Schrade Knives

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 3:29 pm

Without knowing too much about it, my understanding of Schrade is that quality has been mediocre for a long time, and as a result they are not very collectable.

However, was there a time when this was a top shelf brand, comparable to Case, etc? If so, what should one look for, in terms of year manufactured and so on?

Thanks so much!

steve · Post by **steve** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 11:06 pm

hi,

well, i dont know, but in my opinion, schrade is a great knife for carrying, using, working, etc, because they are good quality knives and also pretty inexpensive, and thats a good thing. if you are using one and happen to lose it, its not too expensive to replace but there are also cheaper case knives also that one could use to work with and carry as well.

in my opinion tho, i dont think they have ever been quite the quality of case knives, as far as material they are made of, collectability, and value. since they are not making them anymore tho, their collectability may improve a bit. they did make a few limited or special editions that are suppose to be more collectable tho. i have seen a few at sales, flea markets, etc. i dont have any but if i run across one at the right price i wouldnt mind adding it to my collection. that would probably be the best places to look for them.

steve

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:32 am

IMO,

Schrade was known for the Old Timer and Uncle Henry lines of knives in later years.
In 2004, quality was hit and miss, as I think most workers realized they were going under.
However, it is somewhat unfair to lump 99 other years of quality, imagination, and value in the knife business, with the last year.

I have some knives from the Schrade custom shop (in house) that are downright beautiful. They COULD make knives to rival anyone.

The automatics (Pressbutton..Flylock..others) are emminently collectable by serious collectors. Schrade was also one of the earliest companies to do collaborations, with top notch makers like D'Holder, Kious, Lake and Walker, and a famous embellisher like Herman Williams.

JMO.

Visit the Schrade Forum at bladeforums for a real education, if you are so inclined..

Bill

edited for a little more information.

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Fri Aug 05, 2005 4:34 am

Thanks Bill, very informative as usual.

Thanks to you too Steve.

whittler · Post by **whittler** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:14 pm

If you wold like to view a site with bunches of info about Schrade Collections, go to http://www.comp-cons.com and look for the Schrade Collections part. Educational and interesting and shows some of the many many knives made by that wonderful old company. Enjoy

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:40 am

That's a great link, thank you very much.

jmays · Post by **jmays** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 12:29 am

got me a sharp uncle henery knife with a jigged bone handle......

orvet · Post by **orvet** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:17 am

JMO.

I collect Schrades & not Case. The older Case that were carbon steel were good knives. I have a few, but really don't look for them. I have some newer Case knives, but do not like the stainless steel blades in them. IMO, Schrade made a much better user than Case.

George Schrade patented much of the equipment used in making knives for the better part of the last century. I feel that for that reason, if no other, the Schrade name will be remembered in cutlery history.

There is no doubt, IMO, that Case production knives were prettier than Schrade production knives, for the last 25 years. However, I think that the Schrades were better users. The Schrade Cut Co. knives are highly sought after on the collectors market.

Again, IMO, the value of a knife is whether or not it is a quality, usable tool. Looks are secondary.

I have nothing against Case, I just don't like their current production knives. I am glad that most people prefer to collect Case over Schrade.
It helps keep the price of the Schrades a bit lower.

The fact that we have so many different brands to choose from when we decide to collect knives is by virtue of our democratic form of government & free enterprise. If we had grown up in the former USSR, we probably couldn't effort to collect anything. If you wanted a knife, you probably bought the first one you saw. You were glad to find one & were delighted if it was sharper than your finger!

Just my 2¢,
Dale

woseyjales · Post by **woseyjales** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:35 am

LBB,
In answer to your questions about years and types, I can add a few observations of my own. If you browse thru ebay's Schrade section a few times, that will give you some idea of what is common and what are the exceptions. 34OT,104OT, 80OT are quite plentiful despite claims by some you need to get one NOW before they are all gone!
Older Schrades in the brown top boxes with gold lettering all intact seem to be staying strong. If they have real bone handles instead of sawcut delrin (OT) or staglon (UH) or have fluted bolsters, those are signs it is not a run of the mill variety. As for dating them, it is a little more difficult w/o a dating system such as used by Case.
One group I like are the blue (hinged) top box Heritages from 1983-86. Some later Schrades carry the Heritage name but do not seem to be in the same league as 83-86 Series. I recently saw an auction for a regular 206 barlow placed in a Heritage box, so know what you are looking for first. Also I have seen some Heritages with the tang name X'd out, so there are seconds out there. That's enough cautions, now to the good stuff!
Blue Top Heritages had the date on the shield split by the name Schrade.
So a 1983 model has a bowtie coined edge shield with "19SCHRADE83" on it. Same shield with different date used thru 86. They all have polished bone handles in one of 3 colors-red, green or brown. If the box still has it's white protective sleeve it will have pattern number followed by an R, G or B on one end. In addition to a choice of 3 colors, you have a choice of 7 patterns. They have a 4 digit pattern number.
2331 small jack (33OT)
8341 small Stockman (34OT)
7801 Muskrat
8801 large stockman
8041 splitback whittler
2941 trapper
2661 barlow
I've seen a complete 1985 dealer display that had all 6 except the barlow. I don't know if the barlow was discontinued or just left out of the dealer display.
In addition to the bone handles, the 83-86 heritages had lined bolsters, some double lined, some single. The master blade has a polished front side with the "everlastingly sharp" trademark etch.If I remember correctly, the backsprings and inside of liners are also polished.
I guess the Heritage was to the Schrade line similar to what the Select series is to Case.
So my advice to a new Schrade collector would be to aim for these special commems, anniversary and Heritage models if possible future appreciation is one of your considerations. Otherwise, the choices are a lot easier, just Collect what you Like!
One more I'd like to mention is the Old Timer 25th Silver Anniversary from about 1984. It is a 34OT with antique bone (almost black) handles, sterling silver(coined edge) shield and (fluted) bolsters, 25th Anniversary blade etch, serial numbered bolster, tooled backside liner edges. Has word sterling on shield below Old Timer & inside lined groove on bolster.
Comes in a redwood presentation box with hinged lid and jewelry box type latch. Inside is lined with blue velour, and also a blue & silver velour knife pouch. Has 25th anniversary paperwork. A complete Silver anniversary set will have a plain outer cardboard box to hold the redwood presentation box. Should have model number 34SA on one end and the serial number stamped on other end or maybe the side, can't recall 100%.
They do come around occasionally and seem to be creeping upwards for complete sets in like new condition.
I'm sure I left some out and other posters can help add them to your shopping list. The Heritages and the 34SA just happen to be the ones I can share some info about. Hope this helps, enjoy the hunt!

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:05 am

Good information...and that's a nice knife, woseyjales.

I have one that is similar...
It came from the Schrade online store that was in operation for about a month, I'd guess.

It is a 100th Anniversary knife...serial #010...it came in a plain white box, and I've yet to see another laid out exactly like this knife.

However, as 007 said...never say never with Schrade.

Bill

justold52 · Post by **justold52** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:20 am

orvet You said a mouthful.

I have to AGREE...

I like the Schrade blades much more than the Case blades that I have.
But then I have a lot more Schrade too.

Good INFO here too. Thanks.

jmays · Post by **jmays** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:34 pm

my dad has a small oldtimer cost about 20 bucks where he got it from

woseyjales · Post by **woseyjales** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:10 am

Thanks El Lobo,
The limited edition brown box stockman has a few oddities (to me).
It has the lined bolsters and bone handles but no pattern number on the tang. Then that little squiggle barely visible on the left front bolster is a small Schrade logo craftsman with the hammer & anvil.
First one of those I'd seen on a knife instead of just on a box or paperwork.
Anyone with more info or history on these, be nice to hear from you.
Rear view:

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 4:54 am

Wow reading that post of mine from 2005 really was a stroll down memory lane. I've only been collecting knives for about two years, so it's like looking back at myself in infancy. Since then I've come to my own conclusions about Schrade and have scads of em, mostly pre 2004 Old Timers, including one of those bone stockmen with the Everlastingly Sharp blade etch and collector tin.

Thanks for digging this one up that was a kick.

wildcat · Post by **wildcat** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:30 pm

I think Schrade made a much nicer knife than Case. I love my Old Timers. Fit and finish on all of mine are superb. They may not be as shiney and have the fancy handles, but they are wonderfuly crafted workin knives.

Personally, I don't understand why they went out of business. They made better knives and they also ventured into the multitool business and made the high tech type folders with colorful handles and thumbstuds. Most business consultants will say you have to diversify and change with the times if you want to stay in business. Case has not done this (at least not that i can see) and they seem fine.

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:02 pm

Well, since we brought Jim's older post up for discussion...

Here is another similar bone Stockman, that I forgot about, that I have in my store. However, it has no shield, no etch, no pattern number, nor does it have the great little logo that woseyjales mentioned. Just a cool knife, with great jigging, from the Schrade Custom shop inside the plant.....

Next...here is one of the smooth red bone Heritage Knives from 1983.....

Most of the Schrade talk goes on in Knife Lore, but this post was way before we even had Knife Lore and it's fun to keep it going a bit where it was born.

Yes, Schrade made many really fine knives, IMO. Come on Jim, show us a couple of your Schrades.

Bill

wildcat · Post by **wildcat** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:08 pm

did all of those models have stainless blades or were some of them carbon blades?

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:34 pm

The ones shown are stainless. Unfortunately (at least for most of us), it seems that Schrade's management believed the nicest knives should have stainless blades, as time marched forward.
Witness the high end Uncle Henry's with stainless and the working Old Timers with 1095. Even most of the Old Timers were being changed to coiled 420HC near the end...but that was purportedly to save money on labor. I do feel the grinds and heat treat on the stainless still produced a pretty fair working blade IMO...but, other opinions may vary.
There are lots of older Schrades out there with 1095...just not these guys.

Bill

woseyjales · Post by **woseyjales** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:11 am

WIldcat, in a page 1 post you were wondering why Schrade closed. Also wondering how Case stayed open w/o modern changes.
I seem to recall reading an article after their closing which indicated it was more of a forced closing than just economic. I'm sure someone can set us straight if I have it wrong. I don't recall specifics, but it was along the lines of Schrade borrowed money to modernize, ans someone bought the paper and demanded payment forcing Schrade to close. Seem to recall it was a killing off competitors type carpet yanking out from under Schrade's feet scenario, so to speak.
As for Case, seems to me they have done quite a bit of changing in last several years. New patterns, wilder colors, laser etching seem to be al attempts toappeal to the newer generation. A lot of older collectors prefer the traditional Case style, and many are going more toward collecting previous years instead of adopting these newer trends. So I didn't quite follow your observation of Case not changing. Seems to me they have changed too much!

Of course some of these are mandated by new environmental regulations (dyes, chemicals) and some by attempts to reduce labor costs. Hope this helps some, now I need to get back to talkin' Schradies!

woseyjales · Post by **woseyjales** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:26 am

Bill, I also like the Heritages from 83-86. Only have 4 so far, and way prices are creeping up on them lately, may be all I'm going to get!
I think they offer a lot for the money and are a pleasure to behold.
But that could just be me.

2661 Barlo red & green
8801 Stkmn brwn
8041 Whtlr grn (towards the ends & edges anywho)

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:33 am

Hey now,
Those are nice, but...
That GREEN Barlow is a killer knife.

I'm feelin' some Schrade envy over that one...

Bill

justin hosier · Post by **justin hosier** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:49 am

Maybe somebody can help me out a little here. I ran into a small treasure trove of near mint schrades at an auction the other day. One of the knives is a leather washer handled model 498. I checked on Orvet's truly outstanding schrade list and could not find one. If anybody has any idea of the age please let me know!! I also got a 144 UH and a 156 OT that are excellent! The 156 seems to be a bit of a rare item. All of these are as good or better than any Case sheath knife I have had in feel and quality. I have been getting some pretty good deals on Schrades lately so I try not to educate the pigeons too much. SSSHHHH!!!

orvet · Post by **orvet** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:04 am

Sorry Justin,
I haven't had a chance to get them all put on there yet.
The last time I see the 498 in a catalog is in 1979. The 498L, stacked leather handle, had a MSRP of $19.50. The 498S, Staglon handle, had a MSRP of $18.00.

Hope that helps,
Dale

woseyjales · Post by **woseyjales** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:26 pm

Billobo,
here's a better pic of the Schradesmith on the left bolster of that LE Schradie. Also some shots of a DU/UH set I was fortunate to get a few yrs ago.
I hope E1 is having a safe & pleasant weekend, take care guys & gals!

LC · Post by LC » Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:34 am

Wosey I like those Schrades

Might as well put these up here picked these up in Oklahoma while on vacation and was visiting UJ at the time