How do i tell the age on a schrade+ 285uh

[david boone]

Hi fellow knife nuts, A friend gave me these Schrade+ Uncle Henry model # 285 USA He told me that he purchased them in the early 1970’s. My question is how do I tell if these knives are that old, you can buy the same PRO TRAPPER to day. Are there any difference in the one’s they make today and the ones they made in the 70’s.

 

[Trent Rock]

Try this for starters===>


The NEW Schrades are made by Taylor Brands LLC and are made in China
Do a search on "Chinese Schrades" and you should find a lot of info/opinions

http://www.taylorbrandsllc.com/

 

[ea42]

Dave, open it up and check inside the liners, there should be a serial # stamped inside.

Eric

 

[thawk]

Curious to know what the stamps read. They both look like Schrade USA knives to me, and the one on the bottom has the older jigging. Neither has the razor finish, which was on some Schrade USA knives, but on almost all of the Schrade NY and Schrade Walden stamped knives.

 

[Rusty1]

They do indeed look like Schrade USA knives, if that's the case manufactured after 1973. The 285UH was first made in 1969.

Russell

 

[thawk]

Eric mentioned they might have a serial number inside the liner, I believe they quit doing that around 1979. Schrade did not use a dating system so we have to look for clues. There are a few serious ones around here that can decipher the serial numbers.

 

[david boone]

thawk: I could not find a serial # either knife. Is there another way to date them.

 

[thawk]

thawk: I could not find a serial # either knife. Is there another way to date them.

I'm surprised the one with the more linear grooves in the handles was not serialized. They quit serializing in 1980 I believe. Replacement knives for warranty may not have been serialized. Unfortunately, there are only guesses at this point, and no proof, even if they come in a box.

 

[david boone]

thawk: Thanks again for the info. I have one more question to ask, both knives or in near mint condition, would you have an estimate on the value of these knives.

 

[thawk]

thawk: Thanks again for the info. I have one more question to ask, both knives or in near mint condition, would you have an estimate on the value of these knives.

I estimate value on the going rate on Ebay if two or more people are compelled to bid on it. I have bought mint 285UH knives new in a brown wood grain box for around 25 bucks, but have sold one for $66.65 (sold in October, pictured below). I have also seen them go for less and more than either side of those prices. On the average though, I would guess at about $35.00. 10-15 bucks more if it has the original packaging and papers. That is just my opinion.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHRADE-USA-285...286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:13|39:1|240:1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VINT...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Here are some examples. In my opinions, the picture make a huge difference most of the time, but not always.