10 Vintage Pocketknives from Forgotten Brands Bringing Big Money
In the world of knife collecting, there is a surprising trend emerging around old pocketknives from brands that have long been forgotten. These knives, once commonplace tools, are now fetching impressive prices at auctions and among collectors. Many of these brands faded into obscurity, but their products remain prized for their craftsmanship and the rich history they carry. Whether it’s the unique designs, rare materials, or the simple nostalgia they evoke, these pocketknives have become valuable relics of a bygone era.
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E C Simmons Keen Kutter blade Pocket Knife
This pocket knife bearing the Keen Kutter blade name was once a simple utility tool but now draws keen interest from collectors. The steel blade remains surprisingly sturdy on well‑preserved examples, and the handle shows the kind of age only decades can bring.
Many of these knives show wear from years of use yet that wear tells a story about daily tasks and rugged carry. When a knife retains a clean blade edge and clear Keen Kutter stamping its value rises significantly. A knife in respectable condition can go for around $350. If the metal shows no rust and the handle remains solid the price can climb to about $500.
Stag USA Case XX
This folder produced under the Case XX name with stag horn scales offers a striking contrast between aged bone texture and polished steel. The stag scales often develop a deep rich patina after years of handling which many collectors find appealing.
The tang stamp and blade shape reflect period styling that speaks to a time when production was smaller scale. Well‑kept knives with readable markings and minimal wear draw interest among enthusiasts of older American cutlery. Typical sales for a clean example hover near $450. Rare pieces in nearly untouched condition have sold close to $600.
W.R Case & Sons Bradford Three Blade Pocket Knife
This Bradford three blade knife from W.R Case & Sons features a design that carried practical use across generations. The three blades offer versatility and collectors appreciate the balance between handle and blade length that reflects traditional workmanship. Many surviving knives show wear on the bolsters or minor blade sharpening but still hold charm for those who value authenticity.
An example that keeps all blades intact and retains good handle condition currently trades around $400. When the knife has clear stamping and minimal restoration some examples reach roughly $550.
Case XX 6217 Loomfixer Pocket Knife
The 6217 Loomfixer from Case XX stands out because of its compact size and functional feel. Its slender profile and simple handle made it an everyday carry tool decades ago. Many have lost some finish or show slight blade wear yet that lends character when the shape and proportions remain true.
Among collectors a piece in fair shape often sells for around $375. A specimen with sharp blade, clean finish and no signs of repair can fetch about $500. This knife tends to draw attention for its understated presence and durability over time.
Jack Ben Equal end Cattle Knife
This old cattle knife carries rugged heritage deriving from farm and ranch chores rather than show. Its heavy duty blade and full tang handle reflect a design meant for real work. Knives of this type often bear marks consistent with decades of cutting rope leather or wood making each scratch part of its tale.
When a blade remains solid and the handle stays sturdy despite its age its appeal grows among collectors who value utility turned collectible. A well kept knife of this type currently trades around $300. Clean examples with minimal wear across all parts have sold near $420.
Redbone Case XX knife
This Redbone variation under the Case XX label features warm wood scales and a blade profile that suggests careful shaping. The wood handle often ages to a deep tone that contrasts nicely with polished steel creating a pleasing visual effect. Many surviving pieces show mild wear or scuffs yet still retain original proportions pointing to careful use.
Collectors prize specimens where the blade remains intact and handle shows rich grain texture. A knife in decent shape trades for about $425. Those with sharp blade and minimal handle blemish have reached around $575 in sales.
Maher and Grosh Knife
The knife from Maher and Grosh stands out for its simple yet purposeful design that seems to belong to a bygone quiet workshop. Its blade and handle proportions reflect practical intention rather than flash causing many to overlook it until recently.
Surviving examples are rare and often show signs of everyday use which gives each one a unique story. When metal remains clean and handle remains solid despite age such knives draw collectors searching for hidden gems. A model with honest wear but intact structure currently trades for around $320. Exceptional pieces where age shows respectfully and parts remain original can reach near $480.
Weidmannsheil Solingen Germany Stag Knife
This Solingen made stag knife bearing the Weidmannsheil mark carries European origin and old world quality that appeals strongly to serious collectors. The stag handle scales age into a deep rich hue while the blade often retains fine geometry reflecting skilled forging typical of Solingen makers of the era.
Many of these knives were kept in toolboxes or hunting kits and some survived decades of heavy use. When a knife emerges in clean condition with clear marking and sharp blade its value is noticeably high. Common selling price for a sound example sits around $600. Rare specimens in near perfect condition have fetched up to $900.
Remington 1988 Muskrat Bullet Knife
This 1988 Muskrat Bullet knife from Remington carries nostalgia for a time when pocketknives were everyday tools rather than collectibles. It has a compact shape with a dependable blade that served many owners through decades of light tasks. The handle and blade often show minor wear but some examples have been preserved carefully which heightens their desirability.
A knife in fair to good condition tends to trade around $250. If plating and handle remain intact without heavy wear a sale around $380 has been recorded. Collectors favor those that still feel solid and retain original sheen where possible.
Camillus Bone Pocket Knife
This knife made by Camillus dates back to 1930s which places it among the oldest blades a collector might find. Many of these knives have passed through many hands making well preserved examples extremely rare.
When a knife survives with blade intact and handle structure reasonably sound its historical value draws serious attention. A knife of this vintage in fair condition often trades for around $100. Exemplary pieces that hold both structural integrity and evidence of original finish have sold above $500.