Chinese Old Timers

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AzraelFirestorm

Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
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I've been thinking about getting a few different models in the Schrade Old Timer line, but I keep seeing strange comments from sellers like"Sadly, now imported from China" and "unfortunately, made in China". Are the chinerse manufactured Taylor produced versions of the Schrade Old Timers much different from the originals? Are they still good knives?:confused:
 
I used to sell real USA made schrades, and when they went out I sold the new china schrades. I would assume that the blade steel is cheaper (probably 440a) than USA schrades. But I do know that the fit and finish of the chinese schrades to the originals suck big time.
 
I only have one Chinese made Old Timer, so my opinion is of limited value. In that opinion, the stainless used in the Chinese version does not hold an edge as well as the 1095 carbon steel of the originals. In side by side comparison of Chinese and USA made 34OTs, the USA made knife had much better fit and finish despite being twenty years older. I will grant you that the sample size is too small to be meaningful, but the single example of Taylor/Schrade cutlery did not inspire me to run out and buy more new Old Timers.
 
This saddens the knifemonkey on my back. I was looking forward to getting a Sharpfinger.... It was either that or a CS Roach Belly and I really wanted the Old Timer (the Roach Belly's sheath and handle leave ALOT to be desired).:(
 
Would anyone be able to recommend a fixed blade similar to the Sharpfinger or the Roach Belly (hopefully within the same general price range)? I'm in need of an EDC upswept blade.
 
AzraelFirestorm said:
Would anyone be able to recommend a fixed blade similar to the Sharpfinger or the Roach Belly (hopefully within the same general price range)? I'm in need of an EDC upswept blade.
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You can still find plenty of the US made Sharpfingers on the bay place.Look for Camillus too as the Schrade may well have been made by Camillus and the Cam might well sell cheaper.The Taylor Schrades are pretty sorry IMO.I havent checked out the folders very closely,but i bought a LB-7 by mistake and it was a piece of crap.:thumbdn: Some of the China knives i like quite a bit,Buck,Byrd,Rough Rider,Magnum,but Taylor fell short i feel.
 
I lost my good old USA made Old Timer Bruin 50T that I had for years and years. I really loved that knife too. A few weeks back I found one in a shop, I raced in and bought it thinking it was the same knife but how mistaken I was when I found it was made in China. This did not really bother me at the start but after handlen the knife it jsut felt cheaply made. Locking was poor, finish was 2nd class and over all a sad end to a sader story.

I'll start a new thread on wanting a US made 50T I think.



ak.
 
+1, great deals on Sharpfingers on the Bay. It's a great little knife. Note that they did start to make some in stainless near the end, so be sure the steel and country of manufacture is specified by the seller. I have both carbon and stainless, and prefer the carbon. But thestainless is still a good knife.

Also go to the Schrade collector's sub-forum here and talk to some very knowledgeable folks.

B
 
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