All About Pocket Knives

Thank you Garry! It was you and Mark(SSk)that said you doubted this was an OSS weapon when I posted it under "Fixed Blades", and since your opinion hasn't changed, I'm goin' with you, because to make that statement you obviously know what knives would have been issued to OSS agents, and this isn't one of them. The handle is indeed a solid quality piece of steel, and the removable ears are a pretty cool feature. Regardless of it's origins and use, I'd sure be comfortable having it in my boot! Thx again for lookin' and commenting!

Please do not consider my opinion definitive. I do not know all the weapons the OSS might have used. But I have some familiarity with the type of missions they typically performed and this extra long-bladed dagger would have been inappropriate.

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:35 pm Please do not consider my opinion definitive. I do not know all the weapons the OSS might have used. But I have some familiarity with the type of missions they typically performed and this extra long-bladed dagger would have been inappropriate.

I understand Garry. I just meant that you have far more knowledge than I regarding which weapons would have been used or issued, so I would go with your information before I'd go with the seller's. It's all good!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:11 pm As promised, I have another dagger to accompany me today! This knife was built-in and shipped from Poland, and was described as an OSS weapon, although, there has been much discussion regarding the validity of that description. Some say "yes", some say "too big ", so I'll leave it to you to decide. It's 11" oal/1-piece brushed SS body and blade, knurled handle with ring accents, and removable "ears" as seen in the 2nd picture. Has a comfortable weight of about 8 oz.'s, and the tri-sided blade is completely dull due to this being a stabbing weapon as opposed to a cutting one. Came with a quality black leather boot sheath, and is totally unmarked. I thought it was cool, so I bought it! 8)WIN_20210305_13_54_12_Pro.jpgWIN_20210305_13_54_56_Pro.jpg

You must be feeding them things Steroids up there , Dang !
Like the removable “ears “ as you call them

Thanks J.P.! I got use to calling the finger-guards on stilettos "ears", because it seemed a good way to describe them and it's carried over to other knives.

Madmarco wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:11 pm As promised, I have another dagger to accompany me today! This knife was built-in and shipped from Poland, and was described as an OSS weapon, although, there has been much discussion regarding the validity of that description. Some say "yes", some say "too big ", so I'll leave it to you to decide. It's 11" oal/1-piece brushed SS body and blade, knurled handle with ring accents, and removable "ears" as seen in the 2nd picture. Has a comfortable weight of about 8 oz.'s, and the tri-sided blade is completely dull due to this being a stabbing weapon as opposed to a cutting one. Came with a quality black leather boot sheath, and is totally unmarked. I thought it was cool, so I bought it! 8)WIN_20210305_13_54_12_Pro.jpgWIN_20210305_13_54_56_Pro.jpg

Around these parts we call that a toad stabber!

That sounds as good as any Sam!

I showed this dagger a couple pages back in a comparison with it's little brother folding model, but it's such a nice knife that it deserves a day of it's own, and today's that day! This is a Will & Finck 11 1/4" oal "Horsehead" dagger that has a full tang mirror polished dual-edged SS dagger blade, ornately engraved NS bolsters, brass pins, dark chocolate ringed micarta covers, and a lanyard hole. I can only guesstimate the weight at between 10-12 oz.'s, and both edges sharp. Came with a quality brown leather sheath with a boot-clip. It bears a W & F/S.F. CAL tang stamp, and was built in Japan. Definitely one of my favorites!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Sat Mar 06, 2021 7:58 pm I showed this dagger a couple pages back in a comparison with it's little brother folding model, but it's such a nice knife that it deserves a day of it's own, and today's that day! This is a Will & Finck 11 1/4" oal "Horsehead" dagger that has a full tang mirror polished dual-edged SS dagger blade, ornately engraved NS bolsters, brass pins, dark chocolate ringed micarta covers, and a lanyard hole. I can only guesstimate the weight at between 10-12 oz.'s, and both edges sharp. Came with a quality brown leather sheath with a boot-clip. It bears a W & F/S.F. CAL tang stamp, and was built in Japan. Definitely one of my favorites! 8)WIN_20210306_13_05_17_Pro.jpg

Nice Dagger Marc. With the black handles & Horse Head Pommel, it would almost look like something Paladin of the TV Series "Have Gun Will Travel" would carry. Classy looking fixed blade.

Thanks Smitty! You know, I had that exact thought the first time I saw this knife. "Have Gun Will Travel" was my all-time favorite show as a kid, that and "Bonanza" every Sunday night! Good ole Richard Boone and Lorne Green! They don't make em' like that anymore!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 1:19 am Thanks Smitty! You know, I had that exact thought the first time I saw this knife. "Have Gun Will Travel" was my all-time favorite show as a kid, that and "Bonanza" every Sunday night! Good ole Richard Boone and Lorne Green! They don't make em' like that anymore!

Yesir mate, they certainly don't.


P.S. Bonanza is my all time favorite TV show, Leave it to Beaver is close second.
And no matter how campy it twas, Mr.Greens acting was stellar in Battlestar, as always.

Well, staying with the dagger theme, I have this one today as my comfort knife! It's a Gil Hibben "Silver Shadow 2", which I believe is somewhat longer and slimmer than the "SS 1", and is 12 3/4" oal/SS mirror-polished dual-edged dagger blade with extended ricasso, solid SS mirror-polished hilt and pointed pommel/glass breaker, and wire-wrapped handle. Weighs a respectable 8 oz.'s, and came with both edges sharp. It bears G/H and United Cutlery markings. This was, and remains one of my favorite knives!

Although their fantasy knives do not appeal to me, United's other patterns, like yours, are very well done.

I wholeheartedly agree Garry. I really don't care for all those weird shaped so-called knives with equally weird names like "Screamin' Scimitar", "Night Stalker" etc., but most of U/C's Gil Hibben knives are much more traditional and down to earth. They are what I'd call "Art" knives, but totally functional if so desired.

Here ya' go Marco. I have some Sheffield /Schrade traditional scrimshaw comfort for you.

Сotssey wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 11:22 am Super nice, thanks for sharing.

Thanks Cotssey! I appreciate you looking and commenting. Please feel free to post pics of any or all of your pieces, the more the merrier! I see you're in Scotland, and I'm 1/2 Scottish from my Mom's side, so that makes us brothers in arms! BTW, to AAPK, it's good to have you here!

toomanyknives wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:13 pm Here ya' go Marco. I have some Sheffield /Schrade traditional scrimshaw comfort for you. IMG_0002 (18).JPG

Beautiful traditional knife TMK! Looks solid and like it would take anything you throw at her! And the scrim is just a bonus! Thanks for showing us!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 7:24 pm

toomanyknives wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 5:13 pm Here ya' go Marco. I have some Sheffield /Schrade traditional scrimshaw comfort for you. IMG_0002 (18).JPG

Beautiful traditional knife TMK! Looks solid and like it would take anything you throw at her! And the scrim is just a bonus! Thanks for showing us!

Thanks Marco. It's a pretty knife that feels good in the hand.

Guess what guys, I have another dagger to post today, big surprise huh! This is a United Cutlery Gil Hibben Western Boot Dagger, and it measures exactly 11" oal/full tang SS modified bayonet blade with solid brass spine-guard, solid SS finger-guards and pommel, and Walnut handle with beautiful grain pattern and black n' gold pin-stripping. I'm gonna guess the weight at about 8 oz.'s, and the edge came razor-sharp. A very nice black-leather boot sheath was also supplied. Bears the usual U/C and G/H markings. I owned this knife's big brother prior to purchasing this one, and it's built identically, albeit 17 1/2" oal. This is one solid knife that would be equally at home being out in the bush, as it would performing chores around the campground! Made in China, but they sure got it right!

17"and 1/2" is more like a sword isn't it. I can vision Conan loping off heads with it now.

Marco, when you have some time one day, kindly describe or send a photo showing us how you store your many beautiful knives. Just curious how you handle larger knives. Thanks.

samb1955 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 11:16 pm 17"and 1/2" is more like a sword isn't it. I can vision Conan loping off heads with it now.

Yes, it is a beast Sam! I think this would chop down a small tree if necessary!

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 11:28 pm Marco, when you have some time one day, kindly describe or send a photo showing us how you store your many beautiful knives. Just curious how you handle larger knives. Thanks.

I apologize for the poor picture quality Garry, but the only camera I have is the one built into my laptop, so I positioned it as best I could and snapped the shots. The knives on the wall are sitting in expandable plastic-coated wall-hangers, and the knives on the top of the shelf in the dark area are in 5-slot plexiglass stands. I've been giving some thought to finding a different display for ALL my knives, because as they are they collect a lot of dust, plus, it would look more professional. I have all the sheaths stored away in a plastic carrier tub. As usual, if you click-on the picture twice it'll expand so you can see better.

That was a very fast reply Marco. I think each knife hanging independently is unique. It certainly enables high visibility and easy access. I suppose some people would balk at using so much wall space, but that wouldn't be me.

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:13 am That was a very fast reply Marco. I think each knife hanging independently is unique. It certainly enables high visibility and easy access. I suppose some people would balk at using so much wall space, but that wouldn't be me.

I live in a studio apartment, and where you see the darker area in my bottom picture is the bedroom with 1/2 walls, and the rest of the room is my small living room with attached kitchen, but since I'm always in the living room in front of the TV I just turned it into my "Man Cave", so my knives taking up all that wall space was part of the plan. The wall with the knives is one of the 1/2 walls, and since there are 3 other full-size walls to accommodate pictures or other wall hangings, I find I have plenty of wall space, and as you said, my knives are easily seen by anyone who enters the room, and provide easy access for me. Hope this helps you understand my thinking on the matter!