FDick Knife Advice

[Jabadamutt]

Hello, I am new to this forum but was hoping to get some advice. I came across a very old, very heavy (1/4 inch thick) FDick knife, it is stamped FDick with an arrow, No50 with 12" stamped on it. If anyone can tell me what year it might be or information on value, I would appreciate it. I am considering replacing the handles, cleaning it and sharpening and using it as a field knife. But it has a lot of patina and age and I don't want to ruin it. Any info is appreciated. I tried to post pictures but had no luck, maybe I will try again later.

 

[jbarsquat]

Welcome! Sounds like a pretty stout blade! You have to obtain a paid membership to get answers on knife values. Since you don’t have that membership it would be easiest to use an image hosting site and put a link to the picture in your post.

 

[tltt]

The number 50 should be a Lobster Splitter like this -

.

Although, they're still made by a few, it's an older pattern with most dating to the 1950's or earlier. F Dick is a fine brand that does good work, but isn't recognized as much because it mainly deals with the butcher and industrial trade. If you need more, try asking them -

www.dick.de/en/contact/inquiry/ .

We can't give values, but searching "Lobster Splitter" on google and Ebay will give you an idea.

 

[Jabadamutt]

Thanks for the info, should I restore it or leave it alone?

 

[tltt]

I can't say. I don't think it hurts anything to tell you that if it is close in condition to the one pictured, it would at least have as much value as a good new outdoor knife if left alone. If you like the thought of using a vintage knife of that style, then do what you want with it.

 

[USMCPOP]

Take care of the knife and leave the lobsters alone.

At very least you could restore the edge and get use out of it. The rest doesn't have to be shiny.

 

[sabre cat]

Thanks for the info, should I restore it or leave it alone?

Just put an edge on it and give it a workout. You might like without any other changes. You owe it to yourself to try it before all the mods.

 

[not2sharp]

There are fewer of these old knives every passing day. If your knife is in relatively good condition I would leave it alone. There are plenty of inexpensive camp knives that can serve and they have the advantage of having a sheaths and better handles.

It is your knife, so it is up to you to judge the condition and access your skills. Just keep in mind that when you start the modifications, you are essentially scrapping the old knife and turning it into raw material for your own project.

n2s