All About Pocket Knives

From that point of view you're probably right. I was thinking of the Imperial brand, not Imperial Schrade.

If customers percieve a product is of good quality, it takes time for that perception to change. Once the perception has changed to low quality, it takes time to change it back. Sometimes it cannot be done, and the company sooner or later fails financially.

Ken

I wouldn't argue against that point, Ken.

Something to think about that really hasn't been discussed, is that many of the knives that K7K(and others) posted, were actually built during the same time frame as the shell handled knives. As far as I can tell, Imperial never survived solely from manufacturing shell handled knives. They've always offered a higher quality alternative. Some may have been contract built by other companies, but there are documented cases of Imperial contract building higher quality knives for others, too.

There is one area that I think Imperial might have failed in, that is not better utilizing the Hammer Brand trademark. It was a perfect opportunity to use that trademark for one of their higher quality brands, rather then a somewhat glorified version of their shell handled line.

I collect lots of other brands, but I still think of Imperial as nothing less then one of the key players in the history of American cutlery.


WB

So Imperial also made some knives overseas in Ireland?

What years were these produced?

Love this knife I got for a very cheap price at a local market. It sharpens very well.


Bob

IIRC, they acquired the Listowell factory in 1978, but by some accounts may have had knives built on contract(or other arrangement) prior to that.


WB

1978 is the correct date Rob. That is when Imperial Schrade Corp purchase the Jowika factory in Listowel Ireland to make their Jackmaster line as well as other less expensive knives.

In 1983 Albert Baer purchase the last remaining stock in Imperial and Imperial became a privately held Corporation.

In 1985 he changed the name from Imperial Knife Associated Co. to Imperial Schrade Corporation.

This was only one of several European Investments of IKAC.

Here is a nice old Imperial camper with some very heavy liners.
A very solid knife that needs to have its covers replaced.

Nice knife Joe & thanks for posting here. Didn't even know this thread existed. I'll try to dig out the Imperials I have around here and get them posted. Probably on the weekend if I find the time.

Looking back through all the posts here I noticed Ray (knife7knut) has not posted in a few months. Last activ on March 31, 2022. Anyone know what happend to him? Sure hope he is ok.

My 2 cents: I really like old Imperials with thick and tight celluloid scales. IKCo's. I also carry this 5 blade (on 3 springs and 5 liners), Scout. Bought it for $2 at a yard sale 5 years ago and carry it daily. I think it must be built as well as any knife as it gets used a lot everyday. I agree the shell handles aren't nearly as well made but they served a lot of folks as affordable EDC's. They also make great affordable collectibles. J.O'.

TPK wrote: ↑Mon Jun 27, 2022 4:04 pm Didn't even know this thread existed.

I like to find related threads to what I want to post if I can.
It helps pull up the history of the forum.

J.O'., that is a real handfull of a knife. Nice one!

Yeah Joe, and handy as a pocket on a T-shirt. J.O'.

(Take a guess on the "Mystery Knife".)

One of my favorites.