The new/old 897UH

Codger_64

Codger_64

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As some of you know, the 897UH is my favorite pattern and my EDC. My latest, and oldest 897UH arrived today. The knife is pristine, correct milled liners, all blades marked stainless, three line stamp
SCHRADE WALDEN
....N.Y. U.S.A.
....STAINLESS
and the pattern number 897UH stamped on the pile side of the master blade, serialized A4424. No scratches on the bolsters or blades, and... somehow a master cutler did the final honeing on these blades. I've never gotten a new 897UH with blades this sharp. And they are factory edged.

10r3jtk.jpg


The white slip cover is slightly soiled (I have been too in the last 40 years!), but the box is in as new of condition as the knife. The warranty paper is the correct Schrade Walden paper, but... the insert is from a later knife. How do I know? Schrade Cutlery. That is post-1972. And the feature knives inside include a 171UH. They didn't appear until circa 1970-71. Luckily, the old Codger has the correct paper to add making it 100% correct. :)

I'll do the serial number research the first day this week that I get rained out of work, possibly tomorrow.

Michael
 
I'll be interested in your research Michael. I'd like to throw my serialized 897UH's in the mix too, if you would be so kind.

I have two knives in the same box as yours. One is a Schrade NY, one is a Schrade+. Both are serialized inside the liner. Other than the stamps, they are very similar. Paperwork is complete.

I also have two Schrade Waldens, both in the hinged box. Both are serialized with complete paperwork. The last one is still in transit.

I have one other Schrade Walden, which is loose with no bling. I have several other 897's, but I don't think they are old enough to be serialized.

I am interested to compare serial numbers, delrin mold patterns, and included paperwork.
 
Hi guys i too have a walden 897 ill check my serial too its in a hinged box filed liners we'll see how close they are. this also raises another question ive got a few 897's and have noticed they have the same texture molds on the scales how often did they change them or did they use multiples at one time, i have one in a box like codgers photo but its not a walden and it has a different mold to the other 03-04 knives and alot more sanded down, no rib higher than the bolsters, i dont like the lumpy staglon.i was ripped of with my walden paod in excess of $150 AU now im wiser.
Paul
 
Codger_64 said:
As some of you know, the 897UH is my favorite pattern and my EDC. My latest, and oldest 897UH arrived today. The knife is pristine, correct milled liners, all blades marked stainless, three line stamp
SCHRADE WALDEN
....N.Y. U.S.A.
....STAINLESS
and the pattern number 897UH stamped on the pile side of the master blade, serialized A4424. No scratches on the bolsters or blades, and... somehow a master cutler did the final honeing on these blades. I've never gotten a new 897UH with blades this sharp. And they are factory edged.

10r3jtk.jpg


The white slip cover is slightly soiled (I have been too in the last 40 years!), but the box is in as new of condition as the knife. The warranty paper is the correct Schrade Walden paper, but... the insert is from a later knife. How do I know? Schrade Cutlery. That is post-1972. And the feature knives inside include a 171UH. They didn't appear until circa 1970-71. Luckily, the old Codger has the correct paper to add making it 100% correct. :)

I'll do the serial number research the first day this week that I get rained out of work, possibly tomorrow.

Michael
Click to expand...

Doing more checking, this knife should have also come in the hinged box. So the knife and warranty paper (I think) fit, but the brochure and box don't. They are both later. Show me your papers?
 
SCHRADE/WALDEN/N.Y USA/STAINLESS
12189
STAINLESS on Spey and Sheepfoot
No pattern number mentioned on any claim certificate
897UH_W_F.jpg

897UH_W_B.jpg


-------------

SCHRADE/N.Y. USA/STAINLESS/897UH
R83519
UH on Spey and Sheepfoot
897UH_NY_F.jpg

897UH_NY_B.jpg


-------------

SCHRADE+/USA 897UH
B7347
Unmarked Spey and Sheepfoot
897UH__F.jpg

897UH__B.jpg


-------------

SCHRADE/WALDEN/STAINLESS/N.Y USA
18537
Knife still in transit
Note lines 3 and 4 on tang stamp are reversed from 12189 and 92572
3375_1.jpg

33d9_1.jpg


--------------------------

SCHRADE/WALDEN/N.Y USA/STAINLESS
92572
STAINLESS on Spey and Sheepfoot
No paperwork or box
92572.jpg


In each of these five knives, the blades are "factory honed" to a "Razor Sharp Edge", which seemed to be a trend with some Schrade Walden and Schrade NY stamped stainless blades during the 60's, and early 70's. I have several 825RB's, 855RB's, 898UH, 197UH, and a 285UH with the same factory honed edge.

All three of the Schrade Walden examples have milled liners. Neither of the other two do. As with many boxed knives, I have no idea or proof if box or packaging are original, with the exception of the hinged box holding 12189. I am 99.999% certain it is not original, although I believe it is correct for the time period. Both of the non Walden boxed knives had a tube shaped baggy, which means not much. None had a white dust sleeve. all five of these knives appear to have the same delrin molds, both front and back, with various degrees of coloring.

Please let me know if any details are missing which anyone feels would be beneficial. Thanks to all who participate in this, and special thanks to Codger.
 
this is an issue for all Schrade collectors. we've all seen Schrade boxes of all ages being sold on ebay. i bet about 50% of the time box is not the original.
even with the serialized knives, it is challenging to find all the info needed to verify, and then even more difficult on knives not serialized.
the exception would be those knives purchased from a few sellers (i know of only 1, but there must be others) who are themselves, long time, obsessive Schrade collectors, who are the original owner and honest enough to say if box is not original. roland
 
Interesting now we know there are at least 3 variations of tang stamps on the Schrade Walden 897UH knives. I was very curious if there was an example where 897UH was stamped pile side of a Schrade Walden, as in Codgers New/Old.

I am curious if my "in transit" piece will have the pattern stamp on pile side as well.
 
Wow! Great information! I love it when you guys get interested enough in the minute details to do indepth research! I know from experience that we cannot always go by catalog illustrations. And think of all the knives out there (and here) whose boxes and papers got mixed by merchants, original buyers and collectors since they left the factory. We know also that many knives were made and sold before they appeared in the catalogs, and when a change was made in name, production details, accompanying paperwork, it was hardly ever like throwing a switch. Old stock got used up first. And some old stock got returned to Schrade for repolish and repackage and then reshipped. Once the earlier packaging was gone, they would use the packaging then on hand.

Anyone else have 897UH knife, packaging and insert info they care to add? I'll scan one of my odd 897UH this evening if I can locate it. It is one of those that makes me go..."Huh?".
 
Awesome.

A few years ago I posted about having a 897UH still in a clamshell package unopened. It has the Hunter Safety button in it also. You gave me info on it and told me I should enjoy it. I just can't seem to open it. Knowing once I open it, well, its opened. Every so often I think about opening it. But then I wait. Its like having a Christmas present you can see, but know when you finally get it, then its not new anymore.

My other problem is, I would want to carry it, but being stainless instead of carbon that kinda makes me stick with my yellowhandle case stockman. Maybe one day I will open and enjoy it, but until then, I still have anticipation. haha.
 
Hoss, you can still get a new one without the packaging at a reasonable price. Below last suggested MSRP in fact. Or opt for a similar knife in the Old Timer line with 1095HC blades. Or one of each. Or two of each....or...:)

Michael
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527205

Above is the link to my recent find. I bought the 2 old Timers with 1095. Very well built, but they are a little bulkier than my medium stockman Case Cv. They were not super sharp and I have had a terrible time trying to get a good edge on that 1095. I'm usually pretty good too, but I guess its such a strong steel its fighting me pretty good.
 
Since this a perfect venue to exhibit obsessive behavior, and a nice sunny day to take pictures, here my other four 897UH knives.

897UH_4.jpg


1) A user, has the tang ground off #77379 likely a Schrade NY, maybe a Walden
2) SCHRADE+/USA 897UH, no other distictive marks, other than one of those tiny very defined tang stamps
3) CRAFTSMAN/STAINLESS/9552 STAINLESS marked on spey and sheepfoot
4) SCHRADE+/USA 897UH from the smaller sized brown box, no other markings

1 and 3 have the razor edge, and same delrin mold
2 and 4 have a no factory razor edge, and a newer raised bumpier mold.

A good example of different color variations in delrin.

I do not have any 897UH's in the newer boxes.
 
Very nice knives all!! Now maybe I have a little more knoeledge why my brother-inlaw wants me to find him a 897 or two. I personally never carried a UH as I'm more of an OT kinda guy, but the more I read and learn about the UH"s maybe I need to get me some too? My BIL says there his favorite and I figured because he is a DVM (veternarian) that was his main reason (Stainless) maybe not, just a dang good user as well!
 
The True Value Hardware MM897 Master Mechanic SFO:
33c9aj7.jpg


And the odd one, yes, an 897UH!
1089vuo.jpg
 
Sorry, none of the older style boxes, only the last style used, if that is any help.

Rusty1

dsc0154bq0.jpg


dsc0156yf6.jpg


Imposter 897UH, 897UH body but main blade is stamped 98OT

dsc0153pr7.jpg
 
Guys here is my 897UH serial Number 87174 ,Schrade walden has the same paper work as thawk's. also have one in the lift of box like the others shown non walden same paperwork forgot to check if its got serial numbers . tried puting the pic in but got rejected. Paul
 
897UH_sw18xxx.jpg


I received Schrade Walden #18537 today.
No pattern number on pile side.
Tiny tang stamp.
Same Delrin mold. A little blacker in color.
There appears to be blemish in Delrin ro left of center pin, but it's just shine from a raised point in the texture.
 
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