So, you picked up an awesome knife for $3 at a yard sale or your grandfather gave you his favorite blade and now you’re curious about what type of knife it is and what it’s worth.
Unfortunately, the simple task of determining a knife and its worth can be quite tricky.
But if you’re looking for a good place to start on your journey of identifying a knife, keep reading.
1. Find identifying marks or symbols
The first, and most obvious, place to start is with the knife itself.
Look for any sort of symbols, initials, or identifying marks. Certain symbols or scratches in the handle or steel of the blade are usually calling cards of certain knifemakers or brands. These are typically called maker’s marks and can range from symbols, scribbles, messy signatures, or logos. However, if there are no identifying marks, it’s very possible it’s a clone.
Sometimes a simple Google search on whatever is on the knife is enough to identify the brand or maker.
For example, let’s say you stumble upon an old slipjoint that looks like an antique with this marking:
A Google search on Graef & Schmidt will lead you to understand that it’s an old company from the early 20th century. Then, if you want an idea about how much it’s worth, take a look on eBay where they range from $20 to $350 depending on the model.
2. Get a reference book
How could a book be possibly better than the Internet? The Internet is new while most of the antique knives you’re searching for probably don’t have much information online.
There are plenty of reference books out there like Randall Knives: A Reference Book from 2007. But if you found a maker’s mark and can’t identify it, there is one book that rules over others: Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings. It’s a big book of markings from history that will help any collector or enthusiast ID an old knife.
While the book appears to be out of print, the database might be available through Knife Magazine with a paid subscription. It’s unclear whether the online portion of the database search is available at the moment, so I recommend reaching out to Knife Magazine for more information.
3. Analyze construction and materials
If there aren’t any intentional identifiers on the blade, it’s still possible to narrow down the possibilities of where, when, and who it came from by simply looking at the qualities of the knife.
For example, if you have a knife with a specific type of lock, you can usually narrow the date it was manufactured with a little research. You could also narrow down where it was made by looking at its style and influence.
I’ve been asked to identify hundreds of knives throughout the years, and 90 percent of the time, the knives are made using cheap materials or by copying well-known designs or knife makers. If that’s the case, it’s very possible it comes from China or Pakistan and is worth very little monetarily.
If the construction is poor or things don’t quite fit together seamlessly, that can be another indication it’s just a simple Chinese-made knife.
4. Browse through eBay
Earlier, I suggested browsing eBay to find the value of a knife that you identified. However, it can be an option if you’re still looking to identify a knife.
For example, if you have a what looks like a stockman — which is a nonlocking folder typically with three blades — you can search something like vintage stockman with bone handle and you’ll see a list of potential matches.
5. Post your picture on websites
The Internet gives you access to billions of people, including many helpful knife enthusiasts. However, people don’t really want to be bombarded with questions asking “what knife is this and how much is it worth?” That’s why I only recommend going this route if you’re exhausted all other avenues and determined that it could be historically significant.
There are many websites, such as Blade Forums, where you can submit pictures of your knives and they’ll do their best to identify your knife. There are also a growing number of knife-related subreddits on Reddit like r/knifeclub, r/knives, r/bladesmith, and more. There’s now even a r/KnifeID subreddit.
Help identify mysterious knife
byu/superbeefwithcheese inknifeclub
7. Go to a knife expert
Finally, if you’re all out of ideas and no one can help you, it’s worth seeking out a knife expert or museum curator. You never know if your knife is so rare and valuable that not many people know about it.
May 6, 2012 at 1:59 pm
The knife in the picture is pretty amazing. I wish I could find one with such a classy blade.
June 9, 2015 at 5:19 pm
does any one know what this knife is worth?
June 9, 2015 at 5:21 pm
Put your money where youre mouth is.
August 5, 2022 at 1:49 am
I got old knife
September 28, 2024 at 6:22 pm
I have a unique night it’s old it’s got fork looking knife on one side and a knife on the other side and I don’t know if it was made in China India where but it looks really old and I’ve never seen anything like this in my life how could I send a picture to let you help me identify this thing
December 23, 2020 at 12:37 pm
I’ve got one just like it I’m trying to find out about it myself has anybody got any information on it
September 22, 2023 at 1:24 pm
I have a couple that look pretty close to it that i got from my grandfather that im trying to find info on
November 22, 2021 at 9:39 am
Knife has a maker’s Mark but can’t find it the knife looks like a wooden fishing lure wondering what it is and it’s worth
January 20, 2022 at 10:31 pm
I’ve got one
June 10, 2022 at 1:02 pm
I have 2 old knives can you tell me a little about them
May 4, 2016 at 4:06 pm
Can anyone tell me what kind of knife this is . It was my great grandfather’s . Thank you
July 28, 2016 at 7:58 pm
I have a stiletto knife that found, it has a emblem and all…but k literally can find nothing on the internet..confused.
September 2, 2016 at 6:51 pm
I have a smart knife or multi utility knife that would be easy to call a swiss army officers knife around late 1800s but it has absolutley no markings except for a tiny y on the bottom of the can opener blade. It is red and has 11 tools would anyone help me identify?
September 2, 2016 at 6:53 pm
G
October 13, 2016 at 5:12 pm
I have a really old knife and can’t find a exact year model for it. Can anyone help me out? And how much it may he worth.
January 5, 2017 at 3:14 pm
Found this old knife. Made in Titusville Pa can almost read that much.the. shield looks like either. A 6 Pointed leaf or tree would appriate any help in identifying the maker and year. (5 blade folder) thank you
January 26, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Try looking up a boker .tree brand 5 between 1940 and 68
February 9, 2017 at 7:59 am
I have an original Buck Knife..one of the first hand made by Al himself…looks like a Bowie knife…it has Buck engraved on it…excellent shape…I’m interested in selling..
April 8, 2018 at 3:06 am
ill buy it
August 9, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Found this blade was wondering if it is antique or not
February 11, 2017 at 4:01 pm
I need some help identifying a dagger it has a dusk color double sided blade and the hilt has a dragon coiled around it as fore the sheath it has two lions on it with a blue background anyone know what I’m talking about if you can help holler at me at samcox951@gmail.com
February 17, 2017 at 11:55 am
Does anyone know anything about a dagger with the name Cortty inoxi on the blade?
June 2, 2017 at 4:23 pm
I have a knife that I’m trying to figure out what it is can u help me
March 13, 2018 at 1:37 am
Inox is used to mark stainless steel knives outside the USA as well as Rostfrei and plenty of others. Maybe that’s the Inoxi part though. Cortty I Imagine is the maker or place it was made.
June 3, 2017 at 4:00 pm
I’m trying to identify if my knife I have is a vintage Randall BC Sheffield English British commando fighting knife. The only markings I can find are on the blade side of the hilt. One side is stamped England and the other is stamped with and I and an arrow. If anyone could help identify it I would appreciate it
July 4, 2017 at 5:45 pm
I need help can anyone tell me anything about my knife? I cant find any markings of letters or sybols numbers etc. How do i post a pic?
September 16, 2017 at 6:49 pm
So if anyone can help me out there I have a knife and I’m trying to identify it please if you have any information I can send you my personal number and a few pictures of it and you can do some research and you can get back to me and hey maybe if you interested in it you even can come out and pick it up thanks appreciate
November 18, 2017 at 5:23 pm
Please I need help with identifying a switchblade knife that I have!!! I cannot find the maker of the knife there is a face or an outline of a face with Orthello Rostefi and I cannot locate anything about this knife can anyone help me please
November 19, 2017 at 7:00 am
I have a knife all it has on it is a deer emblem on the handle head and body can’t identify it
November 27, 2017 at 5:36 am
I was given this beautiful knife I’m just trying to find Information on it
November 27, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Very old heavy duty built slight shape of coke bottle.wooden handles one heavy folding blade only letters I can make out is …D…R…TT…UNDER EACH OTHER..it’s appx 10 inch long .metal n fnt of handle is little over inch long rear metal appx. Half inch long..a total of 4 brands n handle and 1 in f metal and 2 in r metal price..help me on this old beast
January 14, 2018 at 1:32 pm
I’m looking to find out how to identify my dagger
January 17, 2018 at 6:38 am
Has anyone heard of SAVAGE branded Folding Knives?
February 5, 2018 at 5:35 am
Could use some help tryin identifying knife. It’s a big single blade knife it looks like a case or an old-timer but it has no markings no nothing I’ve asked people they said case old-timer Old Hickory but I was just wanting to know for sure if you could help me I would appreciate it very much thank you.
February 18, 2018 at 7:08 pm
I have a knife my friend gave to me, it’s a big recurve/ bowie style knife with a long hooked backbone and above the tip of the blade is a few notched points . The knife brand logo is a wine bottle pouring into a chalice. And the handle is wood but it’s different colors.
March 3, 2018 at 7:25 pm
I have a 14.25″ long kitchen carving knife (9″ blade). Carbon steel, mid 1900’s or earlier. Marking on blade has the word “Stiletto” engraved within the outline of an arrow with points on each side. Has anyone seen this emblem? In looking up “Stiletto” I only find the illegal/switchblade types of knives.
March 5, 2018 at 12:08 am
I have a knife a friend gave me it has no emblems or markings visible . It is one of the oddest knives I’ve seen it looks kinda old I would say from the 70’s or 80’s I think. It’s a lock blade Bowie knife ! Lol! It has brass and wood handle and the locking mechanism is on the side this weird brass flip lock thing ?….. Its 17″ long opened the handle is 6.5″ and the blade is 10.5″ . I would love to know the fact on it . If nothing else it’s a great peice for my collection . Does anyone have a clue ?
June 6, 2021 at 3:28 pm
Sound like the knife I have. I have no information. Do you ever find anything ?
March 25, 2018 at 8:01 am
1316. Sinclair st
8
March 25, 2018 at 8:02 am
I have a pocket knife 46p 40k. Any one know who made it ?
June 1, 2018 at 3:37 pm
I have a knife like the one in the picture what brand is it. There is no marker looks old and has a wood shealth
June 1, 2018 at 3:38 pm
It even has a face carved in the pommel and everything like the picture
July 25, 2018 at 9:03 am
Have a knife with wooden handle, blade is steel has “Guadal Jal.f.h
July 25, 2022 at 4:55 am
Stands for the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Not sure what the f.h. is….
September 25, 2018 at 4:24 am
i have a nife 1903 is written on its can any body tell about its…
November 10, 2018 at 10:59 pm
I have a small knife that has a diamond shaped Mark with Z.Y. in the diamond any help identifying would be appriciated it has a single blade on one side and a pare of scissors that are flat across the bottom 3 in long and a half in wide
April 14, 2020 at 7:43 am
U had me at diomond send me pic please details specs authenticity history story how u really dont even want part with but would for that much but prob go down to this or even more since im nice knive conasorist history buffer person
April 14, 2020 at 7:46 am
I just baught a large lot of some rare knives or knives that are out this world large unloved but nice unattendeed no story of any blood shed for ages but few rare to me knives like 15 inch pakistan red deer salesman sample i think with alot of artist marking im trying figure out how take pic now
November 29, 2020 at 1:33 pm
Rock I have an old woodsman knife by Shrade. 165OT. I received this old knife in the box with the plastic still on the blade. Mine stands out as it has no markings on the blade. on the handle it just has the old timer brass plate. This came from a person who was a sales rep. He had a case of many many old knives. Can’t be any newer than the 70’s to my knowledge. Can you possibly help?
December 1, 2018 at 9:01 am
I have a knife made by a Salish artist “Basil” with elk antler carved eagle handle. very very sharp blade about 2 1/2 inches long with redish sheath any help would be appreciated.
December 28, 2018 at 5:24 am
I have found a knife with the stamp(hand bolo forged) on it can anyone help me out
January 12, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Found this old knife cleaning my grandmother’s house out.. can anyone identify its make and or value… it is yellow tri blade with a bird on its badge
March 22, 2019 at 4:59 pm
Have a ww1 era pocket knife a family member brought back from France in WW1. The blade has AU GAUL and that is all . Cannot find any info about it. The handles look like old cow horn. My uncle carved his name on lone side and FRANCE on the other .
April 6, 2019 at 3:46 pm
I have this knife in my grandfathers stuff and have not been able to identify it. There is also a Moore knife and a newspaper clipping of an article with a picture of him standing by his display case with these knives in it.
April 17, 2019 at 9:24 pm
I have an old twin blade folding knife with BUNNY stamped on the chrome section. It looks similar to a Barlow. I’m assuming it is a cheaper version. Does anyone have information to assist.
September 20, 2019 at 11:05 pm
I’m trying to see what kinda knife I have and how much it’s worth
February 26, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Anyone know about these knives. I know they are from WW2. Any info is much appreciated.
June 5, 2020 at 6:47 am
I’ve got a single blade Sheffield England folding pocket knife with a bone handle and the body where the blade attaches is six sided and it’s got ONB on metal I’ve looked all over line everywhere books everything I can possibly find it cannot find one like this nowhere
July 17, 2020 at 7:56 am
We are professional scuba divers, we found an old knife in the sea and we would want to know details about it if possible. I’ll send the pics of it by mail when u reply
July 20, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Need help identifying a hilt my son and I found in our front yard while metal detecting. Is it a toy ? While washing it off carefully it broke. Maybe pewter ? Has a rams head type top with loop for lanyard.
July 23, 2020 at 7:11 pm
What knifes are ago and worth
Yard sale find Ed
August 24, 2020 at 10:41 am
I cannot find any identification for this knife? Any ideas?
It has a bone handle and the only marking is an uppercase R with an arrow thru it.
Thanks
September 5, 2020 at 5:43 pm
If I post pics can someone tell me what I have no the are 3 blades and same marking on handles. They were my grandpas
November 12, 2020 at 10:15 pm
I’ve got a very old 1 blade wooden handles knife the guy who I got it from said it was a LISTENER but I cant find it online anywhere I need help figuring out what kind bc I think it’s worth a lot.
February 5, 2021 at 8:49 pm
I have a tiny (1.5 inch) switch blade. it has one blade, mother of pearl handle. It also says Germany and I think it says Ecosi. I am not certain If E or i is correct as the letters are very tiny and not very clear.
February 27, 2021 at 8:05 pm
I have a fish knife and knife look like a fish special hunting knife Mark diamond
October 17, 2021 at 3:20 am
I got this 10 in bowie knife with what looks like elk horn handle and the only maker mark on it is CAT. It has a leather case with snakeskin on the outside of the front of it.
November 4, 2021 at 3:15 am
I have a duzzi of a blade. 50 cent yard sale gift. Seems to be solid brass. Most likely from India. Tiger character with an odd lock.had a painting on the blade itself. Has a serrated blade like I’ve never seen. Has old insignias of Aztec or Greek trAditional markings. Please help it’s bothering me not to know where this beautiful weapon of death began it’s journey, and how why or what did I do to deserve such a gift🥺
June 14, 2022 at 3:29 pm
looking for info on an old ceremonial[?] knife with a stamped circle with R , Z [with a bar] ,over an M inside it , followed by M7/19 over 1938.
July 10, 2022 at 3:32 pm
I have the same dagger but cannot figure out what it is from it is absolutely amazing
August 27, 2022 at 7:03 am
I found an imperial ireland B.A.S.S. double blade pocket knife and was wondering how I could tell the age of it?
September 10, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Can someone help identify this knife?
January 15, 2023 at 11:03 am
I have a custom forged antler handled Bowie knife that has a marking etched into the blade and was hoping someone could help me identify the maker by the marking. How can I up a photo here?
September 10, 2022 at 12:54 pm
What kind?
December 16, 2022 at 3:13 pm
I’m trying to find out what kind of knife I have it’s old and the makers mark isn’t anywhere that I have found
January 28, 2023 at 11:14 am
I have an old knife that I can’t identify. It looks like two cannon barrels crossed
January 31, 2023 at 3:47 pm
I’ve got an old case XX knife and I can’t find nothing about it can you help me out
August 8, 2023 at 2:54 am
The knife in the photo is a Talabon bolo knife from the Philippines . They are hand made and probably a WW2 bring back. You got a real good deal. But as far as a set value? . It is hard to tell it depends on the knife. They vary widely in quality..
May 6, 2024 at 3:58 pm
Maleham yeomans cutlers sheffield old knife. Old knife For sale (1837 United Kingdom) u.k
August 20, 2024 at 5:05 pm
I was wondering if anyone knew what this knife is? I can’t read any of the writing on the blades. Any help would be appreciated.