Historical knife of an American Pioneer

My Ezra Meeker friction folder was taken from the very knife Ezra carried many years ago. The knife he carried was on a lanyard around his neck.

Ezra Meeker –  friction folder
in “lightning strike” carbon fiber
and Damascus.



Ezra Meeker was a pioneer of Washington Territory. He came across the Oregon Trail with his wife and infant child in 1852. In 1853, they moved into Washington Territory and finally settled in the Puyallup Valley for over 50 years.*
Along with his many accomplishments, Meeker founded the city of Puyallup as well as being its first mayor. During his life time he made the arduous trek along the Oregon trail 4 times.

 On one of his sojourns through Oregon he had the misfortune of his wagon breaking down. When he went to the local blacksmith he told Meeker that he could repair the wagon for x amount of money and the knife around his neck. Meeker said no, that he used the knife daily. The blacksmith insisted that if Meeker wanted the wagon fixed that the knife was part of the price. The deal was made and the knife was given to the blacksmith. Time passed, and alas the blacksmith did as well. His estate was sold and my mentor ended up with the Knife. He disassembled the knife and we made templates from it. The original knife, that Ezra carried, was straight high carbon steel with a brass handle.

* Wasco-history