Meaning of shields on knife handles?....

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

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Aug 4, 2013
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Well, we see many, if not most, traditional knives with shields inlayed to handles. We see many name brands or trademarks on these shields. But, my question is... how about all the many other shields where no trademark or tradename is used... what are their meanings, or are they just decoration. I own some of the Utica Catskill series knives.. many having a shield only, no trademark or tradename... but they do appear on vintage Utica's as well. Then I have a Case caramel colored jigged bone pocket worn trapper with the exact same shaped shield... so maybe just decoration afterall? I just do not know... asking you good folks to help me with this question :-)
 
I assume they are just for decoration but don't know for sure; I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Also, I've always wondered if there is any comprehensive online or written resource of all the different shields. I haven't been able to find anything like that myself. History of the design, companies used by, etc. Hope someone who answers you will also give us this information. :)
 
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Here is a shield on a recent Case made Trapper.
 
Well like u say most shields have a name or trademark on them. Some of the older knives that have acorn or crest shields like the the two trappers u have above have no writing or etchings. They are just decorative. Eye brand has there logo on crest shields so each to their own. I personally like bomb shields and the crest shields the most. It just sets the knife off and adds a different kind of class to me. Way back when knife companies used some outrageous shields; some odd but cool.
 
I always thought that the blank shields allowed for a place to engrave the owner's name or initials.
 
I have to agree with Carl on the other thread, personally I don't much care for them in general.
 
I personally like the look of having them... but do prefer them blank without tradenames or trademarks. I believe queen is starting to go back to using traditional pinning in their shields... maybe others will follow (hint tto Case) ;-) I mean, I have no problem with Case using some of the latest equipment, they are an old dog, and they have evolved continuously throughout their history... Case is living and evolving history, they have a right to stay alive and sometimes change happens.... but glue to hold their shields... ugh! lol! ;-)
 
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