Irish Imperials, restart?

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
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Something I've been wondering about. Could the new owners simply make a phone call and re-start production of the Irish knives, particularly the Imperial brand?

-Bob
 
That would be tough to do. The equipment was sold, according to an article in KNIVES ILLUSTRATED. Two of the massive grinders and a clam-shell packaging machine are already at work in their new home for BENCHMADE.

Phil
 
Not to mention that the name was part of the IP purchased by the new owner of Schrade, Old Timer, Uncle Henry and all the other trademarks.
 
Yeah, that's what I meant - I should've been more clear. Since Taylor now owns the tradmarks and copyrights, wouldn't it be simple for Taylor to resume Irish production?

Did Schrade actually own the production facilities in Ireland? I always assumed it was a contract job...

Would it cost significantly more than contracting to a Chinese factory?

-Bob
 
Here´s a Link on Schrade Ireland from an older thread:

http://archives.tcm.ie/thekingdom/2004/03/18/story12814.asp

The Kingdom, Thursday, March 18, 2004

Black day of cuts as jobs go at Imperial Stag factory

NORTH Kerry company Imperial Stag/Imperial Schrade Europe Ltd has ceased trading with immediate effect, it has been confirmed.

The company, which produces pocket-knives and cutting tools for DIY and gardening, has made the necessary arrangements to have a liquidator appointed.

This will leave a further 13 people jobless, with the announcement coming less than a fortnight after news that there would be 28 redundancies at the plant.

Staff were informed of the shock decision just weeks after management had announced that 13 jobs would be kept to run a warehousing and a small production line.

Last Friday members of SIPTU rejected redundancy terms which offered workers the statutory pay-out. A company spokesman said production in Ireland became very difficult as a result of cost pressures due to Chinese competitors’ pricing.

Other difficulties encountered included a reduction in product demand, particularly in US, triggered by the September the 11 attacks, where knives were used. Market and exchange rate difficulties due to the weakness of the US dollar also caused serious problems, according to management at the company.

“We regret having to take this final decision, which in no way reflects on the individual performance of our staff,” said a spokesman.

“ We acknowledge the contribution of our dedicated staff over many years and particularly their understanding and co-operation during recent difficult times for the company”.

Imperial Schrade Europe Ltd was established in Listowel 43 years ago and has significantly contributed to the economic life of the area, over this long period. Imperial Schrade Europe is a subsidiary of US-based Schrade Corp, which manufactures of knives and cutting tools.
Click to expand...

Luis
 
That's exactly what I was wanting to know. Those 13 Irish guys would probably love their jobs back, but if it costs more than Chinese production (where Taylor already has contacts and production contracts) then I don't see it happening.

The reason I was wondering, I was pondering the 'collectibility' of the Irish Schrades. I expect they'll never be worth much money, but 'extinct' knives are of interest to me.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I probably wasn't clear... the KNIVES ILLUSTRATED article told about the just recent auction at Ellenville, and the liquidation this previous spring at the Ireland plant. Benchmark hired the local Irish workers to redo the machines, pack them up, then had them shipped over here... still much, much cheaper than buying new. Imperial-Ireland is truly long gone.

So far, I have found older American Imperials have not been the victum of 'Schrade Inflation'. The older ones were fine old knives. I have a couple of 5" Texas Toothpicks (big surprise there, huh?) with the solid bolsters and beautiful celluloid handles. And hey, some people love the later Imperials with the cheap shell handles, very colorful.

You should be able to build up a nice collection of Irish Schrades for no more than a few bucks each.

Here's a cool one from the BRLevine forum:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=331866
 
Thanks for expanding on the recent history. The Irish connection hasn't been discussed as much compared to the American plant and equipment. I don't know if I'll hoard a bunch more Imperials, but I'll hang onto what I have.

I find that the Imperial/Tradesman/etc. quality is significantly lower than OldTimer or UH branded knives, in materials, design, and workmanship. But most of them are certainly worth the current $1.39 - $5 prices, IMO.

-Bob
 
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