Imperial

Imperial Knife Company stands as a significant chapter in American cutlery history, founded in 1916 by Italian immigrants Felix and Michael Mirando in Providence, Rhode Island. For much of the 20th century, Imperial grew to become one of America's largest knife manufacturers, producing millions of affordable, functional knives that found their way into the pockets of working Americans.

The company built its reputation on versatile product lines spanning pocket knives, hunting knives, kitchen cutlery, multi-tools, utility knives, and even military bayonets. Imperial's approach focused on accessibility—delivering dependable cutting tools at price points that made quality knives available to everyday users. This democratic philosophy helped establish the brand as a household name across the United States.

Imperial became particularly renowned for its distinctive handle materials, especially decorative acrylic patterns like "Cracked Ice" and "Black Swirl" designs that gave their slipjoint folders instant visual recognition. These colorful handles became signatures of the brand, making Imperial knives highly collectible among vintage knife enthusiasts today.

The company's trajectory shifted when it merged with Schrade Cutlery Company to form Imperial Schrade Corp, combining two storied American knife makers under one roof. However, changing market conditions and increased overseas competition took their toll. Despite its long heritage and massive production capacity, Imperial filed for bankruptcy in 2004, marking the end of an era for American knife manufacturing.

Today, Imperial's legacy lives on through the countless vintage knives still in circulation and the collectors who prize them. The brand represents an important period when American-made knives dominated the domestic market, and their affordable slipjoints remain popular among those seeking traditional pocket knife designs with historical significance. Imperial knives serve as tangible reminders of American industrial craftsmanship and the immigrant entrepreneurship that helped build the nation's cutlery industry.