Vintage Stanley Defiance 1299 Style Cast Iron Utility Knife USA w/5 New Blades
DF693
Own a substantial piece of American tool history with this vintage red fixed-blade utility knife, strongly matching the classic Stanley Defiance No. 1299 design. Its perforated cast-metal housing, compact industrial profile and built-in blade-storage compartment make it an appealing piece for vintage tool collectors, Stanley enthusiasts, shop displays or restoration projects.
The knife is formed from two cast-metal handle sections secured by a removable slotted screw. The interior provides storage for replacement blades, and five Stanley No. 1992 heavy-duty utility blades are included. One exterior handle section is prominently marked “MADE IN U.S.A.” No Stanley name or model number is visible, so the knife is being identified as an unmarked Stanley Defiance 1299-style example based on its design and construction.
Sold as is. No warranty from the Seller. No Returns.
Approx. Dimensions: 4-3/4" L x 1-1/8" W x5/8" Thick
Approx. Weight: 5.2 oz (without blades)
SKU: DF693
CONDITION: Pre-owned vintage condition with heavy honest shop wear. The red finish has extensive paint loss, scratches, scuffs, staining and exposed metal; the handle also shows oxidation, surface rust, grime and small edge/casting irregularities. The two handle halves, retaining screw and 5 loose Stanley No. 1992 utility blades are included as pictured. The screw installs and the handle assembles as shown. Blades are brand new and remain VERY sharp; use appropriate care. No cleaning, restoration or cutting test was performed. See all detailed pictures and read the full detailed description provided by the seller to know what you are purchasing.
Key Features
Vintage fixed-blade utility knife or box cutter
Strong match to the Stanley Defiance No. 1299 pattern
Heavy two-piece cast-metal handle
Red lacquer or enamel finish
Perforated handle design for reduced weight and added grip
Internal replacement-blade storage
Removable slotted retaining screw
Includes six Stanley No. 1992 heavy-duty utility blades
Exterior “MADE IN U.S.A.” marking
Compact approximately 4-3/4-inch length
Suitable for tool collecting, industrial display or restoration
Original vintage tool rather than a modern reproduction
Manufacturer Background
The design is attributed to The Stanley Works, which Frederick Stanley founded in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1843. Stanley’s official company history states that it introduced utility knives in 1936. The No. 1299 appears in Stanley’s 1941 catalog as a perforated, red-finished cast-iron utility knife and was later marketed under the Defiance line.
Because this example lacks the Stanley and 1299 markings found on some versions, “Stanley Defiance 1299 Style” is the most defensible marketplace identification.
Country of Manufacture
United States
The handle is clearly marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”
Estimated Release Date and Age
Most likely circa 1940s to 1950s, possibly extending into the early 1960s.
The cast-iron, perforated red version was documented in Stanley’s 1941 catalog and remained listed in the company’s 1960 price book. A later 1971 catalog describes a zinc die-cast version of the 1299, suggesting the heavier cast-iron form preceded that later production. The knife is therefore likely approximately 65 to 85 years old.
The knife is formed from two cast-metal handle sections secured by a removable slotted screw. The interior provides storage for replacement blades, and five Stanley No. 1992 heavy-duty utility blades are included. One exterior handle section is prominently marked “MADE IN U.S.A.” No Stanley name or model number is visible, so the knife is being identified as an unmarked Stanley Defiance 1299-style example based on its design and construction.
Sold as is. No warranty from the Seller. No Returns.
Approx. Dimensions: 4-3/4" L x 1-1/8" W x5/8" Thick
Approx. Weight: 5.2 oz (without blades)
SKU: DF693
CONDITION: Pre-owned vintage condition with heavy honest shop wear. The red finish has extensive paint loss, scratches, scuffs, staining and exposed metal; the handle also shows oxidation, surface rust, grime and small edge/casting irregularities. The two handle halves, retaining screw and 5 loose Stanley No. 1992 utility blades are included as pictured. The screw installs and the handle assembles as shown. Blades are brand new and remain VERY sharp; use appropriate care. No cleaning, restoration or cutting test was performed. See all detailed pictures and read the full detailed description provided by the seller to know what you are purchasing.
Key Features
Vintage fixed-blade utility knife or box cutter
Strong match to the Stanley Defiance No. 1299 pattern
Heavy two-piece cast-metal handle
Red lacquer or enamel finish
Perforated handle design for reduced weight and added grip
Internal replacement-blade storage
Removable slotted retaining screw
Includes six Stanley No. 1992 heavy-duty utility blades
Exterior “MADE IN U.S.A.” marking
Compact approximately 4-3/4-inch length
Suitable for tool collecting, industrial display or restoration
Original vintage tool rather than a modern reproduction
Manufacturer Background
The design is attributed to The Stanley Works, which Frederick Stanley founded in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1843. Stanley’s official company history states that it introduced utility knives in 1936. The No. 1299 appears in Stanley’s 1941 catalog as a perforated, red-finished cast-iron utility knife and was later marketed under the Defiance line.
Because this example lacks the Stanley and 1299 markings found on some versions, “Stanley Defiance 1299 Style” is the most defensible marketplace identification.
Country of Manufacture
United States
The handle is clearly marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”
Estimated Release Date and Age
Most likely circa 1940s to 1950s, possibly extending into the early 1960s.
The cast-iron, perforated red version was documented in Stanley’s 1941 catalog and remained listed in the company’s 1960 price book. A later 1971 catalog describes a zinc die-cast version of the 1299, suggesting the heavier cast-iron form preceded that later production. The knife is therefore likely approximately 65 to 85 years old.