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Tool Talk => Collector's Forum => Topic started by: J-sews on January 16, 2014, 10:22:51 PM

Title: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: J-sews on January 16, 2014, 10:22:51 PM
Here are a few folding scissor tools of mine. These are actually "newer" ones, dating from the 1930's - 1950's. They have a coil spring located between the scissor jaws. There are even older models that use the backspring of the handle instead of a coil spring.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatenta_zpsf5b299d8.jpg)




The handles fold up in a butterfly style, much like many modern multitools. The knife and file blades are outside-opening.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatentb_zps26f0bda7.jpg)



I've found them in two sizes. By far the majority are like the one shown below and measure about 2-1/4 inches (57mm) when closed.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatentc_zps3a710887.jpg)



A small catch on the end unlocks the handles, then it just opens up like so:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatentd_zpsb4a36170.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatente_zps85e0792a.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatentf_zps5a4a854f.jpg)


The one above is marked BONSA, which was a cutlery firm in Germany. It has scales made from a hard, polished, fiber material. The one below is marked PATENT and has a clover leaf logo. It has scales made from striped plastic.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatentg_zps59b5b381.jpg)



This larger one measures 3-1/4 inches (83mm) when closed. I've only ever seen two of them. Scales are red plastic, liners and pins are brass. It too is marked PATENT and has the clover leaf logo.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/BonsaPatenth_zps8b9caa26.jpg)



The only relevant U.S. patent I've found dates from 1907. It was filed by Friedrich Klever of Solingen Germany, which not coincidentally was the center of the German knife-making industry. *Note that this very patent was the one Tim Leatherman made reference to when filing for his original 1983 patent.*

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Scissors/scissorpatent1_zpsc202ebf1.jpg)
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2014, 10:37:03 PM
 :drool: Why does no one produce beauties like this anymore. :salute: :tu:
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2014, 11:04:12 PM
Actually did you see these:
(http://s020.radikal.ru/i705/1401/c2/10e4169c5d0b.jpg)

Russian article about ... (http://forum.multitool.org/general-tool-discussion/russian-article-about-the-prospects-of-a-tool/msg830124/#new)
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: J-sews on January 16, 2014, 11:36:45 PM
Yeah, I just saw those! :o Wow, pretty neat aren't they! :tu:
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: Ray S on January 17, 2014, 12:34:07 AM
Although these don't really fold I thought the members might enjoy seeing them.Made by Joseph Rodgers & Sons before 1900 the unique aspect of these is that one entire side;including the liners,bolsters,and scissor blade is made in one piece! The backspring and the blades,tension spring and ivory scales are separate.To give you an idea of the scale the knife blades are 1 inch(25.4mm)long.
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: J-sews on January 17, 2014, 12:47:01 AM
And the blades fold outwards from the side. :tu: Wow, isn't it neat how there are so many different ways to arrange blades to fold out of a scissor/plier type tool? :)
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: Yadda on January 17, 2014, 05:26:19 AM
Sweet tools!
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: WWW on January 17, 2014, 04:35:02 PM
  Really sweet tools, and interesting as well. 1930's and they already had outside opening tools hun!
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: Zed on January 17, 2014, 05:08:01 PM
Very cool bob  :salute: like a vintage s4  :D
Title: Re: Vintage scissor multitools
Post by: J-sews on January 18, 2014, 03:32:29 AM
Yeah, and there's probably a version out there with a thumbhole in the blade and a liner lock! :D