Imperial Prov RI

[C.L. Stout]

Hey,
First time user, I couldn't find the Imperial forum and figured this was the best fit.
Can anyone give me any information on this knife? The pictures aren't the greatest but the stamp on blade reads Prov R.I. USA ( USA is vertical). I was told the emblem on the front is the boyscouts symbol. In the picture it's unclear but it's an eagle with a star on either side.

[C.L. Stout]

Posted one twice

[Shearer]

If you go to this topic you will find a tang stamp chart .
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... =4&t=39799

Grant

[Shearer]

to AAPK

[Old Hunter]

That is definitely an Official BSA "Boy Scout Knife" - the Deluxe version (it has a fifth blade - the Phillips head screwdriver blade). I would guess made sometime in the 1970's, by Imperial (as you no doubt already know), jigged Delrin handles. Welcome to AAPK! OH

PS a good soaking in mineral oil and some cleaning with an old toothbrush would help that knife immensely - won't damage the Delrin handles either.

[C.L. Stout]

Awesome! Is there a way of identifying exact age, and, if any, value? Also, what exactly is jogged derlin? I know nothing about knives. My dad is notorious for losing pocket knives, so my uncle jokingly gave him that one and told him he was gonna check in each time they met to make sure he still had it. Well he let me borrow it and I noticed it was American made and figured I'd do some research.
I Appreciate the info.

[Old Hunter]

CL, the jigged Delrin is the brown plastic material the handles are made of - a DuPont invention from the late 50's - it came into use by knife companies (and others) in the 1960's due to it's virtually indestructible nature. While not as pretty as real bone, Delrin was able to mimic it pretty well and also be resistant to cracking, chipping, and breaking. The value of your Dad's knife, in it's current rusty condition, is maybe $10.00 - the real value of that knife is the good quality steel (1075) and tough construction Imperial used at the time it was made - that steel will take and hold a very nice edge. Clean it up, sharpen it (by hand, not with a powered device) and USE IT! OH

Ps Here is a link to some more historical information about BSA knives made by Imperial. There were quite a few other companies that made BSA knives over the last 100 years on contract from the Boy Scouts - Imperial made all of their BSA knives after WW-II. The real expert on BSA knives here at AAPK is "Philco" - send him a PM and he can tell you much more.

http://www.scoutknives.net/index.php?op ... &Itemid=60

[philco]

Hi C.L. Welcome to AAPK.

I checked my go to resource on Boy Scout knives, Official Scout Blades by Ed Holbrook. He shows the knife in question was made beginning c.1963. He does not show a date when they went out of production.

I have a twin to your knife that I recently purchased on ebay. Mine is in a bit more neglected condition than yours appears to be. I got it for ten bucks with free shipping.

As others have already said, it's not a rare or highly valuable knife but it sure has some great blade steel and is a very pocket friendly design with several handy tools included. I plan to clean mine up a bit and will most likely carry it some.

[C.L. Stout]

Thanks for all the info fellas! This research has got me interested in knife collecting. I love the history aspect behind it. I know now to keep my eyes open for them at yards sales now! Thanks again I appreciate it.