Age of IDEAL knife?

[rea1eye]

I picked up this IDEAL knife yesterday and became interested in knowing
more about the company and age of the knife. I did a google search and
came up knowing that it was in Providence, RI. The knife seems to be
of OK quality but not too worrisome if I lose it

Thanks in advance!

Bob

ideal.2.jpg (28.85 KiB) Viewed 1006 times

[cody6268]

1950s, I think. I have a Jack with white madre-de-toilet seat handles, and the one thing I can't stand about it is that it is chisel-ground (ground on one side only). If there's any way to make a knife cheaper, I dunno.

[knifeaholic]

There were four knife companies located in Providence that made inexpensive "crimped bolster" knives. The two well-known names are Imperial and Colonial. The two lesser known names are Providence Cut. Co. and Ideal.

Of the four companies, Ideal made the cheapest, lowest end knives, IMO.

I have no idea when the company started (1950's to 60s' would be a good guess), but they ended business in the late 1980's.

[rea1eye]

I knew this was a low end knife but this particular one is put together
pretty well. I don't think it has seen much use. I wanted a EDC
that I could use in situations that have a higher risk for losing it.

Thanks for the info.

Bob

[rustyoldknife]

Here are some examples of what tends to be the typical low end IDEAL knife..