97OT and other simple Schrade pleasures.

A

Amos Iron Wolf

Joined
Mar 7, 2006
Messages
2,171
Picked up a Schrade 97OT, Buzzsaw Trapper on the bay recently. It came in the bulk wrap plastic sleeve. It ain't there now. Nice fit and finish on this one and the Schrade+ blade is very sharp.

Here's a scan.
Schrade-Buzzsaw-97OT.jpg


I haven't scanned the others yet, but after getting one Imperial H6, I liked em and the Sportsman style so much I had to get a few more. Thanks to fellows on here and you guys posting old ads and materials I learned about the H7, the companion set with the Kamp King utility knife with either and H6 or H7, and about other makes in that type knife. So, I ended up with a combo with that had the H7 in it. I know this one was carried by a Boy Scout because on the back of the sheath it's written in ink, in kid letters, "Troop 712" and "Tommy Henson." That really makes it cool, to me at least.

I also picked up an Outdoor Sportsman, Tempered Carbon Steel with the blade etch still clean and only a thin basic grind, but it doesn't look like it was ever sharpened. This one is much thicker and heavier than the Imperials.

No big dollar or rare finds, but good stuff and a big enjoyment factor.
 
I've been dabbling in a few low-buck examples of earlier Imperials. Sometimes they are diamonds, sometimes coal, but always inexpensive.



 
I wonder how many kids lusted after one of those deputy sets. I bet some of those saw some creative adventures of the junior kind..
 
The second variety of the 97OT as shown above, were made from the last of the blades and scales, that Schrade had on hand before they closed in 2004.
commonly known as end of days runs. the other 97OT which was an Old Timer standard, with brown Delrin handles, which came with the toothpick and tweezers was the other variety. there is also another 97OT single blade design around, this knife is almost the same as the above 97OT with Uncle Henry style scales, minus the saw blade. Again that is an end of days knife also.

Rusty1
 
Posted to wrong forum.
That is what I get for having 2 BF sessions open at one time.
 
Rusty, good info. Thanks from here too.

I have to say that this particular knife shows that even in the end of days, Schrade was making some high quality knives. While not as polished, the fit on this knife and a EoD Run stockman, with the blank scrimshaw panels, I also picked up are equal to, and in some respects a little better than some low issue Queens I have. On these Schrades, the fit between the liners and the backsprings is flawless. The blade grinds are first rate and the edges are sharp. Given what these have been going for, I'm tempted to stock up on both patterns just to have em around and to occasionally gift to someone who wants and can appreciate a good, solid, US made, working knife.
 
Amos Iron Wolf, I agree totally with all that you have said, regarding the end of days models. even the blank stockman with the scrimshaw panels, which is the same knife, I think! that was gathered for the Schrade Blade Forums knife earlier this year.

Rusty1
 
As mentioned, a very well made knife...E of D, or otherwise. Often available for under $20.00 out there as well.

30n8b2p.jpg


Bill
 
Further to the posting earlier regarding the 2006 Schrade Blade Forums, Scrimshawed special. Picture of the knife in case anyone has not seen them before.

Rusty1

2006bladeforumsknife8ew.jpg
 
Rusty, I believe it is the same knife.

Bill, I got the 97OT for $18 lus shipping and the stockman for just over $20 and could have probably got it less if I'd went for a later auction of the same. A lot of fine knife for the money. I'm glad those fellows at Schrade went out showing what they could do and what the world will be missing.
 
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