Colonial Knife was incorporated in 1926 by the Paolantonio brothers; Antonio, Domenic, Fredrick . Prior to the three brothers forming Colonial Knife, they each worked in other occupations which would hone their skills as manufactures and businessmen.
The brothers proved they had the skills needed to achieve success. Antonio handling the sales, Domenic the finances and Frederick the manufacturing process. The 20’s and 30’s would prove to be difficult times, but with hard work and determination, the brothers would overcome all obstacles.
During the next 70 years Colonial Knife grew adding new products. The 1950’s inspired such brand names as the Sure Snap (auto knife) along with the Cub Hunter and Rin Tin Tin series and other well know styles of knives that would earn the Colonial brand a reputation as “;a boy’s first knife.
In 2001, some of the employees of the former Colonial Knife started Colonial Cutlery international (CCI) and began manufacturing the M-724 auto knives and the J-316 for the military. This new interest in the Colonial brand led to additional customers such as the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A, Cooper Tools, Stanley Works, Ideal Industries, and the General Service Administration (G.S.A.).
Tobias Gibson
Steve has opened my eyes to the new Colonial Knife Company through his give aways. I'm extremely impressed with his new patterns and look forward to purchasing many of his designs simply because they have proven to be both durable and functional. I've been carrying the little Key Chain Switch Blade with me since he sent it to me and I use it daily! The little knife is amazing and the thermoplastic handle will probably survive the next ice age! Steve P. has totally reinvented the old Colonial Knife Company and has made the company relevant. While he offers very few traditional pattern folders today, the new pattern knives are affordable, designed to last, and can really get the job done. Thanks for the keeping Colonial alive!
Below is my Blackie Collins Designed 102 switchblade. A great little tool and an excellent conversation piece! If only it came in Zombie Green! LOL
Apr 29, 2015
Jan Carter
Tobias,
I missed out on the key chain model but will be correcting that at Blade.
Very well said, Colonial IS a knife company for the future and very relevant for both the users and collectors
May 3, 2015
Tobias Gibson
It appears That Steve went Old School on my for the May give-away! Pretty awesome.
I wonder if he knew that I might have a collection Colonial Camp knives I'm working on!
May 5, 2015
Michael Squier
I figure I better join this group now because I just found a hunting knife and folding knife combo in a box of my old stuff from home. The fixed blade is a Colonial but the camper is an Imperial, I have an old Colonial camp knife that probably came in the set and got switched years ago. Time to switch them back. Ill post a picture later. too early for me to take pics.
May 6, 2015
Max McGruder
May 6, 2015
Tobias Gibson
I recently acquired a Colonial fixed blade Fish Knife - the one with the cap lifter / beverage can opener cross bar, complete with sheath. The knife is near mint, never been used.
May 10, 2015
Tobias Gibson
Another of my Colonial Fixed Blade Fishing knives. This one is similar to the Green River Dadley.
Numerous companies made knives similar to this. This one dates from the 1950s. Steve Koontz had it up for bid so I grabbed it. It is just shy of 9 inches overall.
The sheath that Steve was selling with it probably helped keep bidders away -- it was looked like crap. The knife, however, seems to be in excellent condition! Unlike many of the fixed blade fishing knives I've come across, this one is full tang.
The handles are slabs of white jigged composition held on with brass pins.
Below is the photo from Steve's eBay listing. The sheath is toast, not to mention ill fitting!
May 14, 2015
Tobias Gibson
I'm surprised that this group only has 25 folks in it! I'm wondering if it is because, like me, many people just fail to truly appreciate Colonial Knives.
My opinion of older Colonial Knives has come around quite a bit in recent months, thanks to the group and actually playing around with the few older Colonials I had acquired in passing.
It seems Imperials seem to get more respect among many people in the knife discussion groups yet among my collection it seems the Colonials are as good or in some cases better than my Imperial Schrades of the same pattern. And from what I've been observing on eBay, the Colonial knives seem to show up less frequently and seem to demand a higher price. I'm not sure if this is a quality thing or a supply and demand thing.
May 14, 2015
tim payne
another nice colonial fixed blade tobias!
May 14, 2015
Michael Squier
Heres are my Colonials, the only others I have are tiny little souvenir knives. Tobias, seems they used that sheath for a variety of knives, mine is same as ypurs with the folder sheath stacked on. Ill bet you can find a nicer one.
May 14, 2015
Tobias Gibson
Michael, I think you are spot on about the sheath. It is the same as the one that came with my beer can opening knife which is nearly identical to the knife you pictured
May 14, 2015
Michael Squier
Yes, and its also nearly the same as ones I have from Imperial an d Utica, and im sure others. There are very minor differences so I think they all made there own. But someone copied somebody way back when. I think the style really goes back to the 1800's already.
Yeah, Ido like the can opener fish knife, beer and fishing it goes hand in hand. Yours is a beauty. Need one of them.
May 15, 2015
Jan Carter
Tobias said
My opinion of older Colonial Knives has come around quite a bit in recent months, thanks to the group and actually playing around with the few older Colonials I had acquired in passing.
It seems Imperials seem to get more respect among many people in the knife discussion groups yet among my collection it seems the Colonials are as good or in some cases better than my Imperial Schrades of the same pattern. And from what I've been observing on eBay, the Colonial knives seem to show up less frequently and seem to demand a higher price. I'm not sure if this is a quality thing or a supply and demand thing.
I feel the same way about it Tobias. Having met Steve P a couple of years ago, I took another look at the product both new and old. For a few years they were producing so many military/first responder gear knives that their name fell away from the everyday knife discussions. I love it that we are seeing it return to its rightful place!
May 31, 2015
Tobias Gibson
Speaking of Colonial Knives, Here is another one of my fixed blades by Colonial, this one an older Fish Master. Back in the day, these were called utility knives but today they are more often called Bait Knives. The If there is a knife that Colonial needs to update, it's the Fish Master. All it needs is a lanyard hole and may changing the scaler back with a serrated spine that can double as a scaler.
I suppose a non-slip g-10 grip and molded thermo-plastic quick dry sheath would also be cool, but there are still some of us old school anglers who like the Fish Master just the way it is. either way, Colonial, with the sea and should consider produicing knives made specifically for anglers. I can't wait to try the old FishMaster out!
May 31, 2015
tim payne
*CKC 2012 Colonial Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Camp Knife •3 5/8" closed •Brown wood handles •Nickel silver bolsters •Bail •Brass "100" shield •Blades/tools are stainless steel •Blade etched "Girl Scouts 1912-2012"
Jun 4, 2015
tim payne
*COLONIAL Melon Tester USA, WHITE COMPOSITION, Tang Stamps:CALIFORNIA SUMMER FRUITS STAINLESS COLONIAL PROV USA, Closed:4 1/4 Inches closed and 8 1/2 Inches long with the main blade open. Approximate Age:PRE 1980.
Jun 4, 2015
tim payne
Colonial - 3-7/8" Stockman, Black composition, 3-bld, oval "Colonial"shield, tang stamped 'Colonial Stainless'.
Jun 4, 2015
Michael Squier
Those are very nice Tim, but they dont hold a candle to my fine Colonial.
Jun 4, 2015
tim payne
rah-rah Notre Dame! fine looking vintage piece Michael.
Jun 4, 2015
Michael Squier
I had forgotten about this fine knife. A friend gave it to me way back in 5th or 6th grade. Found it in a box of stuff a few weeks ago. That would have been in the 70's if anyone is counting.
Jun 4, 2015
Patti Olsen
Pretty sweet pics!
Jun 4, 2015
b jackson
Oh man! I love that Fish Master! Going to start searching for one of my own!
Jun 6, 2015
Tobias Gibson
The Fish Master is a solid, well made knife. The handle is plastic, however it looks pretty good. I'm happy wth it and do plan on using it at least once or twice this summer to see how well it works.
Jun 6, 2015
Patti Olsen
Everyone has an old Barlow story.... If I can ever find mine I will post it and it's story, until then, I am enjoying everyone!
Jun 7, 2015
Wendell Watson
I have a hard time finding colonial knives. but I am watching for them. hope to get a nice one to see how I like them. never owned one myself.
Jun 7, 2015
Tobias Gibson
It is strange but true. For every Colonial I seem to come across I see about a dozen Imperial/Schrades. I'm also actively seek out Colonials these days as they seem to be a better buy that the Imperials
I've shown this one pic before but it bears showing again. It is my small collection of Colonial Camp knives. Now if i can only get me a few Colonial Fish Knives, They aren't as easy to snag as I had hoped!
Jun 7, 2015
Featured
Charles Sample
I got this near mint Colonial Ranger on eBay for less than $10.
Jun 7, 2015
Tobias Gibson
That's a fine looking jack knife, Charles.
Jun 8, 2015
Jan Carter
That IS a fine looking Jack and a good price
Jun 9, 2015
Jan Carter
Missing Steve P at Blade Show was a disappointment, hoping to meet up with him at another show soon
Jun 9, 2015
Tobias Gibson
Not sur eif I showed this one yet. I got it last week at the flea market
Jun 20, 2015
Jan Carter
154CM Blade steel,
*made in USA
* Designer-Abe Elias*Blade Steel-154CM
*Blade Rockwell-60C
Overall length 11-1/8"
Weigth-6oz.
Sheath-Kydex
The name tells it like it is-Tough and Strong. The Defiant has a high Saber grind for an effective geometry for cutting and small chopping. Plenty of mass for chopping yet is no so thick and unwieldy that you would want to leave it at home. Key to the design is the ergonomic handle providing a platform for plenty of control whatever your task. When the odds seem long & the easy thing is to just give up, be DEFIANT & overcome.
Jul 27, 2015
Featured
Jeremy B. Buchanan
Very nice looking knife and made with one of my favorite steels.To top it off, Made in the USA. Hard to beat this one. Thanks for sharing Jan.
Jul 27, 2015
Jan Carter
Check out the very well written Colonial review by Mr Steve Hanner!!
https://stevehannerknives.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/
Oct 19, 2015
Jan Carter
Just got an email
super 2016 spring buy in
tomahawks and Bush craft knives model CE-100 limited edition only 600 manufactured 001 of 600 ,Mar 30, 2016
Gerald Hines
wow
Apr 13, 2016
Tobias Gibson
Apr 13, 2016
Michael Squier
I just got these old unfinished blades in the mail. Im guessing they are old stock from the 50's or 60's, not really sure but they have never had a handle or final sharpening. Now I get to do it.
Apr 21, 2016
Featured
Charles Sample
Michael, that's neat. Be sure and post pics when you get them finished.
Apr 21, 2016
Michael Squier
I sure will
Apr 21, 2016
Jan Carter
Michael,
Very Nice! Great find right there!
Apr 23, 2016
Derek Wells
Ron Cooper gave me the nudge ... an now I'm here! I had no I idea Colonial were still a considerable force in the knife world (We can take a while to catch up Down under) Some of the knives on the Colonial web site would/should do well in this part of the world ... especially the Buchcraft/survival knives.
May 5, 2016
Ron Cooper
Welcome aboard, Derek!
That's a little collage I did awhile back that is really an homage to not only the Defiant but to Colonial, as well. A great Knife and a well respected Knife Company!
I'm glad you found your way over here!
May 5, 2016
Jan Carter
May 10, 2016
Featured
Jeremy B. Buchanan
After owning my Colonial Defiant CE 400 for over a year now, I have become very fond of this knife as well as the rest of the Colonial knives I have seen. I have yet to add any more to my collection, but it's not because I don't want more of them. I hope to add several more Colonials to my collection over the net year, including a tomahawk.
Aug 22, 2016
Steve Scheuerman (Manx)
I missed out the last time. Here's hoping second time is a charm! That Defiant is a nice looking knife. And I ain't never had me no Colonial knife afore!
Aug 23, 2016
Max McGruder
Feb 2, 2018
Jan Carter
E.D.C. TACTICAL KNIFE
Apr 10, 2018
Ron Cooper
Apr 10, 2018
Max McGruder
Jan that is a fine lookin knife! I saw that on the site but don't remeber that blade configuration, but sure do like it!
Nice hat Ron!
Apr 10, 2018