My Favorite Vintage Schrade Pattern - From Al Capone's Vault

[knifeaholic]

I just picked this one up.

Ok not really from Al Capone's vault - but this knife looks like it has never been out of it's original wrapper - most likely the blades have never been opened since the knife was oiled and packed at the old Schrade factory in Walden New York circa 1947 to 1957.

It is a pattern number 836 - from what I could gather looking at the catalog sheets on the Schrade collectors website, this pattern was made in the Schrade Cut Co era, then brought back in the Schrade Walden era and was in the line from about 1947 to 1957.

I have two of these in my collection now - one in brown peachseed bone and one in smooth black like this one. It is far and away my personal favorite Schrade pattern - an elegant but strong split back whittler with a Wharncliffe style frame and a saber ground master blade.

So...I feel honored to be the first person to open this knife up after its been closed and wrapped for over 60 years.

[ozzie marie]

Steve,

I've never opened an older Schrade like that for the first time but did purchase a few Ulsters in their original sealed wrappers.

Got to love that new knife smell

Congrats

Keith

[jerryd6818]

Wow!! Now that's what you call "factory fresh" condition. Don't get the pleasure of seeing that very often.

[FRJ]

Nice score on a beautiful knife, Steve.

I'm fortunate to have a Cut. Co. era model.

[Dinadan]

Steve - great find! Be sure to post some detailed photos (please) of the knife with blades open.

Joe - That is a very nice knife. I guess that is pretty close to my favorite pattern right now; a whittler in that style frame.

[knifeaholic]

Here are more photos.

I think that the smooth black example that I have in my collection now has the exact same imprint on back.

[glennbad]

What an amazing knife! Great to find them in that condition.

[FRJ]

Thanks Mel.

[orvet]

Awesome find Steve!
Thanks for sharing!

[Chase]

Wow! Congratulations on finding that gem! I had to run and grab a towel to clean up the drool after viewing it. That is the kind of stuff I personally been seeking. I have fulfilled the majority of my Sçhrade purchases to fill my displays and what not.....now I have been on the hunt for those SPECiAL knives and this one would certainly fit into that category for me!

Fantastic find and thank you for posting it. Kind of like a Holy Grail knife, lease it would fit in that category for me!

Tom

[wlf]

Great knives Steve and Joe. Steve, it's nice to see such a "seasoned" collector get excited about a knife,duly,that's special. You guys know I like that frame,love the curves.

[djknife13]

Steve, Thanks for sharing that. It's great to find that good a pattern on an old knife in untouched condition. I have had the pleasure 3 times in my life to open an old a knife still in the factory papers, but they were all military stored in cosmoline. I hesitated unwraping them for some time before curiousity won out. One of them was a Schrade too. It was the Korea era black handles switchblade, so I know the blood rush you just experienced. To go where no man has gone before. Congradulations. ____Dave

[wornoutwrench]

Nice.
That Baker Steel and Tube company must have been a class act. Maybe they still are!
Where do I send my resume?