Orphan Classic

[Codger_64]

In 2003 Schrade Cigar Box Classics were green mountain bone with "federal shield", 2004 Schrade Cigar Box Classic - blue rope-cut bone with "cattleman's shield", but I don't have the fliers showing the earlier Classics, which is what I am guessing this reject is, though it might have been intended as a 95th anniversary edition with oval shielding, but I think those pins were all nickle silver and these are brass. The tangstamp on the mark side is:
SCHRADE
WALDEN
N.Y. U.S.A.



Note that the blades are stainless, but there is no + mark used. The shielding operation did not get this knife because of a tiny backspring pin crack in the bone on the pile side. I like little orphans like this precisely because they have most of the features of their inspected and passed brothers without the pricetag. Heck, this one cost less than the MSRP of the base 897UH, and is very presentable in appearance. This knife and I have a bit in common, as I've always been a bit cracked.

Codger

 

[glennbad]

I have seen very few that don't develop the crack in the center pin at some time or another. It's sad that this happens, and takes away from what is otherwise a great knife.

Interesting piece, kind of a tweener.

Thanks for sharing, Codg...

Glenn

 

[marantz]

I was going to say you guys often crack me up, and that's one of the best reasons to read this forum; your collective sense of humor.

Codger, how do you know the blades are stainless? Not questioning you, just asking to learn something.

Thanks.....

 

[Codger_64]

The 897 pattern has been stainless since it was introduced in 1967, but... I know this knife is not a Schrade Walden (pre-1973 1/2) (in spite of the retro tang stamp), but a later limited edition bone. So it is fairly modern. Most modern commems and limited editions were stainless, particularly after the early/mid 1990's. And... it does not stain like a carbon blade would. A dip in my lemonade just makes it wet, not spotted.

And don't be concerned about asking questions. We are all still learning here.

Codger