Imperial Jackmaster?

[picklepie159]

Hi, traditional forum!
I've recently caught the traditional bug and recently gotten a surplus $15 or so in my paypal. I was going to get a cheapy rough rider (locking stockman or trapper) on fleabay when an Imperial Jackmaster Barlow caught my eye, at a seemingly resonable price. Since I'm a newbie in this field, I was wondering which knife I should choose. The Jackmaster claims it's high carbon steel (no mention of stainless anywhere, I'll take this as a pro.) I know that the old Schrade used to distribute, but not make, imperial knives. Can anyone clue me in on how the quality is? The package says 1994, made in NY( or Ireland, not sure).
Of course, I could always fall back on the RR.

BTW, what style do you guys like best for light whittling? I found that the "Whittler" pattern doesn't work that well (although I am probably doing it wrong) and a sowbelly works well.

 

[PocketEdge]

In my opinion, the RR will be much better made and give you a better made knife over-all. However, If someone gave me $15 to buy one knife for the rest of my life and I was primarily going to use it for whittling, then I would get a vintage Old Timer 330T or 340T. They are extremely well made, have great carbon steel blades and can be bought used in many cases for $15 or less with very little blade loss and have a long life ahead of them.

 

[LKJW]

In my opinion, the RR will be much better made and give you a better made knife over-all. However, If someone gave me $15 to buy one knife for the rest of my life and I was primarily going to use it for whittling, then I would get a vintage Old Timer 330T or 340T. They are extremely well made, have great carbon steel blades and can be bought used in many cases for $15 or less with very little blade loss and have a long life ahead of them.

Good answer. :thumbup:

 

[mckgreg]

Fifteen bucks will buy you some very good whittlin' steel on Ebay and Elsewhere.
Greg