The News from ElephantToenails.com

In our recent ET.com survey it was interesting for me to see a the majority of you indicated the topics of The News were just right- not too basic and not too advanced, however a handful of you indicated a desire for some “meaty” topics. Well you know advance level courses in college (graduate and doctoral level courses) don’t always give you answers as much as teaching you to THINK.

So, with that here we go and, while I don’t profess to be a doctor of toenails, I thought I’d let you into my world……hang on tight and DON’T JUST SKIM.

Let’s begin by asking: “Do you ever wonder which knife company invented the toenail?” I do all the time. I have been running this rabbit for years now and have declared this to be my quest. (more…)

Another popular theory knife collectors hold is that the toenail was an “English Rope Knife.” This belief principally stems from a reference in a W R Case Cutlery Company catalog in which the caption under the toenail reads “Old English Rope Knife used on sailing vessels.” While it is commonly agreed that one of the uses of the knife was to cut rope, it seems to have been more than likely in mercantile stores back in the early 1900’s, for example, as opposed to on the open sea.

In Dr. Foy Mitchell’s wonderfully informative article “Speaking of Rope Knives” in The National Knife Magazine May 1995, he convincingly argues Toenails were only used as “point of sale” rope knives and were not used at sea as was the Sailor or Navy Rope Knife. He contends, “The main commonality between them (an elephant toenail and Navy Rope Knife) is both host a very wide blade with a thick back that enabled them to be ‘driven’ through a very thick rope using a wood peg such as a fid or belaying pin.” Moreover, although a few do exist, it is extremely rare for a toenail to have a bail (the metal loop used to secure the knife to the carrier with a string or small chain) or drilled hole, as do rope knives.

Furthermore, there no evidence that indicates the knife is of English origin (although there is a toenail that was manufactured in the early 1900’s by an English firm, Lockwood Brothers. See The List).

It is my opinion WR Case simply used this name as a marketing ploy.

Navy Knife Photo Credit: Mike Silvey

In light of the two recent eBay sales of Case XX USA Dotted Series rehandled toenails (a red bone & a pearl handled), I have taken it upon myself to prepare a “reference list” of toenails produced by WR Case after its Bradford Era. I have attempted to compile a complete list using my collection, information from Case and various resource books.  (more…)

Scott, I have attached photos of a Case knife that I have not be able to identify.  The knife is clearly marked CASE BROTHERS - LITTLE VALLEY and also has the XX marking on the blade.  I found this knife in a storage box when my father closed a General Merchandise country store he operated for 50 yrs and been in business in total over 100 yrs.  Any insight into the pattern, date of manufacture, and value would be much appreciated.  Additional photos are available if needed. David 

David, your hunch is correct. It is a 5250 Case Brothers stag handled elephant toenail, some call it a sunfish knife.  CB was from Little Valley, NY. It was made somewhere between around 1900 to like 1911, but you can verify that on my site. www.elephanttoenails.com search in The List for Case Brothers, plus you can see other stag handled ones like this. The XX on the blade was their trademark double stamp that the knife was tested and passed their approval. It was their claim to fame. Later they actually stamped the blade where the XX is with TESTED XX.

My guess is it is probably worth $200- $350, maybe up to $500. It is really hard to say, because some collectors really like knives in “used” original condition, plus it is affordable to a wide range of folks.. The stag handles are the best thing it has going for it. Stag ranks higher than some other handle materials among collectors. Did you take the knife apart? The pin holding the master blade in is sticking up which is not normal and will cause some collectors to question the knife. Don’t try to hammer it down if you are going to sell it just leave it as is. Scott

Scott, I found your site and it looks great. My father has an elephant toe knife that he cannot find complete information on.  (more…)

Hello Scott,   They used to say that celluloid handles were destructive to other handle materials when stored near them.  Anything you can do to clear this up?   Larry

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Dear Scott:

    I am 66 and remember the thrill of getting my first knife.  I really enjoyed and appreciated your El. toenails information, BUT, I have a big question

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Hey Scott,

Just a quick note to say hello and that I enjoyed your article in Knife World.  I found it very informative and an absolute pleasure to read.  I learned a lot about Toenails that I didn’t know before.

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Hello, I found your website for this knife, and am in need of guidance. (more…)