Vintage

Case knives from the mid-1900s often have bone or stag handles and high-carbon steel blades that age with a distinctive patina. Schrade’s Old Timer series, introduced in the 1950s, earned its place through reliable performance and its classic slip-joint design.

The materials and type of knife blades found in vintage knives often differ from those used in modern production. Many older blades use carbon steel, which can take a fine edge but needs regular care to prevent rust. Handles were made from wood, bone, celluloid, and early plastics—each showing wear and character in its own way.

Knife collectors pay attention to details like:

• Number of blades (some knives have two or three for different uses)
• Tang stamps (marks that show who made the knife and when)
• The “walk and talk” (how the blade opens, closes, and clicks into place)
  

Condition and rarity affect value. Depending on the brand and era, some collector knives can reach into the hundreds or thousands.

Some people collect knives for their usefulness. Others enjoy the connection to a time when tools were made to last and passed down across generations.

Don’t forget to check out our traditional pocket knife collection for today’s take on form and function.

Looking for something specific? Let us know. We can help you find the right knife for your collection or your pocket. And if you’ve got an old favorite that needs some care, ask about our knife restoration services to bring it back to life.