All About Pocket Knives

Here is a little beauty I bought in a pawnshop a couple days ago.
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

I don't like you any more Dale

That was a heckuva buy, can't go wrong with an old cut co.

A gift at the price! 3 5/8" is the perfect size! Be careful it is not the French Ivory (FI) that is doing the gassing!! Most FI is celluloid.
I'll bet that baby holds a good edge. Carrying old Schrade Cuts occassionally, I am impessed with the treatment of the steel!
I don't like you either
!

nice score dale. i still like you! i will send my address to you so you can send the little knife to me for inspection.

Dale, I was going back to the pawn shop to get that knife today.
When I got there they said you have it , can I give you the 4.99 ?
I miss my knife!!!!
Randy

Great find Dale...

To each their own of course...but, if I had decided to carry that knife, I would work at those two spots slowly with some Flitz. I have had some success removing that discoloring (I too think it is some gassing out) from the lighter colored celluloids with Flitz and patience.

JMO...and a cool knife no matter.

Your friend ,

Bill

Excellent find Dale! You got that one for less than you would have paid for shipping alone on fleabay. You can reduce the gassing damage to the blades by storing it with the blades open.

Eric

Gee, I posted this morning & went to the Blade Show West. I get home & found half my knifer buddies don't like me any more!

What can I say? I gave the man his asking price (on sale) for the knife. Which one of you would have turned it down?

Seriously, I am glad you like the knife and are so pleased at my good fortune.

Charlie, you are absolutely right! This knife has an edge that is seldom found on a new knife today! VERY sharp! (Insert the bleeding finger emoticon).

I will post a couple more I got at the pawn shop later. But now I will post a cute little Schrade I got at the Blade Show today that was not nearly as good a deal, but is a nice piece none-the-less.
It was hand scrim-ed by G. Blanchard for the 1984 LA Olympics. It also has a COA that has nothing to do with SMKW, Taylor or the Parkers. Amazing twist is it not?

Dale

Dale,

Nice!!

You are enfuego!! Keep shopping.

Bill

Dale; Very Cool! You are one great "Mystery Shopper."

very cool Dale

upnorth wrote:Be careful it is not the French Ivory (FI) that is doing the gassing!! Most FI is celluloid.

Quite right Charlie!

I just spoke with LT and he said the color of the two spots on the handles is a dead giveaway. There is no doubt that it is my handles that are off gassing.

Now I will have to figure out what to put on in their place. The blades are way to full and take such a fine edge that I can’t see throwing it away. The whole knife is in too good of condition for that.

I guess I will take the handles off and put it aside for when I get time to put new handles on it. I am going to miss it. I only carried it for a couple days, but it sure rides nicely in my pocket!

Dale