Traditional Collection at local knife store

[michaelm466]

The owner of a local knife store I frequent just put out part of his collection for sale, lots of TL-29s (main blade and locking screwdriver/straight blade) as well as some others all made between 1940-1990 Some of the brands I recognized were Schrade, Case, and Camilus all USA made mostly New York, as well as some I didn't recognize such as McLein I think it was, wood handled and plastic, most looked at least slightly used and were dirty, but not rusted, good strong springs, he said they were all between $40 and $100, any particular I should look out for? the ones that weren't TL-29s had the same two blades plus a hook blade, haven't really gotten into traditionals yet so I don't really know what to look for. Thanks for the help.

 

[michaelm466]

Found a picture that looks just like a couple of them, most also have the metal loop thing...

 

[glennbad]

Ones I would tend to gravitate towards would be natural wood handles, like ebony. The plastic/composite handles are not particularly valuable. Also, some of the older ones don't have the brass liner lock. They instead used a mechanism that you push down on the closed knife blade to release the screwdriver blade. They stopped using that lock style, so those are kinda neat. These knives were working knives, so finding an older one in nice shape with full blades and/or etches would be a plus. I'm not sure if Case makes these anymore. Also, the Schrade CutCo or Walden knife tang stamp is more desirable as they are older stamps. Or the Camillus 4-line stamp is an older one too.

Also, $40 seems a little steep to me, even for the older ones, unless they are really clean.

Hope that helps. Don't forget to post pics if you pick some up.

Glenn

 

[mnblade]

$40 seems a little steep to me, even for the older ones, unless they are really clean.

I was going to write exactly that. For a decent gauge on values, check out that big online auction site that rhymes with "flea-bay."

-- Mark

 

[LKJW]

I was going to write exactly that. For a decent gauge on values, check out that big online auction site that rhymes with "flea-bay."

-- Mark

Yup, couldn't agree more. Seems like he overvalues his collection.

 

[300Bucks]

Try for lower price. And as recommended, good wood handles, Case, Cattaraugus, Schrade and Camillus in that order. Jigged bone scales are especially desireable.

300

 

[orca8589]

The style with the 'hooked' blade would be what's called a Janitor's knife. Not military issue IIRC and made for the civilian market.

~Chris