BORN IN THE USA

[lt632ret]

Alrighty then just for Lobo (ie woofer ) some knife content. Tired of the same old stuff OK lets try this. First of all I am doing an article for the AKA switchblade newsletter on this particular piece so I really am going to be a bit nebulus but you guys can I am sure can read between the lines and frankly I wanted you to have first shot at this. The flat side lever release was made by Jaeger and Areial or AC knife company they both were pretty much the same company they made these knives for Union Cutlery and Case ( although I have only heard of one Case one in existence and you could by it or a full size Hummer for the same money.) I believe Sargent had the only pic of it in one of his books. The Kabar or union versions bring 5000 and up. I am not going to go into all the history ( and there is some interesting stuff about these knives ) it seems a warehouse full of parts was found in the 70tys and drove the prices way down on these for a while. That is why most that you see are in great condition with stag handles the market got flooded . At least that is the story??? Oh well that is another tale. I am posting some pics of a Union (ie KABAR) Jaeger and AC so that you can see what they look like. Now there is a forth knife the one on the right. It also is American Made it is brand new in fact it is only one of 5 in existence however it is due to hit the market in a few weeks. This is number five and as I understand it the button will be smaller if there is one again this is a proto. The tang is a bit blurry ( that is my fault in taking the pic ) it is in reality quite crisp and clear. Not only is this the first flat side lever release in decades but it carries the Schrade Cut Co tang and is made right here in the USA. I found out about this knife and several other Schrade jigged bone patterns presently being produced and others soon to be released. When I contacted the present owner of Schrade and bitched about him not making american knives. I even offered to help contract them just to get an american version on the market. Thats when he sent me the prototype. OK the problem is that they cost more than the commy crap . However they are I feel a better knife history has shown that Americans will buy from there worst enemey if the product costs less . So this line may well go down the tubes. Perhapes as in the past the fact that an auto is being offered may yet save the day. I don't know all I know is that we have a choice and if we support that choice more patterns and choices will evolve. So you decide . PS please remember this is a proto and the actual release versions will differ. ( What a shame I have to suffer having this one of a kind one ). LT

[ea42]

LT, those vintage side levers are sweet! I'd buy the new one in a heartbeat. I've definitely got no problem buying a US made Schrade, and it's great to see someone with the guts to introduce an old concept like that again. I'm familiar with that manufacturers products, they make a nice knife. If the springs on these new autos are as strong as the springs on their slippies, the blade tip will probably break the sound barrier when it opens .
Here's a shot that Bruce Voyles provided elsewhere, i don't imagine he'd mind it posted here as well. They seem to be a little closer to production versions than the one above, which looks like a true proto. How do you get so lucky??!!
Eric

[muskrat man]

that's cool. Looks like GEC production.

[knfcollector]

All I know Rich is that I want one. It would also be great if they would reproduce some other vintage patterns.

[lt632ret]

It is my understanding that is the intention.

[Rusty1]

I think I will have to jump on the bandwagon for this offering, looking foward to their release, should be a winner me thinks.

Rusty1

[Ringmaster]

I don't do switchblades, as a rule. Back in about '85 or so, I had a dear friend that really, really wanted one, so I bought one of the new/old Jaegar's at a show for him. Biggest piece of junk I've seen in awhile... took it back to my table, and flipped it open 3 or 4 times, and the lever fell off. Cost me $75 bucks, trying to do a favor for a friend.

The Pakistani's could do better than that.
JR

[lt632ret]

I have had people bring me or ask me where to get the same knives fixed with the same problem. Frankly there are a lot of blanks spots in these knives history. The two I have in the original posting pics they throw like champions and I have never had a problem if I had I would be glad to tell you so. the Union is as real as they get and Levine has questions about them. In spite of markings ect, In any event it also works excellant as does the proto. Paki's or indi's are another whole entire study I have some dandys. They also work well even the ones made to imitate English knives. As I am sure you are aware the purpose of the post was to show the type of knife and happily make people aware that they were available. Made in the USA

[peterforce]

so the proto you have is 1 of 5 protos.{for sale by chance?} i love protos.who doesnt!!
so this is made by none american owned schrade but made in the usa? confusing anymore explanation anyone.thanks. also when are tehy due to hit streets. also you simply just called and they sent you the proto free? if they did nice!!!-pete

[lt632ret]

I do not know what this means ( "so this is made by none american owned schrade but made in the usa?" ) However if you read the thread (Response to inquirys regarding Schrade Collectors Society) This forum please look it up. It may shed some light on what this is all about and why I would or could make such a phone call which would be responded to in this manner. No It is not for sale neither are any of the knives in my book of which I own all and is in its third printing and has been out for 7 years. Oh yes and if I say something is as it happened you can count on it being true my word is all I really care about at this point in my life. However you have a perfectly valid question feel free to email at lt632ret@frontiernet.net and I will answer any of your qualms. PS have you got anything for sale ? LT

[Rusty1]

Peter, I'm sure LT will answer any questions you have further regarding Switchblades, Just in case you or anyone else doesn't know, Schrade these days is still American owned based in TN, most of the knives they offer are made in China, with a few exceptions that have been made in the USA.

Rusty1

[peterforce]

many companies are "now based" in america.but if the knife except with a few exceptions is made somewhere else.it is its country origin.the origin of the knife or where its actually crafted seems to be more important.remeber ive been collecting for only about 2yrs.and have just started opening my eyes to truly learning knife history about a year ago.

i also want to say that it is a pleasure to meet someone who knows switchbaldes just as i come across my first switchblade,auto,butterfly lot. honestly i just came across lot that genetleman is holding for me to take a look at about 3 days ago.

really though its just good to meet both of you. the pleasure is all mine.

pissed off that im still missing camillus final knife auction tommorrow -pete PS

i do have some for sale imperials,hammer brands, an ICKO, some are from a recent lot buy- others are from personal collection.
recent buys were 2 nice bulldogs{german} and a nice stag canal st cutlery{USA}also a nice mint fishermans Imperial.i would say 1970's.

ALL I WANT IS JUST ONE NICE Case sunfish.heeelllllllllllppppppppppppp!!! im sure thats on a lot of lists here.

if i part with knives.its normally to buy others.
in a few days im picking up from someone a really awesome knife display that comes from the phillipines.the locals made it for soldiers on their way home-it has about 15 little knives on it that represented basically the knives of that era in the phillipines.that i ve already seen but- he has what is gonna be my first fixed blade knife with a -I like the sound of this."some kind of jewel or stone on the handle with a heavy metal sheath".the gentleman is in his seventies and when i asked him what kind of knife it was he said "A BIG KILLING KNIFE" the history behind this one knife im sure it will also be my first phillipine knife.i think ill start another topic with it turns out to be a neat treasure.

[W5RWU]

The only problem I ever had with Taylor Brand Schrade was they are made in China
USA made Taylor Brand Schrade , problem solved , Thanks LT for showing the prototype,
Now send it back to me you have had it long enough
Randy