Waltco Saf-T-Sheath knife

[kootenay joe]

Levine's book says this Waltco knife is from "the 1950's". I think 'butterfly' type knives were banned in USA in 1957 which means this knife had a fairly short run.
I would like to know a bit more about the Waltco Saf-T-Sheath knife. Was it wildly popular ? or not at all popular ?
Is there much collector interest in these ? (i have had this one for a long time). Or is it an oddity that is now forgotten ?
Is it legal in USA to sell one of these or to transport across State lines ?
kj

[Mumbleypeg]

Ive never heard of Waltco if that means anything. I recently saw an advertisement from Bear & Sons for a "butterfly" knife they are producing, so that pretty much rules out any federal laws prohibiting their manufacture and distribution.

I am not an attorney nor am I qualified in any way to give anyone legal advice. Having said that, there are very few federal laws governing knives, and those that do exist most likely have to do with inter-state commerce. Specific states have varying laws, and the best resource I am aware of regarding those laws is American Knife and Tool Instutute (AKTI) https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/

On the AKTI web site you'll find not only specific state laws but also any federal laws and information debunking myths such as federal prohibition of switchblades.

Ken

[RobesonsRme.com]

I can remember seeing Waltco knives at every gun show I attended with my Dad in the 50's and 60's.

I've seen them new in the box.

They made more than one version, such as a hunter and a fishing knife with descaler along the spine.

They show up on Ebay occasionally and I think they always sell.

There does seem to be some collector interest.

I'm not sure, but I think there was more than one handle color, but that maroon is pretty much what I see most of the time.

Cannot help you with value, but I suspect not really high unless one turns up mint in a mint box with papers.

Somebody was making a close replica a few years ago, I think. Not intentional, it just reminded me of the Waltcos.

Charlie.

[kootenay joe]

"Somebody was making a close replica a few years ago"
The Hackman 'CIA knife' made in Finland in 1970's looks quite similar.
kj

[knife7knut]

Here are three balisongs that I own;two of which are unmarked but very similar to the original posted one. The main difference between the two red handled ones is one has screws holding the handles on and that one also does not have the detent spring to hold the latch in place but instead relies on pressure against the latch from the handles being spread slightly apart.
The blue handled one is marked"Hemming Fisherman" and uses the spring detent as well as the unusually shaped blade.

[kootenay joe]

Thanks for posting the 3 balisongs. Do you think they were USA made ? We don't see many of these more work-oriented balisongs. Am i correct that they were banned in USA in 1957 along with 'switch-blades' ?
kj

[Tsar Bomba]

Those are all beautiful old examples!

I can't speak to 1957 but I do not believe balisongs are illegal in the U.S. for either purchase or interstate transport in 2017. Otherwise I might be in trouble for accepting a gift from a fellow AAPK member last year. I have not had anyone look at me sideways for carrying a "butterfly knife" yet.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Not really sure we should be calling these "Balisongs". WaltCo did not call them that. And they don't look like Phillipine Balisongs.

Nit picking is my new hobby.

Charlie Noyes

[jerryd6818]

I had one. Got it in a POS roundtable and sent it on to BerryB in this year's POS roundtable so if it has any value, there's two guys that missed out.

[Berryb]

I'm the recipient of Jerry's POS exchange Waltco. Mine has a fish scaler serration on it, unlike the op knife, so it went right into my fishin' tackle collection. I've been collecting fishin' tackle for more than 30 years and it's the only one I have ever seen, so not too common even if not particularly valuable. But I'm certainly tickled to have mine.
Bruce

[jerryd6818]

I'm the recipient of Jerry's POS exchange Waltco. Mine has a fish scaler serration on it, unlike the op knife, so it went right into my fishin' tackle collection. I've been collecting fishin' tackle for more than 30 years and it's the only one I have ever seen, so not too common even if not particularly valuable. But I'm certainly tickled to have mine.
Bruce

Dang, Bruce! And here I thought that Waltco was the runt of the litter.

[kootenay joe]

Quote: "Not really sure we should be calling these "Balisongs". WaltCo did not call them that. And they don't look like Phillipine Balisongs"

I agree ! but it does not look like a "butterfly" either, so what is the correct name for this style of knife ?
I don't think there is a name for this USA made knife pattern.
How about "Handle Flipper" ?
kj

[jerryd6818]

This feller has some. He claims they were made 1930's through 1950's. He calls 'em Hunting & Fishing Knife Balisong Butterfly Knife. What ever you want to call 'em, he's mighty proud of them!!

https://balisongbutterflyknives.com/ind ... _list&m=11

Found one that sold on eBay for $50.

[wazu013]

Here's a quote from Gollick back in 2001. He's pretty much an expert on anything balisong or butterfly.
.
"The Waltco Saf-T-Sheath is, to my knowledge, the second example of an American-Made balisong. They were made by Waltco Products between about 1910 and 1920. (The Hemming Brothers Cutlery Woodsman was the first beginning production in 1908). I have several examples of each, of course, given my love of old and historic balisongs"
"All of my Waltcos have their celluloid in prefect condition (expect for minor scratches etc, which are to be expected of pieces of such age) except for minor shrinkage which is typical of celluloid of this age."

[btrwtr]

I find it hard to believe these knives are are any older than the 50's. I consider them more of a novelty but I do like novel items.

It seems logical that the all metal handle Hemming knives were made in the Eagle Knife Co., New Haven factory which is given dates of c. 1916-1919 by Goins.

I wonder how these Waltco knives were marketed and although I don't know I would guess that sales through back of magazines ads would have been a likely outlet.

[wazu013]

I think Gollick's point was they started making them somewhere between 1910 and 1920. I've seen several of them listed as made in the 40's-50's.

[kootenay joe]

The link to the balisong site provided by Jerry, shows the same profile Waltco Balisong as mine:
Vintage 1950's Waltco SAF-T-SHEATH Red Outdoor Pocket Balisong Butterfly Knife
SKU: WALTCO-SAF-T-SHEATH-BOX-40
List Price: $999.99
Your Price: $699.99

$700 ! but that is new with box.
Special Deal ! Mine for $200
kj

[btrwtr]

It seems that Waltco was indeed a seller though the back of magazines ads from 1949 till the late 1950's. Novelty items that included some rather strange design fishing poles. Think RONCO.

In 1949 you could choose between the Woodsman and Fisherman model for $2.95. I see no relation between the earlier Hemming knives and the Waltco knives other than design similarities.

I believe any of the dates given that are earlier than the later 40's for these Waltco knives are erroneous. I also would think the handles may not be celluloid but modern plastic.

[knife7knut]

This feller has some. He claims they were made 1930's through 1950's. He calls 'em Hunting & Fishing Knife Balisong Butterfly Knife. What ever you want to call 'em, he's mighty proud of them!!
.

At the prices he is asking for them he will likely be proud of them for many years to come!

[RobesonsRme.com]

WaltCo or somebody using that name is still offering knives. I saw a Leatherman type multiblade on the net yesterday while researching this topic.

Charlie