iKnife Collector
The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel
kingston "Made in USA" Utility knife
A closer view of the 1943 Kingston. As mentioned 1095 Carbon steel was used through out the knife with the exception of the bone handles. This was due to shortage of brass. The can opener has a thumb stud and is one of the last old style can openers. The following year, Imperial (who along with Ulster, owned Kingston) would introduce the safety can opener in 1944 The knife is a no frill knife with no shield or other marks other than Made in USA" tang stamp on two lines on the spear blade. over all length is 3 3/4 inches.
Add a Comment
-
Comment by Tobias Gibson on March 2, 2013 at 20:36
-
Apparently these old style can openers were brutal. you jab the can, and then basically cut the can with upward motions. The can opener would often slip out of the can and cause serious injury to the unsuspecting GI trying to open his k-rations. The story has it the War department came tot he Camillus factory and explained they wanted a can opener that would cut on the down stroke instead of the upstroke. One of the machinist in the factory Set about regrinding the cap-lifter screw-driver blade, giving it an internal cutting edge and the new down stroke can opener was invented. The guy then was hired by Imperial were he perfected the new down stroke can-opener. Imperial then patented the device and the new safety can opener was invented. The new style has been used ever since.
-
Featured Comment by Craig Henry on March 2, 2013 at 16:45 -
Nice old Vet!
White River Knives
Latest Activity
"Finished a hammer, and now moving onto other projects. I have to get photos of recent acquisitions too. Staying busy for certain! :)"
"For example, I am leaving for the cabin in the morning. Gonna fire up the chainsaw. Yes, I will wear chaps"
"With my lifestyle, Jan, being careful is pretty much out of the question. and, I have the scars to prove it (LOL)."
"As to the two photos I just added:
The hand is about healed up now and ready for work.
A bunch of lockbacks from my collection."
© 2025 Created by Jan Carter.
Powered by
You need to be a member of iKnife Collector to add comments!
Join iKnife Collector