1971-1973 SCHRADE WALDEN USA 172UH BEAR SKINNER FIXED BLADE KNIFE WithSHEATH

Overall length - 9.5 inches. Blade length - 5 inches.

Blade material - 1095 High-Carbon Steel. Handle material - Dupont Delrin/"Staglon" (molded to simulate natural deer antler). Serial number - 06312 (among the first 6,312 units built, placing manufacturing early in first year of production 1971). This knife has been used, carried and sharpened.

Blade edge is hair-shaving razor-sharp. Everything is solid and tight - No loose or wobbly parts. Original leather sheath is included (Please refer to pictures).

Founded in 1904 by George Schrade and his brothers in Walden, New York. In 2004 the company, plagued by rising manufacturing costs and overseas competition, closed its factory and filed for bankruptcy, ending a century of continuous USA production.

This specific version of the Schrade Walden model- 172UH was manufactured between 1971 and 1973. The low serial number points to this knife being most likely produced during the first initial run in 1971. The original short-lived production run. During these three years, this knife was produced with 1095 High-Carbon Steel, officially nicknamed the "BEAR SKINNER", and was stamped SCHRADE WALDEN. The factory dropped the word "WALDEN" from its stamps in mid-1973, placing a strict end-date on this knife's era.

Schrade brought back the 172UH model back from retirement for another brief production run. However, these later models were produced with 440A Stainless Steel, nicknamed the "WILDCAT", and were stamped SCHRADE+USA.

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