My Grandfather's knife (Old Colonial Folder)

[lan40583]

My grandfather passed away a couple of months ago, and I found an old folding knife in the lap-drawer of his desk while we were looking for his DD214.

The blade length is approximately 1.5-2 inches, marked "Colonial" and "USA" and is made of carbon steel. I'm not sure when it was made, but given the green plastic scales it's probably within the last 50 years. It looks like Grandpa used and sharpened it a fair bit as evident by the shortened clip-point and the file marks on the blade. Unfortunately the blade has a gritty feel when opening and a bit of play when locked, and one of the scales and brass pieces have some rattle.

Does anyone know the history of these knives? Also, does anyone have any tips for cleaning it up and removing the rust from inside the knife?

 

[Thalestin]

Neat knife. Looks like it has been used hard and has done a lot in its knife. A real work knife for sure. I dont know much about it but just wanted to say that it looks pretty special. Thanks for sharing

 

[mtangent]

The bolsters look aluminium, are they? That may narrow the date range, pretty common in the 80 & 90's. I don't know anything about Colonial though.

 

[Jack Black]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather passing, but glad you have his knife.

 

[lan40583]

mtangent,

I gave it a closer look, and I believe you're right. The gouges and worn areas are more grey than brass colored. I had assumed they were brass because of a couple spots of green corrosion on the bolsters. Thanks for the help!

 

[whetrock]

That's a cool knife IMO, really try and hold onto it. My Grandpa gifted me his knife, and I can't imagine loosing it. I've found that a mild metal polish like Flitz, can work wonders for removing corrosion, and restoring shine.

 

[lan40583]

Thanks Whetrock. I've got some metal polish that I was going to use on the blade, but I'm also wondering if there's a way to clean up the inside of the knife?

 

[Old Hunter]

There is a Colonial Knife sub-forum over at AAPK which is hosted by Bobby P. (Bonfire Bob). Bob is a retired cutler from Colonial and a third generation member of the family that started and ran Colonial until its demise (not today's Colonial) - your knife is from the original Colonial. Bobby will give you a lot of info on your knife. Good luck with finding out more about your Grandfathers knife. OH

 

[lan40583]

Old Hunter,

Thanks for the info about the AAPK forums! I found out that the knife is called the Coyote, made by Colonial in the 80s or 90s.

 

[Ironmage]

The bolsters look aluminium, are they? That may narrow the date range, pretty common in the 80 & 90's. I don't know anything about Colonial though.

They look like brass to me.
Bobby Paolantonio, Colonial Knife Co., R.A.P. is the #1 best expert on Colonial knives,still alive anyways. I ask him about the knife for you. When he gives me a reply I will post it for you on this thread.