Premier H19 Knife

[Sentryduty]

When does a family heirloom become too valuable to use? This is certainly the question I am asking myself when it comes to this particular knife.

The Premier H19 fixed blade knife.

I had this fine knife passed on to me by my Father a few years ago, and because of the relative rarity, and my inability to replace it, I have been very hesitant to risk using (or losing) it. I have only seen a few like it and they were all in the hands of my Father, Grandfather, or Uncle. Always used as hunting knives during deer season they were kept very sharp and ready to process game, or take care of camp related tasks. As a younger fellow I remember these knives held a keen edge, and the few times I used one, they were “scary” sharp, cutting quickly and with ease.

I understand that these knives may have been under trials for the Canadian Forces sometime during the early 1970’s. A number came into the possession of my family through unofficial means from CFB Cornwallis. While I know they were not officially adopted by the CF, (the Russell Belt Knife) I can only assume the remainder were disposed as surplus, or otherwise lost, since I have never seen any others. Maybe they were only trialed in low numbers, or not at all, or may have been a LPO (Local Purchase Item) to satisfy a supply shortfall, who knows?

The blade is stamped with “Premier, Lifetime” on the left side and “H19 England” aside from that there are no other markings.

This is a full tang blade which has an aluminum pommel with a brass tensioning screw. The 4” (101.6mm) handle is stacked leather design with a brass hilt and fittings. The blade is quite heavy, measuring 4.5” (114.3mm) long, 0.12” (3.0mm) across the spine, with a 4” (101.6mm) full flat ground cutting edge, finished with a false edge and blood groove.

The sheath is a bit unusual as it was originally made of olive drab cotton canvas with wooden liner. On my example the canvas has rotted away and was rubber dipped sometime in the mid 1990’s to preserve what was left.

Internet research identifies the Premier Knife as a US based importer of knives during the 60’s and 70’s which built their product line from various overseas manufacturers, possibly including the famous Sheffield and Solingen makers. Not much else has been reported about this sharp and robust blade.


For the time being, mine will cleaned and freshened up, with a few strokes over the water stones to hone the edge, then returned to careful storage.

Information

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[old-smithy]

Many years ago I was watching a program on a guy using a very early 1900's Mercedes as a trials car, out in the mud climbing hills etc. when asked how he could do this to a half million pound car his reply was that it cost him 50 pounds and that he never thought of it differently as the pleasure he got was worth every penny. if he thought of it in terms of its current value he would not use and enjoy it. he then promptly drove off with a friend bouncing on the side to get the car through 18" of mud! So my answer is really if you worry about its value then don't use it, if you enjoy the use then forget the value, pleasure from use far surpasses the money aspect, unless like too many people the money is why you do it, then lock it away and never use it again.

[Aragorn243]

It's not all about the money. My first rifle I bought from my dad for $50. I think I was 16 at the time. He could have given it to me but felt it more important that I learn the worth of buying things for myself and that is what he paid for it when he acquired it years before. This rifle is an early 300 Savage 99 takedown model, well used and drilled and tapped for a scope. I only carried it for a few years on a regular basis as I purchased a new Savage 99 in 243 when I started working and could afford one. It was to become my "bear" rifle because that is what it was when my dad carried it. I don't often hunt bear so I would still pull it out from time to time to take deer hunting. That lasted for many years until one December late afternoon while it was getting dark I stepped on an ice patch 15ft from my car and I slammed the rifle into a steel vehicle barrier. Now I was trained from day one that you break an arm before the rifle hits anything so I was appalled at this, it simply happened so fast. Fortunately, the rifle suffered no damage, I was lucky, it was a hard hit and they have fragile stocks. But it was also the last time I carried it in the woods. Did I enjoy carrying it? Sure, but I don't need to and I value it's place in my life more than putting it at risk. It's worth a lot more than the $50 I paid for it but it's never been about the money. It's not that valuable and probably worth less than some of the other rifles I carry. But it is priceless to me.

[henry r]

^^^ the difference between "worth" and "value".

most of the things in my life i value the most aren't worth much on an open market.