Tony Bose Prototype MUSKRAT Number "0", Vintage Brown Jigged Bone
From the Bose Knives website..."Tony Bose comes from humble beginnings in the West-central Indiana town of Hymera. He suffered an injury to his right eye at the age of six and his family endured hard economic times throughout his childhood. When Tony became old enough to work, he encountered many obstacles due to his partial blindness. As it turned out, that childhood injury and his love of "pocket knives" became a catalyst in making Tony who he is today and his knives some of the most coveted hand made knives today. Tony started making knives in 1972 after many years of repairing knives for extra money. He made his first folder in 1975. To date he has made over 48 different patterns based on knives from the old cutlery companies. Tony says, "I don't design knives, I bring old knives back from the grave." Tony's forte is just that; bringing old knives back to life but with all the improvements that modern materials and superior craftsmanship offer. Tony's reputation as a master cutler of traditional folding knives was recognized and rewarded in 1998 with his hiring as consultant to the W.R.Case & Sons Cutlery Co.. Tony provides a level of expertise with pocket knives that could easily have been lost but he shares the information openly with anyone who wants to learn."
Sadly, the knife world lost the legendary slip-joint knifemaker on November 22, 2020, at the young age of 74. He was one-of-a-kind. A true gentleman that is sorely missed by all.
This two-blade Muskrat pattern folding knife features two (2) clip point blades of equal length, both made from ATS-34 stainless steel with hand rubbed satin finishes. All the blades are stamped on the ricasso, with either Wilfred Works or T. Bose Wilfred IN. One of them is stamped with the number "0" and "ATS-34". The "0" is the first of the pattern and was Tony's way of marking the prototype. I also believe that Tony switched stainless steels from ATS-34 to CPM-154 around 1999. So, that would date the knife to 1999 or earlier. Both blades have half stops. And both have firm, smooth pulls. The scales are well-mated. They are vintage, old brown jigged bone. The bolsters are 416 stainless steel, as are the liners, pins, and Federal shield. Tony's tolerances, and fit and finish, are second to none. Both blades lock up tight with no
play, and the blade seating of each is perfectly aligned in the handle trough with one other. The tolerances are tight, something Tony was the master at doing. Comes in a padded, zippered case.
Condition: One previous owner. Excellent condition
Never used, carried or sharpened
- Blade length (each): 3"
- Closed length: 4"
- Overall length (fully opened): 10"