Dog's Head Oddity

[Ridgegrass]

Wondering if anyone has ever seen a Dog Head like this. 4 7/8" closed, nice jigged bone, tang stamped "Union Cut Co. Olean, NY, U.S.A.".
It,s hard to see in the pics but the Dog's Head has the KA-BAR stamped in it.
I've owned it for 35+ years and it was old-looking when I got it. Never seen another with the Dog's Head engraved in the bolster. One common opinion I've gotten is that it could be a "lunchbox" made by an employee. Appreciate any comments.J.O'.

[treefarmer]

I'll start by saying, to AAPK!
Don't have any knowledge of your knife but I'll say I like it! What kind of a blade is on it? If you don't mind, Ridgegrass, post another picture of the whole knife, please sir.
The blade grinding at the tang almost reminds me of the Case knives with the "new grind" that was used a couple of years back in the 80's.
Treefarmer

[edge213]

I'm no help.
I can't wait to see what the experts say.

[Ridgegrass]

Here's a full pic. The first one is deceiving: the grind is straight, not like the Case style. Thanks for the compliment! J.O'.

[treefarmer]

I just looked at one reference book that shows about 150 older Ka-Bar patterns and yours was not among them.
You caught the Ka-Bar name on the dog's head bolster stamp very well in one of the last pictures.
Like edge213 said, we'll wait and see.
I still like it!
Treefarmer

[Mumbleypeg]

I’m not a KABAR expert by any means but that jigging is unlike any I’ve ever seen. I’m thinking it’s a possibly a homemade job.

Ken

[Gunsil]

I heartily agree with Ken. Union never used jigging like that and also the blade doesn't have any nice top grinds or "swedges" as a Union Cut knife would have. Somebody made this up and it wasn't done at the factory. I'd have to call it counterfeit.

[Ridgegrass]

The mystery goes on!

[Hideaway Knives]

That handle goes with the blade perfectly

[zenithman]

Hey Ridgegrass,
Can’t explain the dogs head engraved on the bolster but I will say that the jigging and color on the scales are correct for the period (20’s-early 30’s). I have been collecting Union and KA-BAR for a long time and I have a couple with those same scales. It’s all good.

[chorizotaco]

Hey Ridgegrass,
Can’t explain the dogs head engraved on the bolster but I will say that the jigging and color on the scales are correct for the period (20’s-early 30’s). I have been collecting Union and KA-BAR for a long time and I have a couple with those same scales. It’s all good.

Can you post them? Thanks.

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks ZENITH. Looks like the subject has been reopened. Wonder if we'll ever know? Be cool if another one showed up. J.O'.

[Crappieho]

I’ve searched everywhere and this is the first one I’ve seen similar to this one. Would appreciate any additional information that may have surfaced since it’s been a while since this was posted.

[treefarmer]

Here we go, another has surfaced!
to AAPK, Crappieho.
Treefarmer

[Crappieho]

I’ve been so excited to finally see another one! I think it would be appropriate to call these two Ol’ Dan & Lil’ Ann! (From “Where the Red Fern Grows”)

[eveled]

They both look suspiciously new.

[Crappieho]

[Crappieho]

Ridgegrass and gunsil I was just scanning through eBay checking out the dog pound and ran across this dogs head. The jigging on it is somewhat similar to the ones that myself and ridgegrass had. I must say that something about the dog tang stamp doesn’t look quite right to me but I really don’t know why. Would love to hear either or both of your opinions on it as they are asking close to $500 for it. In the photo I’m attaching it is in the bottom right corner, the other two are mine and ridgegrass’s. Thanks in advance and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[knifeaholic]

Ridgegrass and gunsil I was just scanning through eBay checking out the dog pound and ran across this dogs head. The jigging on it is somewhat similar to the ones that myself and ridgegrass had. I must say that something about the dog tang stamp doesn’t look quite right to me but I really don’t know why. Would love to hear either or both of your opinions on it as they are asking close to $500 for it. In the photo I’m attaching it is in the bottom right corner, the other two are mine and ridgegrass’s. Thanks in advance and HAPPY NEW YEAR!B8CDB8BF-6346-444E-915E-EA6FC645CE41.jpeg

These are all phony pieces of garbage, not even close to any genuine KABAR knives, either vintage or modern.

In regards to the antique pre-1940 KA-BAR dog heads, none were made in small patterns (barlows, jacks, stockmen, 4-1/8" trappers, etc.). All vintage dog head patterns were the large folding hunters, swell centers, "banana" style hunters, and the "Bullet" style jumbo trapper. There were a limited number of patterns and handle materials used for the originals (I don't have a complete list, maybe someone else does).

Yes, some modern dog heads were made in the smaller patterns in the 80's and 90's by Queen and Camillus for the KABAR collectors club and for SMKW, so it is important to know the difference between these and the "real" dog heads.

[Mumbleypeg]

Thank you Steve. As usual you've provided some very useful information.

Crappieho, a good rule of thumb is to pay attention to your "gut feel". If something doesn't seem quite right, best to keep your money in your pocket.

Ken

[Crappieho]

Knifeaholic and Mumblypeg I appreciate both of your responses. I have resigned myself to accepting that my bolster stamp isn’t real. And I wasn’t going to buy the one on eBay. The problem I have is exactly what knifeaholic references, tha I need to be able to know the difference between genuine and fake. I just don’t know how to “know” that. I do get gut feelings but that’s all I’m going on. Wish somebody could tell just a couple of things to look for that would make me “know” for sure. Unfortunately it may just take time and experience and possibly getting burned a couple more times lol. But please know that I really do appreciate everybody that responds to my inquiries. Y’all have all been so kind, even when correcting me. Couldn’t ask for more patient teachers!

[Crappieho]

Ridgegrass and gunsil I was just scanning through eBay checking out the dog pound and ran across this dogs head. The jigging on it is somewhat similar to the ones that myself and ridgegrass had. I must say that something about the dog tang stamp doesn’t look quite right to me but I really don’t know why. Would love to hear either or both of your opinions on it as they are asking close to $500 for it. In the photo I’m attaching it is in the bottom right corner, the other two are mine and ridgegrass’s. Thanks in advance and HAPPY NEW YEAR!B8CDB8BF-6346-444E-915E-EA6FC645CE41.jpeg

These are all phony pieces of garbage, not even close to any genuine KABAR knives, either vintage or modern.

In regards to the antique pre-1940 KA-BAR dog heads, none were made in small patterns (barlows, jacks, stockmen, 4-1/8" trappers, etc.). All vintage dog head patterns were the large folding hunters, swell centers, "banana" style hunters, and the "Bullet" style jumbo trapper. There were a limited number of patterns and handle materials used for the originals (I don't have a complete list, maybe someone else does).

Yes, some modern dog heads were made in the smaller patterns in the 80's and 90's by Queen and Camillus for the KABAR collectors club and for SMKW, so it is important to know the difference between these and the "real" dog heads.

Thank you for your response and I am committing it to memory that most genuine dogs heads will be large patterns. That is good concrete advice that even I can apply to potential future dog purchases! Extremely helpful!

[Mumbleypeg]

Wish somebody could tell just a couple of things to look for that would make me “know” for sure. Unfortunately it may just take time and experience and possibly getting burned a couple more times lol.

I wish there had been a site like this over 50 years ago, but alas no such luck. Back then there were very few reference books either. Fortunately there were knife shows, helpful dealers and fellow collectors willing to “talk knives” and share information. There is no substitute for examining and handling lots of knives. Go to a knife show, or a gun show that has knife dealers. Since you’re interested in older knives, and mainly dog heads, focus on looking and asking about them. Starting out, set a goal to find, and maybe buy, just one authentic old doghead knife. Don’t stop looking (and learning) though. Enjoy the rest of your time there examining and studying older knives. Ask questions. Most dealers (if not busy with a paying customer) and fellow collectors are happy to talk knives. After a while you’ll begin to “know” an authentic HOK (Honest Old Knife) when you see one. Even from a distance. Be patient - it takes time and a lot of looking. But the journey will be worth the trip.

For that “just a couple of things to look for”, read through the educational posts here in the Counterfeit Watch forum. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... m.php?f=17 That will help you learn a few things to avoid!

Ken

[Crappieho]

Thank you for your prompt reply. I’ve already started reading the thread you shared. Happy New Year

[Mumbleypeg]

This list of 2025 knife shows was posted about a month ago by a member on the Case Collectors Club forum. Recommend you do an online search to confirm dates before going to any of them, sometimes things change.

January 31, February 1 & 2 Florida Gator Club Knife Show Lakeland, Florida http://www.rpfundingcenter.com

March 14, 15, & 16 2025 Spring Knife Road Show Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

March Tarheel Cutlery Knife Show Booneville, North Carolina

April Shennodoah Knife Show Harrisonburg, Virginia

April The Big Show in Western Tennessee

May Palmetto Cutlery Show Greer, South Carolina

May Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park Grounds

June 6-8, 2025 Blade Show Atlanta, Georgia https://bladeshow.com/home/

July 18 & 19 Made in Bradford 2025 Bradford, Pennsylvania

August Central Kentucky Knife Club Show Lexington, Kentucky

September Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park Grounds

November Fall Knife Road Show Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

And another good one (it’s a “gun show” but has lots of knives also) http://www.tulsaarmsshow.com/home.html

Hopefully there one or two close enough to you.


Ken