30t old-timer in action, US model

A druid

A druid

Joined
Aug 19, 2005
Messages
761
I am working at Lowe's, and a Christmas tree lot this season, we are given safety box cutters that we are supposed to use exclusively. however some do carry their own pocket knives, I usually don't. although I have a few I might use:) but in this case I decided to go for it, in this small unobtrusive lock back traditional design seem like a very safe choice. I've been pleasantly surprised, by the usefulness of the small traditional design, usually carry a 3 1/2 inch g-10 type spyderco and the like. so I wasn't sure how useful a small traditional lock back, would prove to be.

this little guy, has proven well worth the carry. The blade works very well for cutting the wound nylon string that holds the trees together, each tree is wound around many times, so cutting 15 to 30 individual nylon bands is necessary per tree, probably 50 to 100 trees a day. The blade design and edge profile. I have modified it to around 30 inclusive. on a sharp maker, if that's not what it was already. it seem to be pretty close. Works very well. because like a bugger for a little knife. and actually fills the hand for this cutting purpose. very well.

So how is knife holding up. it has loosened a little bit. there is a gap in the liner. and lock back seems to hold too inside a little bit, the blade is still centered when closed, and holds an edge through the day, pretty well, to be up to my standards, it seems to need a light touch up by the end of the day. but sharpens up on a flat hard Kansas stone. very well in a short period of time. Due to serious edge issues with pine sap, this knife will be used exclusively all season, now and especially by the end, it will be pretty gunked up especially the blade, I'm thinking rubbing alcohol, followed by lots of soap, any other suggestions, is there anyway to tighten up his knife, and I'm done, I wouldn't think so.

I picked the knife up for five dollars at Wal-Mart doing a super clearance, obviously new condition it's worth quite a bit more now, but even as a user, it will be worth maintaining as much as possible, when I'm done putting it through its paces.

for active application this knife seems to be working best, with the thumb and forefinger when either side of the bolster. fairly far up in hand with the fingers resting on the underside of the handle. not really a traditional death grip. the very adaptable and quick.
 
Good report! You know, quite often Schrade collectors have the tendacy to forget that our knives are as appropriate now as they ever were for their intended purpose, using. Sure, most of us have a favorite EDC or at least an occasional user, but not all of us explore fully the utility of most of the patterns. I personally have tried to get a used knife of every pattern in my collection. Used knives (scratched blades, nicked handles, patina, no box or papers) are not too sought after by most collectors and therefore represent some very good deals.

If you like the 3OT, pick up the Lightweight version. That would be, I think, the Firebird (SP3 Firebird 1987-2004). A competetor of your store sold them, Home Depot, in bright orange (SP3HD). But they came in several other colors as well including basic black, all with Zytel handles (a fiber reenforced cousin to Dupont Delrin).

Michael
 
You mean like this Mike? :)
P1060604Small.jpg

P1060605Small.jpg
 
They also came in other sizes, mostly copying the heavier more traditional lockback sizes up to the LB-7. Very handy and lightweight. Some also have the "combo" blades, partially serrated. Very good "knock-about" knives, not too sheeple unfriendly either considering the usually black handles. The orange ones do have more of a "tool look" about them.

And like your QU issue, they were etched for a multitude of private organizations as well as some chain stores. I think I saw one here once with an L.L. Bean shielding. Yeah, the mold had a seperate shield insert that could be changed out for Ducks Unlimited and others.

Michael :thumbup:
 
+1 on the SP3 recommendation, it's a great little carrier, nice light weight and it holds a decent edge. I'll have to keep my eyes open for a DU at the right price :)

a druid,
Ethyl Alcohol (found in Isocol (about 30% i think), rubbing alcohol's etc) is about the best for tree sap, the higher the concentration the better! Not sure if/how it would affect the scales though...
I'm looking forward to hearing how your 3OT goes in the long run, keep us posted mate!
 
I have found that brake cleaner in the aerosol works real well at removing all kinds of gunk. I would not spray the knife with it, but spray it on a rag and wipe the blade. It will remove pitch almost immediately. I would not want to spray it on the handles, as it may adversely affect them. I do know that some plastics are damaged by alcohol, so cleaner might be an alternative choice.
Ulster
 
I have an SP3 which I modified with thumbstud and lanyard hole (mine did not come with a lanyard hole as the one in Orpheous picture), it's a fine user.

Luis


Click to enlarge
 
Ulster said:
I have found that brake cleaner in the aerosol works real well at removing all kinds of gunk. I would not spray the knife with it, but spray it on a rag and wipe the blade. It will remove pitch almost immediately. I would not want to spray it on the handles, as it may adversely affect them. I do know that some plastics are damaged by alcohol, so cleaner might be an alternative choice.
Ulster
Click to expand...
Not saying that you haven't had good results in the past using brake cleaner, but a few gun guys that I've spoken to have said that brake cleaner, which is similar to gun cleaner, fades and sometimes eats plastics...
Not sure how Zytel would react to it...
 
first off believe it or not our Christmas tree season is just about over, as a tomorrow when I go back to work, I'm switching back to my traditional box cutter routine, the stupid red safety tip nonlocking model that I've actually gotten pretty decent with. Provided you change the blade out everyday at least.


despite knowing better, in not realizing I gotten a response here to be responsible to. I.......... have I say this. I put the knife in the dishwasher. took it out as soon as the cycle ended, a little the soap and water and sponge work, in cleaned up really easily. I actually did this with two knives. And they both cleaned up rather well and easily.

I know this may sound like a wasn't giving the knife the proper respect. But I think this one time this method save me a decent amount of time and effort. while falling short of the cumulative effect, which will degrade the handle in a reasonable timeframe.
 
I just checked SMKW at www.eknifeworks.com and their supply of lightweight lockback Schrades is about gone. I've bought these several times and they are not only good knives to carry and use, but they are good to give as gifts, too. :thumbup:
 
:D
I cant see anyone putting a DHolder in a dishwasher
Good to see you out there.
 
LOL... My Mrs nearly divorced me when I got my DHolder, I think I just walked around cradling it for days, talking to it and calling it "my precious"
Just doing some light reading after work :P it's 04:38 here
 
delander said:
say what ??
Click to expand...
Just what I'd read, I haven't put any of my kitchen knives in the dishwasher for years, I hate hearing them rattling around in there! Dishwashers run at up to 180 degrees f (about 82 degrees c), I wouldn't trust a razor edge with that temperature either...
quote from key-to-steel
(this information refers to tempering, also relevant to de-tempering)
"Changes during tempering
The principles underlying the tempering of quenched steels have a close similarity to those of precipitation hardening. The overlapping changes, which occur when high carbon martensite is tempered, are shown in Fig. 2 and as follows:​
Stage 1. 50-200°C. Martensite breaks down to a transition precipitate known as c-carbide (Fe2,4C) across twins and a low carbon martensite which results in slight dispersion hardening, decrease in volume and electrical resistance."

​
quote from cutlerscove
"Never use a dishwasher for cleaning your good knives (kitchen or other wise). Doing so could possibly remove the temper from the edge and render the blade soft so it will not hold an edge."

quote from chefsarmoury
"Never wash your knife in the dishwasher. The harsh chemicals and hot temperature will ruin the quality of the blade."

 
Dr. Mudd said:
I just checked SMKW at www.eknifeworks.com and their supply of lightweight lockback Schrades is about gone. I've bought these several times and they are not only good knives to carry and use, but they are good to give as gifts, too. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Dr. Mudd,
Are these USA made Schrades at SMKW? I have seen them but have been afraid to buy them. The SP3 I have has a broken backspring, would love another one.
 
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