Introduction post.

O

OTguy

Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
445
Hello and grettings to all fellow Schrade lovers. I've been lurking at BF and especially here for awhile and figured it was time to put my 2 cents in and learn a little in the process. As I sit typing(one slow key at a time), I'm ticking off the minutes until I attempt to add another knife to my collection through ebay. Its a mint fixed blade from their 49'er series and I think its a great looking knife. So to start things off, I would like to know a little about the history of this series if anyone has some info. I don't know that much about them, but they are some fine looking knives.

Just to let you guys know, one of my favorite things is to buy a mint Schrade that isn't made anymore and sharpen, carry, and use them. They are some of the best, classically styled using knives ever made.
 
Well, I won it. A NIB 498L (I think thats right) for a whopping 20 bucks and change. Sometimes the knife gods smile. So now I just have to wait until I get it and I'll post a little review.
 
Welcome aboard, OTguy! It's always good to see more Schrade fans here.

Can't help you on the 49er series, but I'm sure someowe here can.
 
Perhapes the attached pics will assist in your identification of this series of knives. Where these fit into the Schrade history is a bit complicated. Again it involves trying various things to see what worked. These knives came in leather wrapped or an early pre staglon type material. I do not know the exact years ( without looking it up ) however 60 tys and seventys under SchradeWalden. They were the next transition from the same patterns that were sold earlier with hollow stagged or jigged plastic ( cheaper version ) or leather wrapped models. These were from from the 50 tys and 60 tys. This ( 49 er)series upgraded to the heavy brass flat pommel instead of the more recognized aluminum pommel. The S or L designation on the numbers stood obviously for leather or stag. The 49er series should have a year of mfg and cutlers mark on the pommel. There were 4 patterns in each 497,491,498,499.
Again this series was the forerunner of the Uncle Henry series and the next generation after the hollow ( first attempt at plastics stag handles. ). This was the last series which used the leather wrap. I just grabbed this brochure however if it is important to you I can post some examples of both of these series . However not tonight. LT
 
Welcome to our site, OTguy. You are now officially one of 'Uncle Henry's Lost Souls'.

Great knife. I see a real resemblance to the Camillus hunters of the same period. Classy and a classic.

Phil
 
First I'd like to thank LT for posting the 49'er pics earlier. In the second thumbnail the knife I bought is the second one from the right if anyone is wondering what it looked like.

The knife arrived today and I'm pretty impressed with the overall quality. The grooved, stacked leather handle is very classy and fits my hand well. The edge is evenly ground, semi-sharp, and fairly thin. It shouldn't take long to put a shaving edge on it. I don't know what these went for new back when they came out, but I'm thinking I got a heck of a deal. A tip for anyone who may be interested, theres another one on ebay by the same guy I got mine from. He seems to be a stand up seller.
 
They are a great working knife and look beautiful displayed. Did yours come with the unique sheath these were sold with? I always thought the squared off sheath added to the overall appearance. This line was made at a good time. What I mean by that is that during a companies life there are periods where they cheapen there products or add cheaper lines of products, ( for various reason usually to compete with what is selling best at the time for the competition ). However sometimes they put out lines or products which are better made ( or higher end lines ) the 49 er series was definitely a step up, and so is a good investment ( at present prices ) for the future or just for a good user. LT.
 
Sorry I haven't replied sooner, my home computer got infected by some worms or something and I've been offline for the past week. Right now I'm on a computer at work. Yes LT, the knife came with the squared off sheath and I'm in agreement the it does add to the appearence of the knife. I'll also add that the sheath is very well made. My computer should be out of the shop later today and I'll be able to get back into the forums on a regular basis again.
 
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