KNEWSLETTTER IN A KNUTSHELL

4 Sometimes you just know 4 Damascus Steel Part 2 4 2021 GEC club 4 Sears Craftsman 4 No meetings for awhile

Our international membership is happily involved with “Anything that goes ‘cut’!” March 2021 Sometimes, You Just Know Garry Zalesky Although we seldom consider it, involves a complex decision-making process. When presented with an interesting looking knife, our brains immediately began a search for data on the piece. All manner of questions are being asked and answered within our human “computer” without any particular effort on our part. As an example, consider the action you might take as you pick up an interesting looking Bowie. You recognize the maker, you Two fine Sheffield folding Bowies, the top knife with incomplete and unreadable markings. The bottom knife is clearly marked can see “Sheffield” prominently stamped on the tang; but “A. Davy's, Celebrated American .” then you see “England” stamped under “Sheffield.” You set the knife back down and walk away, why? The answer is that Let’s investigate a knife I bought long ago, and the the U.S. import law of 1891 required “Country of origin” conclusions I made about it. markings, so this knife is not from the Bowie era. Decisions We’ve all come across Bowies (folding and otherwise) like this are made all the time as we wander through a knife being offered for sale with names we’ve never heard of. show or look at internet offerings. As we grow older, we’re The piece might look good, but is it? Certainly, we have an told that one way to advantage if we can personally inspect the knife at a show avoid Alzheimer’s or sale, but that’s not always possible. In many cases we is to work puzzles, have only a misread or mistyped auction listing to rely on. crosswords and Nowhere is this truer than on internet sites like eBay, where the like. For those the seller probably has no knowledge of knives. This is not of us that find necessarily a bad deal, since some really good knives have puzzles boring, come to the market as a result. Let’s consider the obvious. I would suggest With the advent of the internet, anyone can sell nearly that we could keep anything, whether they are knowledgeable or not. Antique our brains sharp dealers, particularly women, who wouldn’t consider selling and do something knives at a gun show, are now selling knives from their more interesting by home. These folks are attending auctions and yard sales learning about the where they buy whatever is interesting or cheap, without people who made any particular plan other than to resell their purchases for a the knives we love. profit. To illustrate this, I bought a folding some years Knowledge is power, ago from a woman who bought it at an estate sale. She told A comparison of the back springs and as they say; and me, “All the men picked it up, looked it over and put it back latches of the two folding knives. These the informed buyer are massive knives, and a pleasure to down.” She said, “ I thought it was interesting, so I paid the hold in your hand. can make wiser $15.00 asking price, took it home and listed it on eBay.” decisions. That The listing was vague, and the name incomplete; but she alone is justification was more than happy with the $150.00 she got when I won for such “brain exercise.” For those of us who may have the auction. fallen victim to a fraudulent Bowie or a reproduction passed off as real on eBay, the necessity for being knowledgeable Many times, these are the people selling knives today; should be obvious. so it’s difficult to determine what exactly the person has Continued on page 7 to be brighter for the year ahead. I can that only you can OKCA Knews almost see the odds are in our favor that make happen. & Musings OKCA theFree 2022 OKCA Classified Show will happen. TheAds You know more ibdennis Free classified ads willvaccines run up to look three issuesto be and a promisingthen be dropped. solution Available onlythan to paidyou members. think Write your ad on anything you have handy (except bambooto the leaves) pandemic. and email orHistorically snail mail to thewe OKCA, can PO Boxyou 2091, do, Eugene and whyOR 97402. 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. Hanging in there with us. look to the past as to the time line that a not share those pandemic will last, and April 2022 would thoughts with us? This March issue will be the last for those be the last of it. See our website schedule We wish to thank who have not re-upped their membership for the dates for 2022 and beyond. the following (support) in the Oregon Knife Collectors. Facebook for their contribution of good words this Our future lies in the quantity of those month. Gary House, Kelly Lane, Gene who hang in there with their support. I am not a big fan Martin and Garry Zalesky. Table-holders at our last 2019 Show will of Facebook. In lose their location spot for the intended fact it took many We are very much overwhelmed with the 2022 Show. The mailing label number to convince me to response of our membership to support is your clue as to active membership. create this site. If our organization. Members have shown The date 2021 shows your support. The Lisa Wages goes faith in the OKCA and its goals, and number 2020 indicates your calendar year away, I would the outpouring of renewed membership membership has expired. be the first to proves this. Thank you so very much. It is very much needed in these times. We have Virtual non visible 2021 Floor plan dismantle this site. Granted there is some good information tried to convey that our financial status is When a member and great pictures to be seen. Current not at risk, but the number of donations who was a table- members of the Oregon Knife Collectors received has been somewhat staggering. holder in 2019 can advertise on this site. All others can Once again, this donation goes to the extends their view and use the site, but no advertising OKCA and not any member of the Board. membership for unless one is a member of the OKCA. The Our best guess projection is that if we can 2021, we mark most recent slippery ad for selling was by weather this storm, we will be back for you down on the person who claimed he was an OKCA an April 8-10, 2022 OKCA Annual Show. the 2021 Show member for the last several years. He was Monthly Meetings floor plan (which will not happen). The a member of the Facebook site but never membership renewal marks your table Aside from the ban on group gatherings, a member of the OKCA. Some names our meeting place of several years has spot for the 2022 Show, if it happens. If who want to join the Facebook site are a one does not become a 2021 member, closed their doors. Finding an alternate tip off that they are only in it to sell their site, once things loosen up, will prove to then there is no guarantee that 2022 spot offshore wares. Rashamoney Pakibest is will be held. Show table space may be be interesting. So for now - no monthly one of those tip off names. Not a member meetings. Besides that, there is a call available, but your location might change. of the OKCA. Right now we have a great showing on for no gathering of any size, which the floor plan of spaces that are secure. Articles has been down to six at one point or another. Open air meetings in Oregon? There is light at the end of the tunnel We are good to go for the next few issues for articles but want to plan way further I don’t think so. This is the start of March, and things look out than that. Help us out with those words 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)968-5278 (541)345-0152 Master Master at Arms at (503)580-8998Arms (503)580-8961 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) 2021 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 ClubW ebemail 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 March 2013 Page 7 Simply Show the Knife continued from page 1 We have advertised the OKCA 2021 website. You will also be assigned The Seek-Re-Tary GEC Club Knife in our Knewslettter the same table in April 2022 that Report and on our website. Roy Humenick you were assigned in April 2019. elayne has again made an excellent choice. Remember to advise us to remove The response has been well beyond the advert if the item is sold. Time is slowly passing very fast. We the expected. Thank you Roy. We offer You can check your membership are still fielding calls about the 2021 the members who have previously status by reading the address OKCA April Show. Some of us are supported our fundraising project the label on your Knewslettter. The forever hopeful, which I believe is a very opportunity to have the same number date (2020/expired; 2021/current) good belief system. Wish I could be the they had the previous year. If you is marked on the right hand side optimist. It has been a very challenging have previously received a numbered above you name. No paperwork needs to two years. knife, your reservation will be held accompany your payment if the address until March 22, 2021. Please call or information, including phone number and email your reservation (541-484-5564 email address, are current and correct. or [email protected]). We will hold your numbered knife until that date. The Facebook page is monitored by Lisa Wages (thank you many times over This past year, and up to the current date, from the Board, especially me, and I has been another surprise. The support am sure the membership also thanks we have received, both in written emails you). Without her there would not be a and letters, donations and (the best for Facebook page. last) articles for the Knewslettter have been a feels good in an otherwise not Also we thank Gary House, Kelly Lane, so good feeling time. The Board of Gene Martin and Garry Zalesky Directors thanks you. who have contributed to this month’s publication. We still have more articles We are still on hold for monthly meetings in the cabinet; but as has been written and the Holiday (December/Mini/ before, too much is never enough. Thank Winter) Show. Too early to know what you to all who have donated their time will be. Our crystal ball is too cloudy. and words. Please remember to renew your Stay safe and keep a distance from others membership payment. If you are a (especially those we have designated as member, you can advertise on our website, partners). It reduces the arguments and in our Knewslettter and on our Facebook frustration. Also wards off contagious page. We also provide links to your diseases. OKCA 2021 GEC Club Knife We got blind sided. For the last few years we have offered Great Eastern knives to our Club members. When Great Eastern asked us to increase our orders from 50 to 100, we blanched. We promoted these knives and increased the number of knives a multiple knives. I was so totally taken we have set aside those knives waiting member could purchase just to make aback I finally had to ask one of these for what I call “first right of refusal.” sure we sold all 100 knives. The few people what happened. Apparently a So if you as a member who purchased that remained were quickly bought up single individual sounded off about the a 2020 knife and want the 2021 knife, at Showtime. knife on a forum, and this turned into we need to have a paid commitment by I was totally unaware of the following the feeding frenzy we experienced. We March 22, 2021. If we do not receive of Great Eastern Knives. Suddenly have orders now beyond the number payment or a phone call to reserve the our PO Box was crammed with orders of knives available. knife, we will free up that knife we are from unknowns that plunked down In respect to the members who have holding for you. their membership and money for supported our organization previously, March 2021 soaked, which may be merely a minute, The photos begin with the steel. It's eight Damascus Steel - then quenched. CPM154 needs to be layers of 1095, seven layers of 15N20. held at 1950-1975F for 25-30 minutes, The steel is ground clean, then stacked Part 2 in alternating layers. The billet is 1-1/2" Gene Martin then quenched. Some of the newer air wide by 6" long and 2" high. The billet hardening steels need high heats of is forge welded, then cut, stacked and Last time we discussed the what and why 2050-2100F. Those temps and times will forge welded again. After that it's heat of Damascus steel and pattern-welded destroy a good piece of O-1 or1095. These and repeat. More photos are works in steel. It’s now time to discuss the how of it. high temps will prevent hardening and progress. A number of people seem to believe that cause really serious grain growth in non- to make pattern-welded steel the smith air hardening steels. Overheating the tip needs merely to put a pile of steel pieces on a blade can cause the tip to break off together, heat them up in a forge, hammer, spontaneously. or press them together; and a billet of Another serious problem is the expansion steel magically appears. Nothing could be ratios of the steels. Most air and water- further from the truth. hardening steels expand at the same rate As we discussed a few years back, there when heated. For practical purposes, this are three basic types of steel: air, oil and means than when the billet is heated to water-hardening. For the purpose of this welding temperature the parts of the billet, discussion, we will limit steel types to however many layers, all expand and those…for now. We will add to that later. contract the same; so when they weld up, Each of these steels has its own set of they remain the same size, hot or cold. Air “rules” for how it is worked. Oil and water- hardening steels mostly aren’t the same as hardening steels can be joined together the oil/water-hardening steels. for now, because they have similar or With that in mind, if a billet is laid up with identical heat-treating temperatures and the wrong steels, say like CPM154 and times. Water-hardening steels can be oil 1095 or O-1, the stainless will stretch out quenched, some oil hardening steels, like a bit more than the non-stainless. It will the 10xx series, can be water quenched. still weld up, not a problem; as both types Carefully, very carefully. of steel will expand as they heat. A nice, As other elements are introduced to provide solid billet is formed. But then the billet better performance, these characteristics is cooled. The stainless has expanded to can change. With many of the oil and weld up, but as cooling occurs, so does water-hardening steels, it won’t matter contraction. As the stainless contracts and as to high heat time and temperature. becomes shorter than the other steel, the With deep hardening steels, a soak at welds all shear. That can be accompanied high heat improves performance; but that by little cracking or popping sounds, or doesn’t matter to the steels that will be put a series of “tings.” We call it the ting of together. O-1 is a deep hardening steel, so death. It’s also called catastrophic failure. a soak improves performance. Soaking a A brief digression, if I may, on this 10xx series steel doesn’t matter to it. subject, just to illustrate this point. One Air hardening steels are truly a horse of night I received a call from a maker who a different color. Because of chromium lived cross country who had been on my and other elements in the steel, they are website. He had made a Damascus blade, deep hardening and require a precise and his welds kept delaminating. My first temperature control for best results. And question was what steels he was using. importance of knowing exactly what he that temperature is usually much higher Answer: stainless and a piece of grader was using and to buy his steel from a steel than the first group of steels. A2, D2 and blade, he thought maybe A36, a mild steel dealer, not a junk or scrap yard. the stainless we use are all air hardening like 1018. When asked what stainless steels. While A2 only has 5% chromium, he used, it was “I dunno, I got it at the I received more calls from the same S35v has 14% and M390 has 20%. scrap yard with the grader blade.” When “maker,” where he hadn’t followed my I explained the above information about advice; but those humorous calls are the Let’s compare the above to heat treating expansion and shearing on contraction, subject of another time. The point is that a billet of 1095. It needs to reach 1475 he said that it described exactly what was to 1500F, held long enough to be Continued on page 5 happening. I admonished him about the Damascus Steel - Part 2 continued from page 4

alternating layers of 15N20 and my 10xx when the billet is red or hotter. It turns steel. I keep the high nickel pieces of the liquid and eats the scale throughout. It’s stack protected on the ends by enclosing also brushed off regularly, as it forms hard them. The higher nickel steels seem to flakes to keep the billet clean. Pieces can pit develop scale a lot faster in the forge. the billet and cause problems. It’s best not When laying up the billet the pieces to let it accumulate, because it can be a bear of steel need to be ground clean of mill to remove. It will harden, harder than a file. scale, rust, crud or corrosion. It’s hard Once the billet is completed, it can be enough to get it to weld up without being forged into a blade. When the billet is handicapped by foreign material that will finished, it’s a good idea to cut off the ends, impede the welding process. normalize, then anneal the billet. Makes Once the billet is heated and soaked all the it a lot easier to work with. Just making way through, it’s removed from the forge; a billet without pattern manipulation is and force is applied, whether a hammer, called random pattern. press, power hammer, rolling mill or Watching “National Living Treasure” and whatever. Once the billet has welded up Master Smith make a billet completely, it’s returned to the forge for of Damascus is a rare treat. He starts up another heat. I generally do two heats to the forge, lays out his tools, including make sure everything is welded up very something that looks like an abacus and tightly; and the edges of the billet are a telescoping pointer. He preps his billet experimentation is great but have an idea squared up. Using a 25 ton press can cause as the forge heats up. It consists of three what you are using. Most stainless found a lot more distortion that a hammer. layers of steel. There is no more than he at scrap yards is 300 series, meaning it’s The billet is drawn out, meaning made needs for the knife to be made. Once the structural and not hardenable. Makes a forge comes up to heat, he puts his billet great wall hanger, though. longer, cut and restacked, then back into the forge for another weld. This is how into it. Back to the practicalities of making layer count is multiplied. If I start with a Being small, the billet comes up to heat pattern welded steel. I’ve mentioned some 13 layer billet, then cut it into three pieces, fairly quickly. Once it’s up to heat, the steels that we use for various things; but restack and reweld, I’ve gone to 39 layers. show begins; and Jerry works like a gerbil specific to pattern welding, composition The process is repeated until the desired on speed. The blade comes out, he welds of the steel is really important. Carbon layer count is achieved. I personally like and draws it out with a power hammer, and manganese create dark layers, nickel a more stark pattern, so I keep the layer cuts it with a hot cuter, folds it, fluxes it and and chrome make bright layers. Chrome count down to around 150 or close to it. puts it back into the forge. Then he takes in small quantities, that is. Most makers That’s just personal preference. I have the pointer and moves over one washer on will use O-1, 1095 or 1084 for the dark gone as high as 640 layers. his “abacus,” meaning one weld. Since layers. W1 or W2 can also be used. the billet is fairly small, it reheats quickly; All are high carbon steels. We mostly During the folding and re-welding process, it is really easy to get off a bit on so it’s a repeat of the first time. Moves use 15N20 or 8670 for the bright layer. another washer. When he hits seven Some traditionalists use 1018 for the cuts and folds. That means it didn’t line up like we thought it would, so that one piece washers, he’s done. That’s 384 layers. He light layer, but it has hardly any carbon then puts the blade in vermiculite to cool and substantially reduces overall carbon is longer than another. That interferes with overall length in the end; but it also and puts his tools away. He has enough content through carbon migration. For for his current project. If he needs more really bright contrasting layers, pure makes a mess of the billet where the fold overlaps, or should, but it doesn’t. As a he does it again. He can make two or three nickel is used. Pure nickel, while hard, billets in a day. isn’t hardenable. It does, however, prevent result, we lose some length and have to carbon migration. It sure is nice looking, trim the ends off when we are done. Next time we’re going to go beyond especially on a hot blued blade. During all this process, there is a problem random pattern and get into pattern manipulation. That’s where the real fun When laying up the billet, I use a piece of with scale. Borax is used to make the scale dissolve. It’s applied during a rising heat begins. And we haven’t even talked 1095 or 1084 to start the billet, then stack about cable Damascus yet. March 2021 all the way back to the 1920s searching “Old Timer” knives. They are virtually Sears Craftsman for Sears or Craftsman knives - I found identical except for the “Craftsman” Knives – just a few… none. I searched 1940s & 50s – I found tang stamp and the shield reading “Old no . My gut says that Sears Crafty” instead of Old Timer. Some Kelly Lane www.KellyLaneKnives.com DID sell pocketknives in the 1960s; “Old Crafty” knives were made and tang Sears began offering pocketknives in however if they did, they were not listed stamped by Ulster (a Schrade company) catalogs long ago. According to the in their catalogs. and by Camillus. My “Old Crafty” is Sears website, their first catalog was 1970s - Not until the 1972 Sears 3-1/4" closed, with Delrin handles, three printed in 1894; and the last catalog was Craftsman catalog did I finally find some carbon steel blades with a tang stamp the 1994 issue. To me, that’s a pretty pocketknives listed, but they didn’t “Craftsman USA 9546.” good run – 100 years in print, and Sears match my knife models. I noticed that A similar Old Crafty #9547 shows up in is still ‘kinda’ alive today. The Sears most knives came with standard nail the 1973 catalog, but it is larger at 4”. “Craftsman” name was used on tools nicks, but in the 1977-78 catalog “long- Then, in 1974 Craftsman knives changed and, in this case, pocketknives. My little pulls” began to show up. Scanning all to 5-digit part numbers, and “Old Crafty” collection of just four Craftsman knives these nice knives in the catalog pages is discontinued from catalogs. Based on were all made in modern times. History: A long-time Sears employee stated that prior to 1940, Sears used brand names such as Sta-Sharp, Dunlap, and Kwik- Kut. The Sta-Sharp was top of the line both in quality and price, Kwik-Kut, being the economy line. Around 1940 the brand name Craftsman was adopted for knives sold by Sears. Based on that information, Craftsman branded knives were not made before WWII. In recent years Sears ran into financial troubles, and the Craftsman name has been sold to Lowes. Today, a quick look at the internet shows Sears no longer sells pocketknives at all, however Lowes does brought back memories of actually that, I’d date my Old Crafty to be around offer two “Craftsman” pocketknives. seeing them when I was a youngster 1972 or so. I wonder if they will be collectible looking at the Sears counters. But Dad White Craftsman – The next knife is someday. never bought me a knife, Mom wouldn’t 2-7/8”, Craftsman #95041, two carbon Research: Since I only have four have approved, only tools. steel blades with a long-pull nail nick, Craftsman knives, I thought I’d better do The Four Knives: “Old Crafty” – this a Sears Craftsman shield and has white some research. Luckily, there are many name is listed in the catalogs from Delrin scales. Finally, I found an exact (but not all) Sears catalog copies online 1972 to 1974. The Old Crafty knife match! – Listed #26 in the 1977-78 that have been scanned and posted for is a “copy” of the famous Schrade catalog. curious people like us. I perused catalogs Continued on page 8 This is the picture of the folding Bowie in Levine's Guide that shows a sketch of this particular pattern of knife.

Sometimes, You Just Know badly worn, rusted or dirty that they on the two “pocketknives” are well continued from page 1 appeared completely unreadable; over twice as thick as the blade on a when they don’t know themselves. nevertheless I bought it because very nice S. C. Wragg Bowie that I In their defense, most folks have I felt that it was a good Sheffield have with a 7-1/2” long blade. These learned that it’s best that they not piece. It came out of Canada with knives weigh nearly 12 ounces clean anything, lest they ruin the a bewildering description, and only apiece! A virtual “pocket axe,” these patina and, consequently, the value. faint indications of where its original knives are surely up to any task. As a result, worn, rusty and dirty tang stamp had been. When I opened True, the knife has been used, abused tang stamps are being translated the package, I had hoped that there and modified a little; but its lineage into some really strange sounding might be enough of a marking to is not in doubt. In all likelihood, names. So how then do we separate give some clue to the maker, but I the same Sheffield ,”little mesters,” the wheat from the chaff? was out of luck. It was a four-line who specialized in this particular stamp, but none of it was readable First off, an adequate library is a pattern, made both knives. This any more. must, because the answer may very was a common practice in that era, well be found there. Coming from a At this point, let’s back up and and the final product would be tang family who loves books, I’m amazed verify that it is, in fact, a Sheffield stamped with the name of the firm at the collectors who don’t see the knife. I laid it alongside my “A. that had ordered them. This would need to buy knife books. There have Davy's, Celebrated American also explain a Congreve of the been some wonderful reference Hunting Knife,” and the two were identical pattern that I know of. books published over the years and, precisely the same knife. Now, A. Did I ever learn who made my knife? frankly, they’re indispensable. Long Davy is a known Sheffield folding The answer is no, but I believe ago, a wise old collector friend told Bowie maker, and there are cosmetic strongly that it was made by the same me, “I never lost money on any differences of course; but the basic craftsman who made my prized “A. book I ever bought; because if I knives are exactly the same. Every Davy's American Hunting Knife” in learned just one thing, it would be pin is in precisely the same place, Sheffield in the 1840s or before. one thing more than the next guy.” and the knives were obviously made Eventually I sold the knife, and That remains, to this day, some of using the same template for the you can see it on display at the the best advice I’ve ever gotten. liners. For those who are unfamiliar with this pattern, let me say that the “Historical Arkansas Museum” in What do we do when the knife A. Davy is shown in a pencil sketch Little Rock; because they think this arrives in the mail, and the stamping in the Folding Bowie section of is a wonderful knife, just like I do. is still completely unrecognizable? Levine’s Guide. It measures a full Even when we can no longer read You won't find the name in a book, 6-1/4” closed, with a 4-5/8” blade; the maker's name or recognize the because there is no name! In my but most significantly the blade and pattern, a good knife is a good knife, case, I bought the stag handled back-spring measure a full 5/16” no matter what, and sometimes you knife shown in the photos on eBay. I thick! These knives are massive! just know. recognized the pattern in the listing; In fact, the blades and back-springs but the tang stamps looked to be so March 2021 Sears Craftsman Knives continued from page 6 In previous decades, catalogs had mostly cost-effective knives, mainly made with Delrin or plastic handles and most with nickel silver bolsters. Then, in the early 1980s, ‟nicer knives” began to appear with laminated wood and even bone handles, fancy blade etches and brass bolsters. Wood ‘peanut’ – This 2-3/4", two stainless blades with half-stops, brass bolsters and liners, laminated wood, tang stamped “Craftsman USA 95236” is possibly made by Camillus. (Catalogs 1983 through 1986 show a similar wood handle knife with brass bolsters, but it is larger #95201.) I bought this knife decades ago unfinished from Ken Largin’s shop at the SMKW. The knife came assembled and peened with unfinished bolsters and handles from a factory. Kelly Lane Knives did the finishing. I date this little wood handle knife to be early 1980s, but I could not down flush with the bolsters, adding a from Craftsman catalogs after 1986. find an exact match. bit of green dye and then re-finishing In the 1993/94 catalog there were no the bone handles to present state. (It more pocketknives listed. Vintage The ‘Green dyed bone’ - This is looked a lot better than the original I Craftsman knives are often available a “trapper type” according to the think.) And, I found the exact model on auction sites and can be found catalog and possibly made by Parker. in the 1985/86 catalog #3. at decent prices. I don’t collect Tang reads “Sears Craftsman Japan “Craftsman” knives in particular, 95155” with an Eagle etch on the main I would say that the 1980s were however I’m happy to have these four blade – Stainless blades with half- the ‘Golden Years’ for Craftsman in my collection. And, after writing stops are clip and a large spay blade. pocketknives, albeit short lived. The this article, I am keeping an eye out Originally, the handle was very ugly 1985/86 catalog actually describes for the next one that might come by. ‟double cut and burnt” bone scales their pocketknives as “Collectible I would love to see OKCA members which was typical of Parker knives. It Utility Knives” and elaborates on share their older Sears / Craftsman was in near mint condition when I got some history and the importance knives too – if you have some, please it. However, Kelly Lane Knives again of man’s first tool. I suspect let me know. got involved grinding the ugly bone pocketknives started to disappear

I went on to join the It Started At The “American Blade Smith OKCA Show Society.” I became a Gary House GTH, ABS, MS journeyman smith. I kept forging knives. I earned my My name is Gary House. The OKCA Master Smith. I am very was my first show as a collector. I bought proud of this. knives from some of today’s familiar It all started at the OKCA makers. Also some makers already Show. I began forging I was able to attend shows from Oregon established: Don Fogg, Wayne Goddard mosaic Damascus with my friend Ed to New York. etc. Schempp in 2000. I then began selling And to think, it all started at the Oregon I began thinking I should try my hand my Damascus to makers and small Knife Collectors Association Show. at knifemaking. I received “Best New factories. Maker” in 2003 at the OKCA Show. Page 8 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 haveads submitted handy (except by a single10 foot member mill stones will unlessbe accepted, carried or to excepted, us by hand) dependent and email on oravailable snail mail space to theand OKCA the mood PO ofBox the 2091 editors. Eugene OR 97402. 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. David Boye Knives are available . Buy, Sell, Blades and knifemaker supplies. for sale. Dan Pfahning. qcutery@ Trade. Also a good selection of Case All blades are ground by Gene yahoo.com or (406)261-4873 knives and many custom knives Martin. I also do custom grinding. For Sale - Mint Randall 50 year for sale or trade. Jim Schick www. See at www.customknife.com, commemorative #257 - Call Jim, nifeboy.com (209)295-5568. contact Gene at @ (562)-716-9857 or email jpitt306@ Wanted : Western Wildlife Series customknife.com or call (541)846- earthlink.net, etched knives as follows: 532 bear, 6755. Custom Leather for 43 years. 532 eagle, 521 eagle, 534 antelope. Eugene 5160 Club: A Club for Horsehide and brass nailed knife Will pay fair price for any. Call knifemakers of all stripes, meeting sheaths. (951)303-4666. Visit Martin at (406)442-2783 leave monthly. Check out our newsletter website mountainmikecustomleather. message. archive to get a feel for the group: com. Knives For Sale: Antique, custom elementalforge.com/5160Club. Sign up for newsletter & meeting Wanted: Sequine Knives that are & factory, pocketknives, folders, reminders by finding us on unusual, such as custom orders, gut fixed blades, , , bowies, Facebook at "5160 Club" and click hooks, or any other unusual models. military, Indian, frontier, primitive the "Newsletter Sign up" tab. Non Please email [email protected] with & ethnic. Other collectibles also. Facebook users can still find us at: a picture attached or call (805)431- Current colored catalog - FREE. facebook.com/5160Club. 2222 and ask for Jack. Northwest Knives & Collectibles (503)362-9045 anytime. Want to Learn to Make a Knife? Loveless Style Sheaths: made The $50 Knife Shop by Wayne to order. Call or text Zac & Sara Wanted: 2012 Case XX USA Goddard is back in print and Buchanan (541)815-2078. medium stockman #6318 PU CV jigged bone w/punch w/signature available from Steve Goddard. Niagra Knife Steels: email of Skip Lawrie. Nuno Sacramento Also has copies of the Wonder [email protected] for (916)682-9305. of Knifemaking. Books are a quote. $25.00 plus shipping. Call Steve For Sale: . Large Wanted: Remington scout/ (541)870-6811 or send an email to consignment list available from with pioneer boys or [email protected] The views and opinions implied or expressed herein by authorsLarry and advertisers Oden. are Typically not necessarily have those of Buck the Oregon Knife Collectors Association, its editors, or its officers; and no highlanderresponsibility for boys such views shield will be or assumed. heroism The OKCA, its officers and its editors assume no responsibility for claims of advertisersUseful for thereference quality of goods books and services on the blades advertiser. provides. The act of mailing or delivering a manuscript or advertisementstandard shall production, constitute an express limited warranty edition, on the part of the contributor that the material is original and in no way an shield.infringement Email upon [email protected] rights of others. The act of mailing or delivering a letter or question to the editor shall constitute permissionCollectible to publish the letter knives, or portion custom thereof unless knives the Oregon Knife Collectors Association is informed otherwise in that letter.BCCI, This Knewslettter Buck Custom is devoted to and the general Yellow interest of the knife community and does not include personal information orsuch phone as births, Jim deaths (562)716-9857. and illness. We also strive to use only material that is directed to the world of cut. Our charter mandates thatand our mailing knifemaking, list of the membership military cannot beknives, sold or used by other than the Oregon Knife CollectorsAssociation. horse models. Email loden402@ Buying OKCA Club knives for my gmail.com or call (765) 244-0614 swords, tools, and anything else personal collection. Looking for the 8AM-8PMOKCA EST. Club that has an edge. Email for a list. Whot-zits & Whos Zits 1998 Wayne Goddard with the wood Quality Blade Books C/O Rick Mosaic pins and lanyard tubes by beaver handle. I would consider Wagner P O Box 41854 Eugene OR Craig Morgan Joshua Hill Sally. See at www.customknife.com,OKCA PO Box 2091 Eugene OR 97402 buyingPresident other (541)345-0152 Club knives and WayneMaster at Arms (503)580-8998 (541)484-556497404 (541)688-6899 or wagner_r@ Dennis Ellingsenemail at [email protected]. GoddardJohn Priest knives. Also looking for Packagespacinfo.com. only to: OKCA - 3003 W. 11th Vice President (541)517-2029 Show Chairman(541)846-6755. (541)484-5564 PMB 172 - Eugene OR 97402 Knewslettter by elayne & dennis SpydercoElayne Ellingsen Kopas. Call or email CopyrightKnife (C) 2013 Laws Oregon on-line Knife Collectors. Federal, Association. state, JordanSec/Tres. (310)386-4928 (541)484-5564 - [email protected] page --- http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/ No partlocal. of this Knewslettter Bernard may Levine be reproduced (541)484- without Club email --- [email protected] permission of the OKCA. Layout and printing com by instaprint0294 - 1208 www.knife-expert.com.. W. 6th - Eugene, OR 97402 - Phone (541)686-8591 MarchMarch 2013 2021 PagePage 79 PRESORTED The Knewslettter FIRST-CLASS MAIL US POSTAGE PAID Oregon Knife Collectors Association EUGENE OR PO Box 2091 PERMIT NO. 17 Eugene, OR 97402

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