Empire Knife Company

[gsmith7158]

Thanks Lyle! I want some like Charlie has.

[knifeaholic]

This is a catalog page from an old 1925 sporting goods catalog - Eppingers in Detroit Mich.

Most hardware and sporting catalogs of that era showed Remington knives - this one shows two Empire folding hunters.

[wlf]

Thanks Steve. I like catalog cuts almost as much as the knives.

[gsmith7158]

Look at the prices on those two hunters. I'll take 6 dozen apiece please.

[FRJ]

Steve, those are really neat. I can hardly read the print.
Were they selling for $3.50 and a mere $3.00 for the stag handled Saddle horn?

[Duffer]

I'll take one of those stag lock backs if you can spare one Greg Lloyd

[KnifeSlinger#81]

Those saddle horn hunters are one of the most distinctively attractive patterns I have ever seen. I sure would love to have one, some day.

[upnorth]

Awesome knives Charlie - just really like that saddle horn pattern .. an Empire like that (even those they made for Shapleigh) are on my bucket list of finds for my collection ...

In fact did any other CT companies or MA companies make that style knife?? Or was that pattern unique to Empire?

When Empire was sold, ca.1919, some of the cutlers were unhappy, and they left and reprised the American Knife Co, in CT.
They made the same pattern for a brief time. I am fortunate to own one - they are pretty rare. A friend in Winsted, CT found it!

[upnorth]

Thanks for posting that catalog Steve!! I've never seen that one before!

[FRJ]

That's a beautiful knife upnorth.
I always enjoy looking at that pattern.

[LongBlade]

Thanks Charlie ... another awesome knife of that pattern ... I had read that some of the Empire cutlers went to American Knife in Winsted but haven't seen many of the patterns from American Knife Winsted ... though I have a jigged bone Fishtail Jack from American Knife Winsted which is sweet .... posted somewhere on this forum but here is photo below (looks like someone cleaned it prior to me getting it but I liked the pattern along with maker stamp (bit worn to say the least) which is not easy to find as you alluded to in your post... and the price was right )...

[upnorth]

Nice score, Lee. I had an Ebony fishtail in my collection, with Empire markings.

[peanut740]

Charlie that is some fine knife!

[LongBlade]

Again - awesome knife Charlie ... Great to see the same pattern from Empire similar to mine but with Empire etch and a unique looking shield !!! Indeed that to me is a great connection in cutlers jumping ship to American Knife and bringing a more rare knife pattern... Very cool .... Thanks for sharing that Charlie!!

[cincyfan356]

Welcome to the forum, cincyfan356.
Why do you and your niece think the knife is an Empire?
It surly could be an Empire or another brand. Can you get a blade to open to see the tang stamps?
If you can get a look at a tang stamp try to get clear focused pictures of it and post them for us.
Nice find!

Thanks for your reply. We did a little research online. There is a emblem/stamp that appears to be consistent with Empire. Unfortunately, the blades are rusted shut. We've tried applying wd-40 as well as other lubricants, but no luck yet. I will get a better shot of the emblem on the knife. Thanks so much!

[gsmith7158]

Here's alittle Empire jack I just picked up. It probably won't make the collector's case because of the tipped master blade but these knives have a level of quality and craftmanship that is hard to match. Both blades have immaculate half stops with awesome snaps. So with a new edge this one will make another stellar EDC.

[upnorth]

Nice Jack Greg.
It's all well and good to find fancy patterns, but Empire's quality stands out just as well in their simple Jacks!
Love 'em, every one!!

[gsmith7158]

Thanks upnorth ! You are correct it's just amazing to me how well these Empires stand the test of time. They are a superlative knife brand.

[FRJ]

Very nice knife, Greg.
Pack it proudly.

[gsmith7158]

I've been doing a little picture taking today. Here is my current Empire Family Portrait.

[#goldpan]

Nice collection Greg I really like those 2 electricians knives

[gsmith7158]

Hey Randy thanks! The one on the end is the only one I have ever seen with that prest-o-lite key.

[ScoutKnives]

Very nice Greg !

[gsmith7158]

Very nice Greg !

Hey thanks SK! I've got a few rough ones in there but sometimes that's the only way you can get em.

[FRJ]

Very nice family portrait, Greg.
What a grand old name in cutlery.