Info can be found here:
http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/
A few paragraphs pulled from the web
Imperial Knife Company, Inc., Providence, Rhode Island
Imperial and Schrade Cutlery have combined and now are called Schrade Cutlery - Imperial Schrade Corporation. The short history used to be found at"
http://www.schradeknives.com/about.htm
The Imperial Knife Company was established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1916, and grew to manufacture a full range of value-priced folding pocket knives.
In 1941, Albert M. Baer, whose vision guided Imperial Schrade Corp., purchased the Ulster Knife Company, which was founded in Ellenville, New York in the 1870's. In 1942, Ulster Knife Company and Imperial Knife Company joined forces to become Imperial Knife Associated Companies. As Ulster and Imperial joined forces, they committed themselves to producing knives for the military throughout World War II.
During the 1950s through the 1980s, Imperial produced many of the bayonets supplied to the US armed forces, including the M5, M5A1, M6 and M7. Imperial Knife experienced extremely strong growth throughout the late 70's. As Imperial Knife entered the 80's, a consolidation took place and the company divested itself of various holdings.
In 1983, Albert M. Baer purchased the stock of all shareholders in Imperial Knife Associated Companies and became the sole owner of the privately held cutlery giant. In 1985, the name of the company was changed from Imperial Knife Associated Companies to Imperial Schrade Corp. and in the next few years all of the production facilities were moved to Ellenville, NY.
In 2004, Imperial Schrade Corp. will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Imperial Schrade Corps world headquarters in scenic Ellenville, New York has more than 548,000 square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 450 people dedicated to producing the world's finest pocket knives, lock backs, fixed blades, cutlery for the outdoor and hunting markets and multi-tools. Additionally, as part of their global strategy, Schrade's manufacturing assets include the Listowel, Ireland facility which employs over 70 people.
