Irish Stockman... What's in it?

Guyon

Guyon

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Saw one of those "Make your best offer" auctions on a "Schrade Imperial Frontier Stockman."

It was advertised as "3 7/8" closed. Stainless clip, spey and sheepsfoot blades. Green sawcut Delrin handles with tin bolsters. Frontier inlay shield." Looked like a version of the 80T or 885UH, only with green scales.

Sent an email to the seller asking about country of origin (was worried it was China), and he replied that it is from Ireland.

Did a bit of poking here in the forums and found out about the Irish Imperial plant owned by Schrade, but was only able to determine the Irish knives have cheaper materials. Anybody actually know what materials are in this knife?

I got it for $6.50, shipping costs included, so if it's a skunk, I'm not out a whole lotta money.
 
Guyon,
I have a couple of those knives and they seem solid. I haven't used one as EDC but they are nice, especially considering the price point. Mine walk & talk and look pretty, but that is all I have asked of them at this point.
If you end up using yours please let me know how they preform.

Thanks,
Dale
 
I have only seen and handled a few. The steel seems thinner (comparing the Schrade "Beast" to a similar "AV" series) and the scales are a cheaper plastic. They were indeed meant to be a bottom price-point knives, and that was the entire reason for the existance of the Listowel plant. When workers struck for higher wages (and a settlement could not be reached) as material prices climbed, Schrade closed the plant.

The "Tradesman" series of tools was made there as well, and yes, they are a cheaper version of U.S. Schrades for the most part. Quality of what I have seen was acceptable for the money. At least it was better than the chinee knives at that time. The only one I have at this time is a tiny 2 3/4" black scaled stainless folder with clip master blade and a pen blade. It was a freebie from an eBay seller that he tossed into the box. Composed of only the ribbed black plastic scales, two blades, backspring, and three pins, it is cheaply made. But it is more servicable than the comparable chinee knives I have seen on that end of the price spectrum. I can't tell you a model number, because it was not boxed, and there is none stamped.

Codger
 
Try sharpening that little pen knife and using it. It's actually very useable stuff. For the price, the fit and usefulness is about 4 times the price (used to sell for $3 at Target). The blades open smoothly and don't wiggle when open. The only drawback is the appearance, if that bothers you.
 
It's an ugly one. Worst fit and finish I may have ever seen. The springs don't even come close to flush on the botton of the knife. Scales are cheap and gap from the liners. I got the short end of this stick, even at only $6.50.
 
These things were never meant to be advertised as 'Schrades'. Seems to be a thing that started on eBay last year as the Schrade buying frenzy began to heat up. Thanks for your honest opinion of these knives, everyone, including and especially you, Guyon. As we can see, not all things 'Schrade' are top-notch quality... the Imperials, Apexs, Irish Frontiers, were never meant to be. It was a price-point thing. Boker has it's 'Magnum' brand, made in China, and other companies are doing the same thing. But still, on Ebay, these are 'Bokers' and Schrades first and foremost. It's cheapening the knife we all know and love.

just my opinion in any event.

Phil
 
I agree. It never should have had "Schrade" in the item description. I'll post some pics of the horrid thing if I get time to take some. I'm debating whether to list it on eBay (with an honest item description this time) or sharpening the sucker up and using it.

Anyway: Buyer Beware! :D
 
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