New Schrade Walden?

This Stockman knife is a part of the first run of knives using the historic Walden Knife Co. tang stamp and genuine walnut handles from Schrade's Ellenville factory, bringing the cutlery industry history of Walden full circle. Made in the USA Licensed by Schrade knives, a division of Taylor Brands L.L.C. ·Stainless steel blades ·"Walden Knife Co." master blade imprint ·"Walden Knife Co. Made in U.S.A." tang stamp
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It may be just me, but...

I see the naming as an attempt to conjure up loyalty from buyers by referencing the original "good Schrade/Walden" company while at the same time selling parts that are assembled by a new "good/bad/jury's still out Walden/Scrade" company.

I have read several posts that state that the knives that came from Schrade in the last 2-3 years did not have the same quality as the older knives. No one stated as to whether the poor quality was due to poor quality materials or poor quality assembly. I'd really like to know the answer to that question, because if the answer is inferior materials, that means (based on the text of the ad) that the "new" knives are being made from those same inferior materials.

Please don't mis-interpret me as saying that the knives from the new company are inferior. I haven't seen them - I don't know - actually I don't care. I'm simply inferring that IF the last knives were indeed produced with inferior materials, and the new knives are also using those same inferior materials, wouldn't that make the new knives inferior?
 
I don't think there was anything "Wrong" with the materials....just attention to fit and finish, near the end at Schrade. Less carbon, more stainless, maybe. Surreal designs, maybe..... :(

I also don't think there is a "NEW" Schrade-Walden company. Just somebody (First guess is Colonial...then Bear...maybe Camillus?) making these, under license from Taylor,.

If that's not the case, I'm pretty sure one of the more knowledgeable folks here can correct me... :D

Interesting anyway.

Bill
 
Bill,

I could be wrong but would bet a 12UH that it is not Colonial building these!

OOPS... thats a left over from our NV visit. Got out of town as the heat lamps were warming up. Reached 100 the day we left. Coolest its been since then too. Us N.E.lnders just ain't built for that heat.

TTYL
Larry
 
Colonial is not making erzatz schrades. They have plenty on their plate as it is producing their own designs and filling their GSA and NRA contracts.

Go to the Bear MGC Website and compare the pics of their models of folders to those new U.S. Walden folders like I did. They could well be some nice knives, and LT will tell you that there was indeed a stockpile of walnut left at the factory at closing.

Codger
 
WOW...... :eek:

I surrender.
I guess that they are made by Bear and Son....Just never seen anything concrete.
Just was comparing nail nicks, shields, and such to the Colonial new model trapper that I have.
I defer to those who know the East coast knives.
I've only seen these in the SMKW catalog.....and the nail nick on the trapper is in an unsual spot....short of the clip, so I was looking for a match.

I was just guessing. I don't really want to bet....I'm sure you gents are right. Thanks for the information.

Bill
 
Colonial can make some nice knives...
I believe it was knifeaholic who mentioned that the last U.S. made Russell Barlows (1998?) were made just before bankruptcy......very nice knives, in my opinion. Especially the stag Barlows.

The new knives in traditional format, are pretty nice, a little pricey, but nice.

Codger, I know you have insight on the direction Colonial is moving (from the interview). So, where are they headed? No contract stuff? Wasn't thinking of them as "FAUX" Schrade makers, just as making an American knife. But, your point is well taken.

Since Bear and Son is/are making the Schrade-Waldens, are they OK? Has anyone handled one? I have several Bear MGC slipjoints..They are OK for the price/value type ratio, in my opinion. The older ones are pretty nice.

Still, nothing beats a good carbon steel Schrade... :(

Bill
 
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