Round Knifes and Head Knifes:
Use:
Round and head knifes are the utility knifes of the leather trades. They are used for cutting general shapes, skiving (tappering) the edges of leather. The difference between a round knife and head knife is subtle. Round knifes are more likely larger and have a more semi circular shape. A head knife may be smaller and more pointed at the ends. Some head knifes are pointed on one side only.
Toolmaker: Joseph English
- A 5-1/4 inch (from point to point) fairly clearly marked "J. ENGLISH NEWARK N.J." round knife.
- Joesph English, most likely the predesesor to William Dodd and C.S. Osborne and the reason C.S. Osborne claims to be established since 1826. He made tools in Newark in the 1840's untill 1856 when he sold his business to William Dodd.
Toolmaker: Wm. Dodd & Co.
- A 3-1/2 inch (from point to point) fairly clearly marked "WM. DODD & Co. NEWARK N.J." round knife.
- Dates from 1856 when Joseph English sold his business to William Dodd, until the late 1850's when he sold the business to C.S. Osborne & Co.
Toolmaker: H.F. Osborne Co., "Osborne Patent Tools"
- A 5 inch (from point to point) clearly marked "H.F. OSBORNE & CO. TRADE O.P.T. MARK NEWARK N.J." Saddlers' Round Knife.
- An 1891 H.F. Osborne catalogue, lists this tool as a "616 -- Small, Oval Rosewood Handles, 5 inch from point to point".
Toolmaker: C.S. Osborne & Co
A late 1880's vintage C.S. Osborne catalogue lists these tools as a, No. 70. Round Knives, Oval Rosewood Handle. Made in the following sizes.
- Small, Oval Handles, 5 inch.
- Usual, Oval Handles, 6 inch.
- X, Oval Handles, 6 1/2 inch.
- XX, Oval Handles, 6 3/4 inch.
- XXX, Oval Handles, 7 inch.
- A 6 inch (from point to point) fairly clearly marked "C.S. OSBORNE & CO. NEWARK N.J. EST'B 1826" round knife.
- This tool was purchased as a part of a saddle and harness makers tool chest, said to belong to the Sawyer Brothers of Liberty, PA between 1905-1923.
- A 6 inch (from point to point) fairly clearly marked "C.S. OSBORNE & CO. NEWARK, N.J. ESTD 1826" round knife with an "X".
- This mark appears to be similar to the marks shown in the 1911 catalogue.
Toolmaker: Henry G. Gomph & Co.
- A 4-1/2 inch (from point to point) clearly marked "GOMPH" head knife.
- Reprint of "Henry G. Gomph & Co. Fine Harness Tools" catalogue lists this tool as a No. 055 Round Knives (Oval Handles). Also avalible in 4, 5 and 5-1/2 inch sizes.
- This tool was purchased as a part of a saddle and harness makers tool chest, said to belong to the Sawyer Brothers of Liberty, PA between 1905-1923.
Toolmaker: Henry Sauerbier
- A 5-1/2 inch (from point to point) faintly marked "H. SAUERBIER" round knife.
- Tool dates from the 1850's to 1870's.
Toolmaker: W. Rose
- A 5 inch (from point to point) faintly marked "W. ROSE WEST PHILA" round knife.
