Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Colonial Knife was incorporated in 1926 by three brothers; Antonio, Domenic, & Fredrick Paolantonio. It grew to become one of the largest pocket knife manufacturers in the US during the 1960s. The company shut down in 1998, but was back into production under the Colonial Cutlery International Corporation in 2001. Colonial Cutlery International, Inc. brand is the imported line of knives and tools while the U.S.A.- made products fall under the Colonial Knife brand.
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

Hey Bobby how are ya.
Does the words " STAR RAT KILLS BEAVER FALLS PA." On the handle of a Colonial forest master ring any bell's for you?
Thanks in advance for any help.
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

No it doesn't...but the ad spec. business was incredible for
years and as much as I can and did, keep track of models and stock number's,
of all production runs, it was IMPOSSIBLE to keep track of advertising logo's. ::shrug::
You have my undevided attention now Phill, and I have many questions....
What was the handle material, and obviously a picture paints a thousand words so
as soon as you are able, let's see some pics.... ::hmm:: ::hmm::

Keep me updated with more info....
Bob P. CKCo..
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

I'll git right on it Bobby. I don't have the knife,it is a buds knife and he was telling me about it over the phone. From what he told me it has metal bolsters and the plastic handles. I will be up to his house in a few days and I will git some pics for us all to look at.
I have Googled it backwards and forwards to no end. It was just such a strange adeverticment etch it got my interest also.
Once again,thanks Bobby. ::handshake::
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

Hey Bobby knifeknut just posted a cool one and I new you would want to check it out so I grabbed the pic to post hear.
You guy's made a little of everything over the years. I thought this was very cool.

Bobby one more question for you. How many Forrest Master's did you guys make with just 3 blades .ie no punch,stamped PALCO,Worc,USA.
Attachments
saln.jpg
saln.jpg (29.08 KiB) Viewed 14844 times
aefc.jpg
aefc.jpg (26.96 KiB) Viewed 14844 times
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Hey Phill, nice H-1 Hatchet; produced from the early 60's and up to about
the mid 70's...it initially came with a hatchet head leather sheath...I might have
some.. ::hmm:: ::hmm::

To answer your question about PALCO. Worc. THIS WAS NOT A COLONIAL KNIFE!!
I have no info on Colonial making anything in Worc. ever! I've seen some samples and
they are NOT ours for sure.... ::shrug::

Bob P. CKCo...
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

Hello Bobster how are you.
The hatchet belongs to knifeknut and I'm sure he would love to git hold of a original case for it. I will pm him and tell him to talk with you about it.
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Sounds great pal; I'll start the cellar search ASAP.. ::tu::
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

Hear is that Forrest Master with the PALCO stamp.

I have the other Forest Master n hand,the one with the "star kills rat Beaver Falls PA " on the shield instead of Forrest Master. I will git some pics tomorrow. It has the Colonial,prov,USA tang stamp and is mint. I'm going to have to trade him out of this one,lol.

BTW- I sent you a PM bud.
Attachments
$(KGrHqJ,!qgFJd6l2lNeBSb,qYbboQ~~60_57.JPG
$(KGrHqR,!qQFJVzMVZ7vBSb,qt0Trg~~60_57.JPG
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Hey man; it's a nice knife but still, not a Colonial!
The first sign is the Palco stamp AND, where's the belt punch?? ::shrug::
Colonial never made a Forest Master without some form of belt punch..
Bob P. CKCo...
I'll check out your PM now, Thanks..
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

That was one of the questions I had Bobby,were is that darn punch? Lol
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Hey Joe, it looks kind of funny without the belt punch!! :o
Still a nice knife Phill...he bud, your PM came through as an "unknown file"???
Just mail me at bonfirebob11@cox.net..
Bob P. CKCo..
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

Thanks buddy.
Hey Bobby hear is that Star,Kills,Rat knife we talked about it has the Colonial,prov,USA stamp.
Attachments
IMAG0596.JPG
IMAG0598.JPG
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Oh man...where did you ever find this??!! ::pray::
I would kindly ask you to please take as many pics as you can of the FM knife.
I'll give the first tip about this item guys...LOOK..no center pin..hmm
This is extrodinary my friend and I have some research to do and by the same token Phil, I can't express what it would feel and look like in my hand!! Even good close pics don't tell the entire story sometimes. I don't want you to send it to me but some good close shots of the insides and outs would work just fine. I'll give you an idea of what I mean..I'd look for the following..

All blades completely open and to check the walk and talk, and to see enough space was provided to have the blades NOT rub or hit. Then I would inspect the grinding, hefting of the bolster's, how well the ends were done, check the inside frame for finish, check the backs and see how straight they were, the center rivet needs a close look cause lots of fragile handles would crack here if too much stress is applied with the center pin being the last assembly stage...that's just a start..so much to inspect...INSATIABLE CURIOSITY..
I'll be back after some thought...Bob. P CFE.. ::tu::
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

I will git right on it Bob. I did not notice that center pin,or the lake of one, until you brought it up,good eye my friend.
I can tell you that it is nr mint and all blades walk and talk like New. It has never been sharpened or used.
Figuring out the history is as much fun as getting the knife Bobby,thanks to your help. ::tu::
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
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Joe Dirt
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Joe Dirt »

Great knife, knifetime! Only the 2nd one I have ever seen. The other one was pretty much ragged out...

Hey Bobby, what was the total production No.s of the Heritage knives you made? I can't find even 1 of them for sale!!

Here's are a couple Colonial to be ID.

.... Joe
Attachments
Colonial 001.JPG
Colonial 002.JPG
Colonial 003.JPG
I've got a camouflage knife, but I can't find it.......

..... cardboard addicted.....

"The old timer's concentrated on making knives; not keeping records!!" ~ Bonfire bob
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Hey Phil, my new best friend!! lol..
Just so you know, it's new and never been sharpened is a sign to me and most collector's.
It's been very well polished and NEVER re-sharpened my friend.
Don't feel bad at all pal; this is a common practice amongst knife people because putting an incredible edge on a blade takes a trained eye and keen ability's...
I am guilty of this myself but it's no discrace! Some pieces are finished beautifully and trying to put a nice edge on any knife is an art in itself!!
If Colonial or Heritage were still up and running, I would invite you down to show you how it's done right, and would stand behind my wheel work, 110% !
I have a lot to say about this knife and it's origin and hate to bore people; maybe that's my lot in life..I happen to enjoy any info I can with all my friends here at AAPK....

Here is a catalogue photo of Colonial's last "Forest Master" item and keep in mind the blade configuration....
This discusion about this knife will definately involve several post's so hang in there folks....
Colonial Knife Company, Catalogue circa 1995, and the last one we ever printed...
Bob P. CFE, CKCo...
BTW,... blades and springs anyone???
Attachments
my work bench ad J.K.'s refurb Old Cutler 028.jpg
CCF11052013_00000.jpg
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Joe Dirt
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Joe Dirt »

Man what a pile of blades and springs, Bobby! Those are for the stockmans aren't they?

ps - I just posted a couple of pics on the bottom of the last page - you must have been typing away. I'll re-post um here
so they can be seen.

EDIT: Hey Bobby, what was the total production No.s of the Heritage knives you made? I can't find even 1 of them for sale!!

.... Joe
Attachments
Tiny pen jack
Tiny pen jack
Colonial 002.JPG
Easy Open 1 blade jack
Easy Open 1 blade jack
I've got a camouflage knife, but I can't find it.......

..... cardboard addicted.....

"The old timer's concentrated on making knives; not keeping records!!" ~ Bonfire bob
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bdev
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by bdev »

Here's two I received today.
I'd love more info on the 4" jack. Looks like stainless but not sure.
Is there a model number? When was it manufactured?
Thanks......Bruno
Attachments
colonial jack.jpg
colonial advert.jpg
Queen City. My favorite! Bruno. ::tu::
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Correct Joe, medium stockmans for the most part....butt springs, double ended butt springs, master blades, spey and sheep foot blades... ::doh:: ::doh::
AND your pretty # 4120 Slim Jim....nice pics ..about early 60's for this little baby...
bdev shows two nice old Colonials.. a # 4602 with square bolster's and an ad specialty favorite, and I saw so many of these's in my days I forget the Number!! ::facepalm::

Joe, to answer your question about Heritage total production in it's 4 year existance..
With the exception of the 5 thousand for Smith and Wesson, about 4-5 thousand in multiple handle materials and private labels....Stodards in Boston, Mass. was a big buyer,
along with "Smokey Mountain Knife Works", and my old friend Kevin Pipes... ::groove::

Bob. P. CKCo., CFE..
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

I am going to make an offer you can't refuse...
Contact me and if you are so driven about Colonial's history, fly or train your way down to Providence, R.I., and since I am in contact with the real estate company that currently owns the property, I will get permission to go through the old factory, but with obvious security backup, because this is not the garden spot of Rhode Island...
Just so you know, the price of this property is 1 Million $$...we're not going to buy it, just walk through and video tape it....
Very strong high intensity flood lights will be needed and I will take you for a tour and a video recording of the events would be more than satisfactory......

As strange as this sounds, it's an honest offer with no bullshit involved....
Sorry to be blunt but I'm an honest man and always will be.....

Robert Anthony Paolantonio, Colonial Knife Company, CFE....
"Official Business"..
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by PigSticker »

Man Bobbie you need to put some handles around some of them blades
NEVER DOUBT YOUR DAWG
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

That would be very cool Bobby,I just live in Ohio not to far for me to drive,lol.
Hey man look what I just bought off fleeBay,can you give me the down low on this little set. Thanks buddy,for your help.
I'm happier than a hog in slop over this one Bobster. You know how long I have been trying to git a set like this. Now if I can just find one like your papals I will be in like flint.
Attachments
$(KGrHqF,!okFJn)11QIDBScSkN(-Gw~~60_57-1.JPG
$(KGrHqJ,!qQFJVtCKeu5BScSjMoVqg~~60_57-2.JPG
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
Bonfire bob
Posts: 527
Joined: Mon Aug 13, 2012 4:10 pm

Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Slow down man!! I'm still putting the # 1200 Ferest Master pics together and they will be on the other thread! ::nod::
Here's what I have and I would like to see the tang on this set...mine has the stainless Colonial stamp on the fork; just U.S.A. on the master blade..front side blade ground only..
I need to see the tang stamp on this set...the following pics are what I have and there are many variations from yours....Sets like ths were made in the mid to late 60's..
Bob P. CKCo..Stainless and Colonial stamp are on the fork; what's on yours??? ::shrug::
Attachments
Boy Scout--Forest Master 037.jpg
Boy Scout--Forest Master 039.jpg
Boy Scout--Forest Master 048.jpg
Bonfire bob
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by Bonfire bob »

Back to the Forest Master Phil...
This is my oldest known Colonial Forest Master/ Scout....
Strange, no shield, blade configuration is different, and there are lots of similarity's to your Beaver Falls FM but the lack of a center pin baffles the crap out of me!!
It's definately a Colonial skeleton but who, when, where and how are the main mysteries!
I'm going to call Beaver Falls, PA and get to the bottom of this one!! ::hmm::
Check this knife out....not only does it have .100 thousands thick blades and springs, it's got THREE .50 solid brass cut scales!! This is one of the beefeast's Colonial's I'VE EVER SEEN!! ::ds:: ::ds:: I estimate production date early to mid 50's.. ::hmm::
Bob P. CKCO...
Attachments
Boy Scout--Forest Master 001.jpg
Boy Scout--Forest Master 006.jpg
Boy Scout--Forest Master 016.jpg
Boy Scout--Forest Master 026.jpg
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knifetime
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Re: Colonial Knife Company Collector's Forum

Post by knifetime »

It is a real cool one Bobby,I love it.
I'll git them pics of that forest master first thing tomorrow.
I don't have my hobo set in hand yet but I can tell you from the pics that all 3 are stamped stainless Evan the knife is stamped "stainless Colonial,PROV,USA" in fact it looks like all three pieces are stamped "Stainless Colonial" . It is supposed to be from the 60s.
-"...and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby If the iron be blunt,and he do not whet the edge,then must he put to more strength....Ecclesiastes 10 10 ;So the good book says
sharpen your knife !!!
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