{"id":1506,"date":"2014-03-25T21:57:40","date_gmt":"2014-03-26T04:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/?p=1506"},"modified":"2023-05-07T21:55:25","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T04:55:25","slug":"schrade-knives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/schrade-knives\/","title":{"rendered":"Schrade Knives"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"author-info\"><img src = \"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/contributor1.jpg\" class=\"user-avatar\" \/> <span class=\"entry-author\" itemprop=\"author\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\"><a href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/author\/matt\/\" class=\"entry-author-link\" rel=\"author\" itemprop=\"url\"><span class=\"entry-author-name\" itemprop=\"name\">Matt Davidson<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><p class=\"tdm-descr\">We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.<\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4117\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Brand-banner-Schrade.jpg\" alt=\"Brand-banner-Schrade\" width=\"809\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Brand-banner-Schrade.jpg 809w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Brand-banner-Schrade-150x46.jpg 150w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Brand-banner-Schrade-300x93.jpg 300w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Brand-banner-Schrade-768x237.jpg 768w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Brand-banner-Schrade-450x139.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 809px) 100vw, 809px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"brandspecs\">\n<h6>Brand\u00a0Summary<\/h6>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Parent Company: <\/strong>Taylor Brands LLC<\/li>\n<li><strong>Headquarters: <\/strong>Kingsport, TN, USA<\/li>\n<li><strong>Product Focus: <\/strong>EDC, Traditional, Tactical, Survival<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target Markets: <\/strong>Budget ( &lt; $75), Mid-Range ($75-$200)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Production Facilities: <\/strong>China<\/li>\n<li><strong>Website: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schrade.com\/\">https:\/\/www.schrade.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>You might not have heard of the name Schrade, but chances are you have seen their products a number of times and never realized it. <a title=\"Schrade\" href=\"https:\/\/www.schrade.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Schrade Knives<\/strong><\/a> has been around for well over a hundred years, and produces some of the most common pocket folding knives in America. \u00a0Once upon a time these fine knives were produced with tremendous quality and attention to detail. \u00a0Unfortunately, for business reasons the Schrade company has changed hands a number of times since first being founded. \u00a0Does the Schrade name continue to represent outstanding quality and workmanship? \u00a0 Read on&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2>A brief history<\/h2>\n<p>Schrade Knives began in 1904 as the <strong>Schrade Cutlery Company<\/strong>, founded in Walden, New York. Schrade Cutlery Company produced cutlery of a quality that was unheard of at the time, and the company grew and ultimately expanded its operations. Another knife-making company, the <strong>Imperial Knife Company<\/strong>, was founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1916. The Imperial Knife Company manufactured a full range of value-priced folding pocket knives.<\/p>\n<p>In 1941, Albert M. Baer purchased the Ulster Knife Company, merging it with the Imperial Knife Company to form the Imperial Knife Associated Companies. Later, in 1946, Schrade Cutlery was sold to Imperial Knife Associated Companies, and the conglomerate was renamed to <strong>Schrade-Walden Cutlery Co., Inc.<\/strong> In 1983, Albert M. Baer took the company private to avoid a hostile takeover, and renamed the company Imperial Schrade Company in 1985. Today, the intellectual property (including all patents and knife-making concepts) of Imperial Schrade Corporation is owned by <strong>Taylor Brands LLC. \u00a0<\/strong>In a further plot twist, Taylor Brands LLC was purchased by firearms maker<strong> Smith &amp; Wesson\u00a0<\/strong>in July 2016.<\/p>\n<h2>The Taylor Era<\/h2>\n<p>While growing up in Kingsport, TN, Stewart Taylor was an avid collector of old knives, daggers and swords. \u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Taylor begun\u00a0selling knives when he was a student at Emory &amp; Henry College. \u00a0He published an advertisement in &#8220;Coin Magazine&#8221; for a Coca-Cola bottle-shaped knife which cost him $10 and was able to sell it for $25. \u00a0His entrepreneurial journey had begun. \u00a0He graduated in 1974 and started in the knife business by 1975, working with Asian manufacturers. \u00a0Fast forward to 2004 when Taylor Brands acquired the rights to produce Schrade knives as well as the Uncle Henry and Old Timer trademarks. \u00a0Taylor\u00a0decided that production of all Schrade knives would be based in Asia, primarily China and Taiwan. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unfortunately, in doing so many knife users and enthusiasts declared that the high quality and craftsmanship previously associated with the Schrade knives had deteriorated. \u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Without doubt, it was a sad day when Schrade closed it&#8217;s US based factory.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Experience and quality<\/h2>\n<p>Prior to the \u00a0takeover by Taylor Brands, Imperial Schrade has maintained dominance in the knife industry primarily by the strength of its workforce. Imperial Schrade is known for its strong workforce and talented craftsmen, many of whom are third- and fourth-generation employees. It is common with the Schrade name for grandchildren to learn the knife making trade from parents and grandparents, passing along generations of skill and talent to maintain a rich heritage of crafting fine knives. Imperial Schrade also keeps up with the latest technology, merging its decades of experience with the latest tools and trade practices.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-585\" title=\"Schrade Old Timer\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Schrade-Old-Timer.jpg\" alt=\"Schrade Old Timer\" width=\"180\" height=\"161\" \/>Imperial Schrade was known for their pocket knives, especially their folding knives and fixed hunting and fishing knives. The company \u00a0produced a fine line of some of the best diving knives in the industry. Their most popular knife, though, is probably the <strong>Old Timer<\/strong>, which was manufactured by Imperial Schrade for decades. These knives feature between two and four blades, with a distinctive appearance that you can probably remember seeing in your grandfather\u2019s hand during your childhood.<\/p>\n<p>The Schrade Old Timer is a durable knife, probably durable enough to span generations. The Old Timer is made from traditional cutlery steel and stainless steel, and the handles are crafted from Delrin or Staglon, both very durable materials. The Old Timer is almost unbreakable and shockproof, and is backed by a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1509\" title=\"Schrade Uncle Henry\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Schrade-Uncle-Henry.jpg\" alt=\"Schrade Uncle Henry\" width=\"180\" height=\"160\" \/>The next popular name in Schrade pocketknives is the Uncle Henry. Like the Old Timer, the Uncle Hendry was made with superior materials and expert craftsmanship. These knives have also been carried by Americans for decades, and are prized for their durability and value. The Uncle Henry typically comes with one or two blades, and is made with a stainless steel blade and Staglon handle scales. Also in the Uncle Henry lineup are a number of fine-quality fixed blade hunting knives and skinning knives, used by hunters and fishers for many years.<\/p>\n<p>Note &#8211; to ensure the highest quality consider buying a used Schrade knife which bears the &#8220;USA&#8221; stamp.<\/p>\n<h2>Keeping with the times<\/h2>\n<p>That brings us to some other popular knives in the Schrade lineup today. \u00a0Unlike the original Uncle Henry and Old Timer knives, we recognize that not all Schrade knives today may not\u00a0necessarily be made from the finest materials and are crafted by knife makers with decades of experience. \u00a0Still, perhaps my favorite Schrade knife (other than the original Old Timer) is the Schrade Extreme Survival Knife.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1511\" title=\"Schrade Extreme Survival Knife\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Schrade-Extreme-Survival.jpg\" alt=\"Schrade Extreme Survival\" width=\"494\" height=\"98\" srcset=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Schrade-Extreme-Survival.jpg 494w, https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Schrade-Extreme-Survival-300x59.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This knife is made from 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel, and is powder coated black for excellent conceal ability. The Schrade Extreme sports Micarta handles, and a 6.4\u201d blade length and 5.6\u201d handle length. The knife weighs 1.1 lbs., and comes with a nylon sheath. The blade holds its edge quite well, and can be sharpened to a razor-sharp edge. The Schrade Extreme comes as a fixed blade or an assisted opener, and either one is a decent\u00a0choice for a survival knife.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-1512\" title=\"Schrade OTF\" src=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Schrade-OTF.jpg\" alt=\"Schrade OTF\" width=\"300\" height=\"57\" \/>A somewhat unique offering, Schrade also manufactures an \u201cout-the-front\u201d assisted open spear point knife for EDC use (the <strong>SCHOTF<\/strong> series). This knife features an <a title=\"Guide to the Best Knife Steel\" href=\"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/discovering-the-best-knife-steel\/\">AUS-8 high carbon stainless steel<\/a> double-edge spear point blade that holds a razor-sharp age quite well. The black insert bubbled overlay provides excellent grip, and the knife is sharp enough for most tactical and EDC uses. The knife is great for first responders and hunters, as well as anybody who wants a highly functional EDC knife with a glass break tool and terrific blade.<\/p>\n<p>Schrade Knives has been known for more than a hundred years for making the best quality knives at excellent prices, but whether\u00a0that tradition continues under the Taylor Brands ownership is debatable. The USA made knices harken back to your grandfather (or even great-grandfather), and are crafted from the finest of materials by knife makers who have learned the trade from their fathers and their fathers\u2019 fathers. \u00a0In my opinion, you can\u2019t go wrong with a USA-made Schrade knife, whether your intended use is hunting, skinning, filleting, or woodworking. \u00a0In fact, I always recommend a Schrade knife as a great Father&#8217;s Day gift idea. \u00a0Just beware that your shiny new Schrade may not live up to the same standards your grandfather was used to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Headquarters: <\/strong>Minnesota, USA<br \/>\nSchrade Knives began in 1904 as the Schrade Cutlery Company, founded in Walden, New York. Once upon a time these fine knives were produced with tremendous quality and attention to detail.  Unfortunately, for business reasons the Schrade company has changed hands a number of times since first being founded. Today, Schrade is owned by Taylor Brands LLC.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9336,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1506"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1506"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12431,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1506\/revisions\/12431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9336"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/knifeinformer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}