How to spot a fake?

B

Brian6244

Joined
Aug 25, 2004
Messages
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I am shopping for a Schrade 97OT Old Timer Buzz Saw Trapper on Ebay and through various online retailers. However, I have been told to watch out for the new Chinese versions and attempt to find an original model. This seems like a good idea but I have no idea how to tell the difference.

Schrade 97OT Old Timer Buzz Saw Trapper
SCH97OT.jpg
 
Brian, the knife you have pictured has "Schrade Classics" etched on the blade. That knife was made in China.
 
First, the Chitaylor knives have SCHRADE stamped on one side of the blade and the model number on the other. They don't bother with the country of origin, which Imperial Schrade almost always used. Imperial Schrade (on these Old Timers and most Uncle Henry knives) stamped all of the information on one side of the master blade.

SCHRADE
U.S.A. 97OT

The Chitaylor knives will also usually have blade etches the Imperial Schrades did not, though they own the copyrights to those Schrade etches (like the "Schraade Classics" etch on that one). If you turned that knife over, there is a good chance it would have the folloing etch on the pile side:"First Production run" and this:

If all else fails, ask the seller first! Most sellers with any scruples will say: Made in China or Made by the new owner of Schrade, or Taylor Made, or imported.

Codger
 
Even some 'real' made in USA Schrades with the tang mark 97OT won't be the one you are looking for, as in the last days, whatever blades and stuff were slapped together at the factory, or have since been done by others. I see bunchs of Uncle Henry handled (staglon) single blade and clip and saw blades on ebay right now. All missing a couple things that make this my favorite Old Timer: The tweezers and steel pin.

Here's a real one on Ebay now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Schrade-USA-97O...oryZ1403QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is not my knife, nor do I know the seller. Just pointing out a real example. Please note the tang mark, see the 'USA'?

Phil

ps... This knife came with a neat little leather sheath that was handy, being a big piece for pocket carry. Ask the seller if he is offering it. Maybe someone here has an extra.
 
But there were genuine Imperial Schrade knives marked "Schrade Classics". That is part of the I.P. Taylor Brands LLC bought.

Codger
 
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