The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $1,195 delivered within the contiguous United States.
A. Schrader's Son, a prominent American diving equipment manufacturer from the 19th to 21st centuries, is most renowned for their iconic diving helmets. Yet, their reach extended far beyond headgear, providing divers with complete underwater outfits - including, of course, knives.
Among these, the Mark V knife reigns supreme in collector circles. Finding examples bearing the Schrader stamp is particularly challenging, making them a centerpiece for any serious Mark V collection.
However, Schrader offered an alternative: the friction knife, also known as the spring knife. As you can see in the image below, this ingenious design features a blade that slides into the sheath with a spring-loaded metal strip providing resistance. Compared to the Mark V's threaded system, this knife was advertised as more user-friendly and intuitive.
But popularity isn't always reflected in numbers. Surviving examples suggest that few divers in the early 20th century preferred this style.
The photos showcase the knife's well-preserved condition. Decades of underwater service have aged it gracefully, leaving behind a story etched in its details. The stainless steel blade, while exhibiting some surface pitting, bears no scars of harsh treatment. The company stamped one one side of the blade reads "A. Schrader's Son Inc., Brooklyn, NY, USA."
The wooden handle, boasting a beautiful patina, tells its own tale. A single crack graces its length, yet the wood remains strong and sturdy. Finally, the brass sheath and other brass hardware stand as silent witnesses to countless underwater adventures.
This rare A. Schrader's Son friction knife presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of American-made diving history. Don't let this chance to add a touch of maritime magic to your collection slip away!
The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $1,195 delivered within the contiguous United States.