Hen and Rooster

[jmr40]

I've heard of the brand for years, but never owned one before now. I have family all over East TN and was passing near Smoky Mt Knife works yesterday. It's 5-10 minutes off the interstate and a good place to stretch the legs so I usually do. It often leads to lightening the wallet too.

This was an impulse buy but it seems pretty well made for the price. The salesman claimed 440C steel, but there is no literature in the box and all I can find says "German Stainless", whatever that is. Knife was made in Spain.

https://www.smkw.com/hen-rooster-9-drop-point-hunter-with-stag-handle

What is the opinion of the experts here. Decent knife, or should I have passed.

 

[Jack B.]

This is from Knife Country USA.

Hen & Rooster Knives, since 1845, is considered the best place to witness hi-grade cutlery and matchless craftsmanship without burning holes in to your pocket. Carl Bertram, founder of the brand, was an established name in poultry trade of Solingen (Germany). This is how; he gave the famous Hen & Rooster® logo to his manufacturing line, in 1865.

Every Pocket Knife by Hen & Rooster is a symbolic of intricate designing, top polishing and impressive gripping.
Conceived and hand-made in about 1845, the Hen & Rooster® brand had a modest beginning as the notion of Carl Bertram. In 1983, the firm was liquidated, and the Hen & Rooster trademark and the Bertram name were acquired by James Frost of Frost Cutlery. Through it's reputation of excellence, Hen & Rooster® continues carries the title of “World’s Finest Since 1845”.

Sounds Like you have a good knife. Not sure where your knife was made. Frost Cutlery is in Tennessee.

 

[hso]

Frost Cutlery is in Tennessee

They don't actually make anything. Their knives could be made anywhere in the world for them.

In this case I would accept the manufacture took place in Spain. They have folders that are made in Germany and Spain as well as China.

 

[jmr40]

Thanks everyone,

It says Spain right on the blade. Just looking at the knife it appears well made and worth $80. But until you actually use one it is impossible to know for sure. I think my biggest concern is exactly what type of steel the blade is made from. All the on-line literature is vague and no information is on the box or blade. All I can find is "German Stainless". The salesman I spoke with says it is 440C which would be just fine. Not that I think they would deliberately lie to me, but sometimes people in sales have been misinformed.

When I got home and started trying to research the type of steel used I found nothing. In my experience when manufacturers don't tell you which steel they used it is usually a cheap grade of steel. If they are using something decent they are quick to point that out. That is usually the case with no-name Chinese made knives though. I'd think, hope, a knife from Europe and a known company would use something decent. For $80 I don't expect any of the modern high end steels used on really expensive knives. I bought it thinking it was 440C, or something similar in quality, and if it is I did OK.

 

[bannockburn]

jmr40

Your Hen and Rooster knife reminds me of a Kissing Crane Stiletto that I got years ago from A.G. Russell. I believe it was made in Italy for them. For the money I believe it to be a well made knife with quality materials used throughout in it's construction and everything nicely fitted together. I hope your Hen and Rooster knife likewise serves you well.