Thread: Vintage Penknives

I think penknives are one of those items where the quality hasn't really changed too much if at all imo, as long as you're buying a reputable brand, Case, GEC, Schieper, Boker (German made) etc. You get people on the knife forums who make it out like none of the vintage knives ever had gaps in the liners and the scales always felt flush with the bolsters but that's just as much nonsense if you've ever handled a lot of old knives or just perused antique stores.

Originally Posted by thp001

I think penknives are one of those items where the quality hasn't really changed too much if at all imo, as long as you're buying a reputable brand, Case, GEC, Schieper, Boker (German made) etc. You get people on the knife forums who make it out like none of the vintage knives ever had gaps in the liners and the scales always felt flush with the bolsters but that's just as much nonsense if you've ever handled a lot of old knives or just perused antique stores.

I do have one modern knife a CJRB Ria which i gave some nice Ox horn scales and it does seem like it has no soul although that could be because it is a cheap one?
What i do like about the vintage penknives is that they have a connection to straight razors , all your favorite makers

I was trying to figure out who this guy was on the knife below.. Without being racist i can only think of Muhammad Ali or Malcom X? I do know the style is that of a Barlow knife..

Originally Posted by JOB15

and it does seem like it has no soul

I don't think we're all in this "hobby" (cringe) because we have this complete rational reason. I know for me personally that a kind of nostalgia played and still plays a part in why I shave, either with a straight or a DE on occasion. As far as soul goes after having a fair few old razors go through my hands I don't really get that kind of feeling anymore, or at least I know it's just my own imagining in a sense. Would my grandfather or great grandfather have thought the knives or razors they were buying new at the time had soul? I think our perceptions of these things actually say more about the present than the past, that maybe we've taken a wrong turn. Too much to go into here so I'll leave it at that.

Originally Posted by thp001

I don't think we're all in this "hobby" (cringe) because we have this complete rational reason. I know for me personally that a kind of nostalgia played and still plays a part in why I shave, either with a straight or a DE on occasion. As far as soul goes after having a fair few old razors go through my hands I don't really get that kind of feeling anymore, or at least I know it's just my own imagining in a sense. Would my grandfather or great grandfather have thought the knives or razors they were buying new at the time had soul? I think our perceptions of these things actually say more about the present than the past, that maybe we've taken a wrong turn. Too much to go into here so I'll leave it at that.

The CJRB feels like a few flat pieces of metal sandwiched together and it is uninspiring , could be that it is just the feel of a low cost knife? I do not have much experience with knives although i am now finding an interest.

The vintage Sheffield penknives have a feel in the hand and because they are worn they have a history, their past owners have lived and died with complex lives and stories. Then there is a makers mark by known razor makers and i love old straights..
That is why i make the no soul comment
Cheers

Sleepless Nights are over

I found a makers mark on the tang Bennett & Heron This meant that the wording on the blade was not a maker but instead a phrase.
I showed this to my Mother who knows about old stuff and her family name is Bennett. When i mentioned that the shape of the blade was called a Lambs Foot she pointed out the word Lamb on the knife.

The wording reads "Real Lambs Foot" Mystery solved..I should have been a detective with my mother as a side kick

Thank goodness for mums aye.

Probably a young Nelson Mandela. He boxed in his youth and was portrayed as a fighter, the shirtless pose.

Originally Posted by JOB15

Sleepless Nights are over

I found a makers mark on the tang Bennett & Heron This meant that the wording on the blade was not a maker but instead a phrase.
I showed this to my Mother who knows about old stuff and her family name is Bennett. When i mentioned that the shape of the blade was called a Lambs Foot she pointed out the word Lamb on the knife.

The wording reads "Real Lambs Foot" Mystery solved..I should have been a detective with my mother as a side kick :

I believe this side of the pond they are referred to as "Sheepsfoot" blades. Most of the folding rigging knives I have seen are that style blade. I guess it is a little harder to stab yourself when doing rope work.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I believe this side of the pond they are referred to as "Sheepsfoot" blades. Most of the folding rigging knives I have seen are that style blade. I guess it is a little harder to stab yourself when doing rope work.

Bob

The have Sheeps foot and Lambs foot.. The Sheeps are a larger more curvier version .Medics favour them to cut away clothing without stabbing the patient..Mine or most also have a Swage or Swedge..Tapered top , toe end. More lingo

Finished up this Lambs Foot today..It took some effort but i learnt untold.. I will use these types of penknives to practice my spine work on.. This spine is a bit of a mess but it was a first attempt and again i learnt a lot..
The scales are Ox Horn.. The originals were Bone pretending to be Stag and worth re using but i have spare Ox which is not suitable for straights ..

The blade face went Satin but everything else is polished, even the spine..I have yet to put an edge on it ..Cheers