Author Topic: Schrade Knives from China... (Read 3667 times)

flintlock · « **on:** January 22, 2009, 11:25:02 AM »

Hey guys...I had a couple of skinning stolen during the season and I'm looking to replace them...

A buddy has the Sharp Finger and the Pro Hunter...I have used both and they do a good job, but his were made in the US...

I've heard mixed reviews on the newer knives made in China...From what I'm hearing they had problems in the beginning but the current knives are pretty good...

Have any of ya'll tried the newer Schrades and how do they hold an edge???

My 2nd option that I'm considering is the New Buck Gen 5 skinner, it comes with a 3 inch drop point which is very similiar to the Schrade Pro Hunter...I know a Buck will hold an edge...

Opinions??? Thanks...

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2009, 01:39:49 PM »

Bear Cutlery out of Jacksonville, AL now makes a copy of the sharp finger. It's a made in American knife that looks to me like an exact copy. I own many Bear Knives as they are just a few miles from my house and hold a community knife sale annually in November.

flintlock · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2009, 02:49:28 PM »

Graybeard...I've seen that name and noticed that it was a copy but didn't know if it was a decent knife...Since you own a few, I'm guessing it has decent steel on it...

I pulled up their website and see if I can find a local dealer...It's funny, all my buddies and I grew up with Case, Scherade, Uncle Henry and Buck knives...Like the furniture and textiles industry here locally, most have gone away...Thanks...

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2009, 06:35:00 PM »

Yes Bear uses excellent steel in their knives. At the annual sales they have trays of over stocked knives as well as blems that didn't make the final cut in quality inspection. Often it's almost impossible to find the defect in them and they sell them for a fraction of full list on them. I pick thru them and take only what seems almost perfect mechanically but with a minor cosmetic blemish and get fine knives dirt cheap. That's the benefit of living a few miles from the plant.

Bear Cutlery
A Division of Swiss Army Brands, Inc.
1111 Bear Blvd. S.W.
Jacksonville, AL 36265

256-435-2227
800-844-9348

http://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/

Ken Griffey, President
Ken.griffey@swissarmy.com

bilmac · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2009, 01:20:55 AM »

I would look very hard before I bought anything from China. Before I started getting wise Chinese products found their way into my house, and I learned better. Anything having rope or cordage, you can figure on the rope lasting about a year, then literally self destructing.
I bought a stove made in China that required assembly. After a couple of their "bolts" failed, I threw the rest away and used American stuff. I have noticed this about Chinese "steel" before.

tn_junk · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2009, 03:16:03 AM »

I bought one of the Chinese Schrade folders at a gunshow couple of years ago. Had "First Production Run" stamped on it. Collectors item. Paid a whole $10 for it. I am not impressed. Action is not solid, couldn't get a real keen edge on the blade.
I would follow Graybeard's advice. I have an original sharpfinger that I was given as a birthday present 40 years ago. Still use it every season. Would be heartbroken if I ever lost it.

alan

Joel · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2009, 04:49:48 AM »

I had several sharpfingers when I was growing up. My dad would get them for subscribing to The American Rifleman. Nice design, crappy steel. I gave them all away. Wouldn't hold an edge to save their souls. I hear the Bear version is better. I also just bought a Chinese Benchmade Pikka II in 9cr13 steel, which is the Chinese version of AUS-6 with some Vanadium added. Nice steel and well made knife. I did flatgrind the blade, but I do that with Spyderco's also. I imagine Benchmade has a rather stringent quality control program compared to others.

rex6666 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2009, 05:20:20 AM »

Glad to hear about Bear Cutlery. I could not stand to live that close, i would have the paint licked off their doors.
I just can not bring myself to buy a china or japan made knife if i know it.
I still remember the ones from 30-40 years ago than if you cut a string
with it you better get out the whitstone.
I know that some good knives are made in china, for some big knife makers
and i come up with one, LORD help me.
I have been looking at knives(mostly old used) on eBay lately and see some good looking knives that the name doesn't ring a bell then ask the seller where it was made some say china some say they don't know, some that haven't
a clue will fess up to Pakistan.

flintlock · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2009, 09:59:43 AM »

Well...After contacting Bear, there were no dealers close to where I live (near Greensboro)
Ace Hardware carries a few, but not the ones I want...

So, I printed off some info from the website and went to my local mom & pop store and let their manager know what I found out...He ordered a dealer packet, so hopefully I'll be able to see what I'm getting without ordering online...

Thanks GB...He's not 100% positive he'll pick them up, but he used to sell Schrade before they went to China...So I'm hopefull...

hazmt · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2009, 10:00:10 PM »

I've purchased several of the Chinese Schrades recently. My first was a 2 blade affair (marked Schrade xtimer) that I picked up from a hardware store last fall. It holds an edge very well and I love the second "saw" blade. It is very well made with a spring steel pocket clip that actually works! It has an anodized blue coating that seems to be holding up very well. I carry it daily and use it frequently. The only flaw I can find is the weight. This is no light-weight, slim, trim, blade. I paid about $17 for it and for the money, I am pleased with it.

My second Chinese Schrade was a whopping 4" affair (closed) with a very tacky red anodized color. I purchased it on a whim due to my favorable experience with the first knife. This monster resembled a dagger when opened and other than the cool factor involved it's not something I would find in my pocket regularly. It's just too heavy. The lock on it requires some fiddling also. But once again, for the money ($7 out the door) it was a prety decent purchase. These knives both have prety decent steel (both hold an edge well and are easy to sharpen). I must say that I am pleasantly surprised! The Chinese are getting much better with their steel manufacture and fit and finish on these knives are pretty good for a 'utility' knife. Since these actually have decent blades (unlike any other 'cheap' Chinese or India pocket knife that I've ever seen), I went back and purchased 3 more like it. I plan to pass these along to my work acquaintances as Christmas gifts (and can do so un-ashamedly).

I have carried a lot of knives over the years and have found that the more expensive your blade - the more quickly it will be lost! I carried a $75 Spiderco about 2 hours one day before it slipped out of my pocket (those polymer clips suck)! If that's the case, I'll be passing my Chinese Schrades on to my grandchildren!

On the other hand - avoid chinese dirtbikes like the plague!!

Best regards!

Hazmt (champion of surplus and seeker of plain things that actually work)

redboot612 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2009, 06:59:46 PM »

If it doesn't have USA, Germany, or Japan stamped on it, I don't want it.
JMO

burntmuch · « **Reply #11 on:** December 11, 2009, 12:56:01 AM »

GB thanks for the link. Glad to see some knives that are made in the USA.

Swampman · « **Reply #12 on:** December 11, 2009, 01:04:16 AM »

Case, some Bucks, and some Gerbers are made in the US. I received a knife from Buckmasters as a gift for signing up years ago. The picture was of a Gerber with the Buckmaster logo on the blade. When I got the package the knife wasn't marked Gerber but simply "China." I was mad about it but it turned out to be a great little knife. I won't knowingly buy a knife made in China.

bobg · « **Reply #13 on:** December 11, 2009, 03:32:14 AM »

I have owned two Schrade knives. A sharpfinger and a folder. I didn't like the way the sharpfinger felt in my hand when i gutted a deer. I was using the folder at work one day. Laid it on the machine when i went to lunch. When i came back it was gone. I have since gone back to the Case my father gave me 50 years ago for my birthday. I own nothing but Case knives now.
bobg

Black Eagle · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:29:49 PM »

A lot of knives are made in China these days including some Bucks and Schrades. If you get a good one, it will be a great knife. Most of them use good quality steel but the heat treating from the Chinese made knives [and some USA made knives] runs the gamut. If you want good quality assured, look at SOG or Boker but be prepared to have your wallet raped. Kershaw knives have always served me well too, especially the Ken Onion series, at a much more reasonable price.

jlchucker · « **Reply #15 on:** December 13, 2009, 05:07:46 AM »

If you can find them still, Camillus knives, made in upstate NY, were pretty good. That company went out of business a few years ago, but I've seen some of their leftovers advertised in a Smokey Mountain Knife Works flier. I've not bought anything from them in recent years, but they used to offer some decent bargains, and they did carry Bear knives.

flintlock · « **Reply #16 on:** December 13, 2009, 08:01:22 AM »

Since I posted this I have bought 5 knives...

The first is a USA made Schrade Pro Hunter...It's a sheath knife with a 3 1/2 inch drop point...
Second was a Buck Duke, 3 inch folder that they don't make anymore...I had one of these in the 80s and liked it...I found it at a local mom and pop store...
Third was one of the Bear's made like the Sharp Finger...I found this one over the 4th on the way to the Outer Banks at an ACE hardware store over in eastern NC...This may be my favorite of all of these knives for skinning and boning out deer...

Finally...On my annual trip down east over the first week of November my buddies and I walked into a country store that had a Scherade display there...We got to looking and he had 4 made in the USA folders...3 Muskrats and a Stockman, for $21.95 and $23.95...We bought them all, I bought one of each...The Stockman has become my daily carry knife...

I have skinned deer with all these knives this year...All did a fine job so I'm set for a while...

Of course, if I happen to run across a good deal, I do have a fairly new grandson that will need a good knife...

Black Eagle · « **Reply #17 on:** December 13, 2009, 11:17:14 AM »

I never should have looked at this thread.

It just prompted me to order another Kershaw knife. I got the "Avalanche" with the partially serated blade designed by Ken Onion. It was $140 at my gunshop but I got it from "The Blade Shop" on the internet for $75.00 plus shipping. Too good to pass up.

blackdirt beagles · « **Reply #18 on:** December 13, 2009, 04:23:57 PM »

go to EBAY and you can get all the U.S. made sharpfingers and trappers you want. most are in the $20 range.

as for the china scrades... i got a few and they are "ok".

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 14, 2009, 01:19:53 PM »

The chinese Schrades SUCK. I don't know whether it's the steel itself or the heat treatment, but they don't hold an edge at all. Heck, they barely take an edge in the first place. If you want them, find the old made in the USA knives. Much better overall quality. From what I've been able to find out, the stainless that was used is 440A and the carbon steel used was 1095.

+1 on the Kershaw's. Love'em. In no particular order, my favorites are Kershaw, Ka-Bar, Cold Steel, and the various scandanavian blades from Frosts and KJ Erikson.

kynardsj · « **Reply #20 on:** December 14, 2009, 01:39:46 PM »

Even though it's Chinese I own and carry a Spyderco Byrd. Probably the best knife I've ever carried. Well made and holds an edge.

blackdirt beagles · « **Reply #21 on:** December 14, 2009, 02:01:19 PM »

Quote from: kynardsj on December 14, 2009, 01:39:46 PM

Even though it's Chinese I own and carry a Spyderco Byrd. Probably the best knife I've ever carried. Well made and holds an edge.

+1 on that! thats my "everyday" knife. had it over 2 years and its great.

hillbill · « **Reply #22 on:** December 14, 2009, 02:18:31 PM »

i bought my 14 yr old son a nice looking if rather futuristic looking chinese schrade folding lockblade.yea i know it was only 10 buks or so. he was mowing the lawn one day not long after he got it and i guess the vibration from the mower caused most of the screws to fall out, it was then junk, never got a chance to see what kind of edge it would hold.there is a reason the old schrade knives bring a premium on ebay. they were quality knives. they dint hold a edge like a stainless knife of good quality but were very easy to sharpen. i used them almost exclusively when i was trapping for skinning knives

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 15, 2009, 09:46:57 AM »

Not everything that's Chinese sucks. Its all got to do with quality control and quality of raw materials. I don't care how good your production is, if your raw materials are worthless, then the end product will be as well.

hillbill · « **Reply #24 on:** December 15, 2009, 02:48:14 PM »

i agree totally, bad raw materials + cheap labor equals? name one product they ship us from china that is known for it good value for the american consumer. and trust me im in no way a isolationist, i believe in free trade there is no other way the american public can survive. well not me but the american public anyway.may just be me but ive not had good luck with chinese products.got nuttin agin jap cars or anything thats well made and a good deal for the money. just the chinese stuff ive noticed can be a pain.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #25 on:** December 15, 2009, 03:55:24 PM »

Well, I think that 99% of computers that we all play on are made in China now, regardless of the brand. The probably goes for most other consumer electronics too.

Black Eagle · « **Reply #26 on:** December 16, 2009, 11:26:07 AM »

Quote from: hillbill on December 15, 2009, 02:48:14 PM

name one product they ship us from china that is known for it good value for the american consumer.

I hike and climb in the Himalayas regularly and the favorite boots among serious trekkers are Vasque and some Hi-Tecs. [Vasque used to be a Minnesota company until they discovered they could sell them for half their usual price if they made them in China. I have a pair of their $400 Minnesota boots and a pair of their $200 China boots and the Chinese boots are holding up better. Nike is, for the most part, made in China. Last year in Tibet, I bought the best winter climbing jacket I've ever owned -- it's a Giordano made in China. North Face outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, etc have long been the top name among mountaineers -- a few of their items are made in California, India, and the Phillipines, but most are made in China. Most Buick automobiles are made in China although a few are made in Canada and the US. Mercedes also has a huge factory in China. VWs are primarily made in China today.

The FTC has a reg that says only X% [I can't remember the percentage] of a product has to be made in the USA in order to qualify for the "Made in USA" label. The percentage is surprisingly small -- maybe only 50%. I have some lawyer friends who do nothing but argue with the FTC for various companies in an effort to prove the minimum percentage for the "Made in USA" label. Many many of the internal parts of any piece of equipment you buy are probably made in China even if the product has a "Made in USA" label. So be it, that's the way of the world.

Black Eagle · « **Reply #27 on:** December 16, 2009, 11:36:04 AM »

By the way, for those of you who care whether a product is USA made, there is a website that lists them at www.americansworking.com

A friend of mine who does FTC work just stopped in and told me that there no longer a percentage requirement by the FTC. It must be all or "virtually all" made in the USA to qualify for the label. But, if a product is made both here and in some other place, they often stamp the imported product "Made in USA" even if it isn't -- at least they do that until the FTC catches them.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #28 on:** December 16, 2009, 11:43:09 AM »

I don't believe most Buicks are made in China, but Buicks are china's fav car... BUT GM may be building Buicks there for that market. China has been trying to buy Buick from GM for a long time now...

The problem i see with china junk is, one time it will be decent, and the next day the same product will be junk. Take gears for instance. One time they will be soft, the next day they will be brittle, and then the day after that, they may be just right. You never know from day to day what your getting, so i say... NO THANKS!

DM

hillbill · « **Reply #29 on:** December 16, 2009, 01:32:10 PM »

thats what im getting at, ive had sum chinese tools that were tough as hell but yu go back and buy them again and they just break.especially the electric power tools. some last forever and some break right out of the box.however like most asians they will eventually figger it out and they then whup our ass at makeing a better cheaper product.