Schrade Cutlery Company was founded in 1904 by George Schrade, and his brothers Jacob and William Schrade. In 1946 Imperial Knife Associated Companies, (IKAC; an association of Ulster Knife Co and Imperial Knife Co) purchased controlling interest in Schrade Cut Co and changed the name to Schrade Walden Cutlery. In 1973 the name was changed to Schrade Cutlery. In 2004 Schrade closed due to bankruptcy.
This forum is dedicated to the knives that are the legacy of this company. This forum is not the place to discuss the replica knives currently being imported using the Schrade name.
Hi all,
I recently bought a couple of Schrade displays at the auction of an OLD general store here in East Texas. The older one has a piece of wood missing where the blades rested in the display. Everything else looks original. Would you repair and re-paint, or leave as is? Was there a certain pattern knife or a variety of patterns displayed in this type cabinet?
I hope to fill each display with 'period correct' knives (I've already started on the newer one).
Any comments and help are greatly appreciated.
Richard
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Even had 2 original keys in the lock.......
Got my first knife for this cabinet yesterday.....
Mumbly, I would fix (not replace) the broken wood, and definitely not repaint, but try and match up the repair. The age marks and "patina" of the case are important!! My 2 cents.
museum science says: don't do anything that can not be undone.
if you repair the wood, use waterbased glue..same on that fabric.
i think their beautiful as is ...fill them up.
upnorth wrote:Mumbly, I would fix (not replace) the broken wood, and definitely not repaint, but try and match up the repair. The age marks and "patina" of the case are important!! My 2 cents.
on the cutting edge is sometimes not the place to be.
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BUY MORE AMMO R.I.P. Johnnie Fain
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Mumblypeg,
Nice finds! Unlike the red felt case, I believe the wood case was made to display whatever knives the merchant stocked. Normally an assortment of stockmen such as the serpentine stockman or muskrats would be dislayed with the master blade opened and fitted in the top notches. As long as your knives have the Schrade-Walden stamp, you should be OK. (To really go with the period, try for the peachseed bone or butter and molasses handles)
I am including an original brochure of an SW-25 which while not the same is the same vintage this will show you some of the examples of the knives they filled them with. I would fix the holder wood as closly to original as possible. I would have to have a gun at my head to refinish any of these from this period. I have seen many redone they are never right and in fact look better with the age factor. I have two of the same vintage one needed the wood bottom holder wood and in general wood insert anterior insert holder parts done. It came out very nice and makes a great set. Unfortunately getting a pic at this time is just to time consuming. However here are some collage shots I took from a display I did in Ellenville a couple of years ago which has some of this vintage stuff which may help. If i could spare more time i would give you better examples but this should help you ( I hope ) some. As far as the newer 90tys that of course is self explanatory since the models are on the insert. If you check Larrys site I am sure it will give you the model ect again I just do not have time to post it and I know I gave that info to larry ( whose site as we know is invaluable for this stuff) I have a lot more of these 50tys styles all filled in fact I have used some for not only Schrades but other older companies. It should be noted that during this period Schrade , Ulster, Camillus made and used ( in some cases Identical models only changing the lettering. The time to find and buy these from the 50tys was yesterday or today at latest. They appreciate better than the knives and can still be found. The fiftys versions are on the cusp since they just now are being recognized. 40tys cases go for 400 and up. A thirtys display case recently went for 1800 on ebay. They are rare and will go higher. The full glass versions 20tys and before cannot be shipped so are usually sold privately your guess on what they will bring is probably as good as mine. Always remember there are a damn sight less displays left than examples of the knives. NOTE over the years display cases have cheapened the originals were like furniture. then materials changed and the quality changed. The 50tys were in the middle still wood but utilizing plastic and in some cases cardboard. None the less by todays standards still quite nice. If this does not answer your question please advise and I will attempt to help however pulling some of this stuff out is really tough . Some are in old floor displays ( Keen Kutter ect ) . So every move creates the possibility of breaking several at the same time. However stop over and i will show you the entire time line in person. LT PS please check the archives ( perhapes someone can help with where since I am pretty sure i have posted pics of some of the older versions of display before. I am just not clever enough to find it ) Thanks
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Ellenville 4.jpg (74 KiB) Viewed 3740 times
Ellenville 22-32.jpg (95.89 KiB) Viewed 3741 times
Ellenville 13-21.jpg (83.58 KiB) Viewed 3741 times
Thanks LT, I was hoping to hear from you on this. The brochure pic (SW25) is very helpful. If I ever make it up to the northeast, I will have to look you up. I'd love to see your collection. It would probably take a couple of days to see it all.
Again, I thank you, sir. Your knowledge is much appreciated.
Take care,
Richard
PS- Would you believe I only have $55 in both displays?
That was the point i was trying to make those fiftys and sixtys can still be found and frankly at usually a yard sale or almost anywhere, I am not surprised that you found both for 55 . The fiftys one on ebay might bring 100 or 150. However a few years ago on ebay they were 30 to 65. the 90s one will bring 40 to 100+ . The reason for that is because most collectors go for the OT and UH lines since while getting harder to find there are still plenty around. Schrade Waldens are becoming the old farts with deep pockets domain like me and Charlie er Whoops . Sorry Charlie. Eventually this will make the 50tys issues move those into the brackets like the much olders ones.
About 2 months ago a fellow called me from England and said he was coming to NYC on business he asked if he could stop by and see the collection while he was in NY. I agreed on a Saturday morning a black, chauffer driven limo pulled up the fellow introduced himself and we got ready to go in. I asked him what about the fellow driving. He said he would wait until he want to leave. I said No way pal this is the USA you want a tour he gets a tour only difference is you can drink he can't but you can both have the venison cheese steaks and venison homemade Bratwurst. It took him 12,1/2 hours to go through the tour, the discussion, the dinner and 2 bottles. LT
Here is abunch more of LT's displays I have had on my site for a while
click on the small pictures to enlarge. This might give you a little idea why it takes 12 1/2 hrs for the tour.
