My First Old Timer & I Now Know Why People Love Them! W/Pics

jkulysses

jkulysses

Joined
Dec 8, 2010
Messages
2,348
I have been enjoying some of the Old Timers you guys have shared in various different threads and my dad always carried around a 340T when I was a kid so it got me to thinking why I don't have any for myself. I just received this one is the mail an hour or so ago and I have to say I'm in love already and now I have a whole new sub category of addiction! I will be getting more and next will be the 340T. This 330T is more my style and what I would carry myself but I want to find a 340T for my dad and one for myself just because I want one. So how did I do for $16.32 and how do I figure out about how old it is? This thing is scary sharp and not a flaw on it the fit & finish and walk and talk are just superb I couldn't ask for more. Here are some pictures.





 
Not sure of the age, but for less than $20 I say you got a steal!
 
Outstanding knife, jkulysses! My dad carried a 34OT as well, still does. I've rediscovered Old Timer knives over the last few years, and they are superb. Enjoy!
 
I like! I told myself I wouldn't get too far into traditionals especially with a pen knife attached now all I have been thinking about is an old timey with a wharnie and a pen knife. Lol
 
I need to try one of these out. I really love the looks of the delrin on these, and I only hear good things about the Old Timers.
 
i don't have one but my father has one from the day and leaves it out for all to use. i love it and you got a steal of a deal.
 
Wow you got a great deal on that one. Of the knives I now have a 33Ot is the one I have had the longest. Great knives.
Jim
 
Welcome to traditional knives......Now the addiction begins. Your hooked, just in case you didn't know it.
I have two 340's and I just received a 330 yesterday.

Tom
 
There's no exact time when the tang stamps changed - changes happened as the old stock was used up. Still, that's an 'older' box and tang stamp, so 1980s would be a good estimate.

It really is amazing how consistently good the quality was on those relatively inexpensive and mass-produced Old Timers. You'd have to spend sixty to a hundred bucks today to buy an American knife as good.

The steel, as you probably know, is 1095 carbon steel. Schrade did a wonderful heat treat on it, the grinds are thin and precise, and the edge gets razor sharp.

It's obvious that whoever owned that knife previously kept it in excellent condition, like a museum piece. You don't have to keep it that way, but be aware the current value of a mint condition specimen like that is well beyond the $16 you paid. And they don't make 'em any more, not since 2004 when the Imperial Schrade Corporation went out of business.

As you can guess, I'm quite a fan of the original Old Timer knives. Enjoy it in good health. :thumbup:
 
I love the size and weight of the 33ot...I have an 833 uncle henry that finds its my way into my pocket frequently.

Hard to beat a quality made in usa pocket knife for less than $30.
 
Double Ott said:
Welcome to traditional knives......Now the addiction begins. Your hooked, just in case you didn't know it.
I have two 340's and I just received a 330 yesterday.

Tom
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I was bitten by the traditional bug a while ago but it was mostly limited to GEC patterns which I have quite a few of now. :)

I will be getting more of these Old Timers for sure! It feels pretty light and carries very nice too. My GEC blades of similar size feel heavier but maybe that is because of the delrin handles?
 
I've found those marked with the NY USA on three lines were are a good vintage. Schrades marked as SCHRADE NY USA like this were made from 1973, and into the early 1980's, although it varied from pattern to pattern. That was the last box used with that stamping. Previous to the box with a sponge insert was the larger brown box with a blue felt cardboard insert. That 33OT is a great pocket knife! :thumbup:

 
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Excellent! Sadly, I discovered Old Timers too late, even though that was what my Dad carried. I picked up a couple here an there lately and I am super impressed! Those guys really knew how to put together a working pocket knife. Beauty in the simplicity. I don't pocket mine everyday, too many choices in rotation, but when I do, I am well pleased. Congrats on your new purchase, I'm sure you will get a lifetime plus of service from that knife.
 
thawk said:
I've found those marked with the NY USA on three lines were are a good vintage. Schrades marked as SCHRADE NY USA like this were made from 1973, and into the early 1980's, although it varied from pattern to pattern. That was the last box used with that stamping. Previous to the box with a sponge insert was the larger brown box with a blue felt cardboard insert. That 33OT is a great pocket knife! :thumbup:

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Thank you for this, very informative! That older model one you posted up looks like it literally just left the factory it's so perfect!
galactorrhea said:
Congrats on the find!

Gotta find me my first Schrade. Haven't had much luck on the 'Bay yet ;)

Sometime!
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I found this one on the bay but it wasn't getting many bids and it ended at kind of a weird time so I just got lucky I guess. He didn't have very much feedback either and kind of a weird childish name too so not sure if that scared people away or not but I know it made me nervous. I decided to take a gamble and it paid off. :)
 
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