May '05 Blade Magazine

Codger_64

Codger_64

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I picked up the latest copy today and read it on the way home from my post op. Of particular interest here is an article on page 10 by Steve Shackleford interviewing Steve Paolantino. "For Old Timer's Sake" explores Mr. Paolantino's offer of repair services at Colonial Cutlery for Schrade knives. It is interesting ,not only because it gives a few examples of repairs and pricing, but because it reveals a bit more of Imperial Schrade's history. There was a family relationship between the founders of both Colonial and Imperial, and both the Paolantinos and Mirandos, founders of Imperial, emigrated from the same region in Italy.

Near the end of the article, it is mentioned that Mr. Paolantino is looking for a couple of repair persons to restore old Schrades. "Only problem is, there aren't any knife repair guys around anymore." If you know of such a person, you might mention it to them. But given the magazine lead time, perhaps those positions have been filled.

Oh yeah, there are another 121 pages of nice knives in this issue too! :D

Codger
 
You make a good point with this post, Mike. When we think of Imperial-Schrade, we tend to concentrate on George Schrade and the Baers, ignoring the Imperial half of things and thier history. What could be more American than Leaving the old country to come here and build a business?

Phil
 
Very true. And it is amazing to me that the NY valley Mecca drew generations of cutlers from all over Europe long after water power was no longer a factor. Just look back at the list that LT and Deb did on that contest a while back. Modern manufacturing methods may make knives cheaper to produce here, and cheap overseas labor make them cheaper still, but it will never replace the craftsmanship of the great cutlery dynasties we have witnessed here. There are plenty of new generation cutlers (extremely talented ones) to supply the U.S. market. If they have the support of the knife buying public.

With the problems our country is having with the threat of EU sanctions, and Canada threatening trade tarrifs too, perhaps it is time to once again grab our bootstraps, roll up our sleaves, and kickstart our flagging industrial base and economy. Brazil, Chile, Japan, and more are siding with the EU. I think Sam Walton's "Buy American" philosophy is due a revival.

Codger
 
Go BOTH ways - and American "Free Trade" sometimes fails the definition!!
Are you aware that the tariffs that Canada is putting in place are the result of the US ignoring the rulings of the WTO?
"Might" does not always make "right". Having lived and worked in numerous states, and having a great many friends that are "American", I feel that I can offer 'friendly' criticism, without "cutting to the quick"(blade content!!).
Take Care,
Del
 
I am very aware of the failure to repeal the Byrd Ammendment. And the apparent unfairness of the ongoing cattle and softwood issues with Canada. All of those nations have a point (content) as well. My apologies if you were offended by my post. I mentioned problems with international trade. I did not point any fingers.
 
No offense taken at all - I know that you're a very fair person.
As I see it, the "politicians" always seem need to 'score points' - and for most of us, there's not a nickle's worth of difference in what we're trying to do - make a decent life for our family.
I happen to believe that the 49th parallel was a huge mistake - the dividing line should have been along the Mississippi!!!!!
Then we could have "Eastern knives" and "Western knives". :-)
 
Not even two cents worth of difference. The trouble with all divideing lines is that people fail to remember that they are only contrivances of the mind the fact is we are all on the same side. I enjoyed reading both of your views. I especially have a spot in my heart for Canada perhapes the proximity of where I live has helped foster that feeling of kinship. However I must raise one point of possible contention. Can you explain why it takes longer to ship a package from NY to Canada than it does to send it to Australia. I am sure it is a mutual problem with fault to both postal services but GEEZE. Or as Rodney King would say Why can't we all get along? and get them packages delivered. LT
 
I'll take that suggestion into consideration when I get to be king. "A Schrade in every pot." And there WILL be knife import restrictions! Those knives that are allowed will have country of origin in large letters STAMPED into the blade. One of my favorite cutlers is in Canada, so you have nothing to fear. No restrictions there. Or in Mexico. I have seen some really nice work from there.

Codger
 
LOL - well, I'll try an explanation. Canada has (following Mr. Ridge's input I suspect) closed all but 2 of the postal import inspection stations - only Vancouver and Toronto remain. And, of course, they didn't see fit to substantially increase the personpower (PC correct!!). So of course, everything takes substantially longer to "pass through".
And of course, anything that may be construed (no matter how wild the logic might seem) as an instrument of a 'misguided person' is given several "looks".
The actual transit time is not long - but, the process to "pass through" the CBSA (Canadian Border Security Agency - an absolute oxymoron!!) is what takes the time - often the backlog is several days (and at Xmas time it was weeks!!).
It's really all "smoke & mirrors" in my opinion - something that in case of need the politicians can say "well, we tried".
Sort of like being given metal forks and spoons along with a plastic knife while on a flight. :-)
Or, maybe my logic is all screwed up??
 
Yes, we have our own version of "hide the weenie" here. I do hope The inspectors enjoyed the dried sassafrass rootbark tea I sent to my friend in the far North. They sent me a nice sharp (content again) thankyou note to the effect "The Queen is not amused!" How did I know sassafrass was unlawful in Canada? Grows wild all over my farm and makes a great tea! :confused:
 
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