New Schrade Models

Forgedfixedblade · Feb 9, 2015

I know, I know, Schrade isn't the same company it used to be now owned by Taylor brands. With that out of the way they have quite a few models that I own and like very much. For 2015 they even have three models in the bushcraft arena, all 1095, ferro rods and diamond sharpeners integrated into their molle compatible sheaths. The 8cr13mov steel they use gets a lot of good reviews, I know many of you don't think it has enough carbon in it for your liking but mine has been serving me well with this steel, I have a Sch13 that I use daily, holds a great edge and I really like the G10 scales as well as fit in the hand. I just ordered this new model tonight, the Schf35, couple of good youtube reviews already up about it. 8-1/8" overall with slim fitting G10 and a somewhat recurve blade, never really liked the recurves until this one, have to see how I like it, solid design. Check out there homepage, definitely worth a look, lots of new models, here's a couple of borrowed pics of the one I have on the way.

Boris74 · Apr 24, 2015

I used to use the USA made Schrade knives. I've put many in their grave. I use knives till their end. I have one left that's a turd. Worst steel in a knife I ever bought. Dulls before one deer is done and refuses to take a sharp edge. Some slip by.

I bought some Schrade pocket knives a while ago. Yup, made in China. This may hurt, but I refuse to repeat what I've read to sound like an expert or be part of the gang. The 8cr13mov in my new EDC is better than the AUS8 in the SOG it replaced. The fit and finish is better than the SOG it replaced. The knife is better than any 1980s Schrade I bought in the past. The so called cheap wannabe AUS8 steel holds an edge twice as long as the USA made and heat treated AUS8 in the SOG I used to use. All I see online comment wise is someone read a steel snobs response and in a quest to be a cool kid they just say the same thing. I'm so glad I still do things the old school pre Internet days and see for myself. 8cr13mov on Schrade knives lasts 2x as long edge retention as does the USA made SOG AUS8.

Their new line of knives is a wise choice for an actual end user. Not fun to brag about the boring steel and low price by any means, but when it goes days longer before even needing a touch up compared to a bragable more costly knife, people like me just chuckle.

My brother put his s30v (spyderco) in a cardboard cutting competition against my 8cr13mov. Indeed after one box the s30v was still as sharp as it started and there was just a tad wear on the 8cr. A stack of cardboard later he was sawing while the 8cr13mov still had a very workable edge. It's like driving a nascar everywhere that needs a complete tear down every 500 miles and rebuilt, while a Taurus will just need a fill up and an oil change in another 4,500 miles. It's a super steel all around, and needs super tools to return the razor sharp edge. I took 5 minutes on 320 grit sand paper laying around and a strop on a piece of cardboard left over and I had a nice smooth razor sharp edge again. He required much more time on specialty tools to get his back. We both still define super steel differently.

The new Schrade knives are a wise choice and cost nothing compared to super steels. Quality is not the oh it's China junk everyone sounds cool saying. It's comical where I sit.

aaron1972 · Apr 24, 2015

I really enjoy my three I bought, the schrade schf frontier knives, 36, 37, and 38, for the price I don't have to worry about beating on them and I think they did the 1095 steel correctly, mine hold and take a edge very easily.

Rich S · Apr 24, 2015

I have several Taylor Schrades and like them all: two liner locks (SCH106,SCH105), a sodbuster and two stockman (bone - yes real saw cut bone) and a iron wood handled stockman. Great knives, good steel, great price. IMHO as good (maybe better) than the old Schrades (I know that's heresy, but IMHO true).
Rich

filedog · Apr 25, 2015

aaron1972 said:
I really enjoy my three I bought, the schrade schf frontier knives, 36, 37, and 38, for the price I don't have to worry about beating on them and I think they did the 1095 steel correctly, mine hold and take a edge very easily.

I've been looking at those 3, trying to pick one. Never had a big knife, but the price on those make it tempting. After watching the reviews, a few guys mention the jimping on the handle, and say it's uncomfortable. One guy chopped quite a bit and said it didn't bother him. What's you take on the jimping - uncomfortable or ok? Have you done any chopping? Right now I'm leaning toward the SCHF37.

aaron1972 · Apr 25, 2015

filedog said:
I've been looking at those 3, trying to pick one. Never had a big knife, but the price on those make it tempting. After watching the reviews, a few guys mention the jimping on the handle, and say it's uncomfortable. One guy chopped quite a bit and said it didn't bother him. What's you take on the jimping - uncomfortable or ok? Have you done any chopping? Right now I'm leaning toward the SCHF37.

I don't notice the jimping much at all, but my hands are pretty calloused from working with them, I too was going to only get one, Wich was the 37, but after buying it I had to get all three.

filedog · Apr 26, 2015

aaron1972 said:
I don't notice the jimping much at all, but my hands are pretty calloused from working with them, I too was going to only get one, Wich was the 37, but after buying it I had to get all three.

So after using them all, which one one would you keep, if you could have only one?

aaron1972 · Apr 26, 2015

filedog said:
So after using them all, which one one would you keep, if you could have only one?

Schf 37.

Cre3p · Apr 27, 2015

I just ordered the schf17. After watching many videos on YouTube. This is the one I went with. I've always liked the tanto style blade. Plus the blade has a cool curve to it. And the reviewers say it helps with chopping. At just under 1 lb. And total length just under 1 ft long. It's a beast. I'm a huge fan of the kydex sheath. Seem higher quality then those nylon one. That never seem to last. I do wish it had a lanyard hole. But I'm thinking I can just take it to the machine shop. And put it on the press. Should be here in a week. Can't wait. I'm thinking of making a new kirinite custom handle for it. Check out...
USAknifemaker.com.

FordRanger · Apr 27, 2015

I remember my Grandfather talking with remorse about Schrade going out of business, so for me the new company seemed a bit wrong somehow. Then a year ago I saw a neat little Schrade machete with a full guard on clearance at a hardware store and I bought it. I took it camping, used it, and liked it. Then I saw that some local stores sold the new Old Timers at very low prices, so I bought a couple. Turns out they're pretty good knives. I don't have any of their fixed blades but the 34OT is a pretty good little knife, it doesn't look perfect but it does its job and keeps a decent edge. The same goes for the 227UH folding hunter, its a good big folder to use and beat up on. Recently I wanted a large stockman, so to see if I liked to use a large one I ordered a 858OT "Lumberjack" and it is quite a nice knife! Some large model knives end up being clunky but this one is great. Good, durable edges on all three blades, and its also very attractive. That being said, I do beat on them because of their price. The 858 showed me that a big stockman is perfect for me, so I got a Buck 307. I keep hearing people say they like the new Schrades better than the old ones. For me I'd say they're different. Different steels, some different construction methods, but differences can be good. I like mine. I also like my original Schrades, but they're just different. More refined and delicate feeling to my hands. It can be good, but sometimes I want a sturdy knife to not worry about dropping on concrete or in a lake, and for that I'd rather a new Schrade.

For anyone wanting a knife to use, and who thinks that a lot of traditionals are too "purty" to use, get a Schrade, they're cheap and are great for the price. From my experience with Taylor/Schrade's traditional knives, I'd say that their outdoorsy knives would be the same- sturdy, affordable knives. Don't expect them to get much praise from people who like expensive knives, but as someone who likes to spend less in order to not cringe when using an expensive knife, I'd say Schade is a good brand to look at.

aaron1972 · Apr 27, 2015

Cre3p said:
I just ordered the schf17. After watching many videos on YouTube. This is the one I went with. I've always liked the tanto style blade. Plus the blade has a cool curve to it. And the reviewers say it helps with chopping. At just under 1 lb. And total length just under 1 ft long. It's a beast. I'm a huge fan of the kydex sheath. Seem higher quality then those nylon one. That never seem to last. I do wish it had a lanyard hole. But I'm thinking I can just take it to the machine shop. And put it on the press. Should be here in a week. Can't wait. I'm thinking of making a new kirinite custom handle for it. Check out...
USAknifemaker.com.

Yes, the nylon sheath has problems, my schf37 will cut the strap that holds it in if I'm not careful sliding it in and out, I will definitely be looking to upgrade to a better kydex sheath down the road.

filedog · Apr 27, 2015

FordRanger said:
I remember my Grandfather talking with remorse about Schrade going out of business, so for me the new company seemed a bit wrong somehow. Then a year ago I saw a neat little Schrade machete with a full guard on clearance at a hardware store and I bought it. I took it camping, used it, and liked it. Then I saw that some local stores sold the new Old Timers at very low prices, so I bought a couple. Turns out they're pretty good knives. I don't have any of their fixed blades but the 34OT is a pretty good little knife, it doesn't look perfect but it does its job and keeps a decent edge. The same goes for the 227UH folding hunter, its a good big folder to use and beat up on. Recently I wanted a large stockman, so to see if I liked to use a large one I ordered a 858OT "Lumberjack" and it is quite a nice knife! Some large model knives end up being clunky but this one is great. Good, durable edges on all three blades, and its also very attractive. That being said, I do beat on them because of their price. The 858 showed me that a big stockman is perfect for me, so I got a Buck 307. I keep hearing people say they like the new Schrades better than the old ones. For me I'd say they're different. Different steels, some different construction methods, but differences can be good. I like mine. I also like my original Schrades, but they're just different. More refined and delicate feeling to my hands. It can be good, but sometimes I want a sturdy knife to not worry about dropping on concrete or in a lake, and for that I'd rather a new Schrade.

For anyone wanting a knife to use, and who thinks that a lot of traditionals are too "purty" to use, get a Schrade, they're cheap and are great for the price. From my experience with Taylor/Schrade's traditional knives, I'd say that their outdoorsy knives would be the same- sturdy, affordable knives. Don't expect them to get much praise from people who like expensive knives, but as someone who likes to spend less in order to not cringe when using an expensive knife, I'd say Schade is a good brand to look at.

That seems to sum it up. While we'll all miss a great old American knife producer, the designs have been sold to another company. They hay have the same name, and the designs, but that's where the comparison ends. Like it or not, they're Chinese now. Seems like quality is good (I've never held a "new" Schrade folder, but the Rough Rider stuff is similarly priced, and I've had a few of those, quality is quite acceptable). and the prices are great. I don't love everything about their fixed blades, but they are really trying to fill a gap at the lower price point.