Dumpster diving for Traditionals

Dergyll

Dergyll

Gold Member
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Feb 24, 2021
Messages
2,433
Hi folks,
During COVID season, I've taken up the habit of wandering local (well, within 2hr driving donut around me) flea markets and "antique" stores...whether they're actual antiques is up to question.

I constantly spot traditional knives and always tempted to buy a few, can anyone give me a quick list as to good ones to watch out for? Doesnt have to be expensive/worth alot, just good solid ones; brand name/shield would be great. I dont mind restoring them, it's pretty fun and satisfying, occasionally nasty.

I only know a few right now, I look for Case, GECs (yeah good luck right?), SAKs/Wengers, Old Bokers. Any tips would be appreciated, thanks for your time.
 
Any of the old pre-2004 Schrade USA brands: Schrade/Schrade Walden, Camillus, Ulster, Ulster Old Timer, (Ulster Old Timer are the circa 1965 to 1971 Reynold's Tobacco promo knives) Old Timer, Uncle Henry, Imperial (Prov. RI or Ireland.)
Colonial
Utica,
Russell (mainly known for the Barlow pattern, but they did make other folding knives, and the Green River garden/kitchen/butcher/sportsman/skinnning knives, (the fixed blades are still in production after more than 100 years) of course.)
Hammer Brand (pre Depression owned by NYKC, mid-Depression on a Schrade brand.)
NYKC (pre depression an independent company. During the mid-depression years became a Schrade brand.)
Cattarugus
Remington
Buck (37x and 38x series are genuine Buck but made offshore.)
PAL
Robeson
Western (also made folding knives. I'm not sure if they did after selling out to Coleman, and then Camillus.)

There were so many long established cutlery companies that went under during the depression. :(
I can't remember all of them :(

Note that current manufacture Schrade brands currently owned by BTI, (they don't have Camillus) are made offshore.
The saw cut Delrin is lighter, has fewer and rougher "cuts", and none have "Schrade +" or "USA" on the tang.
All the current Schrade brands only have stainless steel blades.
(3CR6MoV (3CR7MoV?) for the Imperial line. 7CR14MoV for everything else but the Old Timer "OTB" knives, which have 9CR18MoV)
 
This is tremendously helpful afishunter, sounds like I need to make a little spreadsheet!
This is very fun, I think I'll pickup this addiction...much cheaper than chasing spyderco sprints :p
 
Dergyll said:
This is tremendously helpful afishunter, sounds like I need to make a little spreadsheet!
This is very fun, I think I'll pickup this addiction...much cheaper than chasing spyderco sprints :p
Click to expand...
don't forget te contract knives usually made by Camillus; Sears/Craftsman, and a "few" private lable hardware companies.
The sticky threads "OLD KNIVES" and Catelog Pages have a few brands listed (including hardware stores and some Imperial/Schrade sub brands like Forest Master) that I "forgot" earlier.
 
I would sum it up with only buy traditionals made in the following countries: USA, Germany, France, Italy, & Japan
Others can chime in for things I forgot but avoid made in China and those with no indication unless you know.
 
PirateSeulb said:
I would sum it up with only buy traditionals made in the following countries: USA, Germany, France, Italy, & Japan
Others can chime in for things I forgot but avoid made in China and those with no indication unless you know.
Click to expand...
The no name "MADE IN USA" or just "USA" were usually made by Camillus, and sometimes Colonial. They are usually O.K.

Try to avoid those with "ticking time bomb" and/or already outgassing Celluloid covers, too.
 
afishhunter said:
The no name "MADE IN USA" or just "USA" were usually made by Camillus, and sometimes Colonial. They are usually O.K.

Try to avoid those with "ticking time bomb" and/or already outgassing Celluloid covers, too.
Click to expand...
When I said no identification I mean no country of origin identified. I know not all brands list if but we can use brand name to a degree to determine things so hope that clears it up some what I mean.
 
I definitely will mrknife, thank you.
My gateway traditional was a Case Hobo that I found, what a neat knife! Definitely opened my eyes.

Appreciate all your input.
 
Camillus.
US made Schrade UH or OT
Buck
Utica Kutmaster
Queen
Ulster
Robeson

Really I say if it's American made , decent condition, and well priced buy it.
 
I was in an antique store yesterday and spotted a case full of knives. The workers told me “Those are all junk. The good ones were already bought and the owner will take half price just to get rid of them.” There were definitely some clunkers in there, but I was able to scrounge a Schrade Sharpfinger and FFA 8OT along with an XX era 6318 for just a bit more than a new Case stockman would cost. Dumpster diving can be fun!!


Yu807SD.jpg


67MOYwz.jpg


OQurOXJ.jpg
 
Cory Hess said:
I was in an antique store yesterday and spotted a case full of knives. The workers told me “Those are all junk. The good ones were already bought and the owner will take half price just to get rid of them.” There were definitely some clunkers in there, but I was able to scrounge a Schrade Sharpfinger and FFA 8OT along with an XX era 6318 for just a bit more than a new Case stockman would cost. Dumpster diving can be fun!!


Yu807SD.jpg


67MOYwz.jpg


OQurOXJ.jpg
Click to expand...
Some good deals there Cory . Great to see you around again my fiend .

Harry
 
Thanks, Harry. I’ve been lurking for the last couple of weeks, and that Case got me excited enough that I had to snap a pic and share it. I’m hoping to be around for awhile again.
 
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