Col. Coon Barlow Tyospaye knife ~ Vintage ~ Rare

Col. Coon Barlow Tyospaye knife ~ Vintage ~ Rare

$195.00

Current stock: 1

Col. Coon Barlow Tyospaye knife ~ Vintage ~ RARE !!!

Col. Coon Barlow Tyospaye knife is a rare and highly collectible pocketknife made by Adrian Harris's Tennessee Knife Works between 1978 and 1988. The "Tyospaye" name, often associated with Native American heritage, indicates a special edition or custom etch, making the knife especially unique for collectors. This knife is a one of a kind , due to the combination of etchings found on the knife.

Col. Coon and Tyospaye background

Col. Coon Knives: Founded by Adrian A. Harris in 1978, the company produced hand-made pocketknives in Columbia, Tennessee. These "first generation" knives are highly valued by collectors. Harris developed a unique chemical etching process for the blades and sold the company to W.R. Case & Sons in 1988 before retiring.
Tyospaye: This name is not part of the standard Col. Coon branding. Rather, it signifies a special edition, from a limited series etched for a particular group or knife club. The term Thiyóšpaye means "extended family" in Lakota and often appears on knives featuring Native American-themed artwork.

The blade tang is stamped "TENN USA," distinguishing it from modern versions made in Germany.
Special etching: The "TYOSPAYE" is etched on the bolster, and on other bolster " OYATE" , a signature feature of Adrian Harris's custom etching process.
The spine is etched " R.W.H. DE OPPRESSO LIBER"

Oyate: This is a Dakota and Lakota word for "people" or "nation". The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, for example, is a federally recognized Native American tribe.

The combination of these disparate elements suggests the phrase is a personalized or memorial statement rather than a single established phrase. It brings together several distinct concepts:

A traditional pocket knife associated with American heritage ("COL. COON BARLOW").
A reference to Native American family and community values ("TIYOSPAYE OYATE").
A military Special Forces motto signifying a mission to fight against oppression ("DE OPPRESSO LIBER").
An unknown abbreviation or initialism ("R.W.H.").

TIYOSPAYE OYATE: These are two distinct Lakota words related to kinship and community.R.W.H.: These initials do not have a clear public meaning and likely belong to an individual or have a context-specific significance. Without more information, their meaning is unknown.
- Tiyospaye: Translates to "extended family" or "a close-knit circle of relatives, friends, and community members".
- Oyate: Translates to "a people" or "a nation," conveying shared ancestry and belonging.
DE OPPRESSO LIBER: A Latin phrase and the official motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. It translates to "To free the oppressed". This motto reflects the Green Berets' mission of training and assisting indigenous forces to resist oppressive regimes.
It is in used condition , but condition is excellent considering its age.
Nice bone handles