All About Pocket Knives

Does anyone know for sure if 863 Kon-Kav has bone or composition handles ? If it is in an old catalog answer would be there unless they used both.
kj

kootenay joe wrote: ↑Sun Nov 29, 2020 10:05 pm Does anyone know for sure if 863 Kon-Kav has bone or composition handles ? If it is in an old catalog answer would be there unless they used both.
kj

In the 1953 and 1954 pricelists it was listed as "Bone Stag". In 1953 that would most likely have meant real bone. We all know 863s switched to plastics later on. Your Kon-Kav 863 looked like real bone to me but it's only one pic. More pics would get a better assessment.

If your 863 ever annoys you, let me know. I'll free you of your burden.

I thought "bone stag" always meant a synthetic with Schrade ? If bone would say "jigged bone".
I have looked with a 9x loupe and cannot decide so i don't think another picture could be conclusive.
kj

They started with bone for sure, as I sold a mint example in bone to someone a couple years ago.

tongueriver wrote: ↑Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:55 am They started with bone for sure, as I sold a mint example in bone to someone a couple years ago.

Calvin do you know if the year or years the S-W 863 had bone handles how it was described in the catalog ? "Bone stag" or "Bone".
Is the 863 Kon-Kav i posted a knife that came from you ?
kj

Thank you Cal, Roger, John and bladecollecorr for the comments.

kootenay joe wrote: ↑Sun Nov 29, 2020 10:05 pm Does anyone know for sure if 863 Kon-Kav has bone or composition handles ? If it is in an old catalog answer would be there unless they used both.
kj

Great pair of Kon-Kav schrades Roland. They certainly used both handle materials on that pattern. The black synthetic I’ve seen from that era all have a peachseed jig, but your 863 has the wavy style jig they used on bone for a brief period before the switch to delrin. That same jig was used on delrin for years. I believe your 863 is bone. In the later years of schrade using bone they put out some handles with a very dark reddish brown dye. I have a few like that. The blades also have the same looking grinds and finish that a bone era schrade walden would have. With some more light on the handles we will be able to be more sure. You should be able to see the grain and canals of the bone if examined closely, synthetic would be solid in color and devoid of any grain.

Paul, thank you for your detailed reply about the handles on my S-W 863 Kon-Kav knife. You know the history of S-W's use of bone and synthetic to an amazing degree.
Even with a loupe the handles are too dark to see grain or 'canal dots'. I have had a few Schrades of the same era that have dark jigged handles that are difficult to ID.
kj

Yesterday I was high-bidder on another pearl, Cut Co, 2-1/4" Lobster pattern knife. This one looks to be in top-notch condition.

I can't be sure from the pics but the five visible pins strongly suggests that this is the less-common variation with no liners of any sort. The cataloged 7606 Sha had milled nickel silver liners. The center pin attaching the liners to the springs is normally hidden under the pearl slabs leaving only four visible pins. Seller stated knife had milled liners but I think they just quoted the 7606 catalog description.

You know why the seller's pics are so crappy? It's SMKW. No way they could afford a higher resolution camera, poor souls. They also have no way of knowing that knife-people would like to see two more pics showing the top and bottom view so the liners and blade-centering can be observed.


If it does have liners (and 5-pins) it's a new variation for me and if it doesn't then it's an upgrade. This is the 9th example of this pattern that I have landed. I'm hoping it's one of these:

Picked up 3 Waldens and a Cut yesterday. 1st is a Wsldrn Farmers jack.

Next is a Walden 804.

Next is a Walden Improved Muskrat with a Hawbaker blade

Lastly is a Schrade Cut "Sportsman's Companion"

Fine examples of desirable knives!

Thanks Cal.The Sportsman's Companion is my favorite. I hadn't seen an etched one before.

Roger all over the top but that Farmers Jack and the 804 do it for me. Exceptional!!!

Doing what you do best Roger,,,,,,,,,, beating those old etched pieces out of the brush....... I just can't say enough about
That Cut..... Sportsmen's Companion. I am sure that one found a new home on the top shelf clear in the back of your
Safe.

Thanks doglegg and Tom.

Excellent!

Amazing old Schrade knives. I am such an amateur.
kj

Roger those are some of the finest examples I've seen, anywhere. Congrats!!

Eric

peanut740 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:58 pm Next is a Walden Improved Muskrat with a Hawbaker blade

We all seem to have our personal favorites but everyone agrees those are some fine old knives. I love the muskrat. Top-notch group!

Thank you,David,Roland,Eric and B.C.

Super nice group of old Schrades.

peanut740 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:55 pm Next is a Walden 804.

Gorgeous, and looks like that blade has never been sharpened. Wow that etch is clear. Great one, congrats.

You bring the goods Roger.