- Joined
- Oct 7, 2017
- Messages
- 361
Here's a rather unique 498S custom. Delrin-stag handle has been replaced with an abalone mosaic epoxied onto a new sub-handle of some sort.
I wondered if it would be really fragile but this knife has obviously been used and sharpened and the handle is rock solid and super tight. Knife is now retired but something tells me "Miles H." was using it. Fit and finish is very nice and silver screw in handle has been replaced with a matching brass one. This knife is really quite breath-taking.
Kind of funny. The fleabay listing had it made of "alabaster". I didn't have the heart to correct the mistake. The seller seemed really nice lol see below:
"UNIQUE (DARE I SAY ONE OF A KIND?)
SCHRADE #498 49er's SERIES
WITH ALABASTER HANDLE
This knife is an Estate Find, so I do not know previous ownership. This Schrade is an original 49er's knife, made in the 70's to commemorate the Gold Rush Days. Bench Forged with Brass Guard and Butt Plate. See Picture for Stamp.
It comes with it's Original Sheath. Unfortunately, someone carved their name into the Sheath, and there is some greenish discoloration on wrap around which I have shown in pictures.
The Blade has been sharpened, and there are discoloration marks, and scratches from use. The Pictures show every angle. The darker spots are not "pitting", and I'm sure any more knowledgeable knife collector will know how to clean this up nicely. I have not made any attempts at cleaning. Overall, the knife is 9 3/8" blade is 5".
NOW FOR THE BEAUTY! According to Schrade's company knife catalog there were no 49er knives made with this stunning Alabaster Handle. Whoever did this work, was quite the skilled craftsman! It is not one solid piece, but individual "Strips" wrapped around handle. This refinement is not loose in any way, and the craftsman of this work really took his/her time lining up the natural shapes and color of the Alabaster to achieve a beautiful flow. The pictures do not do it justice. There is even a slight groove where your thumb fits nicely when using. I do want to say this is one of a kind! However, I can't know for sure if this was done to other knives by the same person. So, if you have one like it, please send me pics, so I know for sure, and can change my listing. I bet this is the only one, if not one of very, very few. Alabaster is very limited in quantity, and is a soft, fine grained mineral stone. If you purchase this knife, be sure to check out information on cleaning. This particular piece is hard and was crafted in some way to maintain it's color and firmness. Please see all pictures to help with description. I took all 12 to get all angles. They are part of the description. If you have any other questions please contact me."
I wondered if it would be really fragile but this knife has obviously been used and sharpened and the handle is rock solid and super tight. Knife is now retired but something tells me "Miles H." was using it. Fit and finish is very nice and silver screw in handle has been replaced with a matching brass one. This knife is really quite breath-taking.
Kind of funny. The fleabay listing had it made of "alabaster". I didn't have the heart to correct the mistake. The seller seemed really nice lol see below:
"UNIQUE (DARE I SAY ONE OF A KIND?)
SCHRADE #498 49er's SERIES
WITH ALABASTER HANDLE
This knife is an Estate Find, so I do not know previous ownership. This Schrade is an original 49er's knife, made in the 70's to commemorate the Gold Rush Days. Bench Forged with Brass Guard and Butt Plate. See Picture for Stamp.
It comes with it's Original Sheath. Unfortunately, someone carved their name into the Sheath, and there is some greenish discoloration on wrap around which I have shown in pictures.
The Blade has been sharpened, and there are discoloration marks, and scratches from use. The Pictures show every angle. The darker spots are not "pitting", and I'm sure any more knowledgeable knife collector will know how to clean this up nicely. I have not made any attempts at cleaning. Overall, the knife is 9 3/8" blade is 5".
NOW FOR THE BEAUTY! According to Schrade's company knife catalog there were no 49er knives made with this stunning Alabaster Handle. Whoever did this work, was quite the skilled craftsman! It is not one solid piece, but individual "Strips" wrapped around handle. This refinement is not loose in any way, and the craftsman of this work really took his/her time lining up the natural shapes and color of the Alabaster to achieve a beautiful flow. The pictures do not do it justice. There is even a slight groove where your thumb fits nicely when using. I do want to say this is one of a kind! However, I can't know for sure if this was done to other knives by the same person. So, if you have one like it, please send me pics, so I know for sure, and can change my listing. I bet this is the only one, if not one of very, very few. Alabaster is very limited in quantity, and is a soft, fine grained mineral stone. If you purchase this knife, be sure to check out information on cleaning. This particular piece is hard and was crafted in some way to maintain it's color and firmness. Please see all pictures to help with description. I took all 12 to get all angles. They are part of the description. If you have any other questions please contact me."