Old Rope Knives

[New_Windsor_NY]

My only rope knife, so far.

[Waukonda]

NYK 3 1/4"

[galvanic1882]

Very nice

[JohnR]

Very nice Ike, hard to find.

[galvanic1882]

Here’s a bigger one NYK

[JohnR]

Here’s a bigger one NYK

Very nice Mike, looks similar to the middle size Miller Bros. Can't remember ever seeing a NYK in that size before.

[Waukonda]

Thank you, John. Thanks, Mike, and thanks for showing that larger size. I am not well versed in Rope Knives. I have been going through this thread looking at all the great ones shown.

[peanut740]

Ike

[KAW]

Well.... after going thru this entire thread.... if there is one thing I'd learn.... its there sure is a lot of variety when it comes to rope knives.
I sure love threads such as this one.... its like visiting a rope knife museum. However.... the reason I went thru the entire thread was in hopes of finding some info about a particular knife I have.... but did find the brand here....

I've been told by others that this single blade 4" Ulster Knife Co. with cocobolo wood handle is a farmer's folder or a worn down hawkbill.... but I still get the sense that the blade still keeps its original shape & to me has the looks of a rope knife.... can anyone confirm? As a clue, the blade has the pattern number "1010" stamped on the pile side of the tang.... but I don't have access to any catalogs that list this one. Please help....

This post (& knife) of nearly three years ago, earlier in the thread back on page 13, created a bit of controversy... well I recently picked up another Ulster No 1010 (definitely a hawkbill) that I thought would be in comparison the final conclusion about the first 1010. It ended up only confusing matters more. Despite both knives being stamped "1010" on the pile side, they are obviously not the same knife. The more recent acquisition is larger with the blade sitting much prouder. The pins & their arrangement is different. Even the shape of the handles are different. There is so much of a difference between the two that now I'm wondering how could they both be identified an the 1010 pattern?



P.S. My apologies for the blurriness of the last image

[Waukonda]

Anchors Away!

[peanut740]

Ike,you're about ready to go to sea!

[LongBlade]

Nice collection Ike ... Interesting as you have a Thomaston - about 1-2 years ago I showed one and JohnR as well - prior to this Thomaston was not listed as having made these Sailor's knives and now 3 have appeared ....

[danno50]

Well.... after going thru this entire thread.... if there is one thing I'd learn.... its there sure is a lot of variety when it comes to rope knives.
I sure love threads such as this one.... its like visiting a rope knife museum. However.... the reason I went thru the entire thread was in hopes of finding some info about a particular knife I have.... but did find the brand here....

I've been told by others that this single blade 4" Ulster Knife Co. with cocobolo wood handle is a farmer's folder or a worn down hawkbill.... but I still get the sense that the blade still keeps its original shape & to me has the looks of a rope knife.... can anyone confirm? As a clue, the blade has the pattern number "1010" stamped on the pile side of the tang.... but I don't have access to any catalogs that list this one. Please help....

This post (& knife) of nearly three years ago, earlier in the thread back on page 13, created a bit of controversy... well I recently picked up another Ulster No 1010 (definitely a hawkbill) that I thought would be in comparison the final conclusion about the first 1010. It ended up only confusing matters more. Despite both knives being stamped "1010" on the pile side, they are obviously not the same knife. The more recent acquisition is larger with the blade sitting much prouder. The pins & their arrangement is different. Even the shape of the handles are different. There is so much of a difference between the two that now I'm wondering how could they both be identified an the 1010 pattern?



P.S. My apologies for the blurriness of the last image

Interesting question, Ken. My first guess would be changes in the pattern over time, however, the two knives appear to be from about the same time period?

[danno50]

Great collection of navy knives, Ike! I believe that there is a thread on those, and a list of makers, over on BF.

[KAW]

Dan... I believe they are from about the same era.

What excellent examples of sailor's knives, Ike!
The variety in the appearance of the bone handles among the different manufactures is very interesting.

[1967redrider]

Really gorgeous knives posted here, you guys know how to collect them.

[JohnR]

Anchors Away!

Very nice Ike, they are so hard to find in good condition. As Lee stated the Thomaston is rare, that now makes 4 I know of, mine, yours Lee's and a very beat up one I saw on Ebay a couple months ago. Thomaston was not listed as a maker in Levine's.

[bladecollectorr]

Lots of great old knives in this thread. Thanks for posting!

This one is a display piece but it's still a very functional piece of cutlery. Like a 3-3/8" Schrade 175 "Grafting Knife" but with the "easy-open" cut-out. I think it also qualifies as a rope knife.

Schrade 1985 "Currier & Ives" "Flying Cloud" knife sold by Sears. Aurum etch on mirror polished blade with walnut handles and sterling shield. This was just about the "mintiest" older Schrade I've landed. So very complete in original shipping package.

[Waukonda]

That would look good hanging on anyone's wall, bladecollecter!

Anchors Away!

Very nice Ike, they are so hard to find in good condition. As Lee stated the Thomaston is rare, that now makes 4 I know of, mine, yours Lee's and a very beat up one I saw on Ebay a couple months ago. Thomaston was not listed as a maker in Levine's.

I would have been more than happy to add a Thomaston in any pattern!
Thanks to everyone for your comments, I really appreciate it.

[JohnR]

Going to put this Russell Green River Works stag Navy Knife in this thread also for reference.

[kootenay joe]

WOW x 10 !!
One of The Most Impressive folding knives i have ever seen.
kj

[1967redrider]

Going to put this Russell Green River Works stag Navy Knife in this thread also for reference.

Still has the etch and man is that some amazing stag. Almost reminds me of toffee, and it's just as sweet.

Is that a copper bail and, if so, why did they use copper? I have an old Keen Kutter with a copper bail which is a mystery to me.

[LongBlade]

Is that a copper bail and, if so, why did they use copper? I have an old Keen Kutter with a copper bail which is a mystery to me.

Not sure if they are copper - I believe brass and the bails stood up better in saltwater use ... many such as Miller Bros, Russell and a few others used similar bails of different styles (lanyard rings or bails) that were primarily used at sea...

[doglegg]

JohnR you never cease to amaze! What a great old knife in wonderful condition.

[FRJ]

Fantastic knife, John.

I'm curious about the hole at the bail.