I often wonder where people who run pawn shops get the prices they put on knives. It seems that this guy used the WAG system (wild a$$ guess).
I paid far less for this one than he was asking for a badly used LB7, which was not too far from the last MSRP of $62.95. A very used Buck 110 was priced at $39.99.
I looked in the Schrade "E" Catalog and found that this knife appears to be a # 2174 3/4W ("W" standing for white celluloid). The knife fits the description perfectly, except it has no shield, nor any evidence that it is missing one.
I am sorry the scans left the blades dark, but you know scanners.
The blades are in great condition, but with some light pitting on the blades caused (I believe) by it being in the vicinity of some off-gassing celluloid. I did buff it lightly to remove the surface rust from the blades & polish the bolsters. I don't think the blades had been sharpened when I got it. They had however, been used & had some dings in the master blade. I sharpened it carefully, removing the minimum amount of steel and still removing the nicks.
There are couple flaws in the celluloid, one on each side, in the form of orangish stains on the celluloid, both next to a pin. It appears to be some substance that has eaten lightly into the celluloid then stopped.
Despite the obvious minor flaws on this knife I still thought it was an excellent buy for $4.50. I happened to get there when there were having a sale on all their knives (the regular price was $6.00). At full price I would have had to dicker.
I know, you probably think I have lost my mind, paying that much for a 75 year old knife, but I like it.
I have a little leather pocket sheath, (made by Sheathmaker, Paul Long) which the Cut Co fits into nicely.
I think I have found a new EDC.
Dale
