83OT? I didn't think so...but wait...

W

waliguy

Joined
Mar 7, 2006
Messages
97
258marketing.com/schrade.html

I got a knife tonight that was listed from the seller as an 83OT. I figured it was probably just a 33OT, and he didn't look at the tang stamp close enough.

When I looked closely, and again, and again, and again, I was starting to become convinced that it was an 83OT I was seeing, and not a 33OT.

I brought out my other 33OT for comparision, and took a few pictures (above). What do you guys think? Same size at the 33OT, but damn...in the right light, that first numeral looks like an 8...
 
waliguy,
Probably a 33OT. The only other ones that I can think of that might be read as a 33 would be a 93 or 98OT, but those are both 3 bladed knives, and they both have stainless steel blades.
I have had the same problem, especially with the Frontier knives, on some of the smaller ones. I finally got an inexpensive jewelers lope. That and a good light usually lets me find what the number really is. Even then is is tough sometimes.

Dale
 
In the close up, the left side of the "8" is a little weak which , in my opinion, means it is really a heavy stamped 3. I'd call it a 33OT, but there sure is room for discussion.

Paul
 
I'm assuming it's a very heavily stamped 33OT as well. Because I can't find a model 83OT, and because it's the same style as the 33OT. But is SURE made me look and look and look...lol.

What are the years on the two knives? One tang is SCHRADE NY USA, and the other is SCHRADE USA?
 
Both tang stamps are more recent, 1973 to 2004. Someone else may be able to break it down more, but that is all I have.

Dale
 
I'm sure Codger would know,but he's been a little inactive lately.
I wonder how close he lives to where that big tornado went thru?
 
Codger & I are trading some knives. I just got an email from him and he said that he will have to mail them tomorrow. So, apparently he is OK.

Codger, buddy, our prayers are with you & yours.

Dale
 
We're fine here on the farm, guys. Quite a few people killed here in Tennessee this week by tornadoes though. We took the kids out of school at noon today, and got caught in a hail storm on the way home. Looks like we are in for it again later tonight though.

Schrade was not real consistant with the tangstamps, so all I can tell you is what you already know. These both are post 73 1/2.

It really takes a complete pattern study to nail down the stamps, like I have done with some of the fixed patterns. This, in turn, requires buying a dozen or so examples NIB, and surveying a hundred or so more, comparing packaging, paperwork, stamps, and other production changes. Surely one of you can pick up where I left off with the 34OT and chase the tangstamp question? Or everyone send me a NIB 34OT (I have the latest ones), and I'll chase it down for you.

CODGER

PS- many times you will see my user name here, but I am just "parked". I commonly keep as many as six windows open while doing research and writing, and forget to close this one! CRS!!:o
 
33OT and 34OT were closely related with the exception of the intro dates, the 34OT being back in 1964, and 33OT in '76, and you already know about the cover dye change, so here is a start on dating these. Just a little something I whipped together.


Codger
 
This one came in the blue striped box (circa 2001-02), #7007180711 insert with website and 2000 Copyright date. Tangstamp is :
SCHRADE
USA 33OT



I have a 33OTCP in the blue striped clampack, #7180711 insert with website and 2002 Copyright Date. It has the same tangstamp.
 
waliguy said:
258marketing.com/schrade.html

I got a knife tonight that was listed from the seller as an 83OT. I figured it was probably just a 33OT, and he didn't look at the tang stamp close enough.

When I looked closely, and again, and again, and again, I was starting to become convinced that it was an 83OT I was seeing, and not a 33OT.

I brought out my other 33OT for comparision, and took a few pictures (above). What do you guys think? Same size at the 33OT, but damn...in the right light, that first numeral looks like an 8...
Click to expand...

I have a 83OT. Does it have a cutout in the handle for you thumb to get to the nail pull? If so, it is probably an 83OT.
 
I would if I could figure out how to do so. I took some pics which I've saved to my computer but don't know how to reply with attachments.
 
visual-search
Here's an image I found on the web. It's not my knife but looks the same other than mine has a broken blade and the main blade is worn/reshaped significantly.
 
delmas2nd said:
could you post a photo? please
Click to expand...
Over all the years I have been on Knife Forums, when a question comes up like this one - an image can not be posted.
The 33OT and the 72OTs below, are the only Schrade knives I can find with the cut-out, for the nail nick...
Unless we can see a close-up of the tang stamp, we can only guess what you have...
The 1983 Schrade 33OT, did not have the cut-a-way in the handle...Ken
medium


medium



medium


medium


medium
 
Last edited:
So how did you post the photos? It looks like I could post photos if I had a URL but not from my computer.

I cannot tell for certain if the first digit of the tang stamp is a three or an eight. Under magnification it appears to be an eight. I picked the knife up from a pawn shop, from their "junk" drawer. The knife has the common handle and has the cut-out like the knives in the photos you posted. The smaller blade is broken off. The main blade appears to have been modified as it is only extends two inches and appears to be nearly one half inch shorter than what it might have been originally. Also, it is shaped "weird" for a main blade. It appears to be a cross between a sheep-foot and a wharn-cliff point. I'm guessing the tip was broken off and someone reshaped it. The cutting edge is straight with no upward curve. The blade has great snap, opening and closing. I'm considering tinkering with trying to replace the broken smaller blade but heck, I might just sharpen the main blade and keep it as a EDC with one blade rather than take a chance on screwing it up.
 
The tangstamps on 34OT stockman knives and 33OT jack knives often look like 84OT and 83OT. They are not. There is no such thing as an 84OT or a 83OT. Just poor stamps. We see it all the time. Wish we could put it to rest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top