Old Timer and Uncle Henry Traditional Folding Knives
Schrade Knives began in 1904 when George Schrade founded the Schrade Cutlery Company in Walden, New York. The brand's most recognizable collections, Old Timer and Uncle Henry, reflect over a century of cutlery craftsmanship. The Old Timer series, introduced in 1958, features traditional patterns like the Sharpfinger, Bearhead Trapper, and Mustang with handle materials such as Delrin and Staglon. The Uncle Henry line, launched in 1965 and named for Henry Baer, offers stainless steel blades with nickel silver bolsters and classic hunting knife designs like the Bruin and Roadie.
D2 Tool Steel and Stainless Blade Options
Modern Schrade knives use steel grades from AUS-8 stainless to D2 tool steel across their product tiers. The Alpha Class features CPM S35VN steel with select models made in the USA. Beta Class knives use D2 carbon steel known for edge retention in tactical and EDC applications. Traditional Old Timer models maintain the heritage of high-carbon steel construction that built the brand's reputation among hunters and outdoorsmen. AUS-8 and AUS-10 are the current baseline steel specifications across the Schrade lineup, balancing sharpness with ease of maintenance.
G-10 and Micarta Handle Construction
Current Schrade production emphasizes upgraded handle materials such as G-10, Micarta, forged carbon fiber, aluminum, and steel. The shift to modern synthetics improves grip texture and durability compared to traditional materials while maintaining the appeal of classic knife designs. G-10 handles appear on models like the Divergent folder and Steel Driver fixed blade, offering secure purchase during field use. The Alpha Class uses forged carbon fiber handles on select USA-made models, combining lightweight properties with structural strength for everyday carry.
Alpha Class USA-Made CPM S35VN Folders
Schrade's Alpha Class marks the brand's return to domestic manufacturing after production moved overseas in 2004. These USA-made folding knives feature CPM S35VN stainless steel blades, a powder metallurgy steel with high edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The Radok folder exemplifies Alpha Class specifications with a 3.75-inch Wharncliffe blade, pivot lock mechanism, and forged carbon fiber handle scales. This tier targets knife enthusiasts seeking American-made production with modern materials and bearing-equipped pivot systems for smooth deployment.
Traditional Slip Joint Patterns and Fixed Blade Designs
The Schrade catalog includes traditional slip joint folders and tactical fixed blades, accommodating collectors of vintage patterns and users needing modern field knives. Classic patterns include the Barlow, Trapper, Congress, and Stockman in both Old Timer carbon steel and Uncle Henry stainless configurations. Fixed blade offerings range from the compact Sharpfinger hunting knife to larger survival designs with AUS-8 steel and G-10 handles. This range allows DLT Trading customers to choose between heritage designs with time-tested materials or contemporary tactical knives built for demanding outdoor use.