How fast will Schrade's dry up?

S

Slufstuff

Joined
Sep 24, 1999
Messages
101
Hi all. This is my first post on the Schrade Forum, though I have been reading threads here for the past few months. I am not a Schrade collector as such, though I do own maybe a dozen or so different Schrade knives, mainly slipjoint models and a couple of lockbacks. I hated to see another American icon go under with the recent closing.

My question is, how long will Schrade knives continue to be available in the normal retail stores like Walmart, K-Mart, etc.? I would like to put up a few more new condition Schrades, but I cannot afford but maybe three or four a month. Right now, there seem to be a good many left in stock at my local Walmart, and a lesser number at the K-Mart. I have not checked other stores. How fast are they being bought up? Do I have a couple of months, or should I buy what I can right now? I guess I am scared to max out what I can buy now, only to see the remaining Walmart stock clearanced a few weeks later. On the other hand, there is a good selection right now. Any ideas? TIA
 
Although I feel a bit like a vulture, I've created a little route through our city, calling it my Schrade run. I'm not purchasing willy nilly, just things I want to make sure I have in the future. Like another 97OT buzz saw. A couple of LB7s at a good price. The fine, big Schrade Tough Tool is getting close to $25 at some places.

You know, there will always be ebay... although recent prices are seemingly higher than in the past , things will lower (I honestly beleive) once the buzz has quieted down. Still bargains to be had there, and I think those few PH1 and PH2 dropped hunters I've recently bought, paying from between 34 and 40 bucks, with postage, are good deals in any market.

My last good buy at a big box store and my route was the very last 100 year stockman in the tin they had left. The package was beat up, so I offered, and they accepted, $12 for it.

I wouldn't panic if I were you. Shop wise and select those you know you will need in the future. Just my opinion.

Phil
 
Thanks for the response Phil. I have a followup question for you or anybody else. I notice some stores (like for example K-Mart) use the big clear plastic packages, whereas Walmart uses the more traditional cardboard boxes. Is there any difference in long term collectability in the two? It seems to me the card board boxes take up much less space, and also allow you to admire your knives without destroying the original package. Is there any advantage at all to the plastic packaging? Thanks.
 
There is no advantage at all in the plastic packaging, unless you are buying a user knife. Take a look at Ebay.. "with original box and paperwork" always adds to the end value.

Actually, I wish boxes were thought to be worthless. I could then cart that huge plastic storage bin I have filled with emptys out to the dumpster!

Phil
 
I think the big box stores are probably looking for a new supplier to fill the space that Schrade used to, probably made in China if the recent trend continues. I figure that as soon as the new knives are in the pipeline then all remaining Schrades will go on closeout. Thats when you want to make a move to get what you want, before then picking up one or two at a time is good insurance. Smaller hardware and sporting goods stores will most likely have some in stock longer and will probably not mark them down for a while. I have a store nearby that has a well stocked display, but charges FULL suggested retail. I've talked to him about paying for some on the installment plan, but I can still get most models cheaper on ebay for now. Ebay prices are going up for sure, but deals can still be had. I think timing is the key, look for auctions that end in the middle of the night or very early morning and sometimes you can get a good deal.
 
Phil,
I know you probably thought of this but I flatten all the boxes and wrap an elastic around a group of em to save space and the recycle guys appreciate it when you eventually give them up.
Larry
 
There are two Wal-Marts in Hot Springs and I've had to be at both in the last 24 hours. Both were down to 3-4 types and only a couple of each. No OTs and only 1 UH. The X-Timers seem to be the slowest movers. I snagged a 24OTX just for the heck of it. The Sears at the mall was out sometime last week.
 
I went back to the Walmart in Savannah to pick up the last IHEA folder in the case and it was gone. There were only a few UH's left under the picture counter. Ebay prices for the limited editions seems to be climbing ( I've punched the eject button at $65 on several 165's now). The sellers who put a 125$ "buy now" price on common fixed blades are not finding any buyers. But most of the common folders seem to be holding at near MSR prices NIB.

When will the market see a confusing bunch of knockoffs and erzatz Schrades assembled from the mischelanious WIP parts is a better question. I think we will see the original Schrades turn over time and again on the secondary market. A lot of the buyers aren't consumers and collectors, just speculators in the collectables market. And quite a few "back of the drawer" knives will be appearing as ebay surfers see the rising prices.

Considering the cost of USPTO maintenance fees, I'd bet we don't see the Schrade name and all those design patents sit in a filing cabinet for long either. Either current lines from Taylor will be renamed, or maybe overseas resumption of manufacturing of the Schrade U.S.A. patterns by Taylor.

In the meantime, I would not be surprised to see some "Schardre" or "Old Time", or "Uncle Henery" knives hit the market betting on no USPTO enforcement action this soon.

Codger (a non professional market analysis from an interested observer) ;)

Dang, I need to get my spell check fixed or I'll never get any points! Maybe it's just a fuse :)
 
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