296Y question, Old Timer?

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
Messages
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The 296Y is included on this list of Old Timer knife models:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362762&highlight=timer

My question, what qualifies the 296Y as being an Old Timer knife? Was is marketed or advertised as an Old Timer model? It lacks an OT model designation, and doesn't have an Old Timer shield.

Just wondering if I should add it to my "wanted" list or not.

By the way, I'm compiling a list of Old Time models, a checklist for my collection. Including the green rubber models, the list is up to 66 different model numbers! (I only have 32, but I'm not interested in the rubber-handled models)

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
Good question, I see what you mean. There nothing tying the 296Y to Old Timers. Looks like a regular Schrade to me. But I'm not an expert, maybe soneone will have a rationale.

Will you post your list of 66 OTs? I'd be interested to see it.

Thanks,
Dave
 
Sure, but I gotta go to work tonight. My list is actually taken from the existing list in the link above, with additions. Most of the additions are discussed in the linked topic too.

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
The 296Y was added to the catalog within the OT section. In the 1st year there is a box around the picture which says NEW. The next year the 296Y is at the end of the list of OT's without any shading or box but included in the OT box. in the last year of production it has been moved with the PH1 & 2.
Can we discuss if its a real OT sure.. I think we could say that about a lot of the knives. We need Wally or Debbie to sit down with us over a couple of tall cool ones.
 
I have a 296Y that I acquired NIB from a Fred's store that had closed. It, the box/papers are interesting. While my reference material says that it should have carbon blades, they are indeed Schrade+, and claimed so on the box. My reference says they were made from 1992 through 1998, but of course that was only the dates they appeared in the catalogs. The paperwork is copyrighted 1991, and the box is dated 1989. It is the black "A Sharp Idea" box.

As to why it was grouped with the OT line, it is a yellow Delrin version of the 96OT. As a matter of fact, the other knives they put yellow on usually retained the "OT" designation such as the 8OTY. But I agree, it does have the Schrade arrowhead shield from the earlier open stock knives. And even the ones with orange handles used the 296Y stamp.

Codger
 
I also have a 296WC Trapper pattern that has Schrade+ blades and the "Crimson Birch" handles. It came in a black one piece box, with beige lettering, SCHRADE Ltd.... Is this the same basic pattern/knife?

Bill
 
It's the same pattern as an OldTimer knife, and sometimes it's photo was included alongside OldTimer knives. Sounds like flimsy evididence to me. Therefore, unless someone convinces me otherwise, I decree that the 296Y is NOT an Old Timer knife, and therefore ineligible for inclusion into my OldTimer collection.

:)

Thanks for the information and your thoughts,
Bob
 
Every collector has their own criteria for inclusion or exclusion of a knife from their collection. Some are pattern specific, some brand specific, and some pattern (or series) and brand specific. I guess that is one thing that makes knife collections so interesting, the individual collector's focus.

My own collection has expanded beyond Schrades to brands associated with the IKCO group. But it is also composed of several mini-collections of particular Schrade patterns.

Collections seem to evolve as does collector interest. I have bought quite a few knives just to see for myself what direction Schrade was going in their waning years. And I have bought "roots knives", predecessors of my favorite Schrade lines and patterns. SFO knives and prototype knives add to the pattern displays.

No doubt, someday my interests will change and I will disburse some of my collection and concentrate my efforts on other areas. This is as it should be, since knife collecting is generally a solitary hobby, and as varied as the individuals so inflicted. I don't think there is a wrong way to collect. Just your way and my way!

Codger
 
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