Rare buying Thomas Turner “Encore” Heavy Duty Utility Knife c1860-80. WW1 Trench Knife. Leather Worker/Saddlers Knife. General Purpose Work Knife.

This listing is for a rare Encore brand hook blade work knife by Thomas Turner of Sheffield dating to around 1860-80.

Turner established his Suffolk Works at Queen Street in 1802 & held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria & King Edward VII.

From around 1880-1910, the knife belonged to a Corporal of Horse in the Blues & Royals Regiment of the Household Cavalry & was used for servicing tack & saddlery. It subsequently accompanied his son to the trenches in WW1 & was buying used for other purposes! I purchased it directly from the family.

The “Stanley Knife” of their day, they could be used for absolutely everything in the work environment, from factories & workshops to farms & country estates & also around the home.

The hook blade is rigid carbon tool steel with a full rat tail tang turned over a brass washer. The handle is ring turned oak with a brass ferule.

11.5cm or 4.5” nominal blade length. About 23.5cm long overall. 83g weight. Stamped “Encore”, Thomas Turner & Co. Sheffield.

In lovely antique condition with some light marks & hone wear as shown. Fairly sharp & the handle is tight & solid with no movement. Lightly cleaned & waxed.

Museum quality, but still usable if you value a good blade!

Shipping is Tracked/Insured only. For sale to persons over 21 only. Proof of age may be required. Please have a good look at all the photos.

(Archive photo courtesy of Grace's Guide with many thanks).