Colonial Rangers

pipedreams308

pipedreams308

Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
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Lg. and Med. Stockman (Med. a gift from a generous forum member)
Lg and Med Jack
Barlow

I have a real soft spot in my heart for the Black Delrin Ranger series knives by Colonial. As a kid, I wanted a large stockman so bad, but could not afford the princely sum of $5 (mid '70s). My uncle gave me a small black Ranger stockman - a pattern that eludes me now. These were great knives. The Ranger series used thin 1075 steel that sharpened up like a scalpel and held up well. I really love these classic American working knives.

Anyone else have any Colonial Rangers to show?
 
I have a few Colonials, mostly Barlow and Electrician's knife patterns. But I do have a LB125 5" lockback and a stockman. Also a Dole advert single blade.





 
I have a large black Ranger stockman just like yours ;-). On my example the clip blade is harder than woodpecker lips - I swear they left it full hard after the quench and forgot to temper it. I will search for pics as its in my storage unit right now, but it is yours' twin.
 
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Here's a weird one that had me combing the 'net. Ranger and Colonial patent # tang stamps with Imperial cover material and shield. Best I can figure is it's a home done rehandle.
 
Waking up this old thread.

I found this at a yard sale today for a dollar. I'd like to clean it up and make it a nice user. But I am not adept at such things, so I will have to learn.

I also saw on the Colonial website that they will refurbish knives under their lifetime warranty, however, in order to take advantage you have to have the receipt of sale. I wasn't the original owner and got this at a yard sale, so....

Anyway, their website also says they can refurbish for 25-100 dollars depending on the amount of work they have to do. Now, having said that, I do really like this Ranger, but I'm not too sure I want to drop up to 100 bucks to knock off some rust, tighten down the bottom bolsters and resharpen the blades. Actually now that I look at the knife more closely, there is a lot of pitting going on on the blade and the back, so, perhaps I'll just do it myself and save the hassle and money. As far as the loose bolsters, they rattle a bit when I shake the knife, but they look and feel like they are attached well. I have no idea how to fix those.

If I screw it up, I'm really only out a buck.

Anyway, here are some pics.







EDIT: Better pics
 
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To clean up the blades I use 320 and 400 grit sand paper. I also do the same on the back spring. For the scales, You will have to try to hit the pins and see if you can mushroom the pins a bit more. You will have to place something inside a the pins are only in the liner.
 
Thanks for the tip about the sand paper. How would I get the rust that has developed inside the liners?

The scales are fine, its the bottom bolsters (both sides) that are wiggling a little. How do I tighten down the bolsters? If you look at the 1st and 3rd pic you can see the bolsters are a bit spread out from the liners, as compared to the top bolsters being flush with the liners.
 
Warning- I'm a hack of a knife repairman.
Those look like solid bolsters rather than the paper doll dress variety- you could squeeze them in a vise with a little padding, and/or drip a little superglue along their edges.

Her's my only Colonial Ranger- looked brand new when I bought it at the antique mall.
OJaCaowA
 
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Cleaned her up tonight. Used sandpaper and then my KO WorkSharp to fix her up real nice (well, nice enough for me I guess). This ones gonna get some pocket time for sure.
 
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