All About Pocket Knives

I got this at a garage sale last weekend. It has "Johnston" and "USA" on the large blade. The handle material is probably plastic? It is green and has spits where someone has hit it with a center punch to tighten up the blades. Has a good snap opening and closing. The carbon steel blade is not rusted but discolored. It's a very thin knife. Would make a nice edc. I have never heard of this company before? The steel doesn't seem to sharpen well or maybe it's me? Will make a good letter opener tho.

cool, neat little knife

i love garage sales!

hey redferd, the johnson stamp belonged to the federal knife co. out of johnson, r. i. made knives from 1945-1950 and was sold to the colonial knife co. they also stamped knives with thornton. from b.llevine3

Hi redferd. Johnston USA was a mark used by Federal Knife co, 1944-1949 according to Goins. Having no idea about Federal Knife Co I found that it was owned by two former employees of the Colonial Knife co, Arthur Pagaro and Vito Del Deo and was based in Rhode Island... again according to Goins. I hope this helps s-k

Johnnie beat me to the post

Thanks for the replies. I had no idea of what it is. Sounds like it is pretty old? It seems like it is well made. I'll keep it for a conversation piece. Thanks again.

redferd wrote: It has "Johnston" and "USA" on the large blade. The handle material is probably plastic?

(bumping an old thread...)

Just came up with one of these knives, identical to the green one, but with dark brown, translucent, plastic or celluloid looking handles (with sparklies in them). Very tip of the main blade is broken off, the rest is in good shape.

I just found an old Johnston. I thought I would bump up this old thread instead of starting a new one.
Looks pretty bad right now. Needs a good clean up.
Funky looking scales....
Mike

Mike, do a search here on the forum for "Johnston" and you'll be surprised how many posts there are with information (and pictures) on this stamp. AAPK is an amazing place!

Ken

Thanks Ken....
I guess this must have been the first one I hit.... LOL.

Mike

I have this keen kutter Barlow with Johnston USA tang stamp. Was wondering if anyone could help me with the age and possible value? I know it is in rough shape just wondering if anyone had any information?

Tee wrote:I have this keen kutter Barlow with Johnston USA tang stamp. Was wondering if anyone could help me with the age and possible value? I know it is in rough shape just wondering if anyone had any information? 20190913_181147.jpg20190913_181056.jpg20190913_180203.jpg

I'm no expert on Keen Kutters, by any means. I have a couple. Here is a 48 page thread of KK's. I've never seen Johnston...on a KK. Seems most of the blades have Keen Kutter on them. Additionally, I've never seen thick stag, like that on a KK. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist...but I'm wondering, if yours had a blade and handle replacement, somewhere in it's past. The bolster pin looks somewhat prominent, like it might have been replaced, in an overhaul.

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... ter+knives

Here is one that I have.
I picked it up just because I didn't have a Johnston.

I know this is a very old thread, but I just rehandled a Johnston knife, so I wanted to share. I have never heard of them leave it to AAPK to have information on this brand.

It's a good looking little carry now.

Nev52 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 10, 2025 6:29 pm I know this is a very old thread, but I just rehandled a Johnston knife, so I wanted to share. I have never heard of them leave it to AAPK to have information on this brand.
john knife.jpg
open johnston.jpg

Good looking rehandle

Thank you.

Nev52 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 10, 2025 6:29 pm I know this is a very old thread, but I just rehandled a Johnston knife, so I wanted to share. I have never heard of them leave it to AAPK to have information on this brand.
john knife.jpg
open johnston.jpg

That's a nice-looking rehandle. You really bumped it up in terms of attractiveness. Thanks for sharing.

Chris J.

Thank you. I thought the old oak would be fitting for the age and condition of the knife. I like the rough look