152SC Research

[Codger_64]

Hello all….
Frank Giorgianni was the artist for Schrade prior to the scrimshaw series. In the early 70’s he was creating the artwork for the blade etchings. In 1975, he created a scrimshaw sample that was given to Henry Baer. Both sides of the knife were scrimshawed and the blades were etched, a really awesome knife. Henry Baer liked the knife, gave the knife back to my father along with the approval for the scrimshaw idea. However, this knife was never produced as is. The artwork of the two sides of this sample were touched up and used on two different knives (152SC and 260SC), which were released in 1976. Also, the blade etch of the early knives were different.

Tom

Unique were the first two Schrade Scrimshaw editions for many reasons. First was the use of the 152 SC pattern number. Several other number series were used before they settled on the "5" prefix for the series (502SC). I thought it might be nice to take a close look at the first Sharpfinger Scrimshaw and all of it's details, papers, sheath and box.





As the above quote from Tom indicates, the sucessful Schrade Scrimshaws were the brainchild of his father, Frank Giorgianni circa 1975. The two resulting knives are illustrated in the small brochure included in the boxes. My pictures here indicate that two different sheaths were used (hen and egg question), the smooth black one and one with deep "elephant hide" texture, also black. Both sheaths are of the Type 1 design with the pointed tab on the choil retainer strap.

The box itself bears a very nice artwork, one that would be repeated in the following years on other packaging and inserts for the Scrimshaw lines. Since Frank was the Schrade etch artist for years before his scrimshaw art was used, I am guessing that this "scrimming sailor" art was also his work, even though at this point he did not sign and date his work, not on the paperwork art, or in the scrims.

Noting the blade itself, the regular production Type 1 tang stamp (full serif) was used, in spite of the paperwork reference to the SC suffix. Also, the combination use of the large "S" in the etch for both title words, "Schrade Scrimshaw" which would after thirty or more years lead eBay sellers to list their "Crimshaw" knives.

The anchor logo, used initially no doubt because the first scrims were of nautical themes, eventually changed to a sunburst, both on the blades and in the printed matter.

These first scrims were also true limited editions, I believe, as evidenced by the serial number on the blade reverse, and a matching ink stamping on the box sleeve. The box insert states "Only a limited number will be available each year. Each knife is serialized and a registration card is enclosed"

The artwork on the knife is also unique in that there are two feature designs, instead of the later single design backed up with the blank scroll for personalizing. The larger of the two designs is on the right (mark side) handle, and is of a pair of whalers harpooning a whale. The second design on the other handle is a tall masted sailing ship. Both are quite detailed. and I am guessing that Frank had to do the art at two to three times the final size to get that much detail in them. Beautiful work!

These early limited boxed sets are still reasonably priced, and I hope to buy one myself soon. I don't have good pictures of the 260SC from the first year yet. Anyone?

Codger (yes, it is raining and I am stuck inside!)

 

[Codger_64]

This is the 1977 set. They were a bit different in that they were numbered 155SC, and 261SC to differentiate them from the first year 1976 set. The blade etches were the same as the previous set.

The feature art design was an eagle with "liberty/Justice" banner, with a scrim of the Mayflower on the reverse.

As you can see, both knives came with grained sheaths.

Codger

 

[Codger_64]

This is the Sharpfinger Scrim from 1978, the 155SC Bear and fish. Again, the folding Hunter 261SC was used, and this year it had the same artwork as the Sharpfinger, but two new patterns were added, according to Levine. These were the Barlow 506SC with raccoons, and the 505SC Stockman with Canada Geese. These two do not appear in my 1978 catalog (remember that the catalogs are often in error, and occasionally Mr. Levine is as well). I don't have a picture of this 261SC.



Codger

 

[tobyrogers]

I have the inserts from 1980 and 1981 Great Outdoors Series.Do you need copies of these.Arnold

 

[Codger_64]

Sure. A lot of information can be found in the paperwork of Schrade knives. Thanks Arnold!