on available space and the mood of the editors. The first thing that caught my attention competition, is probably how all of the about the congress pattern knife is that group of gents waiting to be picked as variations came to be. It is easy to see jurors at the courthouse outside benches, swayback feature of the frame. Nearly why cutlery firms started to emerge in any slip joint knife pattern with the gathering for some banter and whittling. the United States as demand for knives Something to do on their retirements, if swayback feature and equal ends could in general was big. be called a congress pattern. Some have not just to make a small pile of shavings squared ends, and others have rounded Politicians in the United States might while you caught up on the latest gossip. ends; however, all seem to have at have been the original target for the No internet, television or even radio least one large sheep foot blade. Once congress pattern knife. Hence how it got was available at the time. So, getting I investigated further, I found that the its name. There certainly was a need at “caught up” meant you had to do it face pattern was host to quite a that time, given that all of their writing to face with others. Others who shared variety of features. was done with quill type pens. The an interest in making piles of shavings knife with its straight edge blades was of their own. Well the whittler version A standard configuration well suited to maintaining a sharp quill. of the congress pattern knife proves to might be the four bladed Abraham Lincoln was known to carry a be not all that common. Whittlers tend version with two large congress pattern knife. Later this pattern to have a thicker master blade and, blades and two smaller evolved into a gent’s knife. A blade combined with the sheep foot’s straight blades. Congress pattern was added to the it a great edge, should be well suited for carving knives can be found tool for manicuring needs. The gent’s activities. The three bladed Congress with one blade, up to split-back whittler, with a tapered spacer six, eight or even more

blades. The platform also knife tended to be on the small side, say between the two back springs, has earned allows for some rather fancy bolsters. about 3-1/2” or under in closed length. a spot close to my heart. Finding one is Some are long, some short, some have another matter. rat tails, some are lined and others are Also during the 1800s the United States pinched. Most have a nice symmetrical was well known for its exports of tobacco. The congress pattern knife stands shield on one side that compliments the The congress pattern knife found favor out and is easy to notice. It has a equal end nature of the pattern. All of among those involved in the production place in American history. It is one this variety makes for some interesting and use of tobacco. The demand for the of the few knife patterns that was collecting activities. knife in the Southern states was big. made for the American market. Probably a majority of congress pattern They were important tools used by In the early 1800s, the name “Congress” knives made were sold in the South. The our pioneers in their daily tasks. for the knife seems to have originated knives used in the tobacco world tended Finding an older congress pattern from cutlery firms in Sheffield, England. to be larger. Versions 4” long (closed) knife in mint condition is no easy The views and opinions implied or expressed herein by authors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the Oregon Knife Collectors Association, its editors, or its officers; and no It was a “Made for America” pattern responsibility for such views will be assumed. The OKCA, its officers and its editors assume no responsibility for claims of advertisers for the quality of goods and services the advertiser and larger were made and used, say, to task. Any find is a prize. Each has provides. The act of mailing or delivering a manuscript or advertisement shall constitute an express warranty on the part of the contributor that the material is original and in no way an hoping to capitalize on the large cut off a “chaw” of tobacco. The large its own story to tell. infringement upon the rights of others. The act of mailing or delivering a letter or question to the editor shall constitute permission to publish the letter or portion thereof unless the Oregon Knife Collectors Association is informed otherwise in that letter. This Knewslettter is devoted to the general interest of the knife community and does not include personal information such as births, deaths and illness. We also strive to use only material that is directed to the world of cut. Our charter mandates that our mailing list of the membership cannot be sold or used by other than the Oregon Knife CollectorsAssociation. OKCA Club Whot-zits & Whos Zits

Craig Morgan Joshua Hill OKCA PO Box 2091 Eugene OR 97402 President (541)345-0152 Master at Arms (503)580-8998 (541)484-5564 John Priest Dennis Ellingsen Packages only to: OKCA - 3003 W. 11th Vice President (541)517-2029 Show Chairman (541)484-5564 PMB 172 - Eugene OR 97402 Knewslettter by elayne & dennis Elayne Ellingsen Copyright (C) 2013 Oregon Knife Collectors Association. Sec/Tres. (541)484-5564 Web page --- http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/ No part of this Knewslettter may be reproduced without Club email --- [email protected] permission of the OKCA. Layout and printing Split back tapered spacer by instaprint - 1208 W. 6th - Eugene, OR 97402 - Phone (541)686-8591 Page 8 March 2013 Page 7 OKCA Free Classified Ads

Free classified ads will run up to three issues and then be dropped. Available only to paid members. Write your ad on anything you Free classified ads will run up to three issues and then be dropped. Available only to paid members. Write your ad on anything you have handy (except bamboo leaves) and email or snail mail to the OKCA, PO Box 2091, Eugene OR 97402. The number and size of adshave submitted handy (except by a single mauve member ping pong will balls)be accepted, and email or excepted, or snail mail dependent to the OKCAon available PO Box space 2091 and Eugene the mood OR 97402. of the editors.The number and size of ads submitted by a single member will be accepted, or excepted, dependent on available space and the mood of the editors.

Eugene 5160 Club: A Club for knifemakers Buying Club knives for personal collections. For Sale: . Large consignment. List of all stripes, meeting monthly. Check out our 1998 Wayne Goddard wood beaver handle and available from Larry Oden. Typically have Buck newsletter archive to get a feel for the group: 2010 Lonewolf Paul defender. elementalforge.com/5160Club. Sign up for Contact Jordan Lake (310)386-4928. standard production, limited edition, BCCI, Buck newsletter & meeting reminders by finding Custom and Yellowhorse models. For Sale - Recon, turquoise, lapiz and coral. I us on Facebook at “5160 Club” and click the will trade for knives, Damascus or parts. This Email [email protected] “Newsletter Signup” tab. Non Facebook users material is used by D-alton Holder, Randy Lee, or call (765) 244-0614 8AM-8PM EST. can still find us at: facebook.com/5160Club. David Yellowhorse and many other famous Wanted: Remington scout/ with makers. Perfect for scales, full handles, jewelry For Sale: older knives. Please visit HHknives at pioneer boys or highlander boys shield or and wood inlay.- Elliott Glasser - Hiltary www.allaboutpocketknives.com. heroism shield. Email [email protected] Industries - Scottsdale AZ (602)620-3999 Thanks for looking. or phone Jim (562)716-9857 . Buy, Sell, Trade. Also a Mosaic pins and lanyard tubes by Sally. Shelton Pacific – Some of some of the finest good selection of Case knives, and many custom curly koa in the world outside of . We knives for sale or trade. See at www.customknife.com, email at will be in our usual place at table S06. There are Jim Schick www.nifeboy.com (209)295-5568. [email protected]. also the ever popular “Shokwood” (hybrid) knife For Sale - Oregon yearly Club knives, 1979 to Phone (541)846-6755. handle blocks and scales. Please come by to see 2012. Selling singly, 10% off current pricing. us at the April Show. Hot off the press - 2ND edition The Wonder of Call Fred (541)285-1894. For Sale - WHK (William Henry Knives) Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard, revised and Looking for 1902 US Saber marked “ 1st. Lt. 2004-2009 including several auto. OKCA knives in color! $30.00 shipped by priority mail. Get Robert M. Porter”. Please contact Don Hanham 2005-2009 and misc production and custom. at [email protected]. your autographed copy now by calling Steve at See Glenda Brown at the April Show Table M01. (541)870-6811. WANTED : Western Wildlife Series knives - Hardcore grinder 1.5 hp variable For Sale produced from about 1978 to 1982 (letters speed 8” wheel $1800.00. Black G10 1/4”x4’ x Blades and knifemaker supplies. All blades B, C, D, E, F). I’m missing the knives with 3’ sheet $480.00 Gary (253)307-8388 are ground by Gene Martin. I also do custom blade etches of eagle, elk, cougar, hunting dog, For Sale - prices negotiable. : -BADER BIII antelope and bear. Call Martin at (406)422-7490. grinding. See at www.customknife.com, contact knifemaker set up, flat platters & wheels. Some KNIVES FOR SALE: Antique, custom & Gene at @customknife.com belts. - C&M Topline Tumbler, Vibratory stone factory, , folders, fixed blades, or call (541)846-6755. wash. TLV-25 with fluid system. Electro-Etch , , bowies, military, Indian, frontier, for logos. -HiTorque Mini Mill, Solid Column primitive & ethnic. Other collectibles also. Useful reference books on blades. Collectible with Air Spring - [email protected] Current colored catalog - FREE. Northwest knives, custom knives and knifemaking, military Three Sisters , llc, Bend OR. Knives & Collectibles (503)362-9045 anytime. knives, , tools, and anything else that has For Sale - I am retiring from knifemaking and KNIVES wanted. Entire an edge. Email for a list. Quality Blade Books have a lot of tools for sale. Bader Belt Sander collections. River Valley Knives w/10” contact wheel 3/4HP 230V w/dust C/O Rick Wagner P O Box 41854 Eugene OR (715)557-1688 collector + 2-72” belts - $500.00. Gas fired salt 97404 pot heat treat furnace w/electric draw furnace AL MAR, , PACIFIC (541)688-6899 or w/temp control + 2 salt pots and 100# salt on CUTLERY wanted. Entire collections. [email protected]. wheeled cart $200.00. 14” JCT metal cutting River Valley Knives (715)557-1688. band saw w/blade welder - like new - $1000.00. Wanted: 2012 Case XX USA medium stockman Knife Laws on-line. Federal, state, local. WSS double end end mills 3/8 diameter shank #6318 PU CV jigged bone w/punch w/signature Bernard Levine 1/16 - 3/16 - 1/4 - 3/8 dia mills $5.00 ea. H. H. of Skip Lawrie. (541)484-0294 Frank Newport OR (541)265-8683. Ralph Nuno Sacramento (916)682-9305. www.knife-expert.com. The views and opinions implied or expressed herein by authors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the Oregon Knife Collectors Association, its editors, or its officers; and no Theresponsibility views and opinions for such viewsimplied will or be expressed assumed. herein The OKCA, by authors its officers and advertisers and its editors are assumenot necessarily no responsibility those of forthe claimsOregon of Knife advertisers Collectors for the Association, quality of goods its editors, and services or its theofficers; advertiser and no responsibilityprovides. The for act such of mailingviews will ordelivering be assumed. a manuscript The OKCA, or its advertisement officers and shall its constituteeditors assume an express no responsibility warranty on for the claims part of of the advertisers contributor for that the the quality material of goods is original and services and in nothe way advertiser an provides.infringement The act upon of themailing rights or of delivering others. The a actmanuscript of mailing or or advertisement delivering a letter shall or constitute question an to theexpress editor warranty shall constitute on the permissionpart of the tocontributor publish the that letter the or material portion is thereof original unless and thein no Oregon way an infringementKnife Collectors upon Associationthe rights of isothers. informed The otherwiseact of mailing in that or letter.delivering This a Knewslettter letter or question is devoted to theto editor the general shall constitute interest of permission the knife communityto publish the and letter does or not portion include thereof personal unless information the Oregon Knifesuch Collectors as births, deathsAssociation and illness. is informed We also otherwise strive to usein that only letter. material This that Knewslettter is directed is to devoted the world to ofthe cut. general Our charter interest mandates of the knife that community our mailing and list ofdoes the not membership include personal cannot beinformation sold or used such as bybirths, other deaths than the and Oregon illness. Knife We also CollectorsAssociation. strive to use only material that is directed to the world of cut. Our charter mandates that our mailing list of the membership cannot be sold or used by other than the Oregon Knife Collectors Association. OKCA Club Whot-zits & Whos Zits

Craig Morgan Joshua Hill Letters to...... Craig Morgan Joshua Hill OKCAOKCA P O PO Box Box 2091 2091 Eugene Eugene OR 97402 OR 97402 PresidentPresident (541)345-0152 (541)345-0152 Master Master at Arms at (503)580-8998Arms (503)580-8998 Packages(541)484-5564 to...... JohnJohn Priest Priest DennisDennis Ellingsen Ellingsen OKCAPackages 3003 Wonly 11 Ave to: PMBOKCA 172 - Eugene3003 W.OR 11th97402 VViceice President President (541)517-2029 Show ShowChairman Chairman (541)484-5564 (541)484-5564 PMB 172 - Eugene OR 97402 Copyright (C) 2017 Oregon Knife Collectors Association. Knewslettter by elayne & dennis ElayneElayne Ellingsen Ellingsen Knewslettter by elayne & dennis NoCopyright part of this(C) Knewslettter2013 Oregon may Knife be Collectors reproduced Association. without Web page --- http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/ Sec/TSec/Tres.res. (541)484-5564 (541)484-5564 permissionNo part of ofthis the Knewslettter OKCA. may be reproduced without ClubWeb email page--- [email protected] http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/ Layoutpermission and printingof the OKCA. by instaprint Layout -and printing 1208by instaprint W. 6th - Eugene,- 1208 W. OR 6th 97402 - Eugene, - OR 97402 - Club email --- [email protected] PhonePhone (541)686-8591 (541)686-8591 MarchFebruary 2013 2017 Page 97 The Knewslettter Oregon Knife Collectors Association PO Box 2091 Eugene, OR 97402

2017 OKCA Knife Order Form

2016 OKCA serial number if applicable______

Great Eastern Congress Whittler $140.00 $______

Shipping if needed - add $20.00 $______Total $______

Name ______

Address______

City ______State ______Zip______

Phone ______Email______Payment in full must accompany order to reserve your knife Available only to OKCA members - Delivery at the Show on April 08, 2017 OKCA - PO Box 2091 - Eugene OR 97402 PagePage 10 8

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