Schrade USA 881, Were there Repos' made?

L

Larry303

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Jul 28, 2005
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G'Day, I just received Ebay #130058704119 which is a ClamPak "Founders Edition" Custom Collectable Schrade+ USA 881 with Bomb Shield.
I see in past posts 1986 was the last year open stock 881 was listed.
Question: Would this knife be 20 years old or did Schrade make a Reproduction later of the 881? The back of the Clampak states Imperial Schrade Corp,Ellenville NY & made in USA.
Before I fall in love with this knife I need to know its not a pretender.I only paid US $19.50 with no bidding "or snipers". The description did spell Schrade incorrectly and it was under "Other Brands" not Schrade which would not have helped the seller. I picked it up in my search originally with the miss-spelling of Schrade in all its forms.
Appreciate any info. Hoo Roo from Downunder.
 
Many patterns discontinued from regular production were revived for special editions. It contributed toward making them special. I'm not sure of the exact year of this edition, but it does appear to be genuine, not a compilation of knife, tin, insert, and clip. This is one area in which clampacks shine. They help to assure that what was put together at the factory, stays together.

Packaging often helps us to date these knives. Retail merchandisers moved more from boxed items in the back of display cases toward more self-serve racks. Boxes were not pilfer proof, and very prone to shelf wear. Prior to the invention of the "I-Beam" clampack (see Gardiner patent previously posted) in mid 1980's, shrink wrapping was used for a few point of sales packages. So this tells us this was produced after circa 1984. Special editions and upscaled gift boxes were evolving as well. Wooden hinged boxes, used since the Walden days, became more elaborate slip top boxes, and lasering designs added to the appeal. But also to the production cost. The advent of the printed tin allowed them to offer a very attractive and durable package, and combined with the clampack, an excellent way to display the tin and the knife it contained in the store. The tins, I think, appeared first in the 1990's. A bit of research might turn up when the first one was used. Beyond the actual type of packaging, the type logos used can hint at a manufacturing date. I first see the Schrade Tough logo used circa 1996. The first tins I see in the fliers is in 2000. Since the top artwork on your tin is seen adapted with the 100th anniversary logo in '03-'04, it is probable this one of yours fits into the lead in to the anniversary issues. Someone will come along with a more accurate date for us, I am sure.

Michael
 
That package was sold in WalMarts in the latter days (2003-2004?), as I bought one on closeout.....maybe in some other big chains as well. I think the original asking price was about $25 US. This was the type of package WalMart might bring in for the Christmas buying season, then reduce the price to clear them all out at the end of the year.

Bill
 
Many thanks Michael and Bill,you're "bloods worth bottling mates" I think I kinda love it! Hoo Roo
 
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