Henry Kaufmann

[suhail]

I bought this pocket knife today at a flea market here in Malaysia. I would like to know it's approximate year and whether it's worth replacing the blades.

[kootenay joe]

Welcome to AAPK.
Your knife is an older German made advertising knife. Perhaps Henry Kaufmann was a distributor of goods to the 'Far East' as names like Singapore & Bangkock are on the handle.
Not very valuable even in perfect condition.
kj

[rangerbluedog]

I don't know much about them, but the maker is Heinrich Kaufmann & Sons in Solingen Germany.
Founded in 1856, but not registered in Solingen until 1928. Originally, their focus was on exporting metalware to the East and West Indies.
Kaufmann closed in 1995.
They were the original makers of the "Black Cat" knives that were so popular with soldiers in World War 1. You can see the "K 55 K" (Mercator) logo on the handle of your knife. I think that probably means your knife was made after the black cat knives were introduced.
The Mercator black cat knives are now made by a company called DOVO.
All this information comes from the book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, by Anthony Carter.
It doesn't tighten the age down much, but I would guess your knife was made sometime between the 1920s and 1980s.

[rangerbluedog]

Here's a pic of a black cat knife. Note the K55K logo.

[knife7knut]

I would think it is worth restoring if you collect metal handled advertising knives. How bad are the blades? Can you show a picture of the knife with the blades open?

[suhail]

ok... here's the knife with both blades open

[rangerbluedog]

Beautiful! I wouldn't change a thing!

[Doc B]

I agree, on not changing anything. The blade have a real history to them!