Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Solingen Cowboy Head Knife

I just bought an interesting knife and I'd like to see if anyone here can give me some info on it. On one side of the blade it is stamped SOLINGEN and under that it says GERMANY. On the other side of the blade it is stamped THE DREIER Co. There is a cowboy head on the end of the handle. It looks a lot like the one in this picture except the part that protects your hand is straight across with little "balls" on the ends and it's the same metal as the cowboy head. The blade is 4 13/16" and the overall length is 9 1/4". The stag handle is well worn. I don't have the original sheath. It's seems to be real solidly built but it needs a good cleaning. Maybe it's a an el cheapo but I figured that since it's made in Germany it might be worth something. Anyway, any information you guys could provide would be appreciated. Thanks.

Knives like that were imported from Germany back in the 50's thru the 70's by many different importers who stamped their brands on them. Names like York, Edgebrand, Eye brand, come to mind but there were many of them. You can do an ebay search on "solingen knife" and you will see what I mean as it seems that everyone and his brother has bought some dead guy's knife at an estate sale and is trying to re-sell it for a few bucks. I've never seen one with a cowboy on it so that might be a plus.

My Dad had one that I cleaned many a pile of fish with as a kid and I picked up one for about 12 bucks a few years ago. They have nice carbon steel blades similar to 1095 that are thin, sharpen up real well with oil stones, and cut like crazy. Strictly old school.

If it is worth anything it will be worth less after you give it a good cleaning. Patina and all that. And, as RJ said, they do cut wicked.

Thanks RJ and 5th. I bought this one, a Schrade 152 skinner and a cheap Chinese knife, all with the sheaths for $10 total. I always liked those little Schrade skinners. I figured the sheaths are worth $10 so I guess I did alright.

RR - You did well on that deal. I have a knife very much like your knife. It is stamped SOLINGEN/GERMANY.
Only on the other side of the blade it is stamped MONARCH. Indeed they are real solidly built. Got mine
as a teenager and have used it very hard for many years. The stag handle has held up well.