What's up with the purina ad knives...

[LKJW]

The red checkered ones...I have one my Grandpa gave me, but I see them all the time. Did they make a million of those things???

 

[Bob W]

My grandfather had one too. Not a high dollar item, I believe they were given away with the purchase of bags of Purina feed.

 

[thatotherguy]

seen many of em. Very common at flea markets around here.

 

[jackknife]

I remember a time in the 1950's, when a man could have a new pocket knife in his pocket every month, yet never have to spend a nickle on one. Between feed stores, some hardware stores, auto parts stores, and tire stores, they made a zillion of the key chain size little jacks. Most actually had decent carbon steel blades.

Back before WW2 and the world of plastics, the old time model airplanes and boats were made out of balsa wood, and required a little final fitting. The instructions told you to trim a little off with a pen knife. Sometimes, the more expensive and extensive models like those of ships, included a little single blade pen knife for the work.

Carl.

 

[LKJW]

I get that...and my Grandpa had a bunch of them, as do I, but the Purina one seems SO pervasive???

 

[Bob W]

More people bought Purina feed than other brands? Other brands didn't give away knives as often? Purina used a higher quality knife that lasted longer? The Purina looked fancier so people put them aside instead of using them? Beats me.

 

[LKJW]

More people bought Purina feed than other brands? Other brands didn't give away knives as often? Purina used a higher quality knife that lasted longer? The Purina looked fancier so people put them aside instead of using them? Beats me.

All good theories. Whatever the reason was, it was smart.