waynorth
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2005
- Messages
- 32,250
In most of the last century, Schrade developed a reputation for inexpensive but very serviceable pocket knives. Many great American cutleries didn't survive the 1930s. The ones that did, and then got a share of military contracts in the early 1940s did very well indeed. Camillus, Case, Schrade, Kabar(Union) come to mind.
Throughout the ups and downs of the industry, pride of workmanship, and competition for the consumers' money resulted in some beautiful products, and some interesting experiments in design.
I consider the knives presented here a step or two above the "serviceable design" designation, and being fairly rare, wonder if they were great expressions of the cutlers' art, but too expensive to sell well.
I like the way the bone jigging on the 2 3/4" serpentine pen was scaled to the knife, and I have a particular weakness for single backspring large knives, like the 4" 2-blade stockman, and the Hawbaker. The 3 9/16" (mini-moose?) double end jack is just plain exquisite.
I feel privileged and humbled to have these, and hope you enjoy seeing them.
Throughout the ups and downs of the industry, pride of workmanship, and competition for the consumers' money resulted in some beautiful products, and some interesting experiments in design.
I consider the knives presented here a step or two above the "serviceable design" designation, and being fairly rare, wonder if they were great expressions of the cutlers' art, but too expensive to sell well.
I like the way the bone jigging on the 2 3/4" serpentine pen was scaled to the knife, and I have a particular weakness for single backspring large knives, like the 4" 2-blade stockman, and the Hawbaker. The 3 9/16" (mini-moose?) double end jack is just plain exquisite.
I feel privileged and humbled to have these, and hope you enjoy seeing them.
:foot:
