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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 johnny twoshoes on July 18, 2012 at 13:46

Here is a knife that spent many a year, locked away in the hall closet at my Grandfather' house. This knife was probably bought on a whim at a gas station, or country store right before heading out into the field for a good day of rabbit hunting.

How this knife was discovered is a nice little story.

Every year, right before the start of hunting season, my Grandfather will bestow upon me another piece of hunting cloth. Wether it be an old jacket, or a brand new pair of insulated boots, it doesn't matter to him, just as long as he prepares me for another season. It's almost his way of passing his things on before his own seasons are over. I wear his gear with pride when I go out in his old gear, even when it is a moth destroyed brush coat.

Anyhow, back to the knife.

It was one of those occasions when my Grandfather decided that I needed another pair of brush pants, so he dug them out of the closet and set them out. I tried them on and as I was getting comfortable, I reached into the pocket and pulled out this old knife.

I handed him his old knife and memories seemed to flash through his mind, I could see them in his eyes. This old, cheap piece of steel brought back memories that made his day. It's funny how a knife can do that.

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on July 18, 2012 at 13:52

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on July 18, 2012 at 15:49

Johnny,

Your right Imperial was made for every man. It was a company that produced with pride, a fair quality product for a fair price. Thinking along the lines of how many they produced and that all of us, at any age, know of the company and have seen or owned one. Think of how that fair quality little knife has held up for about three generations, how many are out there and they are not NIB collector items. They are knives that have been used for that long and still have life! Not a bad buy then or now

Great story to go with that one Johnny. Everytime you use that knife, you will remember the smile it brought to him

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on July 18, 2012 at 21:36

Great stuff! Love those old beauties! Ivars you did a nice job turning that around! They were such popular knives back then and everybody could have one.

Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on July 18, 2012 at 22:15

Definately nothing wrong with the old Imperials.

Permalink Reply by Sue OldsWidow on July 21, 2012 at 17:00

Looking at knife videos,,,,found this one about Imperials

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH10MiQSzps

Permalink Reply by Billy Oneale on November 11, 2012 at 20:29

I don't have but 2 or 3 made by them, but here they are.

Permalink Reply by Billy Oneale on November 11, 2012 at 20:33

Here is a Boy Scout Knife by Imperial.

Permalink Reply by Billy Oneale on November 11, 2012 at 20:35

And, finally a fixed blade that is missing a screw on the handle.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on November 12, 2012 at 9:01

Wow that is a good one Billy, I always look for fixed blade Imperials on eBay but seldom find the in original condition.

Billy Oneale said:

And, finally a fixed blade that is missing a screw on the handle.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on November 13, 2012 at 19:30

You all have seen these but I just love these knives! One is marked as Hammer Brand which was an Imperial Brand.

Permalink Reply by Billy Oneale on November 13, 2012 at 19:53

I actually found this at a little flea market on the corner of two state highways.

Steve"Hog"Hanner said:

Wow that is a good one Billy, I always look for fixed blade Imperials on eBay but seldom find the in original condition.

Billy Oneale said:

And, finally a fixed blade that is missing a screw on the handle.