Another noob with an easy question.

[FreeMe]

Hey.

I've been lurking here for some time and reading a lot, but I haven't seen a definitive answer to this. A little background...

My first and only Schrade up until recently was my 165 OT that I bought back in ~ 1976. Used it exclusively for hunting for years, and still do sometimes. Even when I used other blades, I wasn't much into folders - so my hunting knives were always fixed, and folders were few and far between. Never any Schrades, for no particular reason.

I was at a gun show a while back, where I spotted a USA 6OT that was like new. Picked it up to examine it and was impressed with the smoothness of the action and the precision of the lock. Took it home and glad I did. Got to reading more here specific to the USA Schrades, and have become more interested (better late than never) - not so much for collecting, but as users. What I'm wondering is - do all models of the old Schrade large lockbacks (and liner-locks, FTM) have similar feel to them? Do they all have this same smooth opening/closing and tight lockup? And should I expect the same of the smaller models (as in 5OT)? I know how the different steels compare as a blade - but do they make a difference in how the action feels?

 

[howieareyu]

Hi and welcome to the forum

About the smoothness of the action - in an unused state 98%+ are solid SNAP when locking open
Properly oiled and not exposed to grit, the actions are smooth, solid and tool-like, as they were originally intended to be

I have a few big folders, 6OT, 7OT and LB7 that have bankvault-like CLANG when locking opened!!!
Everyone in the room knows what just happenned - no doubt

Even smaller lockbacks like the 5OT/LB5 and smaller 3OT/LB3 can have a very satisfying sound and feel when locking open

I was just handling a big 5"+ liner-lock, a 125OT, the other day - Damn fine lockup
Just put a 197UH into temporary storage that had been given the Marion, NC Makover by Herman Williams Extremely solid lockup!!!

Bottom line:
If purchasing in person, I can test before buying
If online and not stated in the auction description, I take the time and ask the buyer via eMail and then hold them to their word if not exactly as stated when I receive it

All the smaller non-locking folders will also open very positively but majority don't lock - great snap BOTH ways is what I look for there
Not often disappointed

But this is the Schrade USA Collectors Forum and to a member you'll likely get similar positive reviews

Enjoy and Welcome - Hang Around

Howie

 

[FreeMe]

Thanks for the reply, Howie. Knowing I can expect to find similar fit &finish to my 6OT gives me good reason to look for some others (thinking 5OT first, then maybe 7OT). Those will get delayed though, if I happen to find a good deal on a 13OT (wish I had bought one when they were new).

 

[tongueriver]

FreeMe, if you like the 13 OT drop point blade, keep your eyes peeled for a drop point version of an LB-7 lockback. They are out there.

 

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

FreeMe, if you like the 13 OT drop point blade, keep your eyes peeled for a drop point version of an LB-7 lockback. They are out there.

Welcome FreeMe! I'm crazy about stag handled knives. Here's two fancy 5OT's and a drop-point LB7 example to show some non-delrin incarnations. All lock-up tight and have great "walk and talk".

 

[FreeMe]

Oh man - I was afraid this would happen! I didn't know there was a drop-point LB7.

 

[delmas2nd]

not only a LB 7DP but also a LB 9

 

[Bob W]

What I'm wondering is - do all models of the old Schrade large lockbacks (and liner-locks, FTM) have similar feel to them? Do they all have this same smooth opening/closing and tight lockup? And should I expect the same of the smaller models (as in 5OT)? I know how the different steels compare as a blade - but do they make a difference in how the action feels?

All of my Old Timer folders have a smooth action and solid locks.
The smaller lockbacks, like the 5OT, are a bit more refined and 'click' into position softly.
The large lockbacks (6OT, 7OT, and 9OT) are a bit more 'clunky' and lock into place with a solid 'snap'.
And about halfway in-between is the 51OT.

The liner lock knives (called Blade Lock on the Old Timers) open with a bit stronger action than the lockbacks, and definitely lock solidly. This Blade Lock is available on a variety of patterns like some trappers (194OT), folding hunters (125OT), and drop point folders (55OT). It's even available on a small single-blade serpentine folder (18OT).

 

[FreeMe]

Very cool info - thanks, Bob!

 

[koldgold]

All of my Old Timer folders have a smooth action and solid locks.
The smaller lockbacks, like the 5OT, are a bit more refined.
The liner lock knives (called Blade Lock on the Old Timers) open with a bit stronger action than the lockbacks, and definitely lock solidly. This Blade Lock is available on a variety of patterns like some trappers (194OT), folding hunters (125OT), and drop point folders (55OT). It's even available on a small single-blade serpentine folder (18OT).

Hi Bob, the one that is always missed when talking about the 55OT is the smaller 53OT. They were only made in 2003.

 

[Bob W]

Oh, I'm sure I forgot to mention some other locking models too.

Sure would like to find a 53OT in brown scales; my only 53OT is green.

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By the way, I was down in your neck of the woods last week. Singleton, to be precise. Didn't have a lot of available spare time for sightseeing, but I did wander over for a day to the Mount Royal National Park. Spectacular and solitary - my hired van was the only vehicle in the entire park. Didn't have maps or gear for a serious expedition, but I did climb Mount Royal. :thumbup:

 

[koldgold]

Hi Bob, I could have found you at Singleton within one and a half hours from my home.
If there is ever a next time, let me know... Ken

 

[Bob W]

I work for a geophysicist and we're frequently at mines in the Singleton area, or Mudgee, or Lake Macquarie, or further south near Wollongong, or Queensland...

We'll be back in July, perhaps sooner, but have no idea which mines yet.