Old Schrade hunter

[jlumbtx]

I know little about Schrade knives. Can you tell me the approximate age of this knife? What are the marks on the back of the blade? Grind marks or laminations?
Do you think the sheath is original. I can't find any brand markings on it.

John in Houston

 

[Bob W]

The handle looks like a replacement. The sheath could be original though.

Here's the stock version of the 171UH, made with "staglon" (plastic delrin made to look like stag) handles:

Hopefully we'll hear from a member who's more familiar with Uncle Henry knives.

 

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

Hi John. They made this "Pro Hunter" pattern first from 1973-1983 and then brought it back in 1990-1991. Is there a serial number on the brass guard? That would certainly help to further pin down it's age.

I don't know how the back of the blade got those marks but they are not "laminations". They are scratches or grind marks that I personally doubt were on the knife when it first left the factory. The handles are likely not original (as Bob mentioned) but the sheath could be. Usually these knives are seen with a "piggy back" sheath with a pocket for a small whet stone but I have seen sheaths just like yours as well.

 

[jlumbtx]

No serial number, so it seems likely that the knife might be assembled from odds and ends. Actually the new stag grip is nicer than a Stagalon one. It's a very comfortable handful. I always considered Stagalon to be an unconvincing imitation stag and a slight cheesy material to put on an otherwise nice knife.

Thanks.

 

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

No serial makes me think it's from 1990-1991 re-issue. I believe these later ones were not serialized.

My best guess is it was made in 1990 or 1991 and then post-factory customized with the stag handle.

Natural stag is my favorite handle material and I think you have a fine looking knife. Cheers!