All About Pocket Knives

I know there were some old threads discussing Sabre Knives that were also stamped "American Knife Co." However, no one really addressed the question about the two different names. The question about American Knife Company is a good one - were they a stand-alone knife company that made their own knives plus knives on contract to Cole National? Or was "American Knife Company" just a "made up" name that was part of the Sabre brand name? I picked up the camp knife on eBay shown in the photos. The primary blade tang is stamped "Sabre" on the mark side and "American Kinfe Company Germany" on the pile side tang. I was hoping someone might have some information.

Can’t answer your question but if you don’t already know, Goins’ has several listings for “American Knife Co.” at various dates and locations, so it’s unlikely they’re all the same company. The listing shown for American Knife Co. Germany says

c 1960-1980 “Sabre Brand” is stamped on the back of the tang. “Sabre” was a trademark used by Cole National.

Fits your knife and pretty much confirms what you’ve posted already. Does not seem to indicate they made any knives not marked Sabre Brand. He also lists an American Knife Co. Japan mark, from the same time period and says it too was a trademark owned by Cole National. My guess is both American Knife Co. and Sabre Brand trademarks were owned by Cole National.

Ken

Yep same company, Schrade/Ulster also made knives for Cole National that were stamped American Knife Company. Some had the same handles as the ones they made for Cole with the Monarch stamp.

Eric

Thank Eric and Ken! The information is much appreciated!