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Two new additions, take a look John!

Hello again John. Picked up another coupla knives from the bay, ($6 each). Both in decent condition.

I know a little something about the bottom knife, an all-metal IKCO "Boys" jack knife from the early 30's, (pre 1935 I think), but the other knife, a 3 1/4" Imperial PROV RI USA three blade equal ended jack, (stockman, pen, ??), is the one I have a question about John.

I know the "Boys" knife is all metal, but I think the Imperial's handle is metal too. Look at the closeup photo of one end of that knife near the bolster, you can see the edge of the handle material, and the crimping on the bolster where it appears that the jigging was stamped onto it. That doesn't show up on any of the other bolsters, almost like the knife was a bit crooked when put into the stamping machine. I've never seen a metal handle knife that looked so much like Delrin, (or Gum Fuddy, or Bakelite, etc), but it looks to be metal to me.

I like the "Boys" knife especially, I have another just like it, (though the bails are different). The blades are sharp, and the springs on both are the strongest of any knife that I own, they snap shut like doberman's jaw. They were a ten cent item in their day, they really do not make them like they used to.

The dents in the bolster match those on the handle, and you can see the edge of the handle material. So, what do you think John? I'm thinkin' metal handle. Whatever it is, the knife still "walks & talks". Any info would, as always, be appreciated. I'll add a closeup of the tang stamp.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on June 4, 2015 at 18:56

Syd-First, I will give you a little info on your " IKCO' knife-- Actually, that tang stamp is L.K.Co.of New Britain, Ct.-This knife is circa1919-1925-- This was a tang stamp used by Liberty Knife Company-- I'll get back to you on the Imperial after a little more research-- BTW, you probably paid for both and then some with the L.K. knife !!-

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on June 4, 2015 at 18:59

Cool, and I've got two of them! Thanks John, anxious to hear what you come up with. I'll post side by side's of the Boys knives if you want.

John McCain said:

Syd-First, I will give you a little info on your " IKCO' knife-- Actually, that tang stamp is L.K.Co.of New Britain, Ct.-This knife is circa1919-1925-- This was a tang stamp used by Liberty Knife Company-- I'll get back to you on the Imperial after a little more research-- BTW, you probably paid for both and then some with the L.K. knife !!-

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on June 4, 2015 at 19:40

Syd-- Seriously ??-- You want to ask me if I want to see two vintage L.K. Co. knives side by side ( AKA knife porn)-- Silly goose, of course, I want to see them !!-ROFL

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on June 4, 2015 at 20:12

Syd- Is that handle material on your Imperial a true black or a deep brown?? Makes a difference- Also OAL and blade length-??

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on June 4, 2015 at 20:20

Of course, ask and you shall receive.

The one with the lanyard is the one I've had for a while. I carry that knife frequently it is such a good, tight knife. Enjoy the show!

John McCain said:

Syd-- Seriously ??-- You want to ask me if I want to see two vintage L.K. Co. knives side by side ( AKA knife porn)-- Silly goose, of course, I want to see them !!-ROFL

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on June 4, 2015 at 20:22

Black!

John McCain said:

Syd- Is that handle material on your Imperial a true black or a deep brown?? Makes a difference- Also OAL and blade length-??

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on June 4, 2015 at 20:59

Sorry John. I help run a small community center up in Big Sur, and we have a meeting coming up. I was juggling phone calls and agendas when you asked for that info, sorry for the delay. I was trying to answer you and talk on the phone at the same time, so it took me a minute to get those dimensions for you.

The Boys knife is 3" closed, with a blade length from bolster to tip of 2 1/4"

The coloration of that Imperial knife is as black as black can be, not a shade of brown anywhere.

John McCain said:

Syd- Is that handle material on your Imperial a true black or a deep brown?? Makes a difference- Also OAL and blade length-??

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on June 6, 2015 at 14:38

Syd-Your Imperial is what they called their Premium Stock (stockman-- Handles are all metal, what Imperial called simulated Black Stag-- The bolsters are are made of a material they called "Nuloy". I have no clue what Nuloy consists of?? - Your tang stamp dates your Imperial to circa 1956-1988.- However, your knife appears in Imperial's 1959 catalog, so I would guess yours is late 1950's early 60's-- BTW. the PDF of the 1959 catalog is available here

http://iknifecollector.com/group/knifechicks2/forum/topics/imperial...

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on June 6, 2015 at 15:07

Thanks John, I was pretty sure it was metal. Thanks also for the link to the catalogs, I appreciate it.

John McCain said:

Syd-Your Imperial is what they called their Premium Stock (stockman-- Handles are all metal, what Imperial called simulated Black Stag-- The bolsters are are made of a material they called "Nuloy". I have no clue what Nuloy consists of?? - Your tang stamp dates your Imperial to circa 1956-1988.- However, your knife appears in Imperial's 1959 catalog, so I would guess yours is late 1950's early 60's-- BTW. the PDF of the 1959 catalog is available here

http://iknifecollector.com/group/knifechicks2/forum/topics/imperial...