ScoutKnives.Net Scout Knife Reference

IMPC4A, BSA # 1996. This is the classic BSA #1996 camp knife, with four blades: main , can opener, cap lifter/flat blade combo, and awl. The screwdriver blade was longer than later #1996 models, and is longer than the awl. Black, jigged handles, shield shaped BSA shield on main blade end, permanent shackle on end opposite the main blade. Smooth bolsters. Closed length 3 3/4". Manufactured 1949-1955.

MPC4A: The first Imperial Boy Scout knife. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC4B, BSA #1052. Same as IMPC4A, but with white pearl handles, and a change of BSA model number.

IMPC4B: White pearl scales. (Courtesy Allen McBroom)

IMPC4C, BSA # 1996. Same as IMPC4A, but with a plastic shield. Manufactured 1955-1958. Thomas Linton has noticed a difference of thickness between the C and D versions.  "Just handled both the 4C and your 4D at the same time. Turns out the 4C is 21/32" thick and the 4D is only 35/64" thick. Very noticeable. Not too surprising, that is became the tools in the 4C are much thicker."

IMPC4C: Plastic shield with clear overlay. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC4C: Another example of the classic BSA #1996. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC4D, BSA # 1996. Similar to the IMPC4C, but with plastic shield and short screwdriver, and the D is thinner than the C. The screwdriver is shorter than the awl. Made 1958-1962. Thomas Linton has noticed a difference of thickness between the C and D versions.  "Just handled both the 4C and your 4D at the same time. Turns out the 4C is 21/32" thick and the 4D is only 35/64" thick. Very noticeable. Not too surprising, that is became the tools in the 4C are much thicker."

IMPC4D

IMPC4E, BSA # 1996. Four blades: main, can opener, cap lifter/flat blade combo, awl. The screwdriver is shorter than the awl. BSA logo (First Class badge) is relief molded into the handle. Brown or reddish-brown handles. The handles on this model aged differently, resulting today in many different shades of handles and logos. Manufactured 1958-1962.

IMPC4E: These are found in different shades of red and brown. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC4E: Same model as the one above, but with darker shield, handles. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC4E: Personal Scout knife, purchased new in 1961 in Ft. Worth, TX. (Courtesy Johnnie Fain)

IMPC4E: Another shade of red and brown.

(Knife courtesy of New Mexico Scouting Museum.  Photo by Bob Wick.)

IMPC4G, BSA #1045. Four blade camp knife: main, can opener, cap lifter/flat blade combo, awl. The screwdriver is shorter than the awl. 3 3/4" closed. Smooth, black plastic handles, Lanyard ring on end opposite the shield. BSA logo in white on main blade end. Manufactured 1973-1979.

Rugged but sturdy version of the IMPC4G (Allen McBroom)

IMPC4H, BSA # 1045. Same as IMPC4G, but with white handles. Manufactured 1980-1981.

IMPC4I, BSA #1045. Same as IMPC4G, but with brown handles. Manufactured 1982-1985.

IMPC4J, BSA #1045. Same as IMPC4G, but with red handles. Manufactured 1986-2007.

IMPC4J: Red, smooth plastic nadles on a camp knife. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC5A, BSA #1046. Shorter than usual knife, only 3 1/2" closed. Natural rosewood handles, five blades: main can opener, cap lifter/flat blade combo, awl, Phillips screwdriver. No lanyard ring.The Phillips blade drops into a handle notch on the shield side. Manufactured 1952-1962.

IMPC5A: Rosewood handles and a short, five blade knife.  Totally cool, totally utilitarian. (Courtesy Allen McBroom)

IMPC5A: Very nice example of this rosewood handled knife.

(Knife courtesy of New Mexico Scouting Museum.  Photo by Bob Wick.)

IMPC5A: Beautiful example with box. (Courtesy of Ron Fish)

IMPC5B, BSA #1043. Same as IMPC5A, but with white pearl handles. Manufactured dates NA.

IMPC5B: White pearl handles make a nifty appearance. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC5B: The nubby Phillips drops into a handle notch. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC5C, BSA #1046. Five blades: main, can opener, cap lifter/short flat blade combo, awl, short Phillips. Brown stag-appearing jigged handles, round shield on main blade end, 3 3/4" long. No lanyard ring. Manufactured 1963 - NA.

IMPC5C: Five blade Imperial camp knife. (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPC5C: The BSA Imperial "jack of all trades". (Courtesy Phil Stevens)

IMPN1A, BSA# NA. Stainless steel handles and single blade.  National Council logo on handles. Not found in Holbrook or Kerr guides.

IMPN1A: Stainless, single blade National Council knife.

(Knife courtesy of New Mexico Scouting Museum.  Photo by Bob Wick.)