Need an advice

C

CityFinn

Joined
Oct 11, 2022
Messages
87
I need a advice from a people who will understand my problem :)
I love my Case knives: the new Stockman M workman, the Mini Trapper and ofc Medium Jack.
I use them as my edc, rotating them everyday.
Because of You - yes it's your fault ;) - I bought the Old Timer Junior and find it as awesome, great little knife for edc.
Now... I can buy (which is not often) an Old Timer 330T or 340T (made in USA).
They are a not as cheap as I would like to - about 35 dollars - and I'm thinking is it a good idea.
Not from collecting point of view but as an user.
I already have a great choice of my edc knives.
Should I buy another one or should I pass...

Advice me please :)
 
Hi CityFinn.

I bought a US made 34OT a few months ago, here in the UK I paid around $30.

My one is in good condition, never sharpened and very little patina. The clip point blade on my one has a bit of side to side wiggle (blade tang is thinner than the back spring so it probably left the factory with this bit of blade play.) The spring tension varies on each of the three blades, light pull on the clip, medium on the foot blade and a stiff spring on the spey.

I was a bit surprised at how 'crinked' the blades are, but I guess this is common for the stockman pattern.

Since you already have a Case Stockman I guess you have to ask yourself if you really need another user with a similar set of blades?

The 34OT was Schrade's best selling knife apparently. So for not a lot of money you get a real American classic for your pocket. Probably worth getting for that reason alone!
 
Haven’t been made since 2004, over time there will be less to find and cost more. Most knife nuts would buy them both and be glad to have them! Great frame size with many knives built on it over the years. OH
Ps. Post pictures once you get them.
 
The price is for each not both but I have in mind exactly what You have said.
Over time they will be more rare.
Than again - I will have more trouble choosing a knife for edc :)
I'm more for the Jack than Stockman because I already have 3 of them :)
They look like this:
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For what it’s worth, I’m a great fan of the (original, USA made) 34OT.

It’s my standard “go to” knife for cutting tasks (with a SAK for other tools).

So I’d say: go for it!

…Mike

[edit: I’m a big fan of a sheepsfoot blade for many tasks, so I’d go for the stockman, not the jack]
 
I don't know their sizes. If anyone could post a picture 330 or 340 with, hmmm, the Victorinox Spartan that would be great.
And what about their usability? Are the similar to Case (better, worse)?
I will think about buying both when I decide buying :) But that's a good idea :)
 
Those OT's by Schrade are ground nice and thin, and will take a wicked edge. Hope you decide to try one out.
 
The decision to buy has already been made. He comes here looking for validation, and to see if there are any obvious red flags. Seeing none, let’s give him what he wants. CityFinn: buy both, as you have already decided. If for some reason you don’t like one, you can move it along easily enough.
 
There are no zeros in those pattern numbers. You are looking at the letter O, as in OT, or Old Timer. Both the two-blade jack knives and the three-blade stockman knives in question are 3 5/16 inches closed. They come in many different covers and colors over a century. The Uncle Henry versions are in stainless steel. The Schrade open-stocks (833 and 834) are not stainless steel, as is the 33OT and 34OT you have mentioned. All of these knives are neither better nor worse than CASE knives. They are all excellent. Unless you see U.S.A. stamped into the tang of the master blade, you have come across a Chinese knife. Do not go there. That is my opinion in the matter.
 
Henry Beige said:
The decision to buy has already been made. He comes here looking for validation, and to see if there are any obvious red flags. Seeing none, let’s give him what he wants. CityFinn: buy both, as you have already decided. If for some reason you don’t like one, you can move it along easily enough.
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I am going to say that it is highly possible that You are right to the bone Dear Sir!
I like the Jack Pattern more but to buy an Old Timer USA here in Poland is not something everyday you will see.
I'm also very impressed by the junior that I have.
tongueriver said:
There are no zeros in those pattern numbers. You are looking at the letter O, as in OT, or Old Timer. Both the two-blade jack knives and the three-blade stockman knives in question are 3 5/16 inches closed. They come in many different covers and colors over a century. The Uncle Henry versions are in stainless steel. The Schrade open-stocks (833 and 834) are not stainless steel, as is the 33OT and 34OT you have mentioned. All of these knives are neither better nor worse than CASE knives. They are all excellent. Unless you see U.S.A. stamped into the tang of the master blade, you have come across a Chinese knife. Do not go there. That is my opinion in the matter.
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So now You made me thinking. I may be wrong but if I understand correct: the USA stamp shouldn't be on main blade tang?
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I also like to use my knives and although I like the Stockman pattern there is something in the Jacks. Good main blade and the smaller pen one has more use then three blades because I don't use it so often.
 
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CityFinn said:
So now You made me thinking. I may be wrong but if I understand correct: the USA stamp shouldn't be on main blade tang?
Click to expand...
No, I'm sure he was saying that the best 33OT and 34OT are those that DO have "USA" on tang stamp.
The Old Timers that do NOT have "USA" on tang stamp are more recent Chinese models made after Schrade stopped making knives in USA.

- GT
 
Thanks, that makes sense. Sometimes I need to clarify because English is not my first language.
I don't have anything against China made knives but I prefer those made US. If I want to buy an American Classic I buy a USA made one.

My initial thought was that I don't need another small knife with similar blades. What's the point other then collectors? I don't think about myself as an collector but a user.

But as an user I like to use good tools.

Just because Old Timer USA are very rare at my market and the Junior is such a great little knife and very well made I decided to think about buying those two.

I also wanted to know if the size is right because the peanut size is a bit small and I would prefer the mini trappers size.
I spoke with the knives owner and he will think about the discount.

Tongueriver: Your words were very needed as I only know the Case and RR knives (one OT Junior doesn't count). On my market there are only Buck stockman which doesn't make my heart a tap. So with RR made in China the conclusion was simple.

To buy or not to buy - if they are a good quality, sturdy, working knives - I needed a confirmation.

Also Henry Beige You were right before I realized it :)

My Wife will not be happy about it ;) but maybe I will tell Her that it these are my old ones I forgoten about :)

One more thing: What's with the kicks on those knives? I looked in internet and almost all of OT has strange shaped kicks...
 
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Old Timers (yup, both) arrived but I need to send them back.
Too much bladeplay, springs are very weak and blades are cranked.
Shame, but I will get my money back :(
 
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