Vintage Kodak Advertising Pocket Knife – “Products for the Business of Printing” – Yellow Slide-Out Utility Blade

This vintage Kodak promotional knife is a bright, mid-century advertising piece that highlights Kodak’s expansion into the printing industry. It features a bold yellow plastic handle with molded text reading, “KODAK – Products for the Business of Printing.” The retractable utility-style blade deploys from inside the body via a red sliding clip on the reverse — a clever design that merges form with functional corporate branding.

While the exact maker isn’t marked, these knives were commonly produced in the 1970s–1980s as giveaway tools for sales reps, printing reps, and Kodak industry partners.

Maker: Unmarked (likely U.S.-made promotional supplier)
Pattern Type: Slide-out retractable pen-style knife
Blade: 1 – Tapered utility blade (stainless)
Handle Material: Bright yellow plastic with red branding
Shield: None (printed graphics)
Clip: Red spring steel clip (built-in blade actuator)
Closed Length: Approx. 4 1/2"
Country of Origin: USA (likely)

Condition Notes:
The blade is clean and sharp with very little sign of use. The slide mechanism works smoothly and securely holds the blade in place when open or closed. Branding remains crisp and vibrant on both sides. The clip is intact and strong. A well-preserved piece with great visual pop — ideal for display or collection.

Historical Note:
Kodak’s name is almost universally tied to photography, but by the 1970s and ‘80s the company had extended into the professional printing industry — offering products like film for plate-making and large-scale printing workflows. This knife would have been handed out as a promotional item during that era, aimed at business clients in the printing sector. A small but telling artifact from Kodak’s effort to diversify before the digital shift.

Collector’s Note:
Vintage advertising knives like this one appeal to collectors of branded ephemera, print industry history, and photography memorabilia. Its bright coloration, working condition, and bold Kodak graphics make it a standout piece for any display shelf. A fun find for anyone nostalgic for the analog era of American industry.

*All knives in this shop are vintage or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. While many are in excellent condition, they may show normal signs of age or handling such as scuffs, blemishes, or blade wear. I try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos. Feel free to reach out with any questions!