I*XL Knives

[Dave T]

I have an I*XL 5-1/2" Bowie with stag scales. At least that's what I'd call the blade style. Not sure it's big or long enough to be a true Bowie knife. Probably just a belt knife. Anyway, what I'm interested in learning is the background of this brand. I acquired this over 25 years ago and was told then the brand was a well know import in the 19th Century. That might have been a sales pitch from the guys selling it at the gun show. I just don't know.This one is marked as made by Geo. Wostenholm  Sheffield, England. Any of you knife fanciers know any more about them?

Dave

[1961MJS]

Hi

I searched on "I*XL Knife" and came up with quite a bit of stuff.  Most of the stuff I came up with isn't of our era.  I did find an auction that had a more period bowie.

Good luck.

[St. George]

If you now know it's built by Wostenholm, what's the sticking point in your digging deeper?

If it's a small bowie with a wooden handle - chances are high it was contracted by 'Atlanta Cutlery' and sold by them and if so, it's not a period piece, just a nice knife.

Scouts Out!

[Dave T]

Once again I haven't made myself clear. I know this isn't a period piece. It is newly (20th Century) manufactured. My question is if the info I was given by the seller way back when I bought it, that I*XL knives were well know in the 19th Century, was valid or just sales hype. I'm not very good researching things on the internet so I was hoping someone here might know about the I*XL history.

Dave

[St. George]

Of course they were.

And, I knew exactly which one you own.

They were a premium knife with a solid reputation, and they earned it in the Nineteenth Century with explorers, sailors, hunters and a whole host of outdoors-living men.

They were used by fur trappers, freighters, cowboys - by anyone with need of a 'good' knife - and Wostenholm made cutlery and bayonets for the British Army.

They made a lot of the 'Bowie' style - in many blade lengths and varying finished and handles.

Look up the trade name - insert a dash, or allow for a single space - and add 'history' - as in:  'IX*L knives - history' - you'll find what you're looking for.

Scouts Out!

[Dave T]

Thanks St. George! Appreciate the help in navigating the web (smile).

Dave

[St. George]

Just remember - a computer will give you precisely what you as it for - it won't think for you - so be certain of the wording of your question, and be brief.

Scouts Out!