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How did you get started Collecting Schrade Knives?

I was In Florida working and received a phone call from my step-dad asking if I could come to NY to help him inventory his knife collection and prepare it for sale. His health was failing and he stated that he wanted to sell off the collection and give the money to my mom in the event something happened to him. My travel schedule was really full, however, I was able to get some time off in 3 weeks and I told him I would be there.

Unfortunately he passed 2 weeks later. I was devastated and disappointed that I had not gotten the opportunity to help him out with his project. Long story short, Mom asked me to go ahead and do what DOC wanted with the collection.

I packed up the collection and brought from NY to MD and spent the next 6 months researching the values of the knives and talking to Knife people. I found that I wasn't going to have the time to sell the knives individually and was trying to sell the collection as a whole. Everyone told me to break it up and sell it, however, I couldn't do it. He had approximately 400 knives and I was able to get three buyers, who all offered me a price.

After speaking with Mom, she said to sell it to the highest offerer! I had grown to really appreciate the knives for what they were and found great pleasure in doing the research. I didn't feel that any of the offers was sufficient for what the collection consisted of, and I told my Mom I hated to see the collection leave the family. She wanted to give me the collection, however, I stated I would only take it IF she sold it to me! We agreed that I would pay the amount equal to the highest offer we had....

That was in 2006 and I have tripled the size of the collection and added many displays and other Schrade items to the mix!

4 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on November 16, 2013 at 4:14

Great story, thanks for sharing, these knives get in your blood.

Permalink Reply by Tom Chase on November 16, 2013 at 5:41

That's exactly what happened. Through all of the researching and contacts I made, I developed a huge interest, besides the fact that I hated to see the collection leave the family. I am hooked and will remain hooked on the Schrade USA knives until the day I die. I plan to pass the knife collection onto my grandchildren, not sure how that's going to work yet as I have two now with a third on the way, however, I will figure it out...LOL

Schrade was a huge part of my family as my mom, dad, step dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters and myself all worked there at some point during our lives. I only worked there for a year between graduating high school and joining the Air Force in 1978. Back then, the knives didn't mean much to me, other than a job. If I only knew then what I know now......hindsight....LOL

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on November 17, 2013 at 9:43

LOL, hindsight is always good

Tom, it IS a great story and we are watching the same thing unfold with a few new members right now. Helping their fathers or grandfathers find values and researching they are finding that they too are hooked. What I love about your story is not only the family connection but the fact that you have actively grown the collection. You have some fantastic pieces that are outside just the knives. The memorabilia you have been able to get is just phenomenal and in amazing shape. Keep up the good work and I appreciate your sharing such a treasure with us

Permalink Reply by Brad T. on November 17, 2013 at 10:54

My interest started with a 51OT my father n law gave me in 2008. I did a little research and got hooked on the history.

Permalink Reply by Tom Chase on November 17, 2013 at 18:29

That 51 OT is one hefty folder! I like it very much and would like to have seen it with some different cover options as well.

Tom

Permalink Reply by Ricky L McConnell on December 17, 2013 at 20:49

I always carried Schrades growing up. I think maybe because they were more affordable. I too have recently been hooked on the Schrade USA knives. I really like the open stock models and they are easy to find on the net.

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