Colonial Rangers - what do you know about them?

[BigAl62]

I fished a Colonial Ranger Series LK95 out of the bay. I tried to research it a bit before I pulled the trigger but I couldn’t seem to find anything online or in any of the various knife forums that I lurk on. The box says "Trailblazer 4" Lockback" but indicates “LB95” (as opposed to “LK95).

I already had a Colonial Ranger LB125. The blade is etched “Longhorn” with patent #3,317,996 which is for a rivet-less method of attaching the bolsters.

From what I have been able to find, it looks like the 125 and 95 referred to blade thickness - .125" [1/8"] and .095" [3/32"]. Somehow I'm thinking the model number may have changed at some point - from LK to LB (or vice-versa maybe?). "Lock" and "Lock Back?"

Any info would be welcome.

 

[afishhunter]

From what I remember, the Colonial Ranger line was their premium line.
(To compete with the Imperial Frontier (1095) and Double Eagle (440A)?)
In the slipjoints, actual bolsters and covers, rather than shell construction.
I think the lockbacks had the blade steel upgraded to 440C, from 440A.

IMHO the Schrade Old Timer 7OT/Uncle Henry LB7/LB8, Imperial Frontier/Double Eagle, and Colonial Rangers also had a much better edge geometry than the pre "Edge 2000" Buck 110's of that era.

Colonial's lockbacks (like most competing for the Buck 110 market segment) appears to be base more on the Old Timer 7OT and Uncle Henry LB7/LB8, (different covers on the LB7 & LB8, otherwise identical) style wise.
Compare the pivot end bolsters to the Old Timers/Uncle Henry, and the Buck.)

 

[BigAl62]

From what I remember, the Colonial Ranger line was their premium line.
(To compete with the Imperial Frontier (1095) and Double Eagle (440A)?)
In the slipjoints, actual bolsters and covers, rather than shell construction.
I think the lockbacks had the blade steel upgraded to 440C, from 440A.

IMHO the Schrade Old Timer 7OT/Uncle Henry LB7/LB8, Imperial Frontier/Double Eagle, and Colonial Rangers also had a much better edge geometry than the pre "Edge 2000" Buck 110's of that era.

Colonial's lockbacks (like most competing for the Buck 110 market segment) appears to be base more on the Old Timer 7OT and Uncle Henry LB7/LB8, (different covers on the LB7 & LB8, otherwise identical) style wise.
Compare the pivot end bolsters to the Old Timers/Uncle Henry, and the Buck.)

Thank you for the info. I did notice these have the Schrade-style "flat spot" leading into the curve of the bolsters as opposed to the continuous curve of the Bucks. It looks like that patented method of bolster attachment means you probably can't remove the bolsters or tighten up the pivots any? Luckily, both of these are tight with good snap. And they are lookin' at knives rather than carryin' knives.

 

[Old Hunter]

In slipjoints the Rangers were Colonial’s mid-range pocketknives. The shell handled pocketknives were the basic models while Old Cutler was the top line (equivalent to Old Timer and Frontier). In the lockbacks I am not sure there was a higher line than Ranger. I do have the book that Bobby Paolantonio wrote about Colonial, I will try to find out. OH

Ps. I looked but either no longer have or cannot find the book. I see you posted in the Colonial section of AAPK - you may get some more information there, especially read the old posts by Bonfire Bob - that was Bobby posting before his untimely passing.

 

[afishhunter]

In slipjoints the Rangers were Colonial’s mid-range pocketknives. The shell handled pocketknives were the basic models while Old Cutler was the top line (equivalent to Old Timer and Frontier). In the lockbacks I am not sure there was a higher line than Ranger. I do have the book that Bobby Paolantonio wrote about Colonial, I will try to find out. OH

Ps. I looked but either no longer have or cannot find the book. I see you posted in the Colonial section of AAPK - you may get some more information there, especially read the old posts by Bonfire Bob - that was Bobby posting before his untimely passing.

I know the Kmart "SHARP" brand lockbacks were made by Colonial. Allegedly they had a 440C blade.
(I tend to think they did. In the 1960's and 1970's, 440C was the "hot blade steel. Even the sub $3.⁰⁰ no name gas station special's claimed to have it. (no doubt with an undisclosed bad heat treat (if any), and a "leaves much to be desired" edge geometry. )

 

[Old Hunter]

I know the Kmart "SHARP" brand lockbacks were made by Colonial.

That is my understanding too (of the SHARP USA branded knives) - Colonial ANVIL knives stamped with the SHARP brand. K-MART owned the SHARP brand and their off-shore SHARP knives were K-MART imports from a different cutlery company - not Colonial. OH

 

[afishhunter]

That is my understanding too (of the SHARP USA branded knives) - Colonial ANVIL knives stamped with the SHARP brand. K-MART owned the SHARP brand and their off-shore SHARP knives were K-MART imports from a different cutlery company - not Colonial. OH

Weren't all the SHARP slipjoints of the 1960's and 70's made in Japan? (was before Nixon established diplomatic and trade ties with China) Or were some made in India?
I think the lockbacks were the only SHARP branded knives made by Colonial.

 

[BigAl62]

Weren't all the SHARP slipjoints of the 1960's and 70's made in Japan? (was before Nixon established diplomatic and trade ties with China) Or were some made in India?
I think the lockbacks were the only SHARP branded knives made by Colonial.

Here’s a couple of my SHARP 900’s. I think I have 3 or 4 of these. They are US made. It’s been really hard not to rip into that clamshell pack for sure!

 

[Luger1952]

Well, unfortunately my health prevents me from traveling or attending the show this year I shall really miss seeing all my great collector friends and some I would like to have met for the first time!! I hope you all have a very enjoyable, rewarding and successful time—I know I would if I was able to attend! I shall be thinking of you as you scan all those tables looking for that one or two or three old special knives, you know the one(s) you have been dreaming about. I am truly going to miss our after show dinners and our “Show and Tells”. This would have been my seventh show since I started attending, a mere pittance compared to Charlie’s streak!! Anyway safe travels and do take a bunch of photos of knives, displays and the collectors. Thanks again my friends!!