The Frontier Sixshooter Community Message Board - Rob, you are somewhat the cause of this question.

Rob, you are somewhat the cause of this question. (reply)

Hoot — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 11:11:06 +0000

I was reading a copy of 'Blue Steel and Gunleather' by John Bianchi that I got from you (Thanks, by the way, good read). He discusses the evolution of the holster and it got me to thinking about knives as well. I know I used the term 'cowboy' a bit loosely as it is a pretty broad era. I would expect knife wear and needs also evolved over time along with the holster.

I did spend a little time Googling 'old west' pictures but some are so obviously staged that I switched my query to Charles Russell paintings but couldn't see enough detail to pick up a belt knife except for maybe 'Disputed Trail' which shows some leather on the right hip but it could be either a pistol or knife.

Anyway, thanks all. You saved me from shoveling the couple inches of "global warming" off the driveway for a bit.

yessir that was one of the reasons vests were so poular (reply)

Rob Leahy — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 21:10:14 +0000

pockets!

Consider too, that older styles of pants had no pockets. (reply)

Caz — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:02:32 +0000

pants or vest or chap pocket for folders. a great story of (reply)

Rob Leahy — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:24:46 +0000

cowboys roping a grizzly in eastern AZ, the rope was tight against his thigh, blocking his access to his pocket knife . he related that it was nerve wracking as the bear was reeling him & his pony in closer as he tried to cut the lariat.
Looking at old pictures is not always reliable, as many of the folks would add photo studio props for these photos.
In the frontier days, certainly camp or Bowie knives were carried in ways that suited the individual. After the frontier was more or less tamed, a working cowboy wouldn't want anything on his waist at all.

OT: but I expect some will know. How did cowboys carry... (reply)

uncowboy — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:08:30 +0000

in a boot

OT: but I expect some will know. How did cowboys carry... (reply)

Slow Hand — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 14:35:43 +0000

I can see a folder in a front chap pocket being handy. When I did CAS, I had a small pocket knife on the end of a watch chain. Pocket watch on one side, looped through a vest button hole and the watch in the opposite pocket.

OT: but I expect some will know. How did cowboys carry...

Hoot — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 14:15:28 +0000

their knives? I assume they probably had a pocket knife of some sort but in the saddle and with gun leather, that would be trouble to get at. A belt knife, perhaps with a significant blade, would be handier for day to day tasks. Was it worn off side on the gun belt or ???

Thanks!

Hey, it's winter in MN and the mind tends to wander.