When the name Smith and Wesson is mentioned, images of the Wild West and quick, gun slinging heroes and villains come to mind. In fact, there are very few names that ring of tradition, quality and good old fashioned Americanism than Smith and Wesson. But did you ever stop to think about what kind of knives those early cowboys, deputies and bank robbers used? Not surprisingly, the answer isn’t Smith and Wesson, but its sister company, Schrade Knives.

Schrade has been providing knives for civilians and soldiers alike for the last century. However, they haven’t always done it under the parent company they’re now under. They used to be an independent company and have been doing so out of Ellenville, New York since 1904. About thirty years ago, they joined up with Smith and Wesson under the parent company Taylor Brands, from the Appalachian mountains of Kingsport, TN.

Just because their name changed does not mean Schrade knives have become any less qualified to be called one of the best knives on the market. They have translated their unyielding quality to modern manufacturing techniques, leading to more available, superior knives that any of our great grandparents would be proud to own

Unfortunately, it wasn’t always a smooth road for Schrade. During the summer of 2004, Schrade decided to close their doors forever. Many knife collectors scrambled to buy their favorite knife and keep it for their collections. Little did they know that Taylor Brands would quickly pick the brand up off the floor, dust off their image, and start manufacturing knives under their trade name again.

Their newer products include the versatile Uncle Henry knife, their coveted Old Timer knives, and many others. There are hundreds of stories and testimonials from happy customers, from world champion moose callers to heroic mountain EMT rescue teams.

Straight from the horse’s mouth, Schrade publishes a "Bill of Rights" in which they discuss what to look for in a quality knife. In this, they outline the many things that distinguish a quality, hand crafted knife from the oceans of low quality, discount knives.

The first aspect they talk about is the high quality materials they use. They make a very clear point that there are up to twenty two different parts that are manufactured with exacting precision in the construction of all Schrade knives. They then go on to discuss how every knife requires over 120 different processing techniques, and every one of them are carried out by hand. They make the estimation that only about 10 manufacturers in the world actually use this many processes by hand.

They also publish a handbook outlining the different types of knives that they put out, all of their positives, negatives, and what sets them apart from the rest of the manufacturers. Their AISI 1095 high carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.95, leading to a steel that is very effective at staying sharp forevermore. Couple this with unbreakable handles, and you have a company and knives that deserve to be called the best.