Help identifying old British traditional knives

chip · **on:** April 16, 2024, 10:54:22 PM

I am hoping to attend as many bootsales and second hand shops as I can in the hope of finding some good old traditional knives.
I am hoping to not pay a lot for each knife as I am not knowledgeable enough to recognise the wheat from the chaff.
So can anyone please recommend the names of some good traditional knife makers to look out for, either still in business or long gone.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

IMR4198 · **Reply #1 on:** April 16, 2024, 11:01:11 PM

High quality knives look and feel like high quality knives. Rather than memorizing a list of names, maybe you should trust your eyes and hands. I think you can make the right choices and strike a deal on the spot. Best wishes. G

chip · **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2024, 11:18:52 PM

Thanks I think (hopefully) I know a little to recognise a well made knife. But as not having a lot of disposable cash I will have to limit my spending, as as much as I would love to buy anything and everything that took my fancy . as the great Kenny Roger’s said, you got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away. And I would not want to walk away from what is a rarer or more sort after knife because the seller wanted a couple of pounds more than I decided was my limit.

SteveC · **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2024, 12:39:14 AM

For British makers there are a few that come to mind. George Wostenholm I*XL, Joseph Rodgers, Taylors Eye Witness, Lockwood Brothers, Albert Oates.

chip · **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2024, 01:35:05 AM

Thanks Steve,

I am also keeping an eye out for any books on pocket knives in charity shops as secondhand knife books seem to cost a tidy sum too from book dealers. I’m guessing because they probably had small print runs.

David · **Reply #5 on:** **Today** at 05:07:41 AM

Thomas Turner, W Saynor, C Johnson, William Rodgers, Venture by H M Slater, Needham, Wade and Butcher, Ibberson, Harrison Brothers and Howson, are some more to keep an eye out for. W Saynor pruners usually bring good money. Unless the seller doesn't know what they have.

David · **Reply #6 on:** **Today** at 05:34:54 AM

Quote from: chip on April 17, 2024, 01:35:05 AM

I am also keeping an eye out for any books on pocket knives in charity shops as secondhand knife books seem to cost a tidy sum too from book dealers. I’m guessing because they probably had small print runs.

If you can find a copy of this book it would be worth your effort to get it. It's a great book on Sheffield Cutlery

Gareth · **Reply #7 on:** **Today** at 01:26:06 PM

Richards is a name you'll come across most often. Lets call them...made to a budget.

If you like one then absolutely buy it, but don't pay a lot.

Everything else I would look at on a case by case basis. Condition matters a lot. The finest Thomas Turner that is basically broken isn't worth much of anything, but if it's just a bit grubby or scuffed then it might be a hidden gem.