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Imperial Knife Co.

If you've spent any number of years around knives, whether it be just using one, or as an avid collector of the sharp, shiny things that grab a hold of so many, then you've probably seen a few Imperial brand knives and chances are good you even have a couple hiding out in a box somewhere.

They have filled the garage sales and flea markets for years, being sold and peddled for mere pennies at a time. These knives are, cheap. But, when was the last time you saw an American made product that actually worked sell for a reasonable price? Sure, you can bring home a Case sodbuster knife for around $20.00, but for that you could own a couple dozen Imperial knives. Of course the factory is closed now, so, anything you get is going to have a little age to it.

Super thin carbon blade, thats about standard for these knives. A thin metal like material is the handle scale and often times there is no shield. Not exactly the most beautiful of choices when buying a knife, but again, they are cheap and they work.

An Imperial knife wasn't made for a rich man, it was made for an every mad.

So everyone, lets see your Imperial knife.

Tags: Imperial, Providence, R.I., USA

9 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on June 24, 2013 at 9:20

Imperial Schrade made knives in USA (Providence RI), Ireland (Listowel), and Germany (Solingen). Imperial produced the Century line in Germany.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on June 24, 2013 at 18:30

Thanks very much, Tobias. The knives differ so much from one country to the other, it certainly fooled me.

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 2, 2013 at 13:35

Here are my 2 favorite Imperials: The Camper is an early 50's and the Jack is early 30's

Permalink Reply by Rick Smith on May 30, 2014 at 12:05

tom k said:

Steve Hanner said:

A little coating on this one, but the blades are good and they re-sharpen so its got a new life!

I just found one exactly like yours in a bag of stuff from my grandfather. Was given to me because it was considered "junk" by family. Treasure to me! I don't know much about imperial-anyone know what the "DE" is for? there was also a mini folder stamped "latama italy included in the so called junk bag. I gotta wonder if he picked it up in Italy during his cruise during WW2

Permalink Reply by Rick Smith on May 30, 2014 at 12:09

Just wanted to add my Dad's fishing knife from his tackle box from the 1940's.

It's in pretty good shape for the shape it's in.

Attachments:

GEDC2144.JPG, 3.4 MB

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on May 30, 2014 at 13:27

Rick, the DE stands for Diamond Edge.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on May 30, 2014 at 13:56

Diamond Edge was a trademark of Shapliegh Hardware and then later Ulster and then Imperial. I'm pretty sure Taylor Brands currently owns the TM but is not using it. The Imperial USA Diamond Edge knives were some of the better made shell handled knives. Still later the Diamond Edge line was moved to Ireland. I guess you could say they were a series of top of the line economy knives.

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Royal Pines Cutlery (aka Joe) on August 3, 2014 at 18:17