14OT Wood Handle

[MikeB1953]

Years ago (early 80's) I was the Schrade rep for the state of Indiana. The first few weeks, my sales manager rode with me to introduce me to all the accounts. I am now starting to sell all my samples and trying to find a worth for them. Many knives, when they were produced, were stamped with my number (SS4) which represented Salesman Sample #4. I came across this knife that was never put into the line for some reason. As you can see, it is a 14OT but with wood handles. There is no serial number on it nor can I find anything in publications about it. Any Ideas from anyone or has anyone ever seen this before? I know it's not a fake because when it was given to be, we were in the office of Schrade/Imperial. I think we were at the factory in Ellenville, NY. Thanks.

[Bob W.]

I have one exactly like that, purchased as a closeout just after the factory closed. I have no idea of the origin, although it's been suggested it may have once been destined to be a Ducks Unlimited or similar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/ ... C_1238.jpg

[ea42]

Greetings Mike! I work with Dave S., Harold B., and Wally (the boss) over at Canal Street Cutlery, I'll copy your pics and show them on Monday, perhaps one of those guys will recall it. Almost looks like the old Mighty Oak handle material or something similar.

Eric

[Bob W.]

A little more information about mine - I went into the safe to look at the knife and records. It has the same leather sheath as Mike's. I purchased it n 2005 from eBay, long before the current off-shore handle jobs started hitting the market. Paid $32 for it, but was once offered a bunch of money for the knife (which I declined). Mine is packaged in a plain white box and hot-stamped "14OT - W," which was likely done as the employees were emptying the factory.

[MikeB1953]

Bob W.

FYI- Mine is in a plain white box also with no markings on the box.

[ea42]

I'm wondering if possibly they were samples for a possible Chicago Cutlery knife that never materialized. That's about the time (late seventies - early eighties?) that Schrade was making a line of folders for them.

Eric

[MikeB1953]

Could be Eric, problem is I don't remember Chicago having varnished wood on their stock. It was more of a raw wood. Also a deeper stain color. But.....Who knows.

[tongueriver]

I have one, also. Bought it off the bay in about 2008, I think. I see them on that site once in awhile. I think they were in the bankruptcy inventory, but that does not explain just what they represent. Mine would like a new home.

[ea42]

Haven't had a whole lot of luck pinning it down yet Mike, Dave recalls having them made but doesn't recall who the customer was. He did remember that it was a promotional knife for a company who wanted to keep it at as low a price as possible so they used pre-cut handles and no guard to cut the cost.

Eric

[Shearer]

There is one on Ebay with a little history when the seller received the knife.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schrade-140T-Ne ... 1c3ea24fcf

Grant

[ea42]

Wow Grant, nice sleuthing!!! That would be a promotional knife alright!

Eric