newbie Schrade collector question...

Kestrel64

Kestrel64

Joined
Jun 30, 2006
Messages
256
I love Schrades, and since I got into knife collecting about 4 years ago, I still get sick when I think I sold my Dad's big Uncle Henry hunter (before I got into collecting) at a yard sale (it was from the late 60's-early 70's). I enjoy Schrade knives, and I don't buy the "taylor brand" stuff. I don't own many though...just a usa made Avatar and a usa made Silouette.

My question is this...are Schrade Walden, Imperial Ireland Schrades as desired or as well made as the "traditional" usa models? I am going to start really trying to get some more of these great knives, and wanted to know if I should consider those two types of them.

Thank you for any information.
 
The Schrade Walden knives were made by the same folks who later made the Schrade U.S.A. knives. The name was just changed in 1973. Quality is good. The Imperial Schrade Ireland knives were the lower priced knives and, naturally, they were not as well made as a general rule. Some were good cheap knives though, and are bargains at today's low secondary market prices. It is up to each person to decide what to collect though. I personally doubt that the Ireland knives will appreciate much in value or in the eyes of most collectors.

What eventually became called Imperial Schrade encompassed a lot of earlier companies and marks. Imperial Knife Associated Companies included Schrade Walden, Ulster, Imperial, Kingston, Vulcan Razor, Imperial Stag Ireland, Durol, and others. Even the late Camillus was a part of the portfolio of the Baer family.

Collect what you like, be it commemoratives, private editions, or a particular pattern. Welcome to the group!

Michael
 
Hi K64,
Codger's advice to "collect what you like" as rule #1 is a sound one.
Since you are just getting back into collecting, it may be a good time to think about what direction you want the collection to go. Especially if there are any monetary restraints on how many and how fast you can collect.
Some folks use rule #1 exclusively and have a widely varied accumulation of everything they like. Others have found it preferable to collect one particular interest, like all Ducks Unlimited Schrades, or focus on Old Timers or Uncle Henry's.
One group I like are the Schrade Heritage from 1983-86. Bone handles in red, green or brown in several patterns and a hinged blue top box. I'm sticking to 1983 (Heritage have 19Schrade8? dated shields) and still haven't accumulated all patterns in all colors. They also have single or double lined bolsters and everlastingly sharp blade etch.
If acquiring some of your collection thru online auctions, you will notice a lot more OTs than UHs. Not only keep this in mind when bidding, but also in relation to any future appreciation. More unique and/or complete items will cost more to acquire usually, but they also have more potential than the more common or incomplete items. I have seen some heritages online with X'd out tang name (factory seconds) so be alert!
Hope this helps a little, may save you some of the detour$ I took when I $tarted out :D
 
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