Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society Formed

TennKnifeman

TennKnifeman

Joined
Jan 19, 1999
Messages
248
As I mentioned in an earlier post there was an announcement at the 2008 SHOT show that should be of interest to Schrade collectors. Here is a short version of the press release:

The 2008 Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade show marked the debut of the Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society, a new collectors club dedicated to the preservation of the history and heritage of Schrade Cutlery and its related companies.
While not a part of Taylor Brand’s Schrade Cutlery, the Society does begin with the current owner’s full encouragement--including
his taking a seat on the society’s Board of Advisors, which also includes Kevin Pipes, President of Smoky Mountain Knife Works, and Schrade author Richard Langston. Other announcements of members to this board will be announced soon.
Executive Director of the organization is Debra Voyles, whose background in knives includes being National Secretary of the National Knife Collectors Association as well as show manager of the Blade Show & Cutlery Fair from its inception in 1982 until 1993.
“The Schrade history is a history of cutlery in America, ranging from the 19th century until today, encompassing some of the most famous names that have ever made knives: New York Knife, Walden Knife Company, Ulster, Schrade, and many others. We feel only through organization and promotion can we continue to preserve that heritage,” Voyles said, “and that is what the Society is going to do.
Membership will include a subscription to the revived “Schrade Almanac” and other benefits.
Membership fees or contact information are not included with this post so there will not be any confusion that this is an announcement rather than a solicitation.
 
I looked around on the Internet, but could not find information about it. Sounds interesting. I'd like to see what kind of club they have in mind, and what kind of value a membership might include.

I'm very interested in Schrade USA history, heritage, etc as it applies to pre-2004. I'm not interested at all in what has happened since then.

Thanks for the heads up. Anything else at the show noteworthy to a Schrade-a-holic?
 
So, if they ever decide to do a Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society knife, I wonder who will make it? Maybe someone has some old NIB unscrimmed knives waiting to be worked on? Or maybe a regular production model waiing to be etched?
If it just the pre-2004 knives, I may be interested.
 
Great to hear Mr Voyles. Might you consider inaugural membership of 'the USA Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society' include a copy of your upcoming or already here, Schrade History book? I'm a starter if you want an Aussie connection.We are all interested in pre- 2004 USA Schrade history.Hoo Roo from Downunder.
 
ALL sounds like great news, also if there was to be a society knife where would you start on which pattern you would use, fixed blade, lock blade , folder ?? would have to call a few of the old boys in to crank a few out. This raises another question what happened to the old equipment did it all get split up in the factory auction or did taylor buy the lot.
I was using but not collecting schrades in 2004 and didnot hear of the fall of schrade till later on , is there any info on the shutdown eg what was sold or how, what sort of knife stock was sold out of the factory collectables etc, general info,
Paul
 
http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/articles/Schrade-Meltdowns.pdf
http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/articles/News2002-2005.pdf
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318250&highlight=Auction

Mr. Taylor bought the Imperial Schrade intellectual property (patents, trademarks, etc.) but no machinery that I am aware of. Most of teh machinery was bought by other cutleries and manufacturing companies. I believe the finished knives were bought by two buyers, Smokey Mountain Knife Works and Blue Ridge Knives. Some were sold individually by their companies online through their stores, through eBay, and in lots to individual dealers, most again appearing on eBay.
 
TennKnifeman said:
Executive Director of the organization is Debra Voyles, whose background in knives includes being National Secretary of the National Knife Collectors Association as well as show manager of the Blade Show & Cutlery Fair from its inception in 1982 until 1993.
“The Schrade history is a history of cutlery in America, ranging from the 19th century until today, encompassing some of the most famous names that have ever made knives: New York Knife, Walden Knife Company, Ulster, Schrade, and many others. We feel only through organization and promotion can we continue to preserve that heritage,” Voyles said, “and that is what the Society is going to do.
Membership will include a subscription to the revived “Schrade Almanac” and other benefits.
Membership fees or contact information are not included with this post so there will not be any confusion that this is an announcement rather than a solicitation.
Click to expand...


Sounds like a solicitation to me - from some people (excluding Richard Langston) who just lately got interested in Schrade history after it became apparent there may be some money to be gained.
Many Schrade collectors suspect that a lot of Schrade records and historical information has been lost forever due to the apparent lack of interest by the buyer.
This forum has been devoted to Schrade history,information,and collecting for several years prior to this new group getting interested.It doesn't cost anything to belong here,also.

There has been tons of info and pictures of rare Schrade knives posted on this forum by LT,Codger,lrv(er Larry),Redshanks,Phil,Del,Orvet,etc.
We've had Schrade forum knives custom made in the past,so the new group will not be issuing the first Schrade collector knives.
As far as the Taylor sponsored book on Schrade knives,I prefer to wait for Codger's book. I believe it will be more factual and complete.It will also be authored by someone who is devoted to preserving the history of Schrade knives,not with financial gains as an objective.
Ron
 
I hear what you say Ron however I constantly refer to a Commemorative Book put out by Mr.Voyles in the 90's,for Schrade information and it has enabled me to buy knives I would not have otherwise had info on, so I dont think he's any 'Johnny Come Lately' with regards USA Schrade and certainly not knives in general from what I have read.Why dont we just see what's being offered and if it promotes USA Schrades and gives me/ us even more insights and lovely pictures of Schrades it has my vote. I will also be among the first to buy a Codger publication.
Anyone that looks at my history on this forum knows I suck to no-one and have no vested interests whatsoever with my comments but I will fully support any moves to further promote USA Schrade collecting/history providing there are no subliminal Taylor Chinese Schrade agendas. Hoo Roo.
 
I guess I am late in the game.

I published my first knife book, with information about Schrade in it in 1976.

I had dinner with Uncle Henry Baer in Dallas in 1977.

I personally introduced Uncle Henry and later Albert Baer when they were inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame.

May be late, but I got here as quick as I could.

Bruce Voyles


On books my theory is I want every knife book I can own--in even obscure books I've found tidbits that were useful to me. If one depends totally on one source for their knowledge, whether it be just a single book, or an online forum, knife magazine, or some other source, you are simply not as well informed as one could be.

I look forward to any book on knives. If Codger is doing one I eagerly await it and will be one of the first buyers. Books are not an either/or proposition.

However, on anything I write, if you don't like it, send it back for a full refund. Don't know what more I could do.
 
Bruce, I am eagerly awaiting the release of your book. I was disappointed when it was delayed beyond the expected S.H.O.T Show release date. But if you have run into half as many brick walls as I have, it is very understandable. I do hope that when the first editions become available, I'll be on your "to notify" list. I have several of your earlier books, and just as you said, there are some gems of knife knowledge to be gleaned from each one, regardless of age. In fact, as much as I would love to dedicate my "play money" to buying actual knives which I lust after, most of my funds go to buying books, catalogs and other research materials.

As you have seen, most current serious Schrade collectors use the October, 2004 ISC auction date as a cut-off for what they consider to be true collectable Schrade knives manufactured by Schrade and it's associated companies. Only slowly over the past couple of years has there been recognition and acceptance of the other marks that were the building blocks of Schrade. At this point, the knives imported (and produced by others stateside) bearing the ISC marks are not considered related. In the distant future? Who knows.

Thank you for taking the time to stop in and give us information about the upcoming club. And I like your Richard Sears approach to your books. "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back". I seriously doubt you have had many, if any at all... returned for a refund.

Michael
 
Sounds like an organization worth looking into TennKnifeman. Where do we find the detailed info? Feel free to PM me if you want to avoid any solicitation hassles. Relodr, I don't think LT would get involved with anything that doesn't involve a good majority, if not most, of the older Schrade stuff. Sure seems like it would be worth a look-see IMHO.

Eric
 
Both books when released will I'm sure be very sought after, looking forward in anticipation of learning more about Schrade knives, The Collectors Society sounds interesting also.

Rusty1
 
May I ask if Tennknifeman or any of the Schrade experts of the Board of Advisors are actually Gold Members on this site so they may even have access to the extensive Schrade history which has been shared by Schrade Collectors and stored over many years on this site?...and further may we expect active participation/contributions from said Advisors on this site or are the members of Blade Forums Schrade Collectors Forum a resource of potential members for your Society.I am aware at least one of your members will not make contributions on this Forum.
 
TennKnifeman said:
I guess I am late in the game.

I published my first knife book, with information about Schrade in it in 1976.

I had dinner with Uncle Henry Baer in Dallas in 1977.

I personally introduced Uncle Henry and later Albert Baer when they were inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame.

May be late, but I got here as quick as I could.

Bruce Voyles


On books my theory is I want every knife book I can own--in even obscure books I've found tidbits that were useful to me. If one depends totally on one source for their knowledge, whether it be just a single book, or an online forum, knife magazine, or some other source, you are simply not as well informed as one could be.

I look forward to any book on knives. If Codger is doing one I eagerly await it and will be one of the first buyers. Books are not an either/or proposition.

However, on anything I write, if you don't like it, send it back for a full refund. Don't know what more I could do.
Click to expand...

Bruce,
My intention wasn't to infer that you are not a recognised and highly respected expert in the field of knife collecting. I consider you among the top authorities on knives.
I have several of your books and they are excellent. However,the books, that I have,do not have a lot of info on Schrades and their history.Like most knife publications that cover all of the brands,the Schrade information is pretty limited when compared to information included for other brands.
As an example:
In my copy of your 2nd Edition of Antique knives,this is the info that is presented on Schrade history.
voyles


There is also some mention of Albert Bauer and George Schrade in the Ulster and New York knife histories,but it is limited.
As far as coverage in this book,a quick count shows the following pages devoted to some various knife brands:
W.R.Case - 71 pages
Case Bros. - 13 "
Remington - 66 "
Winchester - 17 "
Robeson - 34 "
Boker - 20 "
Schrade - 8 & 1/2 pages.

Most of the other brands in this have excellent,detailed information on the company history,etc.

Your book is typical of the published knife literature that has been available to Schrade collectors.
Why? - I have to assume that the various authors have not been interested in Schrade knives or the historical info would have been ferreted out and published.
Why no interest ? Possibly because Schrade collector interest wasn't considered sufficient to warrant the effort? - you tell me !


Regardless,Schrade collectors have had to resort to web forums to glean info,particularly dedicated Schrade forums like this one.

This forum,in my opinion,is the most active Schrade forum on the web.Your posting record shows that your participation on this forum has been pretty limited,so it's easy to assume that your previous interest in Schrade has not been high.

As far as the new Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society goes,it is easy to suspect that the main incentive of this start-up is $$,given the fact that LT appears to be the only long-time Schrade-aholic associated with it.
Respectfully,:)
Ron
 
relodr36 said:
Bruce,
My intention wasn't to infer that you are not a recognised and highly respected expert in the field of knife collecting. I consider you among the top authorities on knives.
I have several of your books and they are excellent. However,the books, that I have,do not have a lot of info on Schrades and their history.Like most knife publications that cover all of the brands,the Schrade information is pretty limited when compared to information included for other brands.
As an example:
In my copy of your 2nd Edition of Antique knives,this is the info that is presented on Schrade history.
voyles


There is also some mention of Albert Bauer and George Schrade in the Ulster and New York knife histories,but it is limited.
As far as coverage in this book,a quick count shows the following pages devoted to some various knife brands:
W.R.Case - 71 pages
Case Bros. - 13 "
Remington - 66 "
Winchester - 17 "
Robeson - 34 "
Boker - 20 "
Schrade - 8 & 1/2 pages.

Most of the other brands in this have excellent,detailed information on the company history,etc.

Your book is typical of the published knife literature that has been available to Schrade collectors.
Why? - I have to assume that the various authors have not been interested in Schrade knives or the historical info would have been ferreted out and published.
Why no interest ? Possibly because Schrade collector interest wasn't considered sufficient to warrant the effort? - you tell me !

Answer: You pegged it. Like it or not there is not the interest in Schrade compared to a lot of other brands, in particular Case which has over 17,000 people in their collector's club. The reasons primarily are that at the time my price guide book was written there was little if any interest in collecting plastic handled knives or limited editions made in quantities of 5000 or more by Schrade or anyone else. Frankly the collectors in the game at the time the book was written looked on Schrades about the same way some members of this forum tend to look at Taylor Brands Era Schrades. (Of course the notable exceptions were peach seed bone Schrades, which have always been popular among old line collectors).

"Regardless,Schrade collectors have had to resort to web forums to glean info,particularly dedicated Schrade forums like this one."

This forum,in my opinion,is the most active Schrade forum on the web.Your posting record shows that your participation on this forum has been pretty limited,so it's easy to assume that your previous interest in Schrade has not been high.

Answer: I don't know why you would think that a book on Schrade, or the forming of a collectors organization in any way is detrimental to this forum or this forum's contribution to the advancement of Schrade collectors. If anything both the book and a collectors club would embrace forums such as this and refer more people to it.

"As far as the new Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society goes,it is easy to suspect that the main incentive of this start-up is $$,given the fact that LT appears to be the only long-time Schrade-aholic associated with it.
Respectfully,:)"

Ron
Click to expand...

Answer: This is the United States of America and under our capitalistic system it is not unreasonable to expect a financial return for time and money expended. As for me personally I do not have to defend or explain my interest in knives--all knives. The Schrade Cutlery Collectors Society was formed to advance the collecting of Schrade knives--the idea was advanced to my wife because of her experience in working within both the National Knife Collectors Association and as show manager of the Blade Show for 13 years and holding most of the positions at Blade Magazine during that time from Ad sales to Office Manager.

The cold hard fact of things is if you don't think the membership is worth the money, then don't join. No one is forcing anyone to do it. I do think it is natural to post such information within a Schrade online forum (It would look silly in the Case forum, would it not?).

I do not understand your theory that this forum, as good as it is, is the end all for all knife information--or that to do anything about Schrade one must post in here regularly. This is a good forum, and there has nothing been said that would detract from that.
 
Eagerly awaiting the book and club. Good job Bruce. :thumbup:
 
in the past year i have read every post in this Schrade forum. there are many that express animosity towards Mr. Taylor. i fail to understand these sentiments. i do understand disappointment and sadness over the closing of ISC (pre 2004 Schrade). it has been stated many times that Mr. Taylor had nothing to do with this.
what i see is a personal negativity that requires people or events to focus on.
i have no difficulty believing that Mrs. Voyles, Mr. Taylor, and the others involved have a personal interest in, and attraction to, the pre 2004 Schrade knives, just as do the rest of us here. they also have a great deal of knowledge on the subject.
i look forward to this new Schrade club as a source of information and interesting contacts.
if after some time, i feel the emphasis of the new club is not what interests me, then i will stop participating. but i would never argue against the right of others to go their own way.
slagging Mr. Taylor is all about the slagger. roland
 
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