My son found a knife in the yard......

O

oldewelder

Joined
Aug 24, 2004
Messages
176
today. It has orange handles with a texture like bone. The tang is marked with Schrade Walden New York USA. It is an automatic with a sliding lock. It has one main blade and the other is a gut hook type blade. Does anyone know anything about this type of knife? On the General Blade Discussion, they said it was a paratroopers knife. Also, what year were these knives made? I appreciate anyhelp.
 
Nice find. Has your yard been invaded recently, or what?

Yep, paratrooper knife. The Gut hook blade is really a 'shroud cutter'. These are not uncommon, a couple of knife companies made them, but because of our nation's silly laws concerning switchblades, and the military/historical interest, the knife does have a collector value.

Must have been made between 1947-1973, although I would defer to some of the other, more knowledgable collectors here.

Welcome to the forum. Stop in any time.

photo from Sargeant's book: 'Pocket Knives'.

Phil

ps.. one is now on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48817&item=2272310591&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
 
These were made by 3 companies Schrade, Camilous, and Logan Smyth. All three were military contracts. The Schrade and Camilous versions are the best however the Logan Smyth version is appreciating the fastest due to there being so cheaply made that it is more difficult to find one in good condition. Supplyand demand. These were used by the airforce, navy and just about any one who had a survival kit. They were packed in new flight jackets, medical and survival kits and were all over the place. Many were snared and have ended up on the collectors market. I would like to suggest my book the collectors guide to switchblade knives. Published by Paladin press and available through Knifeworld, Amazon or any fine book store. ( Or personaized through me. ) It has the entire history of this particular knife with examples of all three ( from my personal collection.) If you have any further questions regarding them please feel free to email me. LT
 
Lt's book on switches was my first knife book and still my favorite. I got it a year before I was invited to the bladeforum from Amazon.com. It has a prime spot in my reading room. Who was it that invited me anyways? You can also get LT's CD which covers his personal collection in color from him.

TTYL
Larry
 
I wondered about it. The only problem with it, is the main blade won't stay closed. It looks like the button isn't catching the spring. It's a neat find either way!
 
That particular problem is ( as they say ) a stinker. Leave it open put it on display it is a nice military artifact. LT
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top