Doctor’s Knife Collection

S

SuperSaiyan

Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
39
I’ve been a knife collector for a long time, but have never had the slightest interest in traditional slipjoint folders. That changed recently when my uncle gave me his old yellow CV Case Peanut, which immediately converted me. I spent the next several weeks looking at the variety of traditional patterns available, and immediately fell in love with the Doctor’s Knife. The design was eye-catching to me, and as a physician myself, learning about the history of that knife’s use in the bygone days of medicine really made me geek out. I purchased a Case Doctor’s knife and it hasn’t disappointed. I’d love to start collecting these, but haven’t seen much on this forum on this particular pattern.

All of that to say: any of you out there have any cool Doctor’s Knives to show off, or even a collection of them? Any recommendations on models or versions to pick up?
 
I too think they are a neat knife :)
I only own one specimen, it being a Queen Cutlery made 'Queen Classic'. It has Winterbottom bone handle scales with a pinned in shield. With Queen now gone, I am glad to have it in my collection.
Rough Rider seems to have had, or maybe still does, a decent selection of the pattern. Rough Rider is an American brand, but made in China under contract. As for American versions, Case seems to offer them, although I find their versions a bit ho hum, (they just don't excite me much). Maybe one done in Mother of Pearl, that would be a Case Doctor's pattern knife I would be a bit enthusiastic about, and they may even offer such an item.
You just don't see the pattern being offered as much anymore by the remaining USA firms.
But, they are very cool, IMO :)

 
What's up Doc? ;) Welcome to The Porch :) With all us broken-down old rascals here, another Physician won't go amiss! :D :thumbsup:

An interesting and attractive pattern. There is at least one Doctor's Knife thread here, probably more. Here's another old thread, which may also be of interest: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/is-there-a-doctor-in-the-house.1239023/

I only have two :)

Kastor:

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Winchester

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Here's an older bespoke Surgeon's Knife (one blade is missing sadly).

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Welcome! Since there are not too many being made right now, you might want to check out the big auction site for some nice vintage models. Just be careful and if you have any questions or doubts ask before bidding!
 
Railsplitter said:
The A.G. Russell version is kind of neat. It has a Scalpel in place of the Pill Pusher and a striker pin to prevent blade rap.
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I did see the AG Russel. The scalpel is definitely cool, and maybe a little more useful than the spatula. I do have a hard time with the idea of spending $80+ for a Chinese-made knife, especially with the Rough Riders available for under $15. Not absolutely opposed to it, but it does make me hesitate.

These pictures so far have been awesome. I’d love to find some vintage models like these, guess that will require some patience on my part.
 
I'm a fan of the Doctor pattern as well, even though I only own one, a single-blade (no spatula) smooth white bone Case from 2018. As others have stated many makers have produced knives in this style, so it would be fairly easy to build a large and interesting collection focused on this pattern.

Branching out a bit, there is another "Doctor's Knife" that is unusual--and hard-to-find. In 2012 the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collector's Society (VSAKCS) commissioned a "Doctor's Knife" for their knife-of-the-year. I don't have a photo of mine on-hand, but here's a photo taken from SAKWiki:

VSAKCS_2012.jpg
 
I am on the hunt for one I had found a great Case & Sons one made in ATS-34 but by the time I had the funds for it it was gone.
 
SuperSaiyan said:
I did see the AG Russel. The scalpel is definitely cool, and maybe a little more useful than the spatula. I do have a hard time with the idea of spending $80+ for a Chinese-made knife, especially with the Rough Riders available for under $15. Not absolutely opposed to it, but it does make me hesitate.
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I hope you get a chance to try one sometime. I'm pretty confident that if you did, you would feel that it was money well spent.

I read somewhere that when A.G. Russell first started working with the China factories, he rejected pallet loads of knives because the factory didn't meet his demands. After that the factory knew he meant business and they gave him the quality he demanded.

Whether that's true or not, his insistence on quality is apparent in his China made knives. I've read more than one comment on various forums from owners stating that his China made knives rival some custom knives. I own 8 or 10 of them myself and I'm inclined to agree.

You'll have to forgive me. I'm a bit of an A.G. Russell fan.:)
 
Railsplitter said:
I hope you get a chance to try one sometime. I'm pretty confident that if you did, you would feel that it was money well spent.

I read somewhere that when A.G. Russell first started working with the China factories, he rejected pallet loads of knives because the factory didn't meet his demands. After that the factory knew he meant business and they gave him the quality he demanded.

Whether that's true or not, his insistence on quality is apparent in his China made knives. I've read more than one comment on various forums from owners stating that his China made knives rival some custom knives. I own 8 or 10 of them myself and I'm inclined to agree.

You'll have to forgive me. I'm a bit of an A.G. Russell fan.:)
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This is great info. I’m certainly willing to try anything, I just had some concerns based mostly on previous experience with 8cr13mov steel and Chinese-manufactured knives. But it’s good to know that there seems to be serious quality control, and your experience with the knife seems to be pretty good! :thumbsup:
 
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