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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
New acquisition - Walden 165
- Thread starter Bridgeman
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And I thought I was doing good with 18396. Nice buy....
Thanks. 
I do believe it to be unused as it appears to have the original edge. The description wasn't the greatest, the pictures were poor, and requests for additional pictures and info were unsuccessful. I took a shot at it. One of those buys where you are pleasantly surprised when it arrives. Had a bit of that tasty green goo on the brass, but that was about it!
As for the number, it is the earliest I have seen. It's nice when the knife-god smiles on us occasionally.
I do believe it to be unused as it appears to have the original edge. The description wasn't the greatest, the pictures were poor, and requests for additional pictures and info were unsuccessful. I took a shot at it. One of those buys where you are pleasantly surprised when it arrives. Had a bit of that tasty green goo on the brass, but that was about it!
As for the number, it is the earliest I have seen. It's nice when the knife-god smiles on us occasionally.
Codger_64
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A nice one! And some good photos to boot! Earliest I have recorded so far was #00523 (a Shikari for Norm Thompson) and the earliest in my own collection is #00953 (also a Shikari). There were indeed less than a thousand made in 1966 with the serial number under a thousand! 
I have records showing that the first 1,237 165OT's were shipped in 1966.
I do like seeing early examples of this particular pattern. Note the guard retaining strap, moved shortly to the handle, and the short belt hanger was lengthened.
Michael
I have records showing that the first 1,237 165OT's were shipped in 1966.I do like seeing early examples of this particular pattern. Note the guard retaining strap, moved shortly to the handle, and the short belt hanger was lengthened.
Michael
Okay, now my questions begin. Every day learning.
What is a "Shikari"?
The gap between the ricasso and the guard bothers me a little, but ONLY a little. There is also a color change that can be seen on the blade on the left side, just forward of the tang stamp. Probably some staining?
Overall I was very pleased once all the green goo was gone and it turned out to be nicer than I had thought.
What is a "Shikari"?
The gap between the ricasso and the guard bothers me a little, but ONLY a little. There is also a color change that can be seen on the blade on the left side, just forward of the tang stamp. Probably some staining?
Overall I was very pleased once all the green goo was gone and it turned out to be nicer than I had thought.
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Codger_64
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The blade is 1095HC high carbon steel. It is uncommon to find a Woodsman of the earlier years with no spotting, peppering or beginings of patina, especially one that has not been refinished. 2008-1966= 42 years old.
A Shikari? Well, a Shikari is a....
A Shikari? Well, a Shikari is a....
For quite some time… since 2005 in fact… I have tracked a standard Schrade Walden 165OT with an sfo (special factory order) shield "Shikari" (which is Hindi for "Great Hunter", loosely translated). It's only other special feature is the golden-yellowish "pigskin" color and textured sheath with a luggage/purse fastener on the stone pouch. Noteworthy is that the Uncle Henry 165UH and it's stone pouch sheath (snap fastened) were not being produced as these were being made. Production on the 165UH began in 1969. The special order customer, Norm Thompson (thanks to Bladeforums member Joel), has finally been identified thru old magazine ads even though the box, papers and production quantity have eluded us.
Eric’s example:
The first ad, chronologically, was from Outdoor Life Magazine’s November, 1966 edition. The second one was from the Outdoor Life February, 1967 edition.
This four month ad spread is all we know about the longevity of the seller’s, Norm Thompson, ordering and marketing of the Shikari 165’s at this time (other than the interesting detail of the Norm Thompson offering’s price of $27.50 postpaid, as compared to the Schrade Walden catalog price for the standard production knife of $20.00, the Belknap price of $22.00, and Alexander Sales Corp price of $17.50).
The exact quantity produced is only vaguely known by the serial number spread observed to date of #523 - #2953, all within the 1966-67 timeframe. Since they at least appear to be serialized pieces from the regular production run (only custom shielded), the serial numbers were likely randomly chosen from the production line and therefore not consecutive or inclusive. Production pieces with the regular shields and sheaths have been observed within the span of serials seen on the Shikaris.
All of the Shikaris are Schrade Waldens with the tangstamps on the left side of the blade (SCHRADE over WALDEN over 165). Also, all have relatively low serial numbers. There are regular production Old Timers mingled in with those numbers, so, as mentioned, there was likely not a dedicated number series just for these Shikari shielded knives.
The Shikari sheaths were unique in that they had luggage spring-button type fasteners on the stone pockets, and were pigskin textured golden yellow leather. Since only eight have been sighted and recorded so far, the jury is still out on the complete story behind these knives (excepting the important evidence provided by Joel on dates!), but it is safe to say they were likely all made during 1966-67.
Here is the regular production 165OT from that period (second style sheath).
Some time after the first 19-20,000 production knives were made, the tang stamps changed to blade right, then serializing ceased, then the name changed from Schrade Walden to Schrade. #20735 is the highest number I've seen serialized so far though they may have gone higher.
Shikari Serials recorded to date:
#00523 (Walden L, Shikari shield)
#00953 (Walden L, Shikari shield)*
#01018 (Walden L, Shikari shield)
#02200 (Walden L, Shikari shield)*
#02265 (Walden L, Shikari shield)
#02267 (Walden L, Shikari shield)
#02607 (Walden L, Shikari shield)
#02953 (Walden L, Shikari Shield)
The two with asterisks (#00953 & #02200) are in my collection and evidently are a 1966 and a 1967 production. These are all of the Shikaris I've noted in the past three years or so. And evidently all were made early on (1966-67). There were 1,237 165OT made in 1966 (#0001 - #01237), and were 4,165 165OT made in 1967 (#01238 - #05402). I believe the year-end production figures included sfo pieces for Thompson and others (possibly Hoffritz with an etch). I also have the regular Old Timer Woodsman 165 knives from 1967 (#02739, #04533), 1968 (#09469, #13134, #16239) and 1969 (#18685).
Michael
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Codger_64
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Greg, it is my pleasure to share my research. But, as you can see above, it doesn't come out of my head. Eric showed us a great photo of a nice example in his collection. Joel helped immensely by providing clear scans of the ads he found. And countless members have added bits and pieces just as you have with your new knife. I was fortunate enough to be the custodian of a lot of records which really help. And lrv spent countless hours scanning and sorting the materials he has posted on the website he built and maintains. Many collectors such as Larry303 and others have provided collection photos to be archived there as well as missing catalogs and flyers. You've just been the recipient of a huge collective effort by members of the Schrade Collector's Forum. I am proud to contribute something worthwhile.
And yes, you can have those knives. I rent my time machine for $1 per hour. How many hours is it back 42 years? Lessee. 8765.81277 hours per year times 42 is.....
Michael
And yes, you can have those knives. I rent my time machine for $1 per hour. How many hours is it back 42 years? Lessee. 8765.81277 hours per year times 42 is.....
Michael
Lemme see,
I'll take it. A few shares of coca cola and ibm, and a letter to myself to look out for microsoft and google. I'll plan on returning a few seconds after I leave so I don't have to meet myself (not sure I could stomach that!), and I'll send you a money order for the $368,172, then buy a few gallons of gas with the leftover.
I'll take it. A few shares of coca cola and ibm, and a letter to myself to look out for microsoft and google. I'll plan on returning a few seconds after I leave so I don't have to meet myself (not sure I could stomach that!), and I'll send you a money order for the $368,172, then buy a few gallons of gas with the leftover.
Codger_64
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Years ago here on the forum, the Schrade historian told us that the same change was made on other sheaths (the 152OT Sharpfinger and/or 15OT Deerslayer sheaths?) because the straps stretched and weakened over time and knives fell out, causing complaints and replacements. That was her opinion of the reason for the change. But, as we all know engineering changes in manufacturing, it could have been for a list of reasons including ease of manufacture or saving a penny a sheath. I'd vote for blades cutting the retainer straps when inserted and removed from the sheaths. But that might have been reason number five.
Greg, don't forget the other $368,172 to get back to 2008. Of course there is the problem that my machine hadn't been built in 1966, so it might not bring you back. You know how those Sci-fi thingies work. There has to be a paradox to keep it interesting and keep the universe in balance. Oh, and anyone have a good suggestion for investing the proceeds from my 10,741 shares of Wal-Mart stock? I don't know why I ever let Sam talk me into that. I understand the stocks have split at least once or twice since then...
Michael
Greg, don't forget the other $368,172 to get back to 2008. Of course there is the problem that my machine hadn't been built in 1966, so it might not bring you back. You know how those Sci-fi thingies work. There has to be a paradox to keep it interesting and keep the universe in balance. Oh, and anyone have a good suggestion for investing the proceeds from my 10,741 shares of Wal-Mart stock? I don't know why I ever let Sam talk me into that. I understand the stocks have split at least once or twice since then...
Michael
Codger_64
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Here is another one, not as early as the first one shown by Bridgeman, but a 1967 and fairly complete with sheath, box and stone.
I do have several other Walden 165's, but this is the only example I have with the white box slipcover.
Michael
I do have several other Walden 165's, but this is the only example I have with the white box slipcover.
Michael
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Codger_64
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No problem Eric. eBay has seen to it that we don't know which of us is bidding on a knife and there is no way to tell short of establishing our own bidders list site. And even then there are those who are so petty as to enter "spite bids". Believe it or not, I had that happen for several months running before they made us wear masks on eBay. I am not making this up!
eBay is constantly making new rules to maximize their take from the auctions. Yes, it helps the sellers make more, and lowers bidder harassment. But from a selfish standpoint, is it good for our hobby? I don't know. This same knife would have sold for half of that final price a few years back.
Anyway, I just need a very few more issues to feel like I have a complete set of examples of this, my favorite pattern. It has been quite some time since I bought a 165 of any description. I bought this one in lieu of finally having my custom 165 project made, more than a year in the planning. I'll have to start saving up again. But meanwhile, with the shifting focus of many collectors, I am sure nice examples of the four issues I need will come back on the market.
Again, while my research and collecting is important to me, I value my friendships made in the pursuit more than the knives. There were seven bidders on this knife placing 21 bids, some of them auto-bids. I valued this particular knife higher than the other six bidders. The next low numbered 165's are for you guys! After all, there were a lot of these serialed under #20000!
Michael
eBay is constantly making new rules to maximize their take from the auctions. Yes, it helps the sellers make more, and lowers bidder harassment. But from a selfish standpoint, is it good for our hobby? I don't know. This same knife would have sold for half of that final price a few years back.
Anyway, I just need a very few more issues to feel like I have a complete set of examples of this, my favorite pattern. It has been quite some time since I bought a 165 of any description. I bought this one in lieu of finally having my custom 165 project made, more than a year in the planning. I'll have to start saving up again. But meanwhile, with the shifting focus of many collectors, I am sure nice examples of the four issues I need will come back on the market.
Again, while my research and collecting is important to me, I value my friendships made in the pursuit more than the knives. There were seven bidders on this knife placing 21 bids, some of them auto-bids. I valued this particular knife higher than the other six bidders. The next low numbered 165's are for you guys! After all, there were a lot of these serialed under #20000!
Michael