All About Pocket Knives

Could anyone possibly identify the maker of this early spur saw knife? Unfortunately it appears there was either no tang stamp or it is worn completely away. Will probably have it restored. Thank you!

58Chevy,
Well, you are having a hard time getting a response to your question. I thought sure someone would come along who really had an answer. I am not the one with an answer but I can tell you I have seen quite a few of these over the years and many did not have a tang stamp.
I have heard it opined that since cock fighting was illegal in many, or maybe most, states that the maker just wished to remain anonymous. I was never quite convinced of that but I had nothing better to offer.
Wish I had more for you.

Ray

One thing that stands out is the steel pins which are typical of German made knives so your knife may well have been made in Germany. I also think the saw blade has been replaced with a piece of modern coping saw blade, it is way too wide for a spur saw and also looks like a metal saw blade (hacksaw) with the ripples evident. I don't subscribe to the theory that they may be unmarked because of cock fighting being illegal since when most of these were made there were no laws against cock fighting.

I've also heard they have a legitimate use for veterinarians, breaders and farmers. Even if they were used illegally, having a saw on a knife was not illegal.

I'm just curious--if this were your knife, how would you approach restoration? I'm thinking green bone handles, but without a tang stamp, I'm kind of lost about how to handle the secondary blade. I would likely rather just find a good secondary blade without a tang stamp (I wouldn't want the knife to mislead anyone in the future) unless I can nail down who might have made the knife.

Queen recently made a special order,not long before closing of cock spur knives for someone.Seen a few on Ebay recently.

Guys,
Let me ask this,,, why would a saw like this be better than cutting the spur with a clipper like might be used on dog toe nails? What about a pair of dykes or such? Clearly, I have no experience is such matters but I have wondered what the pluses and minuses might be.

Ray

Good question Ray! I think I’ve about decided to just go with classic style green bone handles and a non-stamped secondary blade. Unless I can mail down the manufacturer, I wouldn’t want the knife to mislead someone in the future.