Current Schrade quality? (280OT,280RPB, barlows)

C

CellerDrummer

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Aug 7, 2011
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Even though they're made overseas the reviews I've read have been positive..Wonder if its the same factory Buck uses? I have a couple overseas made Bucks and like the quality..Might take the chance on a Schrade Barlow..Not a huge risk around $22 shipped....Anyone have a Schrade 280 OT series barlow? Thanks
CD
 
I bought one years ago, I did not know Schrade closed up and Taylor was making them, the fit & finish was fine, but the steel was garbage, it would take a edge but would lose it within a few cuts, I couldn't use it for work, and went back to my Opinel.
 
After my experience with a couple of the taylor brands, I have become zealous in picking up pretty much every schrade us model that I like.
Check the antique stores along with gun shows, flea market, BF for sale section. Some can be found for more or less the same price, if you're not picky about condition.
 
Anything is possible but I suspect that any connection to the "factory Buck uses" is just speculation.
 
I personally would stay away from them. I had a couple of the Taylor made Schrades, with desert ironwood scales. I would check fleabay or the local junk shops, probably literally dozens of barlows in your area. You might find a good Colonial in amongst the junk. Maybe even an older used sawcut delrin Boker. I just bought two of the Tom Sawyer barlows, one single ebony, and one double yellow bone. Both are great knives, and some of the best fit and finish I've ever seen. Just my opinion, but the pull is about perfect on these. The only gripe is that the nail nick on the main blade of the double is a little low for my sausage fingers. Other than that, they are great. Probably a little more than you're looking to spend, but I would go for it.
 
I had the same problem, like Pete (stich2442) - I ordered a Schrade Old Timer Whittler while thinking of this like an american made knife. On that time I didn´t know that much about american pocket knives in general. Well I got it and was stunned. The F&F was great and the blades were sharp. But not for long. After using it, it became dull and I wanted to sharpen it. No chance. Not even the Sharpmaker put an edge on that blades. I don´t know does the HT, but the person should get fired and be replaced by a better one.

On the other hand - the old Schrade quality is great. About one year ago, I got two Schrade Old Timer Stockmen by rwc53 and they are great knives.

If I were you - I would search for older ones. They might have some wobble and no longer the fanciest apperance but I would trust them more then the current lineup Schrade offers.
 
Humppa said:
If I were you - I would search for older ones. They might have some wobble and no longer the fanciest apperance but I would trust them more then the current lineup Schrade offers.
Click to expand...

In my experience the original USA-made Old Timers are quite unlikely to have blade wobble. That's largely due to the "swinden key" construction method.

And there are some 'fancy' Old Timers out there too, made years ago as specials or limited editions. Check out the Old Timer Classics series from ca. 2004, anniversary models from past years, and the Grand Dad's Old Timer series from the 1970s.

OldTimerClassics.jpg


GrandDadsOldTimerset.jpg


DSC_2184.jpg


8OT1983.jpg


I can't even explain the origins of this one:

GreenDelrinOT.jpg
 
I use the search term 'schrade usa' on the bay at least once a week. Nearly always see barlows.
 
markpmc said:
I use the search term 'schrade usa' on the bay at least once a week. Nearly always see barlows.
Click to expand...

The Grand Dad's Old Timer series contained a Barlow with fancy brass bolsters. (See picture above). There may not be one listed every day on that auction site, but they aren't exactly rare either.
 
Thanks for the great advice everyone,I'll just take my time and search for an older model..I was hoping the Schrade would be a good worker knife..CD
 
If you can find one of the Imperial Barlow knives made before the move to Ireland, might be worth looking at. They weren't fancy or bone-handled, but they were the typical Barlow knife used by ordinary boys, farmers, and workers. The tang stamp will say "PROV RI" with a crown Imperial logo. Carbon steel blades, and the liners are steel too (not brass) - a true 'working' knife.
 
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