I used to go to Motorcycle Week in Laconia NH and yell out "something" like that but that was a long time ago

Here are 2 recently acquired crutch tips. One late 60's and one early 70's. The hilt shape, choil, length of tang into the tube vary significantly. The earlier knife tang protrudes into the tube a hair over 2 inches where the later knife just 1 1/2 inch. The hilt shape differences are obvious in the picture. Interesting is the way the later knife hilt was drilled out. The handle on the older knife is also almost 1/4 inch longer. I know there is a knife of the week thread for 18's but thought I would make this about Crutch Tips. Anybody want to share photos and interesting specs?

Thanks

Hey Charlie, Nice pair, I used to frequent Laconia for a spell and that was a common response, nice looking 18's too!

Rob

Solingen "Shorty",Johnson Splitback Sheath.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

Jim,

Very Nice, Thanks! The SPlit Back tells me it is an earlier knife, is there anything other than the splitback that helps date the knife? Ex: How far the tang extends into the tube?

The guard looks different on Jim's too, but then I personally haven't seen Soligen 18's to comapre it to either.

Charlie, I noticed the sawteeth are on different sides on yours too... once thing you didn't mention.
~dale

Dale,

The early knives had smaller guards. Yes the teeth are different although I don't think the difference is technique but rather how much wear was on the cutting surface when they cut the teeth as I understand it.

Dale,
Posted this on the #18 Teeth thread awhile ago.This shows how the teeth differ,size,count..
The tang extends 2 1/2-3" into the handle on the Solingen.
Off to Tulsa,everyone have a great weekend.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

Another dating clue for crutchtips is for the latest ones they dropped the pinched tube.

I was actually just joking about the teeth being on different sides in Charlie's photo...one is facing left and one facing right. Bad joke, sorry for the confusion.
~dale

Dale,

After re-reading it I get it, not a bad joke just lost on someone not too sharp. You wrote differetn sides I read different size.

I think opposide side teeth was a special order in October of 69 discontinued in November as it was too confusing