- Joined
- Jan 9, 2012
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- 3,331
I received these two jack knives within three days of each other this week. Even though I have not had time to put them to hard work yet, I thought I would do an initial comparison based on their design, appearance, build quality, comfort in carrying, and feel in the hand.
First the numbers.
Schrade Walden 236
3.5625" closed
6.25" w/clip blade open (2.375" blade length)
5.4375" w/pen blade open (1.5625" blade length)
0.4375" wide
Northfield 66
3.5" closed
6" w/clip blade open (2.25" blade length)
5.1875" w/pen blade open (1.5" blade length)
0.5" wide
As the numbers indicate, the frame size of the Schrade is ever so slightly longer, as are both blades. The differences appear minimal in side-by-side pictures, but you can see them. Both clip blades have long pulls, which I like.
Regarding the shield, on pure aesthetics, I have to give the nod to the Northfield, as the shape of the shield compliments the lines of the frame, flows better in the overall design. I think it would look even better if it was centered in the frame.
This second photo shows one of the design differences. The Schrade has both blades opening on the same side, which is a feature I prefer.
Both knives are solidly built, with no blade play, no gaps, and no uneven surfaces. The blades open and close easily with nice snap when the final position is reached (no half stops, another feature I prefer).
They both have a gentle serpentine curve to the frame, which makes them among my favorite looking and feeling knives. I also find the slight taper of the Schrade appealing to my eye. The Schrade's sunk joints make for a smoother feel -- no sharp edges (even the end of the swedge on the Northfield clip blade is sharp).
While the jigged delrin of the Schrade is among the nicer examples of this handle material, the rotten banana bone of the Northfield completely overwhelms it in terms of sheer beauty, and feel in the hand.
They both carry nicely in my pocket. While they are not the thinnest jack knives I own, their width gives a good feel for cutting tasks (the Northfield is ever so slightly wider).
I don't know how I would choose between them if I had to let one go. The blades of both knives are excellent cutting tools, so neither has an advantage there, although the Schrade comes out ahead by having both blades open on the same side. The Schrade, even though slightly longer, is a bit sleeker due to the frame taper and the slenderer width. The bone and the shield of the Northfiled give it the edge in visual beauty. I like the look and feel of bone over delrin, and for some reason I tend to prefer the feel of smooth bone to any jigged material.
So, it is a toss up. I can't pick one over the other. They will likely both see equal time in my pocket, and equal use as cutting tools.
First the numbers.
Schrade Walden 236
3.5625" closed
6.25" w/clip blade open (2.375" blade length)
5.4375" w/pen blade open (1.5625" blade length)
0.4375" wide
Northfield 66
3.5" closed
6" w/clip blade open (2.25" blade length)
5.1875" w/pen blade open (1.5" blade length)
0.5" wide
As the numbers indicate, the frame size of the Schrade is ever so slightly longer, as are both blades. The differences appear minimal in side-by-side pictures, but you can see them. Both clip blades have long pulls, which I like.
Regarding the shield, on pure aesthetics, I have to give the nod to the Northfield, as the shape of the shield compliments the lines of the frame, flows better in the overall design. I think it would look even better if it was centered in the frame.
This second photo shows one of the design differences. The Schrade has both blades opening on the same side, which is a feature I prefer.
Both knives are solidly built, with no blade play, no gaps, and no uneven surfaces. The blades open and close easily with nice snap when the final position is reached (no half stops, another feature I prefer).
They both have a gentle serpentine curve to the frame, which makes them among my favorite looking and feeling knives. I also find the slight taper of the Schrade appealing to my eye. The Schrade's sunk joints make for a smoother feel -- no sharp edges (even the end of the swedge on the Northfield clip blade is sharp).
While the jigged delrin of the Schrade is among the nicer examples of this handle material, the rotten banana bone of the Northfield completely overwhelms it in terms of sheer beauty, and feel in the hand.
They both carry nicely in my pocket. While they are not the thinnest jack knives I own, their width gives a good feel for cutting tasks (the Northfield is ever so slightly wider).
I don't know how I would choose between them if I had to let one go. The blades of both knives are excellent cutting tools, so neither has an advantage there, although the Schrade comes out ahead by having both blades open on the same side. The Schrade, even though slightly longer, is a bit sleeker due to the frame taper and the slenderer width. The bone and the shield of the Northfiled give it the edge in visual beauty. I like the look and feel of bone over delrin, and for some reason I tend to prefer the feel of smooth bone to any jigged material.
So, it is a toss up. I can't pick one over the other. They will likely both see equal time in my pocket, and equal use as cutting tools.
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