Yankin' my chain ?

[BatJak 2.FREAKIN oh]

Saw this on "that site which shall not be named".

I've only seen or heard of the XX mark on seconds.

Anyone got an opinion/input about the description?

"A lot of folks out there have made some comments about Schrade Prototypes vs. Schrade 2nds. So to clarify, I offer the following:
Schrade stamped two “x”s on two types of knives. In one instance, they stamped them on prototype knives and in the second (perhaps more common) instance they stamped them on factory 2nds."



https://www.ebay.com/itm/124397495529?h ... SwylRbNTFc

[cody6268]

I have a similar story.

About 3-4 years ago, I was visiting a local flea market. While going through a roll full of various knives, I come across a pretty good condition Schrade-Walden Hawkbill. Knowing that factory seconds tend to be worth a little less, I pointed out the fact the knife had two "Xs" on the tang stamp, and that it was a reject/second, presuming he didn't know. He then started some story about the Schrades with "Xs" on the stamp being made for export, most likely German export. I started to correct him, and then I said to myself "Cody, you know you've got a problem keeping your cool", and then walked away. What bugged me is that no doubt, someone did get fooled. Besides, it was overpriced about $15-20 more than it was worth.



They are SECONDS. Plain and simple, no buts about it. Recently, there were some real prototypes (some never reaching production) sold by a former Schrade employee on "OFAS" (a term coined by another forum who actually banned the mention of "that auction site"), and they had no special markings at all, aside from one LE being serial "0000".

[LDF Knives]

I have a Schrade Heritage stockman 1984 it has XX on the tang Bought it at a Gun show back then, they were just that, factory seconds I can't see anything wrong with them, IMO maybe just an overrun of production? It's a beautiful knife, Very Sharp! never used or carried. any takers? for the right price PM me! I promise it will be under a hundred,

[OLDE CUTLER]

I have a similar story.

I tried to explain that a Schrade Walden Hawkbill was a second (Two "Xs" over the tang stamp), but the guy tried make up some facetious story about the knife being made for German export. Not long after, I checked with the experts here, who agreed with me. I had to just walk away to make sure my temper didn't get the best of me, but I couldn't have been much worse than the guy trying to sell a false story. Guy wanted double what it was worth anyway. This site here has kept me from making a ton of stupid mistakes. And to learn from a bunch of them I've done.

They are SECONDS. Plain and simple, no buts about it. Recently, there were some real prototypes (some never reaching production) sold by a former Schrade employee on "OFAS" (a term coined by another forum who actually banned the mention of "that auction site"), and they had no special markings at all, aside from one LE being serial "0000".

Absolutely they are seconds. I have two of them stamped with the XX. Why would any company if they did have prototypes and seconds (rejects) mark them the same way? I am surprised the seller isn't calling this a Schrade XX knife, which of course would be an ULTRA Premium knife for an Ultra premium price.

[Chase]

Schrade marked their seconds a few ways....

XX over the Tang Stamp

Ground the Tang Stamp off

Re Stamped the tang with another stamp (usually upside down) to obscure the original tang stamp

I assure you that Schrade did not mark their samples or prototypes with an XX. The Samples or Prototypes were typically marked with 0000 or 0001-000X depending how many samples or prototypes were produced. Sometimes the samples and prototypes weren't serial numbered at all.

Schrade sold Seconds at a store they ran for a few years and also offered the Seconds to employees at a greatly reduced cost. The Seconds typically had a blemish or a gap, something really minor but enough that it would not pass Quality Control. Knives that had safety issues were NEVER sold or marked as seconds. They were either disassembled or scrapped.

I had an Uncle who was in charge of the Custom Shop (Where all samples and Prototypes were made) and was also over the whole Quality Control Section as well.

His older Brother (Another of my Uncles) was one of the Custom Knife Makers and was responsible for the samples and prototypes,

His Older Sister (My Mom) was a Quality Control Inspector working for him as well. Collectively, my family had more than 300 years of service working at Schrade. I even worked there for a year in Shipping, between High School and my Military Career.

I apologize for the long winded response, however, I felt it was important to state my case but also back it up with some information on how I know this, versus, so-and-so told me!

If you want to share with me via PM or email where "that site which shall not be named" is located and what thread, I would be more than happy to run on over here and educate that person.

Thank you,

Tom

[tongueriver]

Thanks, Tom; the op did include the URL to the Ebay listing, above.

[jerryd6818]

BatJak 2.FREAKIN oh, unlike some other forums, AAPK has no restrictions vis-a-vie naming other web sites (i.e. eBay, etc, etc).

[tallguy606]

I got a mint Schrade USA muskrat at a gunshow with XX on the tang. The only thing I can find "wrong" with it is - when one blade is open, the end of its spring is slightly proud - not a smooth transition from back of open blade to spring. Would make not a whit of difference in actual use.

[ea42]

Guys that particular knife might be considered both a second or a proto. The seller is from Culpeppers, who supplied a LOT of the bone handles for Schrade. In many cases they would send a half dozen or so pairs of covers to Schrade to try out on some sample knives, then Schrade would send those sample knives back with improvement requests such as more dye, deeper coloring, etc. . This was the only way to test how the bone covers would look on a particular knife as you really don't know what you have until you grind the un-needed portions away and polish it up. Schrade X'd the tangs out as they are seconds, but on these particular examples although they're not real factory protos there is a valid argument that they're protos of sorts.

Eric

[us2]

LDF- If you can get it under 50 we can talk

[OLDE CUTLER]

As I mentioned above, I have 2 of the Old Timer seconds marked with XX. On both of mine it is clear as to why they are seconds. The fit of the blade when fully open leaves a lot to be desired. And the sharp corners/edges of the spring ends can actually cut your fingers. With the blade closed, the spring is flush, but when the blade is open, the spring sits up from the spine. The trapper is a 94 OT and the muskrat is a 77 OT. I only paid $10 each for these 2, and they would make great EDC knives if I rounded off those sharp edges.