Category: Traditional Knives

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The Queen Big Chief; A History, Comparison, & Outlook on a Classic Knife Pattern

The Big Chief is a classic American traditional pocket folding knife. Its sturdy build and unique design helps it to stand out from other knives throughout its long history. This article will discuss the Big Chief’s history, compare various iterations, and look to possible future renditions.

SMKW Smokey Mountain Knife Works Queen Big Chief Comparison

Titusville Era

The Big Chief design and mechanism was first created by Queen Cutlery in Titusville Pennsylvania. Queen Cutlery was a long time giant in the pocket knife industry, holding a respected place in the market (under various names) for over a hundred years. Queen produced a myriad of knife patterns, pretty much every type of pocket and hunting knife you can think of, under several in house brands and also manufactured for outside brands. The name “Big Chief” was one of those trademarks (more on this later) that Queen owned and used.

Queen Cutlery catalogue advertising graphic

So what is the Big Chief as created by Queen? The Big Chief is an integral handle slipjoint with a cast aluminum handle and a stainless steel blade. Both the integral handle and the stainless blade were innovative for their time. In fact, a patent was filed for the integral handle slipjoint design by inventor E. C. Erickson in 1955. When Queen began to use stainless steel it was still controversial and relatively new to the industry, so they decided to call it “Queen Steel”. Queen put these two new advancements in cutlery together to create the Big Chief; a large integral handled jack knife.

Original Queen Titusville Big Chief #45
The original Big Chief, made in Titusville Pennsylvania by Queen

The integral handle allowed the knife to be extremely durable, with much less chance of loosening or breaking than most folding knives of the time. Most folding knives at that time used natural materials like wood or bone for the handle covers, and they were prone to cracking if dropped or used roughly. Not so with the solid aluminum handles of the Big Chief. The stainless steel blade meant that the Big Chief could be used without the user having to worry about cleaning the blade, whereas the simple carbon steels used on most knives of the time would rust quickly when left wet or dirty. The Big Chief was made as early as the late 1950’s, but I haven’t been able to track down the exact first year of production. Queen made several versions including one with a hawkbill blade, a serrated blade, a filet clip point, versions with an easy open notch, versions with a bail, and even a smaller version dubbed simply the “Chief”.

Patent drawing for integral handled slipjoint construction, such as used in the Big Chief

The Big Chief was particularly popular with those who worked around water, such as divers and fisherman, with its stainless steel blade and simple construction. Queen advertised it as a great addition “to your tool, tackle or glove box!”. The original Queen made Big Chief knives were loved by users for decades and continue to be appreciated by collectors to this day. It was even used by one person to FEND OFF A SHARK!

Unfortunately Queen went out of business at the beginning of 2018 and put the future of the Big Chief under doubt. Would this American classic die out with its creator?

A Confusing Start to a New Era

As part of its liquidation, all of Queen’s assets were sold off at auction. This included all the brands and trademarks owned by the company. Smoky Mountain Knife Works purchased the Queen and Queen City trademarks, and began to have knives made under those brands. Whereas Queen knives had always been made in the USA, Smoky Mountain Knife Works had Queen and Queen City branded knives manufactured both domestically and overseas. Eventually they released a “Big Chief” model. This new version of the Big Chief was made in China, which many traditional knife enthusiasts do not prefer (to put it lightly). SMKW’s Big Chief retained the stainless blade and general pattern shape. However, it did not use the patented integral handle construction; it had a more conventional construction with a normal backspring, two separate handle slabs, and even an adjustable pivot. All that said, Smoky Mountain Knife Works’ Big Chief did keep the sturdy, reliable, budget friendly spirit of the original intact. It’s a great user knife for the low price of $15.

SMKW Smokey Mountain Knife Works Queen Big Chief Knife
SMKW Queen Big Chief, made in China with standard handle construction

However, there seems to have been some sort of mix up surrounding the ownership of the “Big Chief” trademark. As it turns out, Cooper Cutlery purchased some of the trademarks previously owned by Queen (as well as much of the machinery)… including the Big Chief. Cooper Cutlery, headed by Gilbert Cooper and his sons in Ohio, is a new outfit endeavoring to continue the great American tradition of pocket cutlery manufacturing. So, after a few runs of knives made under other brands they own, they released their own version of the Big Chief. Cooper Cutlery’s Big Chief had the previously mentioned hawkbill blade that was sometimes referred to as the diver’s version by Queen. Not only is Cooper Cutlery using the same machinery that Queen used, it also kept the traditional integral handle construction. Cooper Cutlery’s Big Chief also kept the budget friendly price, at around $40. Although twice as expensive as the Smoky Mountain Knife Works version, $40 is still about the rock bottom you can find an American made traditional slipjoint for in today’s market. Cooper Cutlery did not build these to be safe queens or collector pieces but rather to be thrown in a tool or tackle box like the Queen originals, and the build quality matches that intention.

Cooper Cutlery Queen Big Chief
Cooper Cutlery Big Chief, made in Winchester Ohio with integral handle construction

An Open Future

I hope the future holds more American made Big Chief knives. I’d love to see Cooper Cutlery expand their Big Chief line to include some of the versions Queen made. In particular, I think the normal clip point version and especially the smaller “Chief” version would be especially popular with today’s traditional knife users and collectors. Cooper Cutlery is in a process of learning the knife making trade and what the knife market wants, and I think the Big Chief line is a great space in which to build their experience. So here’s to a bright future for the Big Chief!

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The Cotton Sampler; Obscure Pattern with an Unclear History

One of the most engaging aspects of traditional slipjoint knives is the myriad of unique patterns that have been made, and a great example can be found in the Cotton Sampler. The Cotton Sampler is a relatively little known and sparsely made pattern that has, like many traditional patterns, an obscure history. In this article I’ll discuss some of the pattern’s variations, possible background, and current versions.

Companion Video!

Description

There are two distinct blade shapes and corresponding handle shapes that have been given the name “Cotton Sampler”. One type of Cotton Sampler has a backward curved handle, like a swayback, (though some versions have a straight frame) and a hefty straight edged blade with a straight spine and abrupt angle toward the tip. This type looks very similar to a typical harvester or sailor knife, but often with an even taller blade. The other, more unique, type has a forward curved handle and a blade that deserves its own sentence to describe. The blade on this type has a long unground ricasso, often around an inch long, between the kick and the edge itself, which curves abruptly toward a small clipped tip. It makes for a blade that looks like a squatter spay shape with an unground extension from the handle. While both these shapes have been called Cotton Samplers, today the term is almost exclusively used for the latter style.

Schatt & Morgan Example of the Swayback Type

History

So, what’s the story behind these interesting knives? Well, it seems the pattern shapes themselves likely predate the name. The first style described above is just a slight variation of an ancient pattern that can be found in the earliest Sheffield pattern books (and likely much earlier, as some Roman knives have similar designs). It’s a classic agriculture pattern well suited for the pull cuts prevalent in those uses. On the other hand, the second style is less typical. The earliest example with this unusual blade shape can be found in a 1903 Schatt & Morgan catalogue, but isn’t identified as a Cotton Sampler. It actually has a rounded unground area, rather than the flat type seen on later examples, that is heavily reminiscent to finger choils on modern knives (at least to my eyes). Considering that a knife of the same shape in a 1938 Maher & Grosh catalogue is identified as a “Skinning Knife”, I think it is likely that this version of the Cotton Sampler pattern started as a sportsman’s knife and was later repurposed for agricultural use. That said, I have seen an explanation of the unusual blade shape proposed in several places. Apparently the tall blade with abrupt edge is used to cut into a bale of cotton and act like a spoon to extract a sample (hence the name), and the flat unground area is used to rub the cotton fibers to somehow ascertain the quality of the product. While it’s not my place or intention to claim what is or isn’t fact in this notoriously murky realm of knife history, I find it likely that the previously described use evolved to fit an already existing pattern and then that use influenced the evolution of the pattern itself.

Schatt & Morgan 1903 Catalogue

Availability

Unfortunately, the Cotton Sampler is not one of the more widely available patterns. Queen made both versions over the years before going out of business. Great Eastern Cutlery has made the latter version I described but, like most of their patterns, it has become highly collectible and difficult to find since 2013 (the only time it was made). The only company I’m aware of that offers an array of widely available Cotton Samplers is Rough Ryder.

AMKCA Club Knives

Conclusion

My interest in the Cotton Sampler pattern was piqued by an unexpected addition to my collection. I attend the Allegheny Mountain Knife Collectors Association club, and one of the members has been a supporter and a huge asset to my journey into vintage traditional knives. He knows I am a GEC enthusiast and collect the AMKCA club knives, so he offered to sell me his favorite of the club knives at a fair price. It happened to be the 2013 GEC #74 Cotton Sampler. I agreed happily, both because it’s a great knife unlike anything in my collection and because I appreciated that he thought of me when he decided to sell the knife. I have enjoyed getting to know this pattern through my example and to display it with my other AMKCA knives. While I haven’t been able to find as much historical information on the Cotton Sampler, I’ve still enjoyed getting to know it. I hope you’re able to check out this unique pattern also!

GEC’s Interpretation of the Cotton Sampler

Sources

History of the Cotton Sampler on BladeForums

What is Cotton Sampling on BladeForums

Cotton Sampler Pattern on KnifeMagazine

Cotton Sampler Question on AAPK

Cotton Sampler Mini Review on BladeForums

Great Eastern Cutlery Production Totals

I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts

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Is the Case 2021 Copperhead their Best Vault Release Knife So Far?

For the last few years I have gotten and written articles on the Case Vault Release pattern. In 2019 it was the Barlow, which spurred my interest in the Vault Release program. The pattern for 2020 was the Pocket Hunter which fit into the “mini knives” category I enjoy. Normally Case announces the upcoming pattern a bit in advance, but the 2021 pattern remained a mystery right up into the new year. There was a lot of speculation and wondering about what knife would be released from the Vault, and it was actually announced first (as far as I can tell) via the Smoky Mountain Knife Works catalog; the 2021 Vault Release pattern is the Copperhead!

The Copperhead is a classic design at a great size. It is designated in Case’s tang stamp system as the 49 pattern. Over the years it has been periodically produced with a variety of blade shape combinations, but it is most classically a two bladed jack with a clip point main blade and pen secondary blade. The pattern is identified by the unique bolster with a bump that forms a pseudo guard and shrouds the blade tang corners. It’s a medium to large sized pattern at 3.875″ closed. Mine has the classic clip point main blade and pen secondary behind the main blade. The main blade is 3″ with a 2.625″ edge, and the pen blade is 2.25″ with a 1.875″ edge. As of now Case has also announced versions with a wharncliffe main and pen secondary blade, as well as single bladed clip point versions. As with most Case patterns, the Copperhead is available in many different cover options from yellow synthetic (like mine) to Abalone. Some versions are Case’s carbone steel, CV, and others in their stainless, Tru-Sharp.

2019 Barlow, 2020 Pocket Hunter, 2021 Copperhead

The Copperhead is an old pattern for Case, having been first produced by Case at least 100 years ago in their pre-tested era. The unique bolster design makes the knife much less likely to wear through pockets, due to the tang corners being covered. Often the sharp corners of a blade’s tang, where it interfaces with the backspring, can not only create wear in pockets but also uncomfortably jab into the leg during carry and even create hot spots in the hand during use. Though I think that Case sometimes over polishes / rounds the corners on their knives, particularly the tips of the blades, other companies like GEC tend to leave very sharp corners on the blade tangs. While sharp corners on the tangs do make for a cleaner look of the interface between the blade and spring when the knife is open, the Copperhead style bolster can offer the best of both worlds. The name seems to come from the humped bolster’s resemblance to a snake’s head, specifically the Copperhead. While I suppose I can see the similarity if I really look for it, but I do think it’s a bit of a stretch. Supposedly, the Copperhead is sometimes called the “Vietnam Knife“. Although I’ve seen this claim several places online, I can’t find any evidence that this term was actually used or that the pattern was particularly popular during the Vietnam war. There are other instances of a similar design from outside the U.S., including Germany and France. So I think this is probably a pattern that existed before Case began manufacturing it in the early 1900s, and that’s not a surprise considering its utility and advantages due to design.

A little display I brought to the latest Allegheny Mountain Knife Collectors Association meeting

I’m happy with the construction of my example. I am always a bit wary of buying Case knives sight unseen as they have gaps, blade play, and blade rap more often than I like. Although I didn’t realize it at first for either, the 2021 Vault Pocket Hunter I got had blade rap (as well as some slight gaps). While this Copperhead has a gap most of the length of the knife between the secondary blade spring and pile side liner, it doesn’t have any functional issues like blade rap or blade play. It does have Case’s characteristic extremely toothy edge. Some claim this is an intentional feature but I doubt that; either way, I don’t know how they get their edges so toothy. I think that’s part of why I’d missed the blade rap on the Pocket Hunter. Even after I’ve sharpened the Copperhead a couple times it doesn’t seem anywhere close to having blade rap even though the tips sit well within the frame (and you know I hate proud tips!). It has nice healthy snap to and from the half stops. Although not perfect, it’s a perfectly functional knife for under $50.

Queen Single Blade Copperhead, Case Copperhead, and Great Eastern Cutlery Ben Hogan (their closest pattern to a Copperhead)

Beyond the build quality, I’m just plain really enjoying this knife. The size is great for actual use, with the main blade being big enough for most daily tasks and the pen blade being useful as a backup or for fine work. The grip is comfortable, especially with the guard and covered tangs. I also just think it looks good; very classic with the prominent clip point and characteristic bolster. I went with the yellow synthetic because I got the last two years’ Vault knives in yellow synthetic. Interestingly, the 2019 Barlow was CV, the 2020 Pocket Hunter was Tru Sharp, and this 2021 Copperhead is CV. As Case’s carbon steel, CV needs to be maintained by wiping off after use and occasional oiling. While I don’t think it is heat treated as hard as GEC’s 1095 is by Peter’s Heat Treating, CV works well enough for my uses and takes a colorful patina. I like that the blades both have nice action, no blade rap, and the tips sit well within the frame. I have been finding myself putting the Copperhead in my pocket day after day, kicking other more fancy knives out. The Case 2021 Copperhead is my favorite Vault Release knife so far!

A handsome knife

I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts

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Great Eastern Cutlery Laser Etched #23 from 2006; A Case of Misunderstood Origins?

There has been a Great Eastern Cutlery knife that I’ve always wished I could get, but never thought I would. It was a particular #23 Pioneer Trapper from the first run of knives GEC made in 2006 with smooth white bone covers laser etched with “GEC” and oak leaves (the oak leaves to match the Great Eastern Cutlery brand’s acorn shield). I always understood these to be a small run within the overall first run made at GEC’s inception, and the first knives that went to consumers. A picture of a paper had been circulated online that designated the knife as being a small run of 25 knives given to friends and family. It also is the first knife that had laser etching on the handle, which GEC has done a few times since. On top of all of those things that made it special from a collector’s standpoint, I also just like the smooth white bone and laser etch from an aesthetic standpoint.

These knives never seemed to become available until, for some inexplicable reason (cough the insane secondary market??? cough) the last month of 2020. In less than a week I missed two: one on eBay because it sold for more than I could bid, and one on AAPK because it sold before the buyer got back to me with pictures showing the condition. So I posted in search of it, and within another week had multiple offers to my great shock and excitement.

I took one of the offers and was really happy to finally have a true grail in my collection. That said, I did sell a couple knives to help with the transaction including the 2006 #23 from the below video. Also, the knife has some gaps between the backsprings and center liner, but I’m happy with the deal because it’s still a great knife and I knew about the gaps because the seller was upfront about them. After getting the knife, I decided I wanted to get the full scoop on its history and reached out to Great Eastern Cutlery.

Unfortunately, their reply wasn’t what I had hoped. They said “there really is no story to it”, it wasn’t made for friends and family, and he doesn’t recall a paper going with the knife. I was relatively deflated by this news, and decided to do some digging to find the paper I had seen posted in relation to the knife. As you can see below, the actual paper is not related to this specific knife but looks to be a general advertising flyer from the early days of GEC. It does have a handwritten note from Ken Daniels, once co-owner, that claims it is part of a 25 knife run given to friends and family. Unfortunately, since it’s not anywhere close to an official document and from someone who left GEC early, I don’t think it can be taken as reliable information. So it seems that the history of this knife was not what I had believed, and it provides a good lesson to not always believe what you hear on the internet.

  • Screenshots from Bill McGuire

This knife was a grail for me for a long time, and I won’t deny that I’m disappointed it doesn’t hold the history and significance I had thought. I also am disappointed that the 2006 #23 I sold to buy it was actually, presumably, an earlier made knife (due to its serial number and how they did serialization in the first run). They also said that they would prefer not to fix the gaps because they would have to mark it as repaired and “it is worth more the way it is”. While I understand that that’s true, I am not sure I wouldn’t rather it be made perfect for my own enjoyment even if it had to be marked as repaired and lose value. That said, the knife is still a great piece. I enjoy the laser etch, and have always loved GEC’s smooth white bone. It will also go better with my 2007 #73 in Casein than my previous 2006 #23 did. So although it’s not what I had hoped, it’s still a knife I’m happy to have in my collection.

I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts

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Great News from Charlie Campagna; A Waynorth TC Barlow is on the Way from GEC!

I’m happy to share news that any Great Eastern Cutlery fans should be glad to hear; Charlie Campagna has announced on BladeForums that there is a run of his Waynorth TC Barlows coming soon!

In the post linked here Charlie made the exciting and heartfelt announcement. Since then the news has spread to the Facebook groups and likely anywhere else traditional knife enthusiasts converse.

Charlie’s post included this beautiful photograph of the knife in question

In the post we learn some interesting details: the knives are shipping to dealers soon, they have a spear point blade and saw cut bone covers like the first run of TC Barlows, and there will be 500 made. Charlie did say he didn’t know if this will be the last run, and he didn’t mention a retail / dealer price.

These will be some of the most sought after GEC Knives ever. If you want one you should contact your favorite Waynorth dealer, a list of which you can find at this link, and subscribe to their email newsletters as soon as possible.

I am very glad to hear this news. My first GEC was a TC Barlow. It’s one of my favorite and most heavily used knives. I’m also happy to hear it because I think it’s good of Great Eastern Cutlery to show support for Charlie Campagna, as his designs have definitely played a significant role in GEC’s rise to popularity. I’m sure the news of GEC no longer doing Special Factory Orders came as a blow to Charlie, and I’d guess this run of TCs might serve as a sort of silver lining.

I wish you all the best of luck in getting one of these great knives!

I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts