Imperial Frontiers made by Camillus???

B

bingo

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Jul 29, 2004
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Hello everyone... Here is an eBay listing that I'm not so sure of. This fellow even lists references that I reckon is where he got his info.
#6622427518.
It declares contracted knives made for Imperial.
Can anyone verify this as fact?
Regards, Jerry
 
I am not the one familiar with the Imperial Frontier line here, but I do know that some knives were made for Imperial Schrade by Camillus. Imperial did not trademark the Frontier name until 1976, so this knife is not likely to be more than two years older than that. I don't have Goins or the other reference book, so I can't help you there either. Perhaps Phil or Larry or LT have more for you.

Codger
 
I believe what the seller stated is correct. I remember a post by Bernard Levine whereby he saw them being made in the Camillus plant in the 80's.
 
I could not swear to whether Camillus did or did not make some of the Frontier, but I seem to recall that they did make at least some patterns. I was not too concerned when I saw the close up of the tang on this knife........like Bernard Levine (I think) said........."read the knife."

So I read the knife, as best as possible from the pics and.........I bid on it.
It is a nice pattern, and appears to be in good shape, besides, I don't have a Powderhorn Black one yet.

Dale
 
The seller is being truthful; I give him credit for doing a bit of research and naming his sources. Bear in mind that Albert Baer controlled the
Camillus factory at that time.

This brand is one of my favorites; I have well over a hundred of them, and frequently carry one for use- daily carry or hunting. I see one of our forum members is bidding on this one.. good luck!

Do not confuse the nicely made 'Powderhorn' Frontiers made by Camillus with the lesser quality ones made in Ireland or in the Rhode Island plant. Look for the 'powderhorn' shield or tang stamp.

Phil
 
:) As usual, anything a body needs to find out about Imperials and Schrades can be found here.
My last question about the Frontiers to textoothpick:
Were ALL of them made by Camillus?

Alas... I only have about fifty different models of these, and the list I have (provided by Larry) is soooo long. So many choices... so little time...
Best regards, Jerry
 
Another last question:
The powderhorn knives have a numbering code that tells the type of handle, number of blades, etc. Here's what I believe is partly correct for the 4034.

4 - designates the Powderhorn

0 - handle type

3 - the number of blades

4 - ???

Can anyone can provide the complete code list?

Thanks again!!

Jerry
 
As far as I know, Camillus did make all of the 'powderhorn' Frontiers.

Numbering system:

First and second digit: Pattern

40 series- 2 7/8" Slim Serpentine
41 series-3 1/4" square bolster Serpentine or Stockman
42 series-3 1/4" round bolster Serpentine or Stockman
43 series- 4"Single blade trapper, or Two blade Dogleg Jack
44 series-4" Premium Stockman, Premium Jack or Muskrat
45 series-4" Lockback sportsman
46 series-5 1/4" Folding hunter
47 series-3" lockback
48 series- 5" lockback

Third number indicates the number of blades. If third
digit is P, then it is a 2 blade knife with one of the blades
being a specialty blade. 'P' in 40 & 41 series indicates pen
blade, while 'P' in the 44 series indicates a Muskrat blade.

Forth number indicates handle material used:

1- Powderhorn Stag
2- 'Ol Ivory
3- SundownYellow
4-Gunpowder Black
5- Hardwood (Double Eagle Stainless Steel)

Fixed Blades:

First digit:

41- 3 5/8" Utility Hunter
42- 3 1/4" Drop point
43- 4" Drop-Point Skinner
44 F- 6" Fillet Flexible blade
44 R -6" Fillet Rigid blade

Last digit is handle material, same as folding knives. Only handled in 'Ol Ivory (code number 2) and wood (Double Eagle stainless steel)
Note: Fillet knives, regardless of handle material have stainless steel blades
Note: Folders: All delrin handled knives are Carbon steel.

Here are some fixed blades in a rack. The one laying in front is a 'Parker' tang marked 412 with indian scrimshaw.
Phil

PS.... Jerry, could you please email me? Address in my profile here.
 

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Thanks Phil,
There is no "bottom of the barrel" when it comes to you guys' knowledge.
Jerry
 
I have a imperial frontier 4431 it has a logo of a powder horn on the bone handle and on one of the blades. Can anyone tell me something about this type of knife, and an approximate value? The knife is in very good shape.
 
Welcome to our forum.
Your knife is a premium stockman, with delrin 'powderhorn stag' handles. This is a great user knife, with it's carbon steel blades, but not particularly valuable. $15-18 if new in the original box, maybe $10 without it. Made sometime between '74 and '85.

Phil
 
Phil pretty much nailed it with his post. I have a used one I got off ebay and paid $9.98 with shipping, so I paid roughly $5.00 for the knife. They aren't the most collectible knife on the market, but they do make a fine user. I especially like the jigged Derlin handles on the Powderhorn Stag series. It almost looks like bone, but is more durable.

Dale
 
Phil, Dale:Thank you for the information. This knife belonged to my Dad so I think I will pass it on to my grandson

Mack0
 
...I slid over from the Buck Forum when I saw what you guys were talking about just now. I have an older Frontier 4515 that is just about as nice a knife as a guy could want. It's small, easily carried, tough as all get out and it takes and holds an edge like you wouldn't believe. It's actually in my pocket more than my Bucks. It's a great user. Lotsa good info in this thread. Thanks.:thumbup:
 
DarrylS,
I have 6 of the 4515, Lock-Back Sportsman, 2 of them new in box. It is one of my favorite knives to carry & tough as nails! :D

gpdawg,
Your 4322 is actually called a Dogleg Jack by Imperial, the maker. Nice knife with carbon steel blades.

I enjoy the old Frontier knives, they are good quality and good users.

Dale
 
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