Any Stanley/Defiance 1299 holey handled utility knife experts here?

[daves_not_here]

I bought this yesterday and the only markings are 'MADE IN USA' on the one side, nothing inside.

There are similar examples with the holey handle that say '1299 DEFIANCE' on one side and 'MADE IN USA' on the other; and one more variation I can't recall.

There are 12 holes on each side and it is cast iron.

I'm not interested in value, I'm just curious where it falls in the timeline of these - earlier or later?

Thanks!

[bonneyman]

I have seen those, but never actually owned one. The cast aluminum Stanley versions are alot more common from what I can tell. I've never had one until recently, as when I used razor knives I was strictly a retractable blade guy, due to almost losing a thumb as a teenager with a razor like this.
I wonder why the steel ones have the holes? To let the user know if he has any blades left inside? Perhaps heavy users that go through alot of blades?