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Case medium stockman vs Old Timer 34OT (USA made)
- Thread starter mudguard
- Start date
Brian.Evans
Registered Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2011
- Messages
- 3,267
I have a case small stockman from the 70s that I've had since high school and have no idea how I came to have it. I've never had a Schrade stockman, but I like the looks of them.
I think it would be a hard decision for me to choose. Even while writing this I have gone back and forth.
I guess maybe a Schrade, since I've never had any experience with Schrade carbon steel, and I'm a working guy and the Schrade's just seem like workers.
I think it would be a hard decision for me to choose. Even while writing this I have gone back and forth.
I guess maybe a Schrade, since I've never had any experience with Schrade carbon steel, and I'm a working guy and the Schrade's just seem like workers.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2004
- Messages
- 24,499
Case has several different "medium" stockmans. Shall I assume you're talking about the 6344, which about is the same length of the 34OT?
The 6344 is a svelte little knife. The clip blade is about the same length as the 34OT's, but it's of thinner stock and hollow ground. Also, the slim nature of the 6344 makes the pen blade and sheepsfoot much shorter than the spey and (wonderfully ample) sheepsfoot of the Schrade. Of these two knives, I'd go with the 34OT, unless you're looking for something thin. The 34OT has stouter blades (and better steel, IMO), whereas the 6344 feels kinda dainty and less capable. But of course, the 34OT is only available in the sawcut delrin, whereas the Case is available with many different handle covers.
If you mean one of the larger medium stockmans, like the 6318 or 63032, I guess that would really depend on what you prefer as far as handles.
The 6344 is a svelte little knife. The clip blade is about the same length as the 34OT's, but it's of thinner stock and hollow ground. Also, the slim nature of the 6344 makes the pen blade and sheepsfoot much shorter than the spey and (wonderfully ample) sheepsfoot of the Schrade. Of these two knives, I'd go with the 34OT, unless you're looking for something thin. The 34OT has stouter blades (and better steel, IMO), whereas the 6344 feels kinda dainty and less capable. But of course, the 34OT is only available in the sawcut delrin, whereas the Case is available with many different handle covers.
If you mean one of the larger medium stockmans, like the 6318 or 63032, I guess that would really depend on what you prefer as far as handles.
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2001
- Messages
- 2,491
The older Cases will have a little better fit and finish than the Schrades, usually.
Their backsprings probably tended to be a little stouter, too.
But in terms of sheer cutting ease, not much outcuts those thin, flat ground vintage Schrades.
And they take a wicked edge.
Their backsprings probably tended to be a little stouter, too.
But in terms of sheer cutting ease, not much outcuts those thin, flat ground vintage Schrades.
And they take a wicked edge.
Old Hunter
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2012
- Messages
- 9,678
Mudguard, you are speaking my language! My hands down favorite modern EDC is the Case 6318 SS (this Old Red made in 2007 is the one I carry most), followed (not in order of preference) by the Schrade 34OT, Buck 303, Frontier 4131, Kabar 1081, and the Schrade Uncle Henry 834UH. All of them are medium Stockman knives in the 3-3/8" to 3-9/16" size. I do carry 3-7/8" to 4-1/4" Stockman and Jackknives about 30% of the time (most when hunting or doing heavy yard or farm work), but I really prefer the mid size for most non-hunting, daily tasks. You get a lot of blade in the Middleman/Cadet size range without much weight in your pocket (I'm carrying a 34OT in jeans pockets today and would need to touch the knife to know it's there). The Case stainless takes and keeps an edge easily for me and the bone looks nice too (all the others I listed have some sort of Delrin handles). Buy several of them and rotate for your EDC use, but I would start with the Case 6318 - there are many handle variations to chose from. I have quite a few more, but you get the picture. OH
Truth be told you can't go wrong with either Case or Schrade U.S.A. I purchased a 34 ot in 1985 from the px at Fort Sam Houston and still have it. It has done everything I could throw at it and still is going strong.
I carry a Case 6318 like old hunter has pictured above and use it for everything from fixing diner to cleaning squirrels. My daughter bought it for me for my birthday after I gave her my salmon 6318 and she wouldn't give it back. If I had to choose it would be the 6318 it fits my hand better and is easier to control.
God Bless
Tracy
I carry a Case 6318 like old hunter has pictured above and use it for everything from fixing diner to cleaning squirrels. My daughter bought it for me for my birthday after I gave her my salmon 6318 and she wouldn't give it back. If I had to choose it would be the 6318 it fits my hand better and is easier to control.
God Bless
Tracy
I have an opinion as well, several of them, being a collector of original Schrade Old Timers, and a Case enthusiast (their Medium Stockman is my favorite pattern from them).
The Old Timers, speaking of the USA-made originals of course, have better steel. The Schrade 1095 is superior to the Case CV, which is superior to the Case stainless.
The Old Timers have a higher consistent quality. With Case you could get an excellent knife, or you might get one with slack springs, jagged edges, or some blade wobble. That practically never happens with those original Old Timers.
Case has a wider variety of handle materials, and even a variation in bolster styles (squared or rounded). There were quite a few special edition or anniversary Old Timers over the years, but they are harder to come by and mostly still aren't as attractive as the nicer Case handles.
Case are still made today, and are still in business. You buy a Case knife and you get a warranty, dealer support, and the chance to buy in person. You want an original Old Timer, you're going to be spending some time on eBay.
Prices are about equal. A new Case stockman runs in the $50 range, depending on handle material. An original NIB Old Timer could sell for that high on eBay as well, even more for the special editions.
Good luck deciding. Hope you find this information helpful and accurate.
The Old Timers, speaking of the USA-made originals of course, have better steel. The Schrade 1095 is superior to the Case CV, which is superior to the Case stainless.
The Old Timers have a higher consistent quality. With Case you could get an excellent knife, or you might get one with slack springs, jagged edges, or some blade wobble. That practically never happens with those original Old Timers.
Case has a wider variety of handle materials, and even a variation in bolster styles (squared or rounded). There were quite a few special edition or anniversary Old Timers over the years, but they are harder to come by and mostly still aren't as attractive as the nicer Case handles.
Case are still made today, and are still in business. You buy a Case knife and you get a warranty, dealer support, and the chance to buy in person. You want an original Old Timer, you're going to be spending some time on eBay.
Prices are about equal. A new Case stockman runs in the $50 range, depending on handle material. An original NIB Old Timer could sell for that high on eBay as well, even more for the special editions.
Good luck deciding. Hope you find this information helpful and accurate.
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2018
- Messages
- 3
Would anybody know what the best selling Old Timer was? I’m thinking probably 8OT, or maybe 34OT? Having said that , watch it be a Peanut.