No, no, no, we don't sell them no more!

Codger_64

Codger_64

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Richard Sears began the R.W. Sears Watch Company in Minneapolis in 1886 selling some surplus watches a jeweler had received by mistake. This profitable venture led him to sell more watches, moving to Chicago, eventually taking on a watch repairman as a partner. Alvah C. Roebuck answered his ad in the paper for a repairman, and in 1893 Sears Roebuck Company was incorporated. The company prospered. In 1902, they began selling knives provided by A. Kastor and Bros., among others. FOr more than one hundred years, this association blossomed, in large part through the efforts of Albert Baer, whose business sense and square dealings led to a loyalty from Sears buyers and management. Knives made by Camillus, Schrade Walden, Ulster, and eventually ISC filled Sears shelves and catalogs for many many years. Yes, they did buy occasionally from other cutleries such as Buck, Case, Boker, and others, but it was the Imperial associated companies that were their mainstay for generation after generation. In 1959 alone, Schrade Walden/Ulster sold 400,000 knives through Sears.

I went to Sears yesterday armed with a sears sales brochure, my Craftsman Club card, and greenbacks. I picked out a pair of 7 1/2x18T sawblades, a toolbag to use for my behind the truck seat diving kit, a set of 20 drill bits, but dang..., I couldn't find their knives. Clerk couldn't find them. Manager told me they didn't sell any knives anymore other than the utility blade knives. I knew better than to ask for the gun and ammo display. Dang. Where is Ted Williams when you need him? Uncle Tom Dunlap, are you listening? General Woods, you store is failing it's customers!

Codger
 
A shame since one of the worst kept secrets in the knife world was Craftsman knives.If I compare my Schrades to the same knife with the Craftsman trademark the Craftsman is most times a better knife.As Michael has said they spent a little extra for a better knife.I wonder if they didn't want to fall into the China trap.Arnold
 
Ah yes, the disappearing "sporting goods" section in retailing. I also remember when Sears and JC Penny sold firearms, fishing gear, real outdoor clothes, etc., not any more. Just this fall, all the Wallyworlds in the area stopped selling guns. Just another symptom of our disappearing outdoor heritage as we move towards a more urban/liberal society. Can't even buy a knife at Sears anymore, Ted is better off frozen, maybe they can thaw him out if things change back.
 
The times, they are a changin'. I spent a whole day searching for a cap pistol. I got many scowls from sales clerks in the process. Thanks, I thought I was the only one that noticed how many things just aren't around anymore.
 
Things have changed because of the internet! Now we can see everything offered from every manufacturer. We can compare prices across the country. We can buy knives like never before. Sure, it changed - but I don't think we're worse off now.

Thanks for the lesson Codger! I like the stuff I learn from your "rants" and "rambles."
 
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