Blades of Glory
They used to live in tackle boxes, glove compartments, or grandpa’s pocket—but today, vintage pocket knives have become serious collector’s items. From classic American brands to rare European blades, these folding knives are now worth hundreds—sometimes thousands.
Case XX Peanut (1940s)
Estimated value: $75–$150
Small but mighty, the Case Peanut knife is a two-blade classic. Early models from the 1940s, especially with bone handles and the ‘XX’ tang stamp, are now popular among everyday carry (EDC) collectors.
Imperial Barlow (1950s)
Estimated value: $100–$200
Barlow knives were budget-friendly back in the day, but older versions—especially with solid bolsters and original packaging—are climbing in value as nostalgic Americana.
Imperial Barlow, Pocketknife Therapy
Schrade Old Timer 34OT (1960s)
Estimated value: $125–$225
A three-blade stockman knife that was once a working man’s tool. Today, mint versions from Schrade’s US-made years are highly sought after.
Old Timer 34OT, Knife Detector
Camillus Camp Knife (1940s)
Estimated value: $150–$250
This military-style pocket knife includes multiple tools—like a can opener and screwdriver. World War II-era versions are especially collectible.
CAMILLUS UTILITY KNIFE MADE IN U.S.A. -🇺🇸- Episode 136, ISLANDOUTDOORS1
Keen Kutter Stockman (1930s)
Estimated value: $175–$275
Made by E.C. Simmons, Keen Kutter knives were known for quality. The bone handles and aged carbon steel give them rustic charm—and rising collector value.
Vintage EC Simmons Keen Kutter, Pocketknife Therapy
Buck 303 Cadet (1970s)
Estimated value: $200–$300
Before Buck became synonymous with hunting knives, it made sturdy pocket folders like the 303 Cadet. Older USA-stamped versions in great shape are now desirable.
Buck 303 Cadet Knife Review, UtahMountainMan
Ulster Boy Scout Knife (1950s)
Estimated value: $225–$325
Issued for decades to Scouts across America, Ulster’s branded folding knives are now collector favorites. The Boy Scout emblem adds a nostalgic touch.
MEMORIES With My Ulster Boy Scout Knife, Knife Delights
Remington R1123 Bullet Knife (1982 Reissue)
Estimated value: $250–$350
This isn’t even the original—but the 1982 reissue by Remington is already a collector’s item thanks to its quality and limited production. Originals fetch far more.
1989 ~ Remington Silver Bullet Trapper RR1123SB ~ A GREAT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL, Rusty Miner
Queen Cutlery Canoe Knife (1960s)
Estimated value: $275–$400
Queen knives from Titusville, PA, are known for their craftsmanship. The Canoe pattern with genuine stag or bone handles is particularly valuable today.
Queen Cutlery Wharncliffe and Canoe, Sigogglin Jack’s Everyday Carry
Western Boulder Stockman (1950s)
Estimated value: $300–$450
Western knives made in Colorado hold collector charm. The three-blade Stockman, with its jigged handles and nickel bolsters, is a staple of vintage EDC collections.
Western Wednesday: Western 742 Stockman, BigJ’s Knives
Ka-Bar Folding Hunter (1940s)
Estimated value: $350–$500
While better known for fixed blades, Ka-Bar also made high-quality folders. Their WWII-era folding hunters with original leather pouches are getting expensive.
Vintage Ka-Bar Folding Knife, Pocketknife Therapy
Case Tested XX Jack Knife (1930s)
Estimated value: $400–$600
One of the most collectible Case eras is the ‘Tested XX’ period. These knives have aged beautifully, and collectors prize the craftsmanship and carbon steel.
Case Tested XX Harness Jack Pocket Knife, Oldpocketknives
German Eye Brand Sodbuster (1960s)
Estimated value: $450–$650
Solingen steel, rugged design, and a cult following make the Eye Brand Sodbuster knife a solid investment. Look for mint versions with the eye shield.
Made in Solingen: Carl Schlieper Sodbuster by Friedrich Olbertz, Stefan Schmalhaus
Buck 110 Folding Hunter (First Production, 1964)
Estimated value: $500–$750
The original Buck 110 changed the folding knife game. First-year versions with inverted stamps and squared bolsters can command strong prices today.
Beat the Icon: Buck 110 Folding Hunter vs. Alternatives, KnifeCenter
Cattaraugus Cutlery Whittler (1910s)
Estimated value: $600–$900
This brand predates most modern knife makers. Cattaraugus knives are rare, and examples with fancy bone scales and tight blades can bring in big offers.
Cheesymoon Workshop CATTARAUGUS CUTLERY Co. Pawn Shop find., Cheesymoon Workshop
Winchester Sunfish Knife (1920s)
Estimated value: $750–$1,000
Massive and built like a tank, the Sunfish pattern was always niche. But older Winchester-stamped versions are now among the most collectible vintage folders.
Winchester Sunfish Knife, Bakery Wizard
Russell Green River Works Barlow (1800s)
Estimated value: $800–$1,200
This is serious antique territory. Early Russell Barlows are some of the first mass-produced American pocket knives. Expect high prices for intact examples.
Remington Bullet Knife R1123 (1930s)
Estimated value: $1,000–$1,500
This large trapper-style folder has a devoted fan base. Original 1930s versions, especially with clear tang stamps and smooth bone, fetch big money.
Canal Street Cutlery Pinch Lockback (2006)
Estimated value: $1,200–$1,800
Though technically newer, this now-defunct brand produced some of the highest quality folders in recent memory. Limited runs have become instant collector’s items.
Canal Street Cutlery Brown Micarta Lockback Knife Review, Scott Rauber
Robeson MasterCraft Whittler (1930s)
Estimated value: $1,500–$2,000
Robeson’s top-tier line of knives had unmatched fit and finish for the time. Whittler patterns with pearl or exotic wood scales are especially rare.
Robeson 63201 Whittler Pocketknife, Pocketknife Therapy
Schatt & Morgan File & Wire Series (1990s)
Estimated value: $1,800–$2,500
Made by Queen Cutlery, these knives revived older designs with exceptional quality. The File & Wire stamp makes these some of the most collectible late 20th-century pocket knives.
My new GEC and an epic Schatt & Morgan!, Doody’s Daggers
GEC #15 Huckleberry Boy’s Knife (2014)
Estimated value: $2,000–$3,000
Another modern marvel turned collector gem. Produced in small batches with various covers, this knife’s combination of design, materials, and low production numbers drive its high resale.
FSB -- GEC #15 Huckleberry Boy's Knife: A Beautiful Lost Sheepsfoot, TheApostleP
Case Tested XX Elephant Toe (1920s)
Estimated value: $3,000–$4,000
This jumbo knife with its distinctive shape and bold look is among the holy grails for Case collectors. Early examples are nearly impossible to find in mint condition.
Remington R1306 Lockback Hunter (1930s)
Estimated value: $4,000–$5,500
One of the earliest and best lockback designs, this Remington beast has grown wildly in value. If it comes with its leather sheath and original box, even better.
Tidioute Cutlery Sunfish (1910s)
Estimated value: $5,000+
A predecessor to GEC, Tidioute Cutlery’s early knives are insanely rare. The Sunfish pattern, with its wide blade and chunky build, is a top-tier collector piece.
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