Antique Coal Miner’s Belt Knife – Pit Belt Knife by Kenbourne Sheffield

Here on offer is what I believe is an antique coal miner’s belt knife made by a Sheffield maker.

The old coal-mines had Belt Crews, whose job was to repair and extend the conveyor belts that were used to move coal and miners to and from the coal face.

Each member of the crew was issued with a knife, which was referred to as a Belt Man's Knife or a Pit Belt Knife.

One such manufacturer, was Humphrey's Radiant of Sheffield, who made a shackled Pruner for the belt manufacturer Hayden Nilos and these were widely issued to Belt Crews.

Now Belt Crews estimated that it took two men 90 minutes to two hours to splice in a new section of belt.

Eventually, cordless electric belt-cutters were introduced which reduced splicing time down to 20-25 minutes, for one worker, but Belt Man's Knives continued to be issued and used, though the National Coal Board (NCB) eventually replaced them with box-cutter style utility knives.

On this fine example, the grip has two smooth dark hardwood scales, that are held in place by steel pins.

At the end it is fitted with a steel swivel lanyard loop.

The curved prune cutter shaped blade is stamped on one side of the ricasso with what I belief is the maker:

KENBOURNE
SHEFFIELD

The blade does have some slight aged greying to the finish and some tiny knicks to the cutting edge.

It is in excellent working order with firm full stop when opened.

The blade measures 3.4” (8.5cm) long with a 3” (7.6cm) cutting edge.

The knife is 8” (20.4cm) long when open, including the lanyard loop and weighs 130g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51359