Info about Gerorge Herron Subhilt

[baffone]

Hi, i just bought this vintage subhilt of George Herron, it is marked 1275 and i need to know which year it is made.
1275 is the number on the tang and also on the sheath.
I don't know also the steel used but searching about his knives a think is 154 CM, the blade is mirror polished.

Thanks for your help

Pietro

 

[baffone]

I read another tread where a n. 800 was made in 1975....
The old owner told me it was made during '80 but he don't know which year exactly

 

[TAH]

George was living in Aiken, South Carolina when he started making knives in the 1960s. He consecutively numbered his knives as they were finished. Around 1985, he moved to Springfield, South Carolina and his numbering system started over at #1. The thread that said #800 was made in 1975 is probably true. It was #800 made in Aiken.

In 1986, I purchased a new fighter directly from him #187. In 1997, I purchased a new hunter directly from him #2252. Doing some quick math, he made approximately 188 knives per year. I would say your knife #1275 was made around 1992+/-. Blade steel is 154CM. Looks like an elephant ivory handle.

Beautiful knife, BTW. George was one of the masters and a super nice gentleman.

 

[baffone]

Thanks a lot TAH, your comment was very precious for me!!

 

[TAH]

I guess this is a good opportunity to show off more of George's work.

 

[TAH]

baffone,

Forgot to mention that George didn't make many sub-hilt fighters. Your knife is a very special piece, especially being elephant ivory.

 

[baffone]

baffone,

Forgot to mention that George didn't make many sub-hilt fighters. Your knife is a very special piece, especially being elephant ivory.

Thank you very mouch, i think i've paid it a very good price, less then 700$

 

[TAH]

Less than $700 is an excellent price! Does the ivory have any checks or cracks? Don't forget to rub mineral oil on the ivory at least once a year.

 

[baffone]

Less than $700 is an excellent price! Does the ivory have any checks or cracks? Don't forget to rub mineral oil on the ivory at least once a year.

There is a little crack but it was repaired directly froma maker. Thanks

 

[Jsega51]

TAH , thanks for the dating info. I have a skinner that is numbered 119 (after his move).

 

[TAH]

The blade and tang markings will also help indicate if the knife was made in Aiken or Springfield. Aiken blades were stamped "Herron" on the ricasso with a hand inscribed number on the tang. Springfield blades were etched "Herron" on the blade with an etched number on the tang. Here are a couple of examples from the internet to show the difference:

Aiken (stamped name and hand inscribed number)

Springfield (etched name and etched number)

 

[TAH]

baffone,

Checking my old Herron notes and articles that I collected over the years, George made approximately 75 total subhilts.

 

[baffone]

Only 75, wow

 

[TAH]

Thought everyone in this thread might enjoy this recent Blade Magazine article: https://blademag.com/knife-collecting/greatest-knifemakers-of-all-time-a-look-at-george-herron

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Sub hilts are notoriously hard to make. Bob Loveless said he could make a dozen hunters in the time it took him to make a subhilt. Ditto Walter Brend.

Pietro, that knife is drop dead gorgeous.

 

[baffone]

Thanks a lot Ron