Imperial "Super Razor Blade Stainless"

glennbad

glennbad

Knife Moddin' Fool
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Apparently, it's not enough in the knife world to have a "Razor Blade Stainless" knife. Schrade offered that line and blade etch most commonly seen on the 825 and 855 patterns.

Not to be outdone, Imperial offered the "Super Razor Blade Stainless" brand and etch. Here are a few nice examples that I have recently obtained:

ImperialSRBS001.jpg

ImperialSRBS002.jpg

Imperial024.jpg


The top pic is the standard shell-handle version that we know and love, while the second group is actual Staglon handles. The 3rd pic is a wonderful description that came with the Staglon knives. Here is a close-up of the etch:

Imperial019.jpg


Here is a catalog page from the 1974 Belknap catalog:

IRBScatalog1974.jpg


This line appeared as early as 1970, but it is not in the 1955 catalog. So, it was estimated before, that this appeared in the mid to late 60's.

It is always a chicken-egg question, did Schrade offer this first, or did Imperial? My guess might be Schrade, only because Imperial made their knife "Super". However, Imperial trademarked this "revolutionary" new stainless, so maybe it points to Imperial.

Another mystery is the Staglon / shell handle timeline. I can find no mention of the shell handle version in any of my limited references. So did the shell handle on this line come out after as a cost cutter? Or first, and then was upgraded to Staglon? Clearly, the quality knife blade remained, but the handle was changed for a reason. Perhaps another of our fine alumni could help with that question.

Amazing, as I did not even know this line of Imperial knives existed, until seeing the catalogs, and after the demise of Schrade, things start popping up that you had never seen before. I suppose that is one silver lining, that some of the history comes bubbling up, even as some more is lost forever...

Glenn
 
Here is the information on the IKCO RAZOR BLADE STAINLESS trademark from the Codger files:

#72184925 03/01/1966 RAZOR BLADE STAINLESS mark (words only, no art)

Codger
 
I can tell you that the Schrade versions of the "RAZOR BLADE STAINLESS" knives were evidently introduced in 1965. They were pictured in the 1964 catalog, with a rubber stamp across the pictures saying that they were "not available until 1965"
 
Recorded: 10/11/1984
Conveyance: CERTIFIED COPY OF MERGER FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF DELAWARE, SHOWING MERGER OF ASSIGNORS AND CHANGE OF NAME OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION ON DEC. 29, 1983

IMPERIAL KNIFE ASSOCIATED COMPANIES, INC. 09/21/1984

It was transferred along with the other Schrade IP to IKAC after their merger/acquisition in 1983/84. So the knives may well have been made for Imperial by Schrade Cutlery Corp.

Filing Date: 1964-01-20
Registration Date: 1966-03-01
First Use Date: 1963-12-15
First Use in Commerce Date: 1963-12-30
Current Status: This registration was not renewed and is considered to be expired.
Date of Status: 1986-06-01
 
Interesting...

Thanks for digging, guys. Now which do you think came first, the shell handle version or the Staglon version?

Glenn
 
glennbad said:
Interesting...

Thanks for digging, guys. Now which do you think came first, the shell handle version or the Staglon version?

Glenn
Click to expand...
HNNNNNNN!!!:(

You are asking for a guess? My guess would be that since it was originally a S. Cut. Corp. mark, the solid handles came first, then it was loaned/licensed, whatever to Imperial for their shell handles. The shells predated and post dated the mark.
 
Nice grouping for historical comparisons, Glenn! I've only been interested in older, bone handled knives, but I see there is a lot to learn, and enjoy in these, and for probably less money!! The deconstruction of a snob before your eyes!
 
Here is a broadsheet which I believe dates to 1979. See anything familiar?
25ahegw.jpg

Source: The Codger Files
 
Yup, both Delrin and shell at the same time and at the onset of the trademark as well.

25ez4tw.jpg

Source: The Codger Files
 
Now, for all the trouble I (we) have gone to in searching files, scanning, photoshopping and resizing, and posting all these here, you must perform this experiment for us and post the picture for us. It is the least you can do.:p

25ez887.jpg

Source: The Codger Files


Just be glad it isn't John Cameron Swayze tied to an outboard motor prop, or going over Niagra Falls!:D

Codger
 
I have actually shaved with a knife before. It was a brand new Al Mar Air Weight, the first knife I ever saw with ATS-34 steel. I got a great shave with no nicks..........of course I was used to shaving with a straight razor at that time. :) :D :eek:

Dale
 
Schrade also used their Razor Sharp Stainless in melon cutters. They are very, very common around here and sell for less then $10.00.
 
I just picked up one of these knives in a lot, in the two-blade pattern shown by the OP, except it's a Diamond Edge, and looks like Staglon. So I guess these are kinda scarce?


Bob
 
I wouldn't say scarce, but mint examples with etch intact and no pin cracks are harder to come by.
 
Thanks for the reply. Had to go look, the etching is intact on this one, but there is a small crack on one of the pins. Darn. Oh well, it's probably going on the 'Bay anyway:)

Bob
 
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