RARE Press Button Knife Co. Walden NY 1892-1923 American Automatic Knife / Fork For One Arm Man

Sold and marked on blade by Artificial Limbs & Specialties New York, used condition patina on blade surface scratches on case, slight wobble to blade when open, fully closes and locks. The Press Button Knife Co was a division of the Walden Knife Company and are among the oldest and most collectible of all the American made switchblades. This was the most recognized model Press Button Made and most unusual, yet it was specifically designed for individuals with one arm to assist in feeding and was referred as the "One Armed Man". It measures 4 1/2" closed and featured polished aluminum handles. The 4" mirror polished curved blade features a three prong "fork" at the end and has an extremely sharp, razor edge. The Press Button Knife Co was originally set up as a special division of the Walden Knife Co and was directed by George Schrade who bought an interest in the company and manufactured 9 basic patterns of Press Buttons with three of these being sold by Sears Roebuck in their catalog at the turn of the century. Schrade continued to work for the Walden Knife Co until 1903 before breaking off and selling his interest and forming a company with his brothers (Schrade Cutlery Company)..Approx 1911 Walden became a subsidiary of the Simmons Hardware Co in St Louis with five models produced and marked Keen Kutter..In 1922 Simmons merged with the Winchester Arms Co and it was decided to close the Walden Knife Co in 1923 which ended the Press Button Knife Co. So in summary, any switchblade marked Press Button Knife Co is a worthy investment due to the early manufacture. {in house shipping available}