fireman, I used to have the same problem with the stainless blades, but not since I left the old fashioned stones in the drawer and started using a fine diamond hone. I had been using one made by Gerber that looks like an ink pen, but can't find them any more. I have a flat one now made by someone else. Schrade sold what they caled a "Jewel Stick", round like the Gerber, but I've not gotten one of those yet. I've EDC'd my 897UH for quite a few years, and I've found that a part of the secret to keeping it sharp is to not let it get overly dull in the first place. Don't wait until it won't cut before you touch it up.
The Baer brothers did find a winner with the Staglon stagged Delrin handles. It took some experimentation and plastics evolution to get there. And I agree, the specific mold texture and dying technique are what makes it work. Some attempts by other manufacturers patheticaly miss the mark. But the few who genuinely see the difference (and care) are now coming amazingly close.
Thankfully there is still no shortage of the original Schrades out there on the secondary market, and occasional small caches are still surfacing from primary dealers. I recently bought, with the help of members on opposite ends of the continent, a 36OT, a SK36 (Green Delrin and brass Skoal version) both new in the 90's box, and a pair of 897UH still in the pre-2003 clampacks, all substantially discounted.
I am reminded of a thread from late 2004 / early 2005 titled "When will the supply of Schrades dry up?". Not for a while yet I'm thinking.....hoping!
Codger
i like the feel of it in my hand, and i hope i can sharpen it like a few of my other schrades!!