Kaufmann K55K Pocket Knife

G

Ged Delany

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Feb 23, 2022
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3
I have recent inherited my grandfather’s pocket knife that he used whilst beekeeping here in Australia. He managed over 120 hives across southern NSW until he passed away in 1971. He was born in 1904 and started beekeeping in his early 20s.

The knife is a HV Kaufmann & Sons K55K Solingen Germany, three blade pocket knife. The main blade has Solingen K55K stamped on one side and Kaufmann Germany on the other. The second blade has Solingen stamped on it and the smaller blade doesn’t appear to have anything stamped on it.

I have two questions.
1. Can’t anyone provide any other information on this knife ie possible age, was it widely distributed around the world, confirm the types of blades (clip, sheepfoot and pen?), any other information.
2. Restoring the knife. Should the blades be cleaned and sharpened so they look like new or simply sharpened them. Best way to clean up the handle.

Thanks

Ged

07-CD8036-50-E3-4-CD3-A2-D7-4-B9-A0-D6-A0-CE3.jpg
 
Ged Delany said:
I have recent inherited my grandfather’s pocket knife that he used whilst beekeeping here in Australia. He managed over 120 hives across southern NSW until he passed away in 1971. He was born in 1904 and started beekeeping in his early 20s.

The knife is a HV Kaufmann & Sons K55K Solingen Germany, three blade pocket knife. The main blade has Solingen K55K stamped on one side and Kaufmann Germany on the other. The second blade has Solingen stamped on it and the smaller blade doesn’t appear to have anything stamped on it.

I have two questions.
1. Can’t anyone provide any other information on this knife ie possible age, was it widely distributed around the world, confirm the types of blades (clip, sheepfoot and pen?), any other information.
2. Restoring the knife. Should the blades be cleaned and sharpened so they look like new or simply sharpened them. Best way to clean up the handle.

Thanks

Ged

07-CD8036-50-E3-4-CD3-A2-D7-4-B9-A0-D6-A0-CE3.jpg
Click to expand...

That's a very nive knife you got :)

I'd just sharpen and clean it, to keep its character.

I like to use magic sponge erasers to clean older blades. gets rid of dirt and surface rust without destroying the patina.

have a nice day!
 
Obviously a great knife, to have so much left after so much use. You're right about the blade shapes, except I think the pen is a worn spay. The knife is a stockman pattern, which has been very popular since it came out in the 1890s or so.
If nobody here can tell you more about the company, you might have more luck in Bernard Levine's thread.
 
Agree it's a stockman pattern.
If mine, I would clean any dirt on the blades and covers with warm water, a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, blow it out with WD-40 or PB BLASTER or compressed air (canned or from a shop compressor) lube the joints, and sharpen it.

I'm not an "expert" in the matter, but I believe the "Germany" separated from "Solingen" indicates post WWII manufacture.
I'm not familiar with the company. Sorry.
 
Ged Delany said:
I have recent inherited my grandfather’s pocket knife that he used whilst beekeeping here in Australia. He managed over 120 hives across southern NSW until he passed away in 1971. He was born in 1904 and started beekeeping in his early 20s.

The knife is a HV Kaufmann & Sons K55K Solingen Germany, three blade pocket knife. The main blade has Solingen K55K stamped on one side and Kaufmann Germany on the other. The second blade has Solingen stamped on it and the smaller blade doesn’t appear to have anything stamped on it.

I have two questions.
1. Can’t anyone provide any other information on this knife ie possible age, was it widely distributed around the world, confirm the types of blades (clip, sheepfoot and pen?), any other information.
2. Restoring the knife. Should the blades be cleaned and sharpened so they look like new or simply sharpened them. Best way to clean up the handle.

Thanks

Ged

07-CD8036-50-E3-4-CD3-A2-D7-4-B9-A0-D6-A0-CE3.jpg
Click to expand...
That is still a pretty nice looking knife . It looks like it would clean up well . Your Grandfather most likely Loved that knife and took good care of it too . I think you are very lucky to inherit it . Carry it In Good Health !!!!! Also : Welcome to the Porch My Friend !!!!!!!

Harry
 
Thanks everyone for the comments. I will give it a good clean and a sharpen.

My grandfather was much loved by all, particularly his grandkids, so I am indeed lucky. I also inherited his Stanley spirit level but I have had it for the last twenty years.

screened porch screened porch I have read Bernard’s thread and found it informative and a great read. Bastler Bastler thanks for the link to the video.
 
That knife has seen a lot of honest use. Still has a lot of life left though. Looks like the bolsters are nickel with carbon steel pivot pins. I agree with the others in just cleaning and lubing it. Sorry I don't have any info about the brand.
 
Well this looks like a pocket knife with historical value. I wonder if it is still sharp, at least it looks as if. If not, sharpen it! And carry it with pride :).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
When you first mentioned a Kaufmann K55K, I thought for sure you were going to show us the steel-handled Mercator Black Cat, like the one described in the video. Then you mentioned three blades, and quickly disabused us of that notion. The Mercator is pretty familiar to us. I have one, as well as an all-brass Otter version. Your stockman is completely new to me, and I suspect to most of us. It is certainly a rarity around here.

The sheepsfoot and the spey have been sharpened quite a bit. The sheepsfoot looks almost like a pruning blade, but I’ll bet it had a straight edge when new. I’d say clean it up, maybe with some mineral oil and a paper towel, or the judicious application of a rust eraser to remove dirt. Then carry it.
 
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