Schrade Benchmades?

[textoothpk]

I've noted a few of these around, although I've never handled one. Reminds me of the Camillus fixed blade hunters of the same period (I am assuming hte same period, I don't know when the Scrhade Benchmades were actually sold).

The Schrade number is 498 or 498L. Now the term 'Benchmade' in knife manufactor supposedly means made by a small team, the knife passed to each, assembly line fashion, but the work being done by hand.

I saw one of these sell on Ebay for over a hundred dollars... which can mean these are great, collectible knives... or... two people just wanted to see who had the largest cajones in the bidding department.

So.. Great knives? When made? Truly 'benchmade'?

Phil

 

[OTguy]

100 $ ! Yikes, thats alot for these knives. I picked up a 498L for 20$, NIB, about a month or so ago. I've watched a few more since then, and none have gone for anywhere near 100$. They are nice examples of classic American styled hunting knives, but I don't think they are worth 100$, unless you are desperate to fill in a collection. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that a couple of guys were trying to see who had the bigger wally... I mean wallet.

 

[textoothpk]

Yep, Otguy, I think $100, now that I am watching them on ebay, is wayyyyy over what these are actually worth. I'll still like to know about the 'Benchmade' aspect, although I am thinking this was an advertising/packaging ploy more than anything else.

Do you have any more comments, opinions on the 498 or is it simply as you write, a good example of an American knife?
Phil

 

[OTguy]

Tex, I'm just not sure about the "benchmade" part. From a quality/finish standpoint, I'd have to say my example is a little better finished than the standard OT/UH fixed blade, but I'm splitting hairs on this. I'd have to say by looking at the blade shapes on this series and comparing them to older Schrade/Walden models, that Schrade made runs of some older blade patterns and put some nice handles on them and marketed them as a different line. Nothing wrong with that, turned out nice enough. The sheaths are well done also. I think that to get the answer on the "benchmade" part someone with alot more info will have to shed some light on that. Still, if you want one, go for it. I don't think you will be disappointed.