Schrade SX4 "Badger" series

[orvet]

Does anyone have any information about the SX series of knives produced by Schrade. They are listed in the 2004 pricelist to as "Badger." There are five knives listed in that price list;

SX4 - 4 in. "Lockblade, One Hand Open, Pocket Clip."
SX4B - 4 in. "One Hand Open, Blackened Clip and Blade."
SX4S - 3 1/4 in. "Lockblade, One Hand Open,Pkt Clip, Serrated Blade."
SX21 - 7 1/2 in. "Fixed Drop Point Blade w/ Sheath."
SX23 - 8 in. "Fixed Skinning Clip Blade w/ Sheath."

I bought a SX4B off eBay and it appeared to be a nice knife made in Ireland. I figured it might be better grade of some of their Irish products, which I have found to be good value for the price.

Smokey had the SX4S listed on their web site for a really good price saying that they came with the certificate of authenticity, last stuff produced in America, yada, yada, yada. So I ordered some. They arrived in their clampacks all nice and pretty, along with their certificates of authenticity coming from the Schrade factory in NY, ect, ect, ect.

I open the knife and was rather pleased with its smoothness, ease of opening, good grip and feel in my hand. I loved it. (It was 4 in. and not 3 1/4 in. as listed in the price sheet.) I happen to look on the back of the clampack and there in tiny letters at the bottom with the following words: "Made in China." :thumbdn:
I looked at this certificate of authenticity stating that it had come from Schrade's New York factory and looked at the back of the clampack and call Smokey. The answer I got was to this effect:
Yes, indeed they were made in China, but they had been made in China for the original Imperial Schrade Corp. and came from their factory in Ellenville. Therefore I got their wonderful certificate certifying that the Chinese made knife was actually made in Ellenville, New York!

To date the only two models I have seen are the SX4B and the SX4S. As much as I hate to admit it I really like the SX4S, (for an inexpensive knife of questionable heritage). I would've been much happier had they all come from the Ellenville factory, or at least from the Imperial factory in Ireland.

Has anyone seen or heard tell of the SX21 and the SX23, the fixed blades?
Did they actually hit production? If so, where were they made? Where could I get my grubby mitts on a couple?

Inquiring minds want to know..........

 

[philw]

Last year I picked up a Badger on clearance at Sears and then noticed later that it was made in China. I tried to sell it in a garage sale for $5 but didn't have a buyer.

Smokey's "certificates" aren't worth the ink and paper used to print them.

I believe they are all imported from either Ireland or China. Do a google search for Badger SX21 or SX23 and you will find some. I wouldn't pay the prices that they are asking for them so your best bet is to keep an eye on ebay. I don't believe there is much demand for them so you should be able to get a great price on them.

 

[El Lobo]

I think the late Jim Parker, who may have done SOME good things for knife trading/selling/collecting, used to teach a class down in Teh-Na-See about New/Old stock, certificates, and authenticity. The curriculum was based on a famous saying by Mr. P.T. Barnum....I, of course, don't remember the saying, but maybe someone else will.

It is something I've always found embarassing and upsetting to me personally, about knife collecting. Especially with young or new collectors.

JMO.

<Rant mode off>

Bill

 

[Carl64]

The thing about Smoky Mountain is you basically can't believe a thing they say.

I wasn't tricked by the incorrect Schrade listings because I already knew the bader and Imperial knives were made in Ireland and China, but they sure are loose with those descriptions.

I bought an old "warehouse find" military folder, which specifically said they were used but not broken, ans what do you know it was broken.

Their grab bag and bulk offers are worthless because they will send you stuff not even close to what was described or shown. Sure, they say "may vary," but it's amazing how MUCH something can vary from what was shown.

Other "grab bags" don't vary enough. They show a picture of a dozen different things, and they send you 12 of the exact same thing. Why the hell do I want 12 of the same thing?