colonial knives: the M-724 utilitarian gem

With over 60 knife manufacturers in the US it’s easy for companies to get overlooked in the rush for recognition or when a particular fad favors certain brands over others. The tactical knife has garnered such attention these past few years that sometimes we forget there are outstanding companies making serious utilitarian knives that sell for very affordable prices. One such company is Colonial Knife out of Rhode Island, which has been around for almost a century. When the Paolantonio brothers founded Colonial Knife and created its first pocket knife in 1926, the three probably knew it was destined to become an industry standard. Today, Colonial produces high quality precision cutlery in premium steels and offers a lifetime warranty on all its products - simply return it with store receipt and your knife will be repaired or replaced FREE of charge. Today, Colonial continues to push the envelope using innovative technologies and breakthrough metal research to produce better and better knives for the practical survivor or serviceman. 

Colonial Knife manufactures military knives, Bushcraft knives, fire/rescue and marine/sailors knives, farrier tools, Electrician knives, hunting and rock/ice climbing knives. Their professional’s tools include their switch blade, their navy deck knife, their paratrooper knife, their marlin spike knives and the Roper Knives plus assisted opening Quick Flick Knives, their Tuckerman Ravine Knives and their J Hook Rescue Tool. 

Our favorite is the famed M-724 (or upgraded MC-1) Survival Pocket Knife currently issued for use in all military aircraft ejection seat survival kits. The primary purpose of this excellent auto knife is to help the downed pilot or aircrew get out of any dangerous situation that they may encounter behind enemy lines including cutting chute lines should they end up landing in a tree or other elevated structure. A situation that involves survival and evasion for the person isolated behind enemy lines or on the battlefield requires a utilitarian no frills knife/tool, the type that can easily be maintained while surviving extreme use in all conditions. This knife can be had for around $40 from various online knife stores and offers the kind of functionality every prepper needs in their bugout bag. These are hand forged 1095 carbon steel knives and they have some pleasing imperfections that bestow a “use me” vibe as opposed to appealing to be kept in a safe or glass showcase — which is why we love them around the AFD office! They get used for absolutely everything and go on and on functioning without ever seeming to lose their edge or switchblade speed. 

If you’re not familiar with Colonial Knives, check them out and take full advantage of discounted outlet prices, you WILL NOT be disappointed. ED