http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/Packaging/index.htm
It is hard to pin down exact dates on the packaging. Having the original papers helps. They give a lot of clues.
1. Jun 27, 1998 the Schrade website was up and running.
2. 1985: The name Imperial Knife Associated Companies is changed to Imperial Schrade Corp.
3. 1986: ISC President Martin F. Zorn died on March 12th, 1986 and Walter Gardiner was made President.
4. Look for copyright dates.
5. 1973: Schrade Walden Cutlery Corp. was amended on September 17th, 1973 changing the name to Schrade Cutlery Corp.
6. Look at when the particular pattern first appeared. This will be the earliest date possible for the box.
7. Look at the paper insert to see what other patterns were shown. The latest of these will give the earliest possible date for the knife and box (if all match).
Generally, this is the order:
2003-04 - Blue gray diamondplate box
2001-02 - Blue striped box
1985/6-00 - Tan or gray box
1960's-1985/6 - woodgrain box
As mentioned, logos and slogans on the boxes can estimate dates. Look for them in the catalogs on the Collectors site.
