All About Pocket Knives

Hello
Here is a bad photo of my Colonial Forest Master Camp Knife that I have had for a while. Not certain how old this is, but I'm guessing 1960s-1970s? This knife is in good shape, but not certain that is evident in the photo. This knife has three blades, but I could have sworn that I have seen photos of Forest Master Knives with four blades?
Thanks
Mark

No sir, it's not an Imperial Knife......should read Colonial Prov. USA at the base of the main blade.

Some of the Colonial Forest Master's came with only 3 blades......

Yes, it is Colonial.

Tomcat, I have 2 Colonial Forest Masters, both with a punch for the 4th blade...

Mike

Also you can find them with 2 different handle jigs - the "stag jig" like yours and a imitation "jigged bone" too.
Cool old knife!!!!

...... Joe

This is one of those knives I need to find another one of so I can actually use it from time to time. The one in the photo (even though it might not look it) is in good shape and don't think has been sharpened? Even though these are not a top dollar knife, I'd like to keep this one like it is. So I'm keeping my eyes open when ever I go to an antique shop, etc. I always have a "camping" knife on my keys, be it a GI Issue pocket knife, my Camillus Camping Knife, or my beloved Imperial Kamp-King. The next Forest Master I find will do some time on my key ring.
Mark

Mark-
These are readily available on ebay........

I know there is Ebay, but I try to stay away from there unless it is something I can't find anywhere. One of those things that I enjoy finding out of the blue, if that makes sense?
Mark

You are correct Mark, Colonial did make a 4 blade version and I have one. Given to me some years ago by Upnorth.

Here is a very early one I have on flea bay, it has the patent numbers under Colonial on front tang.

Is camp knife a style or a brand
I see some on ebay but they don't look like that
that looks like a 'scout knife' to me
I see 'camp knives on ebay with out can openers ect, just 3 blades
mickey

Mickey, "camp knife" is a generic term that applies to a fairly broad spectrum of cutlery. It is definitely not brand specific. I've seen the term used frequently in reference to the three or four blade "scout" or "utility" pattern knives like the ones pictured on this thread. I've also seen the term applied to a variety of fixed blade knives. The related term of "camper knife" seems to be limited to the three and four blade folders like those shown here.

thanks Philco, I just checked out your images , wow you have allot of those knives, then I saw the barlows, it will take awhile to get through your collection.
I think I will start a gallery too
mickey

Inherited an old knife with Colonial on the main blade, four blades, no patent nr., just said "PROV. USA" where the number should be. Fake? Who would counterfeit a 20 dollar knife?

BigAlTex wrote:Inherited an old knife with Colonial on the main blade, four blades, no patent nr., just said "PROV. USA" where the number should be. Fake? Who would counterfeit a 20 dollar knife?

BigAlTex to AAPK first off. Colonial did some weird things. I have some that don't even say Colonial on them but have their patent # on the tang . It's more than likely real as you said not many people are faking Colonials.

What a coincidence...I just found this one yesterday laying in the dirt under a picnic table at the beach. Maybe I'll see if I can clean it up a bit...still seems pretty solid despite the rust. All 4 blades/tools opened, albeit with a bit of assistance from a pliers, so that's a good sign.
~Q~

Well, it's far from "mint" but after soaking for a few hours in a vinegar bath and a few minutes brushing with steel wool, this Colonial Forest King can now be easily opened without the use of pliers. A few strokes over my Arkansas stone followed by a couple of passes on a leather strop and this little guy is all set and ready to be used (and hopefully not lost) at another picnic.
~Q~

Good job.

My father gave me one of these when I was 7 back in 1970. It was a great jack knife. Mine had a 4th punch blade - used it for making extra veld loops among other things. I used it all the time as a kid and even as an adult it found its way into projects around the house. I just wish I hadn’t lost the metal piece that attaches to the end. Lots of sentimental value. Maybe I’ll clean it up.

to AAPK! Great knife with a story, those are priceless.

So I found a forest master camp knife at the local second-hand store but unlike the ones I've seen on this thread the one I found has red scales . The forest master text is on the side of handle and the main blade and can opener have U.S.A. Stamped into the tang . Can't find Colonial or a patent number anywhere on the knife . The blades look identical to the ones on this thread except the punch blade is sharpened to a cone like tip . Are any of you guys aware of a model like that ?
Also I don't know how to post a picture

Colonial did make a red handled Forestmaster. They also made a white handle both in smooth and the imitation stag pattern.

Great looking knives, Papa Bones! You can practically find the black scaled ones walking down the street, but I think this is the first red and white ones I have seen.

Papa Bones wrote: ↑Wed Aug 05, 2020 3:43 am Colonial did make a.....

VERY nice Colonials Smitty.

My only two.