"Benchmade by King" - Any Info??

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MavErik

Lurker
Jan 4, 2024
42
72
Central Maryland
I came across a couple of pipes with a hand scribed "Benchmade by King" along the left side of the shank. I did the routine in-depth research...via Google, and only a couple of links of prior eBay sales came up. Nothing on Pipedia or here that I could find. It is not the "Benchmade" from Marxman.

Pipes look pretty decent overall. Nice grain and craftsmanship.

I would appreciate any info anyone has. Here is a pic for reference.

Screen Shot 2024-01-04 at 9.06.35 PM.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Briar Lee

Lifer
Sep 4, 2021
4,960
14,334
Humansville Missouri
I’m betting that is geniune, old growth, soft as butter Algerian briar.

IMG_6513.jpeg

King is a man with a bench who hand made pipes using simple shop tools before 1954, is reckon.

There were artisan pipe makers in the Golden Age when Robert Marx and Tracy Mincer sold truly Benchmade originals made of the softest, oldest Algerian briar at $5 and up.

King must have been one of those.

He had a hard time competing.
 

MavErik

Lurker
Jan 4, 2024
42
72
Central Maryland
I’m betting that is geniune, old growth, soft as butter Algerian briar.

View attachment 277078

King is a man with a bench who hand made pipes using simple shop tools before 1954, is reckon.

There were artisan pipe makers in the Golden Age when Robert Marx and Tracy Mincer sold truly Benchmade originals made of the softest, oldest Algerian briar at $5 and up.

King must have been one of those.

He had a hard time competing.
Greatly appreciate your insight sir! So much to learn. Thanks everyone