Modern Schrade Waldens

P

p'chop

Joined
Nov 9, 2006
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61
Hey folks, Once again I'm looking for some insight. I'm looking to get a modern Schrade Walden ( one of their 65th anniversary jack knife patterns.) I really like the pattern, looks like a large peanut.
I know they're made in China. But I'm wondering politics aside. Has anyone tried these, and for the money were you happy with it? Thanks.
 
Last year it was the 50th Anniversary. Time must fly in China. Maybe be counting in dog years or something. Chances are they won't hold a candle to the knives made in Walden NY 65 years ago.
 
I agree and thanks for the response, but my question wasn't to compare the Old Schrade line to the new, just want to find out what someone who bought one thought about it.
 
The Schrade's that I've seen at stores are not very impressive. I would not spend the money on them. They are inexpensive, so, you might want to gamble on it if you really like the design.

Good Luck,
Paul
 
The only China made Schrade I have is a 34OT Middleman stockman. Aside from a bent liner leaving a gap by the backspring and steel that doesn't hold an edge worth a damn, it ain't too bad. It was probably worth the $3 I paid. They could be better now, there was plenty of room for improvement.
 
I was wondering the same thing. With the imported slippies improving in the last few years (Rough Rider, Steel Warrior, Kissing Crane, Colt, etc. have all shown a big difference in quality, for the better), I was wondering what was going on with the Schrade line as well. I've read pretty favorable reviews on different forums about them recently.
 
The 50th anniversary was for the Old Timer Brand not Schrade Walden.The blade etch on the Schrade Walden 1946-2011 65th anniversary.The current Schrades are well made.
 
thawk said:
Last year it was the 50th Anniversary. Time must fly in China. Maybe be counting in dog years or something. Chances are they won't hold a candle to the knives made in Walden NY 65 years ago.
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Apologies to the OP. I have not held or used one of the Taylor knives. The drawings of them look decent enough, and the swayback jack looks cool, so someone will fork over $18.00 plus shipping soon. Go for it p'chop! Be a pioneer. I'd like to see a real picture of one.
 
I purchased a Taylor Brands Schrade Old Timer a few weeks ago. I looked it over in the store and this one seemed fine. I used it in a give away so didn't carry or sharpen it though.

However, I got a Imperial Schrade a few months ago and although I didn't try to sharpen it, the workmanship is very poor. Gaps between the scales and the bolsters. Springs aren't flush when knife is open. Even closed everything is not flush. Paid $9 so I guess caveat emptor. (I kept it to remind myself what happens when you buy a $9 trapper off an email flyer.)
 
I have bought a lot (100's) of China made folders in the last 3 years.
Numerous brands. The "Schrade" branded ones are poorly made compared with the other brands, except for the pearl handled ones which are well made and really nice.
most of the current China made knives are really quite decent, and some brands are consistently excellent.
The Schrade branded knives are one of the very few that are actually poor quality(except pearl knives). However the last one i bought was about 2 years ago, so things may well have changed.
If you want an inexpensive but good quality China knife, buy another brand; not "Schrade".
roland
 
Thanks for the insight everyone. I think I'll take the sage advice given and pass on that purchase. Time to comb the pages of the Case offerings...
 
I bumped this in hopes that someone might have had more experience with the Schrade Walden 65th Anniversary knives. I am looking for a knife to give my brother as an EDC. He has lost knives in the past so I don't want to spend the $40 something on a Case but would be more willing to pay $18 + shipping if they have at least decent fit and finish and hold a decent edge. The ones in the SMKW catalog look nice in the pictures (I like the brown jigged bone) but what are they like in the hand?

Thanks.
 
I looked at some in a couple different stores recently and was not impressed with fit, finish, or grind lines.
If you're already looking in the SMKW catalog, I've heard their "rough rider" brand is a decent value - but have no in-hand experience with those.
 
1066vik said:
I looked at some in a couple different stores recently and was not impressed with fit, finish, or grind lines.
If you're already looking in the SMKW catalog, I've heard their "rough rider" brand is a decent value - but have no in-hand experience with those.
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Thanks for the reply, I have a couple of Rough Riders and if they are not up to Rough Rider quality I will take a pass. Does anyone have experience with both brands to compare?
 
No experience with rough rider but I am sorely disappointed with Taylor Brands Schrade Old Timer. Cheap Stainless steel, won't take or hold an edge. I don't know about anyone else but I'm still cryin' over the loss of the REAL Schrade knives.
 
Just a quick update. Following the advice given I chose not to get the Schrade. I instead bought a Case amber jigged bone Trapper. Very happy with it. I bought it at my local Ace Hardware for less than my usual online source too.
 
4Mica said:
I bumped this in hopes that someone might have had more experience with the Schrade Walden 65th Anniversary knives. I am looking for a knife to give my brother as an EDC. He has lost knives in the past so I don't want to spend the $40 something on a Case but would be more willing to pay $18 + shipping if they have at least decent fit and finish and hold a decent edge. The ones in the SMKW catalog look nice in the pictures (I like the brown jigged bone) but what are they like in the hand?

Thanks.
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I broke down and ordered one, and took my own pictures. Feels good and heavy, good snap/action, no visible liner and spring gaps (no light showing). The springs are flush when blades opened and closed. Decent grinds and steel. Sharp out of the metal tin it came in. The blades are well centered and no rub. This particular example is worth the 17.99, IMO, if someones wants to experience old patterns. I'd be interested to hear of anyone else has similar or different experience. Be your own judge on looks. I'm pleased with the quality for the price.

As a side note, no country of origin is mentioned, on the knife, or on the storage tin.

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Last edited:
Hal,

Perhaps if its not too much trouble you could post one more photo, at your convenience, of the back of the knife with the blades open, specifically showing where the back-springs end and the blades begin to show how these come together??.

Your photographs are 1ST rate, BTW!

Anthony
 
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