Just For Reference

lt632ret

lt632ret

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Jan 21, 2001
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One of the topics which is usually only glanced over regarding Schrade history are places ( ie books ect ) where this subject may be referenced. I just thought it might prove interesting for us to point out some of the better resources for this purpose. I am quite interested in the entire Schrade picture not just what I call the later years 72 through 04. Many of the postings naturally mainly deal with these later years however to limit ones understanding to only this contemporary aspect I feel does not truly cover the subject.

To this end, the first item of resource I would like to offer is the Schrade Pocket Knife catalogue which was reprinted in 1971 by the knife collectors publishing house A G Russell . I am attaching a pic of the cover and introduction of this book. It should be noted that originals of this volume are around however they are a bit more rare.

I thought I would begin this thread to see if there was some interest in this aspect of the subject if there is we can delve deeper into it. To this end I just felt I would offer this cursory listing. LT
 
LT, as there are not to be any newer Schrades, we sit attentively in class, ready to soak up any information you deliver.

My current favorite Schrades are those marked Schrade/Walden. Lots of cool stuff there, and plenty of advertisers, which I am getting partial to.

Class is in session, professor!

Phil
 
Class Title: Schrade History 101

Class Description: A collection, dissertation, and exhibition of Schrade memorabilia covering entire period of Schrade Cutlery (1904-2004), with specific focus on the earlier years (1904-1972).

Instructor: Professor LT, noted knife expert, author, and Schrade historian/librarian/collector and holder of "The Stone".

Please professor, share your goodies with us.
 
If you dont have this book already get it! It's a must. The history of current Schrade knife patterns, handle material and blade shapes and their names is covered. It aslo covers salesmans cases and switchblades.

Without understanding these old past knives you are missing a lot.

For example someone mentioned the 77OT Improved Muskrat in a recent thread. The pattern was called Improved Muskrat in this book way back in the early 30's. It also shows the knife with 2 possible blade configurations that could be purchased.
This is where a time machine would be very useful.

The book can be found in old used book stores, antique shops and on EBay.
Its also available occasionally at online bookstores.

Im ready for class to begin and await our first lesson from Professor LT!
TTYL
Larry
 
I am very interested. I never dreamed so many different companies were at one point or another an integral part of Schrade's history until I started hanging out with the folks in this forum. I am always hoping to learn more. Bring it on!

Codger
 
Perhapes I did not correctly express my purpose in this thread. I would like to offer what I feel are some good reference materials for Schrade and like to know any opinions on the subject or recomendations any one may have regarding the subject., presently Schrade Cuts 04 to 46 are hardly ever mentioned on this forum. It is because so few people are familiar with these earlier knives, that often some really wonderful fairly reasonable finds are still out there. This will not last forever . Presently the high end buyers for the regular folders are. ( can you guess? ) the japanese. Some of the older salemans mint samples ( of regular slipjoints) have sold for over 1000 dollars apiece. This is not the average but it does show the trend. Most of these knives are all handled with natural materials and are truly well crafted. Even the regular catalogues ( not reprints ) bring over 100 dollars and the reprints may well bring 20 and up. These knives are 60 to 100 years old and still can be found. These knives I feel are an investment in that there is eventually money to be made from them. Often these can be found at the same prices as modern Schrades the difference is that buyers will recognize and old timer or Uncle Henry and not a Schrade Cut fishermans pride. Jim Sargents first and second editions are also great Schrade references. Some of these books are often available at Knifeword. Also you will see them on ebay from time to time. A year or two ago Schrades were written up as one of the best future knife collectables. Little did they know just how right they were. Schrade Waldens are now starting to find there place especially the pre 59 ( naturaly handled materials ) knives. Now that Schrade is gone the regular post 72 Schrade tang will and are climbing the problem here is that there were just so many made that it makes no sense to spend big money for any regular model because there are a zillion still in boxes. The exceptions to this are special really limited editions. ( 8000 ) knives can be called limited, but issues like this are all over and will be for years. These knives are beautiful and fun to gather but as an investment our grand children will be old before they have an appreciable increase value. The exception to this are any oddball or unique items or knives that can be found much the same as it is with most collectables be it coins, cards, or almost anything. Mr Clemente's book is a great help in determining purchases in that he advises years the various models as well as numbers made. I would really like to know what your opinions are. If I can answer a specific question or help in some way it is ( as always ) my pleasure however In no way did I start the thread as a self effacing seminar. Sorry if I came off that way. LT
 
Dang.. I was hoping....

I use 4 books besides the catalogs I've collected and the reprint as references.
Robert Clemente's book on the catalog OT and UH's
George Schrades book on his families knives,
The big book of pocket knives by Stewart and Ritchie
Bernie Levine's guide to knives Vol 4.

Almost all the books have pictures which are large enough for my eyes to see.
Bernie's book has charts of the Scrimshaws and listings of most of the commeratives which was provided to him by one of our own Lost Souls.
Most of the books give a value they believe a knife is worth based on its condition but with the closure of Schrade, use them only as a comparitive.

I have not seen the Sargent books yet.
I think a few of us are ready to venture past the OT and UH lines. Did I mention a time machine today?

This should be an interesting thread.
TTYL
Larry
 
Clarified, LT, although I insist you are a great teacher here. I got it now, Schrade Reference Materials. Here are the references I use when I have an older Schrade question. If I can't find the answer there, I come a running to here.

Yep, The Sargent book: "American Premium Guide to Pocket Knives, Indentification and Values" is a good one, as you've all seen pics I have posted here atributed to it. There are two issues, the original, 1986 and the more recent 2nd addition, which included razors. Schrade content seems the same in each of them. Great article about Herman Williams opens the chapter. Covers Shrade Cut (has a clear explanation of model numbers) and Schrade Walden.

There is an informative chapter about Schrade Cuts in the C. Houston Price book: "Official Price Guide to Collector Knives (13th edition)". Model numbers are given along with handle types.

Here is a book I would not recommend if you are only interested in Schrades: "The Standard Knife Collector's Guide (various editions)" by Ritchie and Stewart. Good book, but only 20 Schrade Cut illustrations.

However, another book by the same authors is one I frequently turn to: "Big Book of Pocket Knives" 40 illustrated pages of Schrade Cuts.

If you enjoy Bernard Levine, there are some very interesting mentions of Schrade Cut and Geo. Scrhade in his book: "The Knife Guide", which is a collection of his 'Whut Izzit' columns in 'Knife World Magazine'. Copyright 1981. Available on ebay sometimes, or search old book dealers.

Thanks for bringing up the reprint on the Catalog, LT. I'll keep an eye open for it. Also Larry, I will look for the Geo. Schrade book.

With the future of Schrade being nill... and the history of the company has ended, for most of us, I think it high time we begin our studies of the real oldies. Thanks for bringing this up.

Phil
 
This is of particular interest to me, LT, as I typically only collect pre '72 stuff. I don't have any good ref material, aside from Levine's #4, and Goins book. I have Clemente's book, but as I don't collect alot of OT's, it doesn't get used much.

I shall have to keep my eyes open for this catalog reprint.

Glenn
 
This is another excellant reference it was written by George Schrade ( not I believe the original but chances are the third. ) Photos are by William Schrade and it is published by the George Schrade publishing company. As you can see it is quite well used. The first printing was in 1982 mine is now falling apart. These are really going up in price. There really is to much content to go into specifics however it will I assure you broaden your understanding of the genious and driving force behind the originator of this era. A good library is I believe fundamental to the understanding of any subject. Mine as with any is lacking, is not taken care of correctly and should be updated. just the physical room needed is becoming a problem. As I was taking these pics I just turned around in this one small room and took several pics of just a couple of book cases. I literaly have a building full ( besides what is in the house. ) I would suggest that if you go to auctions or flea markets or yard sales after you inquire about any old knives and are told the usual no, or we just sold them, check out the books also the memorbilia and pictures. Most people will hoard pocket knives but will throw out a knife box . A press button ( Walden Knife ie George Schrade ) box just the empty box just sold on ebay for 255 dollars ( the last time I looked ) actually I did not check the final price because by that time I was to nauseaus. Old knifeworld issues are an invaluable source of information. So are old copies of The national Knife Magazine. Which was the NKCA magazine ( just like the rifleman is the NRA mag ). Knifeworld and Bernard Levine have in the past put out conglomerate soft cover books on various articles that were originally in the monthly paper these are great reading and a wealth of information. If you have any favorites please post them new sources of knowledge are I feel to be shared. LT PS to reiterate Knifeword.com is one of the best sources to find some of these old books.
 
I bid on and won (ebay)a copy of the AG Russell Schrade reprint catalog and got it yesterday. For $15, it was a bargain. Lots of info, lots of knives, lots of interesting tips for the Schrade salesman of the time.

Note: I posted earlier that I was watching for one on eBay. Gentlemen that you guys are, none of you bidded against me. Thank you.

I'm 'camp9mm' on Ebay. If any of you find me bidding against you on anything, I insist that you email me and let me know about it. Knives are cheap, friends are not.

Phil
 
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