Imperial Diamond Edge - Looking for Info.

[jjseelig]

Hello everyone, I inherited this knife from my Grandfather following his passing, unfortunately I was never able to ask him anything about it. It is an Imperial Diamond Edge knife complete with case. It appears to be in great condition and its something I proudly display in my home. I am just looking for any and all information about it so I can tell guests who visit something about it. Thankyou!

 

[thawk]

The Imperial Diamond Edge knife you have was made in the 1960's. I would estimate yours was around 1965 -1969 range. Nice to see you have the brown woodgrain box. It is very similar to the Schrade Walden Uncle Henry knives with Delrin handles.

There used to be a section on these on the collectors site that had flyers of these, but the Imperial section appears to be missing.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/

 

[jjseelig]

Thanks Thawk! Do you know if they were widely produced? i really havent been able to find anything about them on any other sites. but i will keep looking.

 

[thawk]

I found the links, and they were made in the early to middle 1970's actually. Looks like they were made for several years using the Imperial stampings. Soon they changed to a shell handle. They are not real common to find, and fairly collectible, very nice quality knives. They were "high end" for an Imperial knife at this time, as Imperial branded knives at this time were the budget line for Imperial-Schrade. I would have to say it is a nice piece since it comes with the box and is over 40 years old.

Check this link to see all of the Imperial knives from this era.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/FLYERS/IMPERIALS/knives/Pre-1980/index.htm

The 1973 series.

A few years ago, I was able to find one of each of these.

I always admire the satin finish and elegant shape of the blades on this series.

 

[edbeau]

Looks like the 70's was a big time for Imperial to branch out to more quality knives, Diamond Edge and Frontier knives.

 

[jjseelig]

Thanks THawk! I really appreciate your digging. It is something very special to me and I'm glad to know more about it. Maybe I will be able to find some more and eventually pass the collection to my Grandson.

 

[Frotier76]

You would probably like the 4435 Double Eagle Stockman by Imperial Knives USA also.The Double Eagle models I believe completely replaced the Diamond Edge line when the Frontier Series came out.Exact same knife except the scales are rosewood and the bolsters are brass.

 

[edbeau]

The Frontier knives were mostly made by Camillus and the wood used was Fibron impregnated Mahogany. Got this info off the "S" cards that were used by Camillus to build the knives.

 

[tongueriver]

You would probably like the 4435 Double Eagle Stockman by Imperial Knives USA also.The Double Eagle models I believe completely replaced the Diamond Edge line when the Frontier Series came out.Exact same knife except the scales are rosewood and the bolsters are brass.

I have a Double Eagle hunter which is NOT the same as the DE version; it has a spear master.

 

[edbeau]

I at last count have 121 Frontiers and only have one of the ones you mentioned, Tongueriver. It is model number 4625 and it was made in 1979 thru 1983. The other odd part is that it is the only liner lock Frontier. The main blade is listed as a drop point.