Uncle Henry Knives

Uncle Henry started as a Schrade knife line, made later under Imperial Schrade. After the original American factory closed in 2004, Taylor Brands bought the trademarks and kept the line in production. Smith & Wesson acquired Taylor Brands in 2016, which brought Uncle Henry into its outdoor accessories business. The brand is now part of the American Outdoor Brands portfolio, along with Schrade and Old Timer.

No. Most modern Uncle Henry knives are made in China. Schrade made them in the United States until 2004. Older American-made knives usually carry SCHRADE+, U.S.A., or SCHRADE-WALDEN on the tang. Modern versions keep the traditional designs but may use different steels and construction. If you want a USA-made Uncle Henry, check the markings and history of that specific knife.

Vintage Uncle Henry knives came from the original Schrade factory in the United States. Current models are made overseas. Older knives often have Schrade+ stainless blades, brass liners, and nickel silver bolsters, while modern ones usually use 7Cr17 or 7Cr17MoV steel. Some model numbers are still in use, but blade sizes, handle construction, and accessories can differ between generations. Original USA-made knives also draw extra interest from collectors.

The 153UH Golden Spike, 885UH Senior Rancher, 897UH Premium Stockman, and LB7 Bear Paw are the best-known designs. The Golden Spike is a fixed-blade hunting knife with a Staglon handle. The Senior Rancher and Premium Stockman each fold three blades into a compact frame. The Bear Paw has a larger locking blade for outdoor work. For fishing, the 167UH Large Fillet and 168UH Small Fillet are the established models.

The 897UH Premium Stockman is a practical everyday carry. It's about 3.5 inches closed, so it stays compact and still gives you three blades. The clip point, sheepsfoot, and spey blades cover different light cutting jobs. The 807UH Junior Stockman takes up even less pocket space. If you'd rather have one locking blade, a compact lockback like the LB5 Smokey or LB3 Brown Bear fits better. Check your local knife laws before carrying any model in public.

Yes. Uncle Henry makes several hunting designs, including the 153UH Golden Spike and large lockback folders like the LB7 Bear Paw. The Golden Spike has a 5-inch fixed blade and a contoured handle for field dressing and general outdoor cutting. A fixed blade is easier to clean after the hunt because there is no pivot to trap blood and fat. The right model depends on the size of the game, the cuts you need to make, and how the grip fits your hand.

It depends on the model and when it was made. Many modern Uncle Henry knives use 7Cr17 or 7Cr17MoV stainless steel, which resists corrosion reasonably well and is easy to sharpen. Older American-made knives usually used Schrade+ stainless. These steels handle routine cutting fine but wear faster than premium modern knife steels. Check the steel on the specific model instead of assuming every Uncle Henry uses the same one.

No. Most classic Uncle Henry knives use Staglon, a molded synthetic made to look like stag antler. Its textured brown and cream look is one of the brand's best-known features. Staglon doesn't need the care real antler does, and every handle has the same consistent grip. Some Uncle Henry models, like the Bear lockbacks, use wood or other synthetics, so check the particular knife.

Both brands came out of Schrade but look different. Uncle Henry is known for stag-style synthetic handles, polished fittings, and stainless blades. Classic Old Timer knives usually have brown sawcut handles, and many vintage ones used carbon steel. Both offer traditional pocket knife patterns and hunting knives. Neither is automatically better at cutting. Blade steel, build quality, and what you'll use it for matter more than the name.

For smaller fish, the 168UH Small Fillet works well because its blade of about 5.3 inches is easier to control in tight spots. The 167UH Large Fillet has a longer blade, about 7.5 inches in later versions, for bigger fish and longer cuts. Both have narrow blades that follow the backbone and lift the fillet off. Flex and dimensions can vary between production runs. Rinse and dry the blade after every trip, especially after saltwater.

Start with the tang stamp near the base of the blade. Older knives usually carry SCHRADE+, U.S.A., SCHRADE-WALDEN, or the model number. Handle construction, blade shape, bolster material, and original packaging can back it up. Schrade made Uncle Henry knives in the U.S. until the original factory closed in 2004. A Staglon handle alone proves nothing, since later overseas versions copy the same look.

It depends on the model, condition, production period, and how original the knife is. Common used pocket knives often sell for a few tens of dollars. Well-preserved examples, uncommon variations, and complete boxed sets can bring a lot more. Original blade finish, readable tang stamps, tight blades, and undamaged handles all raise the value. Completed sales of the exact model give you a far better estimate than asking prices.

Wash the blade with mild soap and water when needed, then dry it fully before storing. Clear debris from the pivot and lock of a folding knife, and add a little knife oil if it feels stiff. Most Uncle Henry blades sharpen on a whetstone or a guided system. About 15 to 20 degrees per side is a good starting point, but follow the existing bevel. Don't store the knife in its leather sheath for long, because leather holds moisture.

Uncle Henry knives have been sold with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Whether a knife qualifies depends on the purchase date, the terms that applied, and original ownership. Published U.S. terms for some products require purchase registration and exclude misuse and normal wear. Vintage knives may fall under older warranty terms. Check the warranty papers that came with your knife for current coverage.