Parker USA Damascus

[TexasJon]

I have a Parker USA single bolster lock back knife with a Damascus blade and I was curious if anyone knows the age or model or handle material of this particular knife.

[just bob]

I believe your knife was made in the 1980's because I have a 1992 SMKW catalog and there are no listings for Parker Knives, by then it was Frost Cutlery.
There are a lot of Parker knives on eBay and also in AAPK stores. Use the search bar in the top right to look at knives and try to find something similar to yours. This is a bit different than yours, but I think same era.



https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... ood-scales

[Reverand]

Located in Jacksonville Alabama, Jim Parker originally founded this knife manufacturer when he owned Case. Afterward he had knives made there marked "Parker USA", as yours is. I am not sure during what years, but sometime in the late 80's I think. Not for long.
After it was sold in 1991 the company became "Bear MGC" and now "Bear and Son".
They still make great Damascus knives there.
So yours was made some time before 1991.

Edit: it looks like Just Bob hit send before I did!
Yes, in the late 80's then.

[TexasJon]

I have a Parker USA single bolster lock back knife with a Damascus blade and I was curious if anyone knows the age or model or handle material of this particular knife.

[TexasJon]

I’m still learning about John Parker and his knives. It seems he did better in the long run by cofounding SMKW in TN. I learned that Fain Edwards was making knives in Jacksonville, AL when John Parker partnered with him providing mostly financial support. Supposedly, they produced Parker Edwards knives from 1984-1986 and then John Parker bought him out. This might explain why my knife says Parker USA and doesn’t mention anything else. I’m guessing mine was also made in Jacksonville, AL sometime between 1987-1990. This is exciting to me because I was born and raised about an hours drive from there in Fort Payne AL. I will keep my little Parker USA knife that I bought at a yard sale here in Texas for (one dollar).