A second hand Old Timer.....

[338375]

About a year ago I was in one of the local pawn shops lookin at the knives and guns.. In the case was a Schrade Old Timer 340t. I looked at it and it was in good shape, just dirty, didn't look like it had really cut much. So I decided to take it with me for the grand total of $5.00.... I put it in the safe and kinda forgot about it. Well I took it out today and realized that it was really dull, all 3 blades... So after about 1/2 hour with a stone I got it in a lot better shape, I'm still not real good at sharpening free hand. Just for fun I thought, I wonder if it will shave??? YES IT DOES.. The main blade shaved off the old arm hair with no effort, man was I surprised. Its funny how something so simple can really make you happy. I guess my sharpening is finally getting better. Now I have to do a little more work with the other two blades other two blades.

 

[Bob W]

Those things do get razor sharp, especially if it's an older knife with the carbon steel blades.

My very first pocketknife, a 34OT from my grandfather.

 

[338375]

Yes it is an older one with the carbon blades.. Do you still have your first knife? When my granfather passed away 3 years ago, I got his old pocket knives. Old Schrade Waldens and a new in the box Old Timer 340. Funny thing is I got him that knife for christmas about 30 years ago.

 

[Bob W]

No, I quickly lost that first knife when I was about ten years old. I immediately bought another just like it, and still have that one replacement, NIB, almost 30 years later.

 

[Will Power]

Always good to hear about a knife getting back to work:thumbup:

I don't have much arm-hair left.....it's weirdly patchy Might soon have to let it grow or else test other hirsuit areas

 

[camo kid]

When I was a sophomore in high school I got my 34OT to shave, and my left arm has been lacking hair ever since. Congratulations on your sharpening skills, and enjoy that classic little knife! Joe

 

[okBookGuy]

Yes it is an older one with the carbon blades.. Do you still have your first knife? When my granfather passed away 3 years ago, I got his old pocket knives. Old Schrade Waldens and a new in the box Old Timer 340. Funny thing is I got him that knife for christmas about 30 years ago.

I've seen that myself, with my dear ole uncle. I thought his billfold was wearing out so I bought him a new one just like it. It was 20 years before he ever got it out and used it.

He had a decent "Poor Richards" ethic. It sounds like your grandfather and my uncle (and probably a lot of men from past generations) would only go for a replacement when they had completely used up the used.

I really respect that. Thanks for the story about your grandfather.

 

[338375]

Always good to hear about a knife getting back to work:thumbup:

I don't have much arm-hair left.....it's weirdly patchy Might soon have to let it grow or else test other hirsuit areas

Mines the same way now... being right handed, its just normal to go to the left arm... Good thing winters here.

When I was a sophomore in high school I got my 34OT to shave, and my left arm has been lacking hair ever since. Congratulations on your sharpening skills, and enjoy that classic little knife! Joe

Its amazing how I hate shaving, but boy if I can get a knife to do it thats different lol..

I've seen that myself, with my dear ole uncle. I thought his billfold was wearing out so I bought him a new one just like it. It was 20 years before he ever got it out and used it.

He had a decent "Poor Richards" ethic. It sounds like your grandfather and my uncle (and probably a lot of men from past generations) would only go for a replacement when they had completely used up the used.

I really respect that. Thanks for the story about your grandfather.

So true.. People from days past didn't always have the luxury of buying items just because they wanted one. It was usually like you said, a matter of need...

 

[Rupestris]

one of my EDC knives is an old 34OT. The tip was broke off when I got it. Not much. Maybe 1/8". I worked the spine down so its a quasi-wharncliffe with a slight upswept tip now. The saw-cut Delrin is worn smooth on the back side, and the blades and springs have a beautiful "user knife" patina.

 

[jackknife]

That 3 1/4 inch stockman is one of the nicest size pocket knives out there, and the Old Timer 34OT is one of the best. About a zillion working guys have used one of those!

 

[mnblade]

I just picked up a well used 34OT on Ebay (didn't really intend to win it but my lowball bid won). The thing about these Old Timers is that, unless someone chipped a blade or wore it down really bad sharpening it, they're great, no matter how old. You know those delrin handles are never going to chip. And rust or bad staining? A little rub-down with the green abrasive side of a sponge and/or some rubbing with my Miracle Cloth and the blades look great. Sticky action? Rinse her out with some hot soapy water then dry and give it a blast or two of WD40; then wipe out that and oil the joints. Dull edge? Well, I don't have to tell you guys what you get when you put good carbon steel to stone, right? 10 minutes and you've got a pocket laser cutter, baby. Can't wait to get this puppy in the mail. I realized the other day that I don't have a stockman in my meager collection. Had to right that wrong before I was discovered.

 

[338375]

one of my EDC knives is an old 34OT. The tip was broke off when I got it. Not much. Maybe 1/8". I worked the spine down so its a quasi-wharncliffe with a slight upswept tip now. The saw-cut Delrin is worn smooth on the back side, and the blades and springs have a beautiful "user knife" patina.

The patina on yours gives it a lot more character .. Thats what mine is missing. I may have to do the apple or mustard trick and see how it comes out.

 

[Rupestris]

The patina on yours gives it a lot more character .. Thats what mine is missing. I may have to do the apple or mustard trick and see how it comes out.

To make the patina a lot more fun, fire up the BBQ. Lift the grate a bit and toss on a healthy slab of ribs that have been maranating overnight. Let 'em cook for a good long time and keep the BBQ sause handy.
Lather 'em up a few times.
When done, cut 'em up with that 34OT and distribute to friends and family.

If that doesn't do it, then you can try the mustard trick.

 

[338375]

To make the patina a lot more fun, fire up the BBQ. Lift the grate a bit and toss on a healthy slab of ribs that have been maranating overnight. Let 'em cook for a good long time and keep the BBQ sause handy.
Lather 'em up a few times.
When done, cut 'em up with that 34OT and distribute to friends and family.

If that doesn't do it, then you can try the mustard trick.

Sounds like a good idea.. Now I'm getting hungry again