Schrade Walden 165OT restoration

[orvet]

I found this Schrade Walden 165OT after someone decided they would "customize" the knife. Their idea of customizing consisted of etching an alligator hide type pattern on the blade, probably using a diluted solution of ferric chloride. Fortunately there etching was not very deep and it was relatively easy to remove. I had a bunch of knives laying out that I had sorted through choosing which ones I wanted to customize for the upcoming OKCA show. I had the Schrade Walden laying beside a Schrade 165OT, which was a brand-new old stock knife from a Schrade display circa 1973-1974.
Guess what when I started to work on the knife I grabbed the Schrade Walden instead of the Schrade…
It wasn't until I had the handle off that I noticed I was working on the Schrade Walden instead of the Schrade. I think a good portion of the creative process is to be able to take a mistake and turn it into an asset instead of in liability. And that's what I tried to do with this.

I put some nice stag on this 165OT Schrade Walden and I was very pleased with the results.

The original sheath had 'MAX' engraved across the front of it so I found a new sheath on eBay. Course I use the mosaic pins and to add a little sparkle. I think it was tasteful without overdoing it, but as always I would love to know what our AAPK members think of it.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

[treefarmer]

Right up front, I'll say it is a fine looking knife!
Dale, you'd disappoint folks if it wasn't top notch!
Treefarmer

[TripleF]

I love it!! Beautiful craftsmanship!!

[doglegg]

I'm glad for the up coming show as it is providing us with a great show. And no intro bands before the main event just great looking work. I like it Dale. And now because of you slight of hand in picking up the unintended knife I will get to see the alligator knife restored as well. I bet it doesn't last long at the show.

[orvet]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
If I didn't know better I think you liked it.

And now because of you slight of hand in picking up the unintended knife I will get to see the alligator knife restored as well. I bet it doesn't last long at the show.

Actually this Schrade Walden is the knife that had the alligator pattern etched into the blade. I was very happy that it wasn't too deep and that I was able to get it out without having to buff the blade down to nothing.

[glennbad]

That's a straight up beauty, Dale!

[Doc B]

That's a beautiful piece of stag! It came out awesome!!!

[Mountain Man Knives]

Sure is...….that came out really awesome, them 165's IMO are next to near the perfect designed hunting knife and the stag does it true justice - I think it turned out great Dale -

P.S. I think they deserve a better sheath too - IMO ~ Maybe one day I'll get around to doing one of these - I sure like them ~

[sunknife]

Looks great. I like the overall darkness in the stag with the lighter highlights.

[orvet]

Thanks guys! As always I appreciate the feedback.
If I wasn't pressed for time I would try to make a sheath for it. But the time it takes for me to make a sheath at my current proficiency and skill level is nearly as long as it takes me to do the knife itself. Practice builds perfection, I guess I just need more practice at it.
I have a Remington will be posting soon that I made the sheath for, but it's a different design than the Schrade sheath.