Old Timer...New Timer

[Mistwalker]

One design I am glad to see Taylor bring back into production is the 165OT or the Old Timer Woodsman.

Here are a few pics of old and new.

While yes I admit...having carried an older model for many miles of woods journeys...that I do still much prefer the old 1095 version, I am glad to see they didn't just let the design die. There are some things on the new model that may even be seen as improvements over the old one by some people out there. For instance they did lower the retention strap so there is less movement. Also since there were some who complained about the sabre grind so the new hollow grind may please them, as may the thinned spine. And too, the guard no longer appears to be a two-piece design, however it also doesn't appear to be soldered.

It still handles much like the old version, though the handle scales have been rounded.

and though I haven't done enough with it to test edge retention yet... it does come with a good edge.

And the sheath is a decent split-leather sheath also.

More on it later, but so far I think it is a well made as any similar styled knife in the same price range and better than several I have seen.


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[Esav Benyamin]

Schrade Knives Collectors Forum Imperial Schrade Corp. - Since Schrade closed their doors, this forum has become a site for the collectors to meet and share information.

Non-legacy Schrades go in the General Knife Discussion.

 

[Bob W]

Well it looks like a faithful reproduction, except the steel choice.
As a collector I'm only interested in owning the originals, but as a knife enthusiast I'm certainly interested in reading more of these old-vs-new comparisons. Thanks for posting the pictures and notes!

 

[link2derek]

Nice pair! Thanks for sharing . . . I'll look for your update later.

 

[Codger_64]

Thanks for the brief review Mistwalker. I see quite a few differences in construction between the two (most of which you have noted), so the newer knife isn't an exact copy of the original. Do you know for sure what the steel is in the Taylor knife? Of course the original was 1095HC, and this one appears to be stainless. ISC did use stainless on the Uncle Henry version of this knife, 165UH, upon it's second release. I believe that was 440 series. Also, limited editions made after regular production ended in 1991 used both stainless and hollow grinds on the blades.

ETA: For the sake of sheath comparison, the sheath with the original is the stone pocket sheath issued with the 165UH. The Old Timer version was flat-fronted like the one with the Taylor knife.

 

[Mistwalker]

Non-legacy Schrades go in the General Knife Discussion.

Oops, sorry.

Well it looks like a faithful reproduction, except the steel choice.
As a collector I'm only interested in owning the originals, but as a knife enthusiast I'm certainly interested in reading more of these old-vs-new comparisons. Thanks for posting the pictures and notes!

There are a few differences, but I'm still glad they brought it back to the line up.

Nice pair! Thanks for sharing . . . I'll look for your update later.

Thanks, I just thought it worth mentioning. I'll try to get it out soon, but now I am wanting to spend a day with the original first just for the Nostalgia.

Thanks for the brief review Mistwalker. I see quite a few differences in construction between the two (most of which you have noted), so the newer knife isn't an exact copy of the original. Do you know for sure what the steel is in the Taylor knife? Of course the original was 1095HC, and this one appears to be stainless. ISC did use stainless on the Uncle Henry version of this knife, 165UH, upon it's second release. I believe that was 440 series. Also, limited editions made after regular production ended in 1991 used both stainless and hollow grinds on the blades.

ETA: For the sake of sheath comparison, the sheath with the original is the stone pocket sheath issued with the 165UH. The Old Timer version was flat-fronted like the one with the Taylor knife.

Thanks Codger. I am not sure on the steel, the only info I have for sure is "400 series". I was told a couple of years ago that they were trying to move to 440 on all of the Old Timer knives but since some other knives had been made in 420 they would only list 400 series so as not to be misleading.

For me personally it will never replace the original, there are just too many memories with that knife. But the design and feel are very similar to the original so at least some of the younger generation may get a similar experience to mine with this knife. As I stated, for the money it's a better knife than many out there in the price range...if it holds an edge it's even better than some that cost more. As far as I am concerned the basic design itself was proven in the field years ago. And some friends I have shown it to remembered the knife right off and didn't even notice the differences.

 

[Codger_64]

I have used my original since circa 1969 and it has served me quite well. A dual axle gravel truck would not hold all of the deer, squirrels, fish, coons and other game I have processed with it. And still, after all of these years, it shows very little blade loss when compared to new-in-the-box examples in my collection.

 

[hiwa]

Thanks for the review Mistwalker. I've had my traditional eyeball on one of those for years. I never picked one up ,and they disappeared from stores. I always liked the Staglon grips from my slipjoint days. The Taylor Schrades are not as nice as the old carbon stuff, but not bad blades none the less. Classic designs that people have used for a long time.

 

[Mistwalker]

Thanks for the review Mistwalker. I've had my traditional eyeball on one of those for years. I never picked one up ,and they disappeared from stores. I always liked the Staglon grips from my slipjoint days. The Taylor Schrades are not as nice as the old carbon stuff, but not bad blades none the less. Classic designs that people have used for a long time.

Thanks man, I personally prefer Hi Carbon most of the time, but there have been a lot of times on the coast I have prefered stainless blades. For many the stainless will be seen as a plus.