[akluvr]

I just received an unusual item in trade. The box is labeled the edge company. The item is about 7" long and looks like a pen, but on steroids. What would usually be the pocket clip is the opening device. It is an auto opener with a tungsten steel spike. To reset it after opening, just push in the indent in the spike and push the spike against somethng solid. It is crafted heavy duty and would make a bad guys day pretty miserable if used. Any help on an ID (who made it, where it was sold, what it is worth) will be appreciated. I am looking to sell a few items so I can drum up funds for a Benchmade 610 Rukus, it didn't interest me until I picked it up- now I can't live without one (like all the other knives I own).

[JShirley]

A college friend of mine has one, and showed it to me yesterday.

I kept correcting him by saying, "Oh, you mean your emergency glass breaker, that you carry because you're a medical student and eager to help people?" Every time he called it a spike.

;)

John

[akluvr]

That's the one. I believe this guy called it a "street spike" IIRC. But in the vein of what you are saying, absolutely, just the ticket for breaking glass......eyes:evil:

[hso]

They've been called The Guard Father for as long as I've seen them. They are made by various machine shops since the first one came out and was immediately knocked off. They're worth anywhere from $50 to $90.

http://www.srknife.com/cat6.jpghttp://www.srknife.com/cat6.jpg

[ocelot777]

I've seen them called "Auto-spikes". Presumably they are covered by whatever automatic-knife legislation prevails in your location . . .

I'm sure I saw a villain in an ancient episode of Doctor Who (do you get that in the US?) produce something very similar (but it was probably made by the BBC props department). Also, I'm pretty sure one of the characters in Spooks (more BBC -- it's about MI5) had one (until he stuck it in some poor sod and tipped him into a river).

[joab]

Here you go
http://knives4wholesale.com/guauspotfr.html
http://www.theknifeauction.com/item.php?id=26947&PHPAUCTIONXL_SESSION=33230cdca3608a21ecca535555eee7ea

[akluvr]

I'll try to post a pic tomorrow. The one I have is similar but much more rugged in construction. I put it in my shirt pocket to see if it would even conceal well and my shirt sagged to one side. I am afraid to carry it, if I got into a situation where it was the only solution there would be some pretty serious legal ramifications I'm sure. This is supposedly the one that started it all so when I post hopefully someone will remember it. I will most likely try to move it to get the Benchmade fund started.

[scbair]

If it's all blued steel construction, and does, indeed, resemble a "fountain pen on steroids," complete with pocket clip and fake button (for using/retracting the tip of a real pen), it sounds like the original Guardfather, made in Italy, and imported a lotta years ago.

[akluvr]

That is definately the description that fits. My camera is not wanting to cooperate at the moment. Now to find a price to set on it and put it out on the market. I appreciate all of the help. One last request on this, what kind of value?

[scbair]

Value? Good question! As I recall, I purchased one for $19.99, back in the day . . . I've not examined any of the "new" Guardfathers, but have read that they are not nearly as rugged or formidable as the originals.

I don't think I'd let it go for less than $50, and that may well be too low.

[akluvr]

I finally got ahold of a dealer aquaintance that started with production knife sales and has now went totally custom sales (as in I can't afford his knives anymore). He states that he had one about 6 months ago and sold his for $160. I'm figuring that he was in the right place at the right time. He says that they don't surface too often and that folks who know what they are pay a premium? Well, I figure that I am trying to fund another purchase and have several items to sell so I will have to see what happens. Edited to add- thanks for the help and info, I could not contact any of my regular sources and was drawing a total blank. Yet again you guys are the best.

[joab]

I vividly remember them from around '85

They were advertised in some of the gun rags for about $50 ,I pretty sure.
I just couldn't afford anything I could not justify back then
.
So $160 would not be an outrageous price to a collector

[scbair]

Well, the ol' memory ain't what it used to be, joab (at least, as best I remember . . . :rolleyes: ), but I don't think I'd have spent $50 for a novelty. I'm pretty sure they were originally around $20.

Regardless, $160 ?!?!?! Hmmm; maybe time to consider selling mine.:D