Old Hickory Skinning Knife Value Guide

The Old Hickory Skinning Knife is a quintessential piece of American cutlery history, manufactured by the Ontario Knife Company since 1889. These knives are highly collectible for their rugged high-carbon steel construction and the distinctive upswept tip specifically engineered for processing game on the frontier.

What Is Old Hickory Skinning Knife Worth?

The typical price range for Old Hickory Skinning Knife is $25 - $28 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and clarity of the original Ontario Knife Company branding stamps.
• The structural integrity of the hickory handle, specifically looking for cracks or loose brass rivets.
• The condition of the carbon steel, where a smooth patina is preferred over heavy pitting or active rust.
• Originality of the blade shape, ensuring it hasn't been excessively ground down by improper sharpening over the decades.

How to Identify Old Hickory Skinning Knife?

• Look for the 'Old Hickory' brand name stamped clearly into the high-carbon steel blade.
• Identify the handle by its genuine hickory wood construction secured with three brass rivets.
• Check for a deep, natural dark patina on the blade, which is characteristic of authentic carbon steel from the 1920-1950 era.
• Verify the specific skinning pattern featuring a pronounced curved blade and an upswept tip.

History of Old Hickory Skinning Knife

Introduced in 1889 by the Ontario Knife Company, the Old Hickory line became a staple in American households and on the frontier. The skinning knife pattern, with its distinctive upswept tip, was designed for the efficient processing of game. These knives are famous for their high-carbon steel which holds a very sharp edge and develops a dark patina over decades of use.