OPINIONS IN THE SCHRADE LAKE & WALKER?

Cosmic Superchunk · Mar 27, 2001

I was at a Wal-Mart store in my area browsing through the sporting goods section and saw they were carrying the Schrade Lake & Walker knife for about $40 US. It's an economical version of the limited run BG-42 Lake & Walker with a blue-grey handle and the standard Schrade stainless steel. I've been tempted to buy one, but I'd like some feedback from anyone who has owned or handles one.

viper5192 · Mar 27, 2001

Here is a real good review of the Schrade L&W hope this helps!

http://www.canit.se/~griffon/knives/schrade/slw1.html

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Peace

Paul
Custom Knife Purveyor
Circle P Knives

Cosmic Superchunk · Mar 27, 2001

Well, I did it. I just bought one at my local Wal-Mart store. My model locks up solid with no play, but I had to check out 5 models before picking one that was right. On some, there was some blade play. I don't know if the same is true with the BG-42 models.

[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 03-27-2001).]

Dexter Ewing · Mar 27, 2001

I don't know about this economical model, but the original Lake & Walker IMHO is an overpriced Zytel type handle knife. For that money it should be at least G-10. At least...

Just IMO

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Proud member: AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

Living life on the edge

Cosmic Superchunk · Mar 27, 2001

I agree. I checked out Schrade's website and saw that the handle material was the same on both BG-42 version and the economical version, I thought the BG-42 model was overpriced. The Lake & Walker 2 sells for just under $40 at my local Wal-Mart, and it's exactly the same as the limited run except for the blue-grey handle and the Schrade+ stainless blade.

Bugs3x · Mar 28, 2001

I checked one out at our local Walmart a couple months ago, hoping against hope that somehow it was BG 42. Wasn't, of course. But, I did handle the knife briefly. May be hallucinations, but am pretty sure I remember feeling that the left scale/handle wasn't properly connected at the pivot end. Seemed able to bend it easily.

Said my "No thanks" and departed downcast.

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Asi es la vida

Bugs

Sergiusz Mitin · Mar 28, 2001

I had an opportunity to play with regular production (not limited edition) sample at IWA show about two weeks ago. Honestly it didn't impress me at all. The locking device is some kind of mono-lock (frame-lock, integral-lock) but the locking bar is made of kevlar reinforced nylon without any metal liner! Entire construction looks quite shaky, hitting my palm (!) with the blade spine I knew in advance that the lock will fail - and it failed 5 times on 5 at the first hit.

People at Schrade booth seemed quite impressed with this easy lock destabilization but couldn't comment it anyway.

metacarpels · Mar 28, 2001

i think that knife is a joke... that wierd kevlar frame lock with some kind of metal disc inside of it? i dont see where they get the idea that that would even begin to hold up versus titanium or stainless. I dont even remember seeing any liners at all. who knows... i dont own one... but from handling it? no thanks...

ROBB · Mar 28, 2001

I've never seen the "economical"version of the Lake & Walker but the original is WAY overpriced.It does have titanium in the "frame lock" but its hard to tell how thick it is.As far as I can tell the only difference is some titanium in the lock & clip and the BG42 blade.Is that worth almost $200 extra retail? I agree with Dexter.

Edgefinder · Mar 28, 2001

I purchased one of the limited edition serial numbered BG-42 models, and sent it back immediately. I was highly disappointed with the blade finish, overall components, and the cheezy zytel/kevlar handles. The blade finish was a poor attempt at a high polish, but looked like it was a tumbled or stonewashed, cloudy finish. Overall, the knife looks and feels cheap, and it is far too expensive. I expected much more for the money, like Benchmade or Microtech quality. Schrade should stay with the traditional pocket knife line. Although, if you want an economical user, and your expectations are not too high, buy the SLW-2 partially serrated model at Wal-mart for $40.00

Cosmic Superchunk · Apr 2, 2001

Well guys, I had to do it. After handling the Lake & Walker 2, I returned it. Frankly, I feel that this knife is a total waste. The knife is not what I expected and I think it's not even worth $39.99 I paid. What I can't believe is the fact that 2 of the most prominent knife designers/makers would lend their names to this knife.