Should I or Shouldn't I?

U

Ulster

Joined
Oct 30, 2007
Messages
35
I just purchased a still packaged Uncle Henry LB7 3 Pin Harley-Davidson knife, part number (Harley) ends in 88V, so it is an 88 even if produced before that.
It is in a blister pack, still sealed with a sheath stamped Harley Davidson, the guarantee papers are there, the package is pristine, still has the original price sticker from the dealer. (was a personal friend of mine, I purchased it from his daughter, he passed a couple years ago)

Question: should I open it and use it, open it for display, or leave it like it is.
I only paid 60.00, I would guess it is worth more, do not plan on selling it. I am from Ellenville, had lots of friends who worked at Schrade, always wanted one of these, (I am a biker) but could not afford one, and couldn't even get a second from the factory.

Opinions please?
Thanks,
Ulster
 
Last edited:
I personally would keep it like it is, and keep a note with it in memory of the friend. But you will find many varying opinions on this in here. Some will say to use it in his memory, and others will say open it but display it nicely. What it really comes down to is how YOU really feel about it.

Dave
 
Dave:
Thanks for the response. I actually bought it to use. I have no family other than the Mrs, and no kids, so I have no one to leave anything to. I think it comes under the terminology, "who am I saving it for?"
I am going to think on it a few days, but ultimately, I am probably going to use it.
Thanks again
 
I have a fair number of knives I don't use, but the ones I use become good friends. They are the ones I come to love the most. They get better with age in the pocket. I hope you do use it, if you are not inclined to gather up a bunch of knives to collect and keep and hoard based on rarity and value. I do both. I suggest you fool around with it until you get it really really sharp, and use it to cut stuff. And take it out and rub it and snap it and sniff it (yes, steels do have different smells). And also buy some knives that you keep in the dark mostly and only bring out to admire. Well... that's what I think, anyway.
 
Ulster,
A genuine Schrade HD LB7 with an HD sheath? And you're a biker? That one has no business being anywhere but on your belt:D Enjoy the hell out of it!:thumbup:

Are you still in the Ellenville area? I'm just outside of Wurtsboro myself, but I do make occassional forays into Ellenville, especially when I can get a chance to hobnob with the folks at Canal Street Cutlery. It sure is sad to drive by the old plant and see it just wasting away.

Eric
 
Last edited:
EA:
nope, no more Ellenville, been gone for 25 years, in two different states. Use to get there occasionally, but no more. homeplace sold, only have 1 friend left, (everyone else moved or RIP).
 
Ulster, here's how i see it. some Schrade 'guys' put their best efforts into making your knife so that it would function smoothly, cut well and be someone's companion for many years. their best efforts are for nothing as long as the knife remains in the packaging. don't let 'the boys' down. open it up, handle it, examine it closely, all the little details, then carry and use it a bit, then tune up the edge and continue to enjoy the efforts the Schrade employees put into it. that's what they made them for. don't let their work and efforts go to waste.
roland
 
I agree with the guys that you should use it and use it often. The only way the world will ever know what a treasure it has truly lost is by continuing to use the knives produced by the men, women, and steel of that Schrade factory and by doing so, honoring their fine work.
 
I have two knives that belonged to a friend of mine who died recently.
One I had traded from him & another I got in a roundtable swap.
I still carry them & remember Johnnie when I use the knives.
I think using the knife is a good way to remember & honor your friend.

Dale
 
Thanks guys. I thought about it today on the road, like I said, always wanted one, have one of the first LB7's, wore the blade completely out of it, had it rebuilt by the factory, has a serial number that I think starts with a C, still use it occasionally, but really wanted the HD version. Got it, gonna use the snot out of it, and keep it sharp as a razor.
Thanks again for the input. BTW, I have LOTS OF Schrades, some brand new, some I have had since a boy, ( I am 58) so using ONE is not going to mess up the collection. lol
 
Ulster said:
Thanks guys. I thought about it today on the road, like I said, always wanted one, have one of the first LB7's, wore the blade completely out of it, had it rebuilt by the factory, has a serial number that I think starts with a C, still use it occasionally, but really wanted the HD version. Got it, gonna use the snot out of it, and keep it sharp as a razor.
Thanks again for the input. BTW, I have LOTS OF Schrades, some brand new, some I have had since a boy, ( I am 58) so using ONE is not going to mess up the collection. lol
Click to expand...

I'd sure like to see some pictures of some of the ones you've had since you were a boy. If you ever find the time to show them, there would be some appreciation around here. Lot's of old Schrade fans.
 
Well, I wouldn't use it to pry paint cans open but knives were meant to be used and that is a good one. LB7 are one of my favorites and I have had several, gave many away as gifts. I would carefully open it from the back and keep the packaging. It would drive me nuts to have a blister packed knife I couldn't fondle.
 
Belt up and enjoy! Use a reasonable amount of care, and it will look good for years or longer
 
Well, the deed is done. Opened it up, bolsters were just starting to spot with a little tarnish, a little MAAS polish fixed that right up. Oiled up the sheath with some dressing, BOY is this a beautiful knife.
I did do like WB3 said, opened if from the back just enough to get it out, saved the packaging.
Thanks for the input guys, soon as I figure out how to do so, I will post pics of my other schrade stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top