Old Timer Knives

History Of Old Timer Knives

Though the Old Timer brand itself only dates back to 1958, this humble story begins in 1904 in Walden, New York, with the founding of the Schrade Cutlery Company by George Schrade. Schrade knives, known for their quality and craftsmanship quickly gained a loyal following.

In 1946, the Schrade company merged with the Imperial Knife Associated Companies, forming the now iconic Imperial Schrade Corp. This merger brought together three legacy brands, The Ulster Knife Company, Imperial Knife Company, and Schrade.

It was within this larger family that the Old Timer line was born. In 1959, Schrade-Walden introduced the 2OT, after the president of Schrade Cutlery Corp Uncle Henry Baer, desired a good old-fashioned knife. The 2OT was a Barlow knife bearing the now familiar “Old Timer” stamp. In 1960, Old Timer introduced a stockman knife the 8OT, to further expand their classic knife line.

Although Old Timer is commonly associated with Schrade, Old Timers were also put out by another brand of Imperial Schrade Corp. the Ulster knife company. Beginning with the 58OT in the late 1960s, Ulster would continue to make Old Timer knives, including the 50OT, 10OT, and 12OT, till the Ulster knife line was shut down in 1968.

- Old Timer Knives was founded in 1958 by the Imperial Schrade Corporation

- Schrade introduced the 20T Barlow (pictured above) which featured the distinctive "Old Timer" stamp

- In 1960 Old Timer expanded its line by introducing the 80T Stockman

- Ulster also made Old Timer knives, beginning with the 58OT (pictured above) in the late 1960s

- Ulster continued to make Old Timer knives until 1968 when it was shut down

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw significant changes in the knife industry. The rise of stainless steel and overseas manufacturing posed challenges for American brands like Old Timer. After 100 years of knife making, the Imperial Schrade Corp. filed for bankruptcy in 2004, and the Old Timer brand changed hands several times in the following years.

In 2016, Taylor Brands purchased the Old Timer trademark, injecting new life into the iconic brand. Today, Old Timer knives are once again crafted with the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship that made them legends in the first place. The company offers a wide range of knives, from classic pocket knives to hunting and fishing blades, each one bearing the proud Old Timer name.

As Old Timer enters its next chapter, it does so with a renewed commitment to its core values. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality knives that are accessible to everyone, carrying on the tradition of affordability that made Old Timers a favorite among working-class Americans for generations. With a focus on innovation while staying true to its heritage, Old Timer is poised to continue its journey as an American icon, leaving its mark on the hearts and hands of knife enthusiasts for years to come.

- In 2004 Imperial Schrade Corp. filed for bankruptcy after over 100 years of business

- In 2016, Taylor Brands purchased the iconic Old Timer trademark