Info wanted on old Schrade folder...

[Shootin Fool]

Info from blade stamping:

GEO. SCHRADE
KNIFE CO.
PAT. 1-27-42
PAT. PENDING
B'PORT. CT.


Description:

Overall length (folded): 4 inches
Overall length (open): 6 7/8ths inches
Hooked (?) blade (reverse of usual edge curve)
Blade length (cutting edge): 2 1/2 inches
Handle: Best described as 3/8ths inch steel rods (2 each), chrome plated, with gripping grooves every 3/32nds of an inch along nearly the entire length. Rods are bent into a long "U" shape, with one end drilled for blade pivot pin, and the other end providing the spring tension to hold the blade pen/closed. One rod on each side, spot welded in two places along the back/bottom edge.

Have pictures, can't see how to post them here (I have used this type of board before, maybe I don't have enough seniority to post pics here yet).

Any info, or sources of info, would be appreciated. Thanks very much in advance.

 

[lt632ret]

The knife you are describing is called a wire jack. The hawkbill blade and handle notchs and size make it a model #175. This style of knife was patented by George Schrade as his invention. The reason for it was that it was inexpensive to make. These were made in several sizes and blade patterns. A 3 piece set was made and sold as a boy and girls scout eating utensil set. They were if memory serves a bit smaller and came in a scout (logo) leather case. A knife with a bottle opener cut in the base of the blade also a fork, both made on the same wire frames. ( the spoon was a regular spoon) A 4, 3/4" scaler back, single bladed fishing knife was also produced. this model was made in stainless steel. yours I believe to be Chrome Vanadiam steel. the shield area in the middle of your knife was originaly red. The original patent was applied for Oct 6, 1925 the actual patent was 1,600,602. However the main production era of these would be in the late 30 tys or 40 tys. If your interest is such I can send you a copy of the patent ( jpeg) if you want it. It describes the knife in detail. Because it was a handy, strong, inexpensive item Schrade sold many many many of them. For these same reasons a lot are still around. Retail value (on say ebay)varies from around 6.00 to 10.00 for one of the smaller pieces in the scout kit to perhapes 35-50 for the large fishing model yours runs around 20 to 35. A whole scout kit 30 to 65 depending on condition. Of course I have seen the small ones in antiques stores asking 25 and up to 100+ for a large one. I hope this helps if you want more info please let me know. Although I have probably pretty much exhausted the subject. I hope it was not to boring. Have a good New Year Lt.

 

[Shootin Fool]

Sorry I took so long to check back in.

Thank you VERY much for all that info; pretty much all I ever needed to know! The knife has a bit of sentimental value to me, and as the $ value is so low, I can't see ever parting with it.

Thanks again for your time and all the info/history.