Questions about an Imperial

recon0317

recon0317

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This Imperial was a gift from a friend. When I got it, it was covered with grime, rust, and even a little mold. I cleaned it out, oiled it up, and polished out the blades. The polishing resulted in a really nice patina, and I really dig it. I was wondering if anyone knows how to date it, what the model is called, possible value, or has any other information about it. I got all 3 blades sharp, and the main blade is just a razor. Any info would be greatly appreciated.



 
Goins' Encyclopedia gives similar dates for the stamp 1954-88. It's relative value is listed as "L" (low) in Levine's Guide. These were inexpensive knives and not many folks collect them. It's value is whatever value it has to you but they are commonly available for low prices. I'd recommend reading both of those books if you are collecting old knives. Patina and red rust are both types of oxidation and both are removed indiscriminately by polishes. The more you polish, the more that's removed. Buffing removes a lot. In general if a knife has value as a collectible then you should not polish or buff. Definitely don't buff bolsters on a valuable old collectible knife. Just wipe the surface of the blades and springs with a soft rag damp (not soaked) with mineral oil until it no longer dirties the rag. For a user, whatever works for you is fine. Are you planning on carrying the knife? It seems to still be in good condition and have many years of service left.
 
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supratentorial said:
Goins' Encyclopedia gives similar dates for the stamp 1954-88. It's relative value is listed as "L" (low) in Levine's Guide. These were inexpensive knives and not many folks collect them. It's value is whatever value it has to you but they are commonly available for low prices. I'd recommend reading both of those books if you are collecting old knives. Patina and red rust are both types of oxidation and both are removed indiscriminately by polishes. The more you polish, the more that's removed. Buffing removes a lot. In general if a knife has value as a collectible then you should not polish or buff. Definitely don't buff bolsters on a valuable old collectible knife. Just wipe the surface of the blades and springs with a soft rag damp (not soaked) with mineral oil until it no longer dirties the rag. For a user, whatever works for you is fine. Are you planning on carrying the knife? It seems to still be in good condition and have many years of service left.
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Yes, I am planning g on carrying it. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't anything too valuable before I did so. It's a great little blade, perfect for day to day cutting tasks, and has an inherent "cool" factor to it.
 
If it was a gift from a friend if I were you I wouldn't give a... About value id polish it if I wanted it polished or wouldn't if I didn't and then carry it and use it like any other knife.if it was of value and collectors item he woulda told you
 
Oh, I'd never sell it. I polished it up, sharpened it, and I'm going to carry it for the March EDC challenge.
 
Does the secondary blade look like it's supposed to be a spey shape? Or is it a worn down sheepsfoot? I've never seen a stockman without sheepsfoot so I'm curious.
The knife looks great!

Connor
 
I like these- as functional knives they are great but you don't have to worry about using them. Perfect users. They are not low quality in a functional sense.
 
Looks like a worn down sheepsfoot to me.

Nice little carry there. I have a Kamp King I found at a flea market that when I cleaned up, the main blade is really really easy to close, which, IMO is not up to par for a daily user. There is no real walk and talk to it at all. But I like that I cleaned the knife up and made it "useable", if you get my meaning.
 
ConBon said:
Does the secondary blade look like it's supposed to be a spey shape? Or is it a worn down sheepsfoot? I've never seen a stockman without sheepsfoot so I'm curious.
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I wonder if this Cornwall Knife Co. qualifies? Dealer pic, as the photos I've taken to date do not show all the blades open.

 
Those both look like original equipment. I've seen the occasional stockman (whittler?) with a master clip, spey and secondary smaller clip before, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a standard blade as secondary in this configuration. Maybe there's a very subtle clip there, I can't quite tell. Assuming it isn't a Franken-perial I think you might have a fairly rare example. You've got a pretty neat little knife there. :thumbup:
 
Thanks! It was gift from my buddy's daughter. She got it for a dollar at a flea market. It was all rusty, grimy, even had mold inside. I cleaned it up a bit.
 
The smaller clip (ish) blade is top, the wharncliff (?) In the middle, and the main blade on bottom.
 
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