1978 Rodgers Wostenholm NKCA Canoe – Serial #5250 of 6000 – Sheffield, England – 3 5/8" Vintage Pocket Knife

This 1978 NKCA Club Knife, crafted by Rodgers Wostenholm of Sheffield, England, is a beautifully made Canoe-pattern folder produced exclusively for the National Knife Collectors Association. Limited to a run of just 6,000 pieces, this example is serial-numbered 5250 and remains in excellent to near-mint condition.

At 3 5/8" closed, this Canoe fits comfortably in hand and pocket, with the classic symmetrical silhouette, domed bolsters, and graceful blade geometry that make the pattern so popular. The main spear blade carries the ornate NKCA 1978 etch, and all three blades open and close with good snap. The jigged bone handles display rich depth and color, with no cracks and beautiful texture throughout—some of the nicest bone seen on NKCA annual knives.

This is a standout example of late-20th-century Sheffield craftsmanship paired with the collectible legacy of the NKCA club knives.

🔧 Specs

Maker: Rodgers Wostenholm – Sheffield, England
Edition: 1978 NKCA Annual Knife
Serial Number: 5250 of 6000
Pattern: Canoe
Blades: 3 (Spear Point with NKCA etch, Pen, Small Pen/Spey)
Handles: Beautiful jigged bone – no cracks, excellent coloration
Bolsters: Nickel silver (Canoe-style rounded bolsters)
Liners: Brass
Closed Length: Approx. 3 5/8"
Blade Action: All blades exhibit strong snap with tight function

🔎 Condition Note

This knife presents in excellent to near-mint condition. The blades are bright with only minimal signs of age. The NKCA etch on the main blade remains crisp. Jigged bone handles are gorgeous with no chips or cracks. All mechanics are excellent—tight, and fully functional.
This knife ships wrapped in acid-free archival tissue to help preserve both steel and bone during transit and storage.

📜 Historical Note

Founded in Sheffield—once the cutlery capital of the world—Rodgers Wostenholm is a name synonymous with fine English knife making. Their collaboration with the NKCA throughout the 1970s delivered a series of highly collectible annual knives noted for their craftsmanship and traditional materials. The 1978 Canoe is widely considered one of the more elegant offerings, showcasing classic bone, Sheffield finishing, and a production run limited to 6,000 serialized pieces.

🧲 Collector’s Note

This knife is ideal for collectors of NKCA annual knives, English-made cutlery, and Canoe-pattern folders. With its superb bone scales, tight mechanics, and clean blades, it stands out as a premium example of Sheffield workmanship from the late 20th century. High-condition NKCA knives—especially English-made editions—are getting increasingly harder to find.

⚠️ Disclaimer

All knives in this shop are vintage or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. While many are in excellent condition, they may show normal signs of age or handling such as scuffs, blemishes, or blade wear. I try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos.

By purchasing this knife, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older and are complying with all applicable laws and regulations regarding knife ownership in your area.