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GEO SCHRADE???

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:23 am
by GA1dad
I just picked up two girl scout mess kits. One marked Geo Schrade and the other Boker. I haven't been able to find much info on the Schrade. One post here states that Boker bought Geo. Schrade in '54, then closed it down in '56. Is that correct? Does that mean this mess kit is pre 1954.

It's a cool looking set. I used it today to eat lunch. Would really like to know more about it. Any help appreciated.

Re: GEO SCHRADE???

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:56 am
by orvet
George Schrade invented several types on knives and knife making machines.
He held patents on the Wire Jack knife, pull ball type knives, & several switch blade mechanisms.
He started & sold several knife companies. He opened Geo. Schrade Knife Co in 1929.
George died in 1940 and his son & grandson ran the company until 1956 when they sold it to Boker USA.
Boker ran the company using the Boker markings until 1958 when they closed it.
That would coincide with when the US passed anti-switchblade laws.
-source- Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings.

I suspect they bought the Geo. Schrade Co. to gain rights to George's patents on switchblades.
I think Boker may have also made knives with the Geo. Schrade stamp as well as Boker.
They would be within their rights if they did as they owned the Geo. Schrade name then.
Come to think of it, I believe I have seen knives with both the Boker & Geo. Schrade markings on them.

Here is a Wire Jack with unusual markings as it doesn't have the Schrade or Boker name on it.
Wire Jack.jpg
I have a Girl Scout mess kit much like yours, in a leather pouch with a Wire Jack knife, Wire Jack fork (without cap lifter) and a short handled spoon, but can't find a pic of it just now.

Old Geo. Schrade invented a lot of knife mechanisms and knife making machines.

Hope this helps,
Dale

Re: GEO SCHRADE???

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:31 pm
by GA1dad
Thanks Dale !!! Just what I needed.