A big, old whittler

[dcgm4]

Here's a recent find that I was really psyched to get. It's an ivory whittler made by Samuel Jackson of Baltimore. It dates between 1833 and 1870. Jackson made all types of cutlery but was mainly known for surgical tools and bowie knives. This is the largest antique whittler I've ever owned. It measures 5 3/8 inches closed. With the master blade open it measures 10 1/4 inches. In the sixth picture you'll see that the backspring is 1/4 of an inch wide. It has a lift front opening lock. The backspring is the lockbar. I've also posted a link that shows an ivory folding dirk by Samuel Jackson. I tell ya, they don't make 'em like this anymore!

http://www.americanbladesmith.com/index ... ews_id=117

[Iron Hoarder]

A true Gem. I have an old Sheffield lock back whittler out getting a rebuild right now. All three blades were gone but what a body. Not as big as that darling of yours though.

[FRJ]

What a beautiful knife, Dave. I think the size is terrific. Lucky you.

[edgy46]

WOW A true split backspring. Great find

[tjmurphy]

Man, that is slick. I really like that. Congratulations

[knife7knut]

In my nearly 6 decades of collecting knives I have NEVER seen a split back spring whittler.What a beauty!!!!!!!!! Thank you for posting it.

[Miller Bro's]

I have NEVER seen a split back spring whittler.

That is not what I would call a true split back whittler. It looks more like the back spring was channeled out to make the two springs for the pen blades off the main spring.

Nice looking old knife and a great find

[dcgm4]

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone.

IH, when that lock back whittler is finished please post pics of it. I'd love to see how it turns out.

[knifegirl888]

This is fantastic. I love to see old rare knives like that. You are a very lucky guy!

[Joe Dirt]

What a spring!

GREAT knife! Love it!

.... Joe

[RobesonsRme.com]

Beautiful knife.
What a great find.
Congratulations on that one.
Charlie Noyes

[glennbad]

That is a substantial blade and tang!

Thanks for sharing it.

Glenn

[dcgm4]

Thanks, everyone. I love the knife but it's seems to have sparked an intense interest in early American cutlers in me. I don't think I can afford to start yet another collection!

[galvanic1882]

That is one fantastic knife!!!! Not sure what you collect but that knife is a collection!!

[dcgm4]

Thanks a lot, galvanic1882. Currently I collect New Jersey and Virginia knives, old books by my favorite authors, and old and unusual fishing gear. But after getting this whittler I really want to expand into early American cutlers. This knife is certainly one of the crown jewels of my collection.

[philco]

Dave that one would be the crown jewell for most of our collections.

Fantastic piece of cutlery history! Congratulations.


Phil

[dcgm4]

Thanks, Phil.