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Mil-J Kingston U.S. Marine Corp Utility Knife
A better view of the knife. This was the first production knife to feature the newly patented "Safety Can Opener" The can opener was patented by Imperial. Kingston was a shell company which filled military contracts for Imperial and Ulster. It was in business from 1943-1947.
The saftey can opener, thumb stud cap-lifter/screwdriver, brass liners, and U.S Marine Corps stamp on the stainless steel slabs were only used on the first production models of this knife. The knives were not sold on the civilian market or post exchanges. All production went to Marines in combat zones as an issue item. Few survive in anything better than fair condition
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Comment by Michael E. Roper on December 8, 2013 at 5:24
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I have a similar knife made by Imperial, circa 1967. My brother gave it to me because I was looking for a Vietnam era "utility knife." the problem is the ?back-spring? is broken. Other than that the knife looks unused.
How do I find a replacement "back spring"? Will a spring from another knife work? Is there anyone who can fix this for me at a very reasonable price? I usually do everything myself but I'll defer to an expert if it's not an easy thing to do. Thanks. Please contact me by email since I can't check this site often:
whiteriverknives.com
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