Members whinewine Posted May 5, 2009 Members Report Posted May 5, 2009 I just recently picked up a W. Rose round knife marked " W. Rose, WestPhila." It's 5-1/2" from tip to tip. My question is: what is the quality of steel in these knives compared to other head/round knives? I'm assuming this is an old knife- I just don't know the era in which it was produced- mid 1800s?. (I have a modern Osborne & well, it's OK, but I'm just curious about the quality of the Rose.) Thank you for any information. russ Quote
Moderator bruce johnson Posted May 5, 2009 Moderator Report Posted May 5, 2009 I haven't owned a Rose, but everyone I know who has one wouldn't give them up. If the blade has been neglected and rusted or pitted that is one thing, but if it is good, they are the first grab. I haven't seen any hard dates on when they were made, but the suspicion I heard is the the later 1800s. Here's a link to old makers I find useful - Old tool makers. Quote Bruce Johnson Malachi 4:2 "the windshield's bigger than the mirror, somewhere west of Laramie" - Dave Stamey Vintage Refurbished And Selected New Leather Tools For Sale - www.brucejohnsonleather.com
hidepounder Posted May 5, 2009 Report Posted May 5, 2009 (edited) I have a Rose knive, and Bruce is right, it won't leave here. They are of the highest quality steel! Bob Edited May 5, 2009 by hidepounder Quote
Bob Posted May 6, 2009 Report Posted May 6, 2009 I have a few knives by Rose. They are indeed high quality steel. The temper and hardness is great. It stays sharp along time. It's the first knife I reach for on the bench. I really don't need 4 of these. If someone wants one. I'd sell a couple. Quote Bob Goudreault www.kamloopssaddlery.com
MADMAX22 Posted May 6, 2009 Report Posted May 6, 2009 I have a few knives by Rose. They are indeed high quality steel. The temper and hardness is great. It stays sharp along time. It's the first knife I reach for on the bench. I really don't need 4 of these. If someone wants one. I'd sell a couple. Im interested, dropped ya a pm. Ive been looking around for a new knife. Quote
Ambassador pete Posted May 6, 2009 Ambassador Report Posted May 6, 2009 I have a few knives by Rose. They are indeed high quality steel. The temper and hardness is great. It stays sharp along time. It's the first knife I reach for on the bench. I really don't need 4 of these. If someone wants one. I'd sell a couple. I would be too! please email me!!!! pete Quote
hidepounder Posted May 6, 2009 Report Posted May 6, 2009 I have a few knives by Rose. They are indeed high quality steel. The temper and hardness is great. It stays sharp along time. It's the first knife I reach for on the bench. I really don't need 4 of these. If someone wants one. I'd sell a couple. Bob, I'd like to see what you have also.... Bob Quote
Members whinewine Posted May 6, 2009 Author Members Report Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) I haven't owned a Rose, but everyone I know who has one wouldn't give them up. If the blade has been neglected and rusted or pitted that is one thing, but if it is good, they are the first grab. I haven't seen any hard dates on when they were made, but the suspicion I heard is the the later 1800s. Here's a link to old makers I find useful - Old tool makers. Bruce: thank you for the makers' link. The blade is not pitted or rusted, but has some discoloration (like most old carbon steel blades). So I guess I have a winner here? I have tried to sharpen it up a little but I haven't tried to strop it, yet- been too busy getting ready for shows right now. When I get time, I'll try to sharpen according to Rawhide's tutorial (or maybe I'll send it away for pro services if I can't get it right). Regardless, i'm glad I got a good blade. Again, thank you, Bruce & Hidepounder for the information! russ Edited May 6, 2009 by whinewine Quote
Members Rawhide Posted July 3, 2009 Members Report Posted July 3, 2009 Bruce: thank you for the makers' link. The blade is not pitted or rusted, but has some discoloration (like most old carbon steel blades). So I guess I have a winner here? I have tried to sharpen it up a little but I haven't tried to strop it, yet- been too busy getting ready for shows right now. When I get time, I'll try to sharpen according to Rawhide's tutorial (or maybe I'll send it away for pro services if I can't get it right). Regardless, i'm glad I got a good blade. Again, thank you, Bruce & Hidepounder for the information! russ Russ, Just wondering how your Rose knife came out...I just picked up a small one myself on the old ebay and I found it so far really easy to sharpen and I can put a fantastic edge on it. This will be in the short reach range for a long time. Mine has a little discoloration in spots, not really sure if it's pitting or not but I know it's not rust, but I plan to sand blast it lightly to see if I can strip that off and shine it up a bit...If not, it still cuts faboulously. Quote Marlon
hidepounder Posted July 3, 2009 Report Posted July 3, 2009 Marlon, Just be careful not to do anything to effect the temper...I know you already know that...but it's over a hundred years old.....it deserves a few age spots! I know you'll love it! Bob Quote
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