New Colonials

[trail]

A while back, Hillbillenigma started a great thread entitled "WHO actually made that NEW Pocket Knife?" and lots of knowledgeable people provided good information as to who makes many current models and where. I just reviewed the thread and found a current brand that was not mentioned and wonder if anyone has information. Colonial of Providence RI closed its doors in 1998 but the name at least was revived in 2001 by CCI, Inc. This company advertises as a provider to many organizations, including the US military. I see a riggers knife advertised and the tang stamp is clearly marked Colonial over 09 over Prov. R.I. The model listed is Colonial Ranger Mil Spec Marlin Spike Knife - COL00097. Does anyone have good information as to where this knife is manufactured? In the old Colonial shop in Providence, or on contract by another US manufacturer, or overseas? I'm a sailor and I like rigging knives but I already have a Rough Rider and don't really need another Chinese made rigger. On the other hand, I thought that with the demise of Camillus there were no more American manufacturers making traditional rigging knives and if there is, I'd like to have one. Any thoughts on this one?

[Owd Wullie]

NSN 5110-00-530-1757 camillus rigger's knife with marlinespike 3 1/2 in folding knife with marlinspike. Found several National Stock number references to Camillus knives.

Still doesn't answer your question. Sry.

[philco]

Trail,
Can't help you with your Colonial question.(sorry)
But you can most likely pick up a Case riggers knife if you shop around a while. I believe -not positive about this- that they recently ceased producing that pattern. I have a yellow handled one in my collection from just a few years back.
I also occasionally see Schrade and Buck made riggers knives for sale on ebay. Niether one is current manufacture but they are still out there to be had.

Phil

[knifeaholic]

Trail,
Can't help you with your Colonial question.(sorry)
But you can most likely pick up a Case riggers knife if you shop around a while. I believe -not positive about this- that they recently ceased producing that pattern. I have a yellow handled one in my collection from just a few years back.
I also occasionally see Schrade and Buck made riggers knives for sale on ebay. Niether one is current manufacture but they are still out there to be had.

Phil

Case made two variations of a riggers pocket knife - the 3246 R SS and the 6246 R SS were made in house at Case and were in production from the Tested era until 1978. I should clarify that it was made in both bone and in yellow in the Tested years...then only yellow in the XX era until the 6246 R SS was put in production in 1964 through 1978.

Then Case had Camillus make on contract a newer version under contract - this one was a different design and had the locking marlin spike. This version was in production from about 1980 until the mid 80's...was discontinued and then brought back post 2000...also made in yellow handles...then this version was discontinued some time prior to Camillus closing up.

[trail]

I emailed Chris at World Knives regarding the Colonial rigger and got this reply:

"Yes, those are made in China. Colonial did go out of business and although I
am not familiar with the new ownership I don't think any of their current
line is made in the USA."

In my mind it is very unfortunate that there is not a single manufacturer of rigging knives left in the United States.

[Pen & Toothpick]

I have a Rough Rider Marlin Spike that looks to me like it was made in the same place. I think that completely answers the question.

My dirty little secret is that I will buy a cheap knife to see what a pattern is like that I don't collect. I actually like that marlin spike, it is the best made china knife I have.....AND I AM NOT PROUD OF IT.