So I used the search function here on the forum, and didn’t turn up much, or did it incorrectly (quite possible)…..

Anyways, looking for info on USA made marbles fixed blade stamps/etchings. Seems through what I have been able to find on the web that the late 90s 2000 era knives are considered some of the best, and usually carry a marbles, Gladstone Michigan stamp. But there are others just just say marbles, maybe with an etched logo instead of stamped, still made in US? Anyways point being is I’m confused.
Is there a way to tell by the box or anything else?

Thanks to anyone who has any info,

Ben

The old bobcat box usually denotes that late 90's to early 2000's era you speak of. Orange with a bobcat on the front.

I've got one from I think 1999. It's stamped Marbles Gladstone Michigan and has the 52100 blade steel. It's one of the most overrated knives I own.

Cool thanks for the replies guys!
Curious, Blackheart, what makes you view it as over rated? I’ve been thinking of finding one of these as I like the old school stacked leather vibe, but haven’t handled one in person.
I’m not much of a collector, and would be using it in the field. I was under the impression these were good knives.
Any and all opinions and/or insight from personal experiences welcome,

Thanks again!

I was not impressed with the fit and finish or the edge holding of the 52100 steel for the price and the sheath is nothing to brag on either. You'd be better off in every regard with one of the fixed blade Bucks with the micarta handles and S30V or S35VN blade steel from Copper and Clad.

Ok thanks Blackheart for the intel there. I’ll check that out. Pretty neat, wasn’t aware buck made any in those better steels. Could be onto something there.
I had also checked out Fallkniven, they have some stacked leather/aluminum pommel knives, but wow they’re approaching custom work prices.

These Marbles knives from this era are pretty good quality depending on how much you can get them for. They were made by Marbles during a time when Mike Stewart was in charge I believe. He later went on to run Bark River.

Mink, yep that’s what I had read as well. From what little I’ve actually seen of Bark River knives I would think that would be a good thing, as they were nice looking and are well thought of.
Since my checking into this stuff, I’ve also have been eye balling the Hess knives, seems like a continuation of the vintage Marbles styling. Very reasonable pricing. I ordered on of the little whitetail models, we’ll see how it turns out

Hess knives look Marble like for a reason and to the best of my knowledge are all American made.

Several makers in MI U.P. with a Marbles heritage.

I own several “Mike Stewart Era” Marbles knives with the 52100 blade steel.
My experiences are completely different than what’s described above.

I’ve found fit and finish to be excellent as well as edge holding ability. One thing to remember is that these blades are “old school” handmade/assembled. As such, no two are exactly the same. I own 1 Plainsman and 3 Fieldcrafts. Each is unique but fit and finish of all of them is excellent!
Also, I’ve never owned a sharper knife.
The key to maintaining the convex grind on these blades is to touch them up before they get too dull. This is easy to do, when needed, and only takes about 5 min after a hunting trip or field dressing job to bring that edge back to hair popping sharpness. Easiest way I’ve found is to strope them using a neoprene rubber computer mouse pad and a sheet of 1200-1500 grit sand paper. Having said that, I’ve never felt the need to touch up these blades in the field. And, I use them for skinning and deboning meat only. I don’t chop, pry or use the edge as a screwdriver.🥴

Love the convex grind on these marbles knives!

Leftybolt

Current Marble's fixed blade knives are imports. The ones built in China are quite good and bargain priced. The ones built in Pakistan have very low quality stainless steel blades and are considered junk. - Sherwood

The marbles knives made in Seki Japan have incredible steel!!!

what era Marbles were made in Seki Japan. Interested!

I've got two Marbles knives. They are both older blades, stamped Gladstone Michigan. One is a Bowie that I never use, but can't seem to let go of.

The ones not engraved Gladstone are made in China, after the brand was sold to a Chinese company. The Gladstone knives are, indeed, excellent. Top quality.