Smith & Wesson Collectors Series

[Kulrich]

In 1975 S&W started a set of four knives referred to as the Collectors Series. Each knife was to be serial numbered 1 to 1000 and the production ended by 1980. The blades were etched and the guard and pommels were sculpted sterling silver. The general consensus is that only 800 complete sets were made (The Knives of Smith and Wesson by C E Rinke). Looking through some old knife magazines (National Knife Collector August/September 1979 issue) I found and ad that I believe changes that information. The ad states that only 225 of the last knife were made for sets. (Completed knives were most likely numbered to match completed and sold sets). As I personally own one of these sets, I was glad to have found this out. I just wanted to put this information out there for those that are researching information on these knives.

[Modern Slip Joints]

Interesting. I own the standard production version of the same knife, the Skinner. As you probably know production Blackie Collins knives had individual serial numbers. I did not realize how thick the Skinner's blade stock was before it arrived. S&W used the same blade stock they used in their largest knives. I would have preferred a thinner blade but at least the tang is never going to break. During the early 1970s Ernst Hardware had the whole series of production knives in a display case. Naturally a youngster wanted the Bowie. I settled for a less expensive Buck 119. 1979 was late for Blackie Collins knives. Rumor is that they were the only knives S&W actually made. 1979 might have been the year S&W stopped manufacturing knives. Their 1980s knives were not made in house. I'm not surprised there were left over engraved Skinner blades. Most buyers of fancy display knives prefer larger knives.

[Kulrich]

It is my understanding that S&W forged the blades in their factory but the knives were finished (handles etc.) by Carolina Knives. Yes there are very substantial knives. The estimated production numbers of the regular issue knives are:
Texas Ranger Bowie...20,000
Bowie...15,000
Outdoorsman...13,000
Survival...17,500
Skinner...15,500
Fillet...4,500
Fisherman...4,500

All the above knives do sell regularly on online auction sites and bring decent prices, typically $150-$250.

Now that S&W has purchased Taylor Brands (S&W, Schrade, Imperial, etc..) it would be nice to see them produce a US product again but I am not holding my breath.

[Mumbleypeg]

Now that S&W has purchased Taylor Brands (S&W, Schrade, Imperial, etc..) it would be nice to see them produce a US product again but I am not holding my breath.

Does Taylor Brands produce any knives in the US? All I have ever seen in the last several years were offshore manufacture, including those you mentioned. And long before the parent company of S&W bought them. Most of them from China.

Ken

[Kulrich]

From time to time they made a special edition knife that was contracted through a US manufacturer, but I would say 99+% was made over seas.

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks. That’s what I thought, but I think a lot of things that ain’t so. My wife often tells me that anyway.

Ken