All About Pocket Knives

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum and knife collecting. I have had a pocket knife for many years but just recently took an interest in the history and different types of vintage knives and now I am hooked. It's a good hobby for me since I am a retired veteran. I have learned so much from this forum and thought I would share a knife story. Anyway, I recently purchased a group of 5 knives that I can work on my restoring chops and not have a large investment in case I screw things up. One of the knives is an older Keychain knife.
Its a cool little knife with brass liners and the cracked ice pearl looking handle. I cleaned the knife up and then I noticed there was something in the hole that is used for the keychain ring (I am guessing). It was a little pearl If anyone could help me identify this knife I would appreciate the help. I can't find and tang stamp or makers mark.

gjphoto1970 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 7:01 pm Hi Everyone,
If anyone could help me identify this knife I would appreciate the help. I can't find and tang stamp or makers mark.

Hi gjphoto1970, welcome to the forum.

Your knife reminds me of the early Imperials. The early knives were well made and they made many different patterns.
I have a few in large and small patterns.
I wish I could be of more help than just a guess. How long is your knife closed?

Hang on to that pearl!

gjphoto1970!
I've got a few miniature knives (interesting track to follow that is miniature knives) and would suggest that your little knife once has a shackle/bail inserted in the hole through the end of the knife. The camper/scout knife is an example of a useful bail, on the miniature knives, like you said a key chain or maybe a watch fob, that sort of thing.
Enjoy your stay at AAPK!
Treefarmer

When I was a kid those knives were sold everywhere. Gas stations, cafes, five-and-dime stores. Any place there was a cash register might have a stand-up card type display with those little keychain knives. Impulse marketing, just like today they put magazines and candy bars etc by the checkout registers.

The knives were inexpensive, like 59¢ (less than a dollar). Imperial, Colonial, among others were the makers - most buyers didn’t care. They were cheaply made, but most had good carbon steel blades. They cut and were easily sharpened. Not surprised to see one without a maker’s stamp. And none I ever saw came with a pearl!

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

Welcome to AAPK!

Thanks for the comments. I am guessing it’s 50s era. I am still a little curious because this little knife (now named pearl) has the brass liners. I agree seems like a colonial or imperial before the shell sides.

Welcome to AAPK and thank you for your service.
May I suggest you stop by the Veterans Forum and tell us a little bit about your self and your service. Link to that group of forums below.

viewforum.php?f=124

I have several of these small Colonial or Imperials that I have had for 60+ years. They are great little knives.
I also want to thank you for your service and also for joining AAPK as a supporting member.
Now don't be a stranger here!

Paul

gjphoto, welcome to AAPK! Great post. If you restore that knife,
keep that pearl somewhere in the scale.

Bob