To a novice the classic variations of the American pocketknife must look much the same. Except for the obvious differences of size and number of blades, this tried and true tool always has the same basic form. But, look closer and you’ll see many subtle differences that are as much decisions of style as of function. Names refer to handle patterns as much as to blades.
Queen Cutlery sticks to the old patterns in their Pennsylvania factory, using many of the more time consuming hand processes in the construction of these fine knives. Their product line shows the wide variety of handle and blade patterns that evolved to fit the exacting needs of the American workplace and the American frontier.
The Small Stockman, with handle slabs of beautiful American birdseye maple burl, shows the slightly fatter, gentle wave of that particular handle style, developed for reasons only a stockman and knife maker could understand. The 3 3/8″ closed length houses three D2 tool steel blades in clip, spey and sheepsfoot patterns. Stout and compact, it’s a very practical size even for people who don’t work the herds, and the rare birdseye maple handle slabs only increase in beauty and utility over time.
