Schrade's Demise One Year On

yobbos1

yobbos1

Joined
Mar 29, 2002
Messages
2,342
Well it's a year on since the demise of the Ellenville factory. Now that time has given us a little perspective I'd like to know how everyone feels about the loss of our favorite manufacturer. On an additional sad note; I knew they closed the doors in late July but I just realized it was on my birthday. :( Here in Canada there was no flurry of buying in the wake of Schrade's demise so I have just been wandering into Walmarts in different towns and filling out my collection in such a casual manner it's almost embarassing. Haven't had to cast my eyes on any of the Taylor/Chinese stuff yet either. :barf:
 
Of course the shock has worn off. I still have a mix of "that sucks, $%&# Walmart and Taylor and everyone" along with "well, Schrade could have done X different." Just not as severe now.
 
I of course miss having the factory available. Our loss of their customer support and available information is making it very tough on us trying to figure out what when and where, not to mention the loss of the craftsmen.

I am also conserned about those who come after us. They will need to be able to tell the diff between a USA and Internationally made knife. If the USA stamp gets put back on the tang because the knives are assembled here what then?
Maybe it wont matter in a few more years we'll all be using light sabers.

Next year will make for more interesting changes..
TTYL
Larry
 
Like loosing a person near and dear to you, the thoughts shift from... who is to blame to what could they have done different, to what does the future hold. Larry and Carl pretty well touched on thse points.

I think now we, those who care about Schrade history should be scrambling to preserve it. And not just the knives themselves, but the information about the patterns, materials, processes, varients, and the people behind it all.

Each of us has the ability to do research and to document what we find. Networking this information, like we do here and off the forum, is the surest way I know of to preserve Schrade Heritage. Pick a pattern and research the hell out of it. Dig up every crumb of information, old pictures, ads, catalogs, and yes, examples.

And use what resources are already out there. LT has helped us get a resource list started......perhaps it is time to start a resource sticky.

Codger
 
I grew up with an Old Timer in my pocket. I found out they went out of business about six months ago when I tried to oder a 167 Steelhead form BPS, they said it was no longer avialable. After looking at the Schrades I had (just a few) I started looking for them on the web. I'm proud to say, I now own about 20 and when my son grows old he will still have some nice knives to pass on.
 
Good for you, upstream. Your kid will like the knives.

I'm pretty much over it. What is done is done. About Taylor.. would any manufacturer that ended up with Schrade's bones have made any of us really happy? Maybe. That China thing sticks in our craw, but we should remember that Schrade, like Buck, had turned to China before Taylor took over.

My main concern is what Larry and Codger expressed. Preserving the history of Schrade 1904 to 2004. So much I wish I knew that I don't. We have a great source in LT. Wish we had Debbie here, but I know she was seeking a new job, and we really, really hammered on her for information. I hope she found something new.. hope too that she is safe-guarding the Schrade info she has. Wish I could pay her a year's salary to stay home and write a book.

I am trying as several of you are to make this forum the best source of Schrade knowledge available. The place for new collectors or owners of 'Dad's Old Timer' to visit and get answers. Sure I would like one of every Schrade made, but I think just as important, and more realistic, is simply to get a photo, or some other info about every one. I'd like to see the day when the moderators here at BFC move every Schrade question here to us, not BRL's forum.

This is the only 'online community' I am involved with, or visit. The only place on the web where I call other members real friends, despite the fact I have only met one other member in person. I would not have thought this sort of thing possible only a few years ago.

Phil
 

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Maybe some people in and around the Ellenville area would consider a Schrade Show. Nothing fancy mind you, just book a hotel banquet room and run a few ads in the appropriate publications. It could be held every July.
I know, easy for me to say :rolleyes:. I know I'd drive down every year for the chance to meet some folks and pick up some new knives. It would be a nice way to remember the company and especially the people who made up its work force.
 
We'll get over it and many old Schrades will survive, I will hand down a few along with some comments and stories.

Luis

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A perfidious attack on all that was Schrade,
stabbed in the back with a cheap Chinese blade.
 
I try to get the odd one here and there via the Wal-Marts in Calgary. They are getting harder to find. I did manage to get a couple of the stag handled Uncle Henry's last year. I have a Badger and 60TX in my collection as well. Really regret not getting a Sharpfinger NIB - I think it would a great one to have in a collection.

- gord
 
Gord, the Sharpfingers were made continuously from 1974-2004. That is thirty one years of production. New ones are not hard to find, and the price depends on your tastes. A decent user that can be cleaned up, and a new replacement sheath needing dye can be had for less than $20 all day long. An older one in a mint box might set you back $60.00. If you are just after the mint knife and sheath, clam packs can be found for $30 or less. And excellent users for $20-30. Even the scrimshaw editions (502SC) are bargains, and Larry and Phil will tell you that the 152OTO is an eye opener and a $29.95 price including shipping is not bad. Even the rarer later limited editions generally go for low prices considering their relative rarity. Guns and Ammo Magazine had one made as a promotion. Ducks Unlimited did too. A quick search of ebay turns up between 35 and 50 of them week in and week out. Get 'er done! :D

Codger
 
FYI, I think I have seen some Taylor-imported sharpfingers, so like any other schrade be careful on ebay.
 
Yes, the chinee sharpfingers are here. You can buy them retail off the web for twel dallah joe. Bear MGC is making the "Palm Skinner", Camillus the "Gran'pa 152", United has their version "Outdoor Life", and you can buy one made in Pakistan. I am sure I have missed at least one knockoff. Oh yeah, they are appearing now with a "New York Knife Company" stamp. All the more reason to educate yourself about them and other Schrade USA patterns.

Codger
 
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