Latest 1095 USA Schrade Old Timer Sharpfinger Generational

[rrrgcy]

Had to do it, on a whim. Was visiting a Fleet Farm today and saw the Generational knives by Schrade. Listed at $104 but discounted for the competitor sale price $78.
Was my first hunt knife back in late 80’s. I hadn’t known they were having some knives made here. Bear & Son is the word. The fit finish is sloppy, blister pack hides it - handle quite proud of bone in uneven places, and a chip on the corner. Buff is good and edge consistent and hair shaving sharp. Will see how it holds up but will be relegated to kitchen use for awhile. I sheath is really light and thin but functional and perhaps suited to the thin blade. (Keeper needs to be stiffer thicker IMO) but generally, Good enough. I like the handles, a burnt bone and of course the form, but ultimately at original list price and even discount I believe they should’ve fit the blade/handles so much better. I just don’t know. Typical for Bear & Son (if indeed that’s the manufacturer)?

So, disappointing fitting/finishing. Whoever handled it knows it. On a sensitive topic, I’ve got several Bark River knives from Years Ago and all were finished wonderfully. Pride then. Similar price point to this, my Buck 119-110 etc are wonderfully finished.

This Sharpfinger, I wouldn’t return it or hunt multiple blister packs for a perfect one because I believe in showing my kids what it all means - pride and/or not in their work, a lesson there - plus, it’ll still cut fine.

I’ve seen some videos of the folding Generational Bruin 1095. Anyone who bought care to comment?

 

[mac0731]

I have the bruin. I like it for what it is, but as mentioned the bone is imperfect and it's not a stellar example of fit and finish. I have one of the older green bruins as well, the generational reminds me more of a lockback sodbuster.

 

[rrrgcy]

Thank you. It doesn’t take THAT much longer to grind down the so-noticeably proud areas and finish buff the top bottom sides. Or make the knife a “second” given the chip.

If this is the manufacturing process, just pre-fit handles and slabs and join them (a “sloppy-ish” and “just-enough” by design) I get it, but otherwise it’s a worker who skipped the operation for whatever reason and so it represents a lack of QC and management’s standards and attention. What’s that say? I say I wouldn’t buy another one… that’s NOT what you want to be the response from the buying public.

 

[dsutton24]

Kinda funny, isn't it? The Old Timers of way back then were considered by most to be working knives, very capable of skinng game, but the kind of thing that if you lost it out dove hunting it wouldn't be a big deal. For the price you got plastic scales, but you also got blades that would sharpen beautify, and a knife that would last years.

The Old Timers these days feel expensive for what they are. And they feel and look like yuk. It's like they're not even pretending.

 

[waynorth]

That "Bruin" could be such a nice knife!!! Too bad about the shoddy procedures!!

 

[Hickory n steel]

I got a faux stag delrin B&S sharpfinger as a Christmas gift a couple years ago and the handles were fit just fine.
Fit and finish overall is also just fine too, but it just presents as a cheep knife.
If it didn't say Bear & son on it, you might think it had only cost $5 brand new.

 

[black mamba]

On the other end of the scale, several years back I bought a Sharpfinger blank in 440C @ 59 HRc and hafted it myself in bookmatched walnut.
It is easily my most used pattern on game, and does just as well on deer as it does on upland and waterfowl.

 

[rrrgcy]

Beautifully done. Were those the original pin holes?

The model has SUCH a good feel to it and ergonomics. It’s really a great design. I see very few blanks come up for sale anywhere. Still an inexpensive knife. I believe it’s one they knocked Ot out of the park on. Any one know the Schrade (I presume) designer’s name?

 

[black mamba]

Thanks, yes, they are the original pin holes.