Schatt & Morgan #69 - Review posted 2/6/15

That's unfortunate. Mine suffer from the bone removed around the domed pins but it does not bother me.

Mine is about a 7-8 on the bear trap scale....I actually wish it was a bit lighter.
 
High_Noon said:
4) there was what I consider excessive blade play at half-stop,
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I think I've seen it all now. I've long felt that the forumites have impossibly high standards when it comes to production slipjoints, but this has got to be a first. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else mention blade play at half-stop. It has absolutely no bearing on function or even aesthetics.

This takes nitpicking to a whole new level.

:dejection:

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
I think I've seen it all now. I've long felt that the forumites have impossibly high standards when it comes to production slipjoints, but this has got to be a first. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else mention blade play at half-stop. It has absolutely no bearing on function or even aesthetics.

This takes nitpicking to a whole new level.

:dejection:

- Christian
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Perhaps you are correct, but I did mention I've been spoiled by GEC's incredible quality - none of my GECs have any blade play whatsoever at half stop. The blade on this S&M felt "loose" at half stop and in my opinion, was outside of what would be considered normal. Taken as a whole, there were too many issues with this particular knife for it to be considered acceptable - perhaps a bad one got through the inspection process at S&M. I have reached the point where I will not buy something that is not exactly what I am looking for in a knife or anything else for that matter. My cash is too hard won to settle for less.
 
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High_Noon said:
Perhaps you are correct, but I did mention I've been spoiled by GEC's incredible quality - none of my GECs have any blade play whatsoever at half stop. The blade on this S&M felt "loose" at half stop and in my opinion, was outside of what would be considered normal. Taken as a whole, there were too many issues with this particular knife for it to be considered acceptable - perhaps a bad one got through the inspection process at S&M. I have reached the point where I will not buy something that is not exactly what I am looking for in a knife or anything else for that matter. My cash is too hard won to settle for less.
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I know exactly what you mean, the s&m I bought is sloppy loose, blade pull is about a 2, spongy at open position and the bolsters wiggle right along with the flimsy blade. It's like they slap some stag on a $5 knife. I won't buy another one. On the other hand I got a Chinese made Kissing Crane to use as a beater knife but it's made so well and tight I don't wanna be too rough on it. The Kissing Crane was $12 and the S & M was around $100....go figure
 
rbeggs said:
I know exactly what you mean, the s&m I bought is sloppy loose, blade pull is about a 2, spongy at open position and the bolsters wiggle right along with the flimsy blade. It's like they slap some stag on a $5 knife. I won't buy another one. On the other hand I got a Chinese made Kissing Crane to use as a beater knife but it's made so well and tight I don't wanna be too rough on it. The Kissing Crane was $12 and the S & M was around $100....go figure
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I'm glad you agree I am not being unreasonable. Like you, I don't think I'll be purchasing another S&M. Funny you mentioned Kissing Crane. I was looking at their Barlows just the other day and I thought they seemed nice - nice to hear that they are made well.
 
High_Noon said:
I'm glad you agree I am not being unreasonable. Like you, I don't think I'll be purchasing another S&M. Funny you mentioned Kissing Crane. I was looking at their Barlows just the other day and I thought they seemed nice - nice to hear that they are made well.
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I've only bought one kissing crane, it's a sod buster jr. size, so I can't speak for any but that one but I'd buy another one even though I like American.
 
rbeggs said:
I like American.
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I have been making an effort to only purchase USA made products, which is very, very difficult today. Often, I do not have a choice, but when I do, I will buy American. I do have a few exceptions: I only purchase German-made auto parts for my vehicle - cheap Chinese parts don't even fit correctly. Regarding knives, I too prefer American, but I have some nice knives that were made in Solingen (Eye Brand) and some that were made in Sheffield as well.
 
Please stay on topic.
The topic is Schatt & Morgan, not where the knives are made and not about auto parts.

 
I don't know, $85 for a 7/10 knife traditional style with ATS34 doesn't sound too bad. Any other barlows in ATS34?
 
brownshoe said:
I don't know, $85 for a 7/10 knife traditional style with ATS34 doesn't sound too bad. Any other barlows in ATS34?
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Perhaps I was a bit generous with my 7/10 rating. I did not feel that the particular knife I received was acceptable due to the issues I mentioned. I do not know of any other production Barlows w/ ATS-34, but I am glad to hear that there will be a Northwoods version. If the quality of this impending knife will be on par with the '15 IRJ, then it's sure to be a good 'un. I have been very pleased with my '15 IRJ.
 
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High_Noon said:
Thanks. The S&M #69 does indeed look like a very nice knife. I also looked at the Spear Point (1095) and the Clip Point (ATS-34). It seems that the Spear Point blade sits a bit more "flush" than the Sheepsfoot or the Clip, which I like. The Sheepsfoots blade rides high and I'm not sure if this would annoy me. Although I do like 1095, the ATS-34 models are tempting. Perhaps a Spearpoint is a more useful (all purpose) blade shape. It seems as if old style knives like this one just beg for 1095. I also like the TC Barlows, but they are difficult to find and are considerably more expensive. The S&M #69 certainly seem like a good value. I just need to decide on the Sheepsfoot in ATS-34 or the Spearpoint in 1095. I understand the difference between the two steels. Any opinions on which I should choose?

bdev: thanks for the info.
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I own two Queen Schatt & Morgan #69 one in clip and the other in spear both with 1095 mirror polished steel and winterbottom bone. Both of them suck it hard! I had to exchange and refund multiple times with ebay sellers to get decent ones. Their quality is total crap and when you write the factory which I did they don't even respond. They are the biggest group of pussies I ever bought a knife from. Buy a CASE knife and after opening and closing it you will see real quality. Hope this helps. Love, Cassie :)
 
1095 or 154CM is the best. ATS-34 is Jap steel. Buy American and support American. I don't buy or own any cutlery made in Japan. I will make an exception for soligen steel from Germany but no Jap steel. The japs can suck it!

Love, Cassie G. :)
 
High_Noon said:
Perhaps I was a bit generous with my 7/10 rating. I did not feel that the particular knife I received was acceptable due to the issues I mentioned. I do not know of any other production Barlows w/ ATS-34, but I am glad to hear that there will be a Northwoods version. If the quality of this impending knife will be on par with the '15 IRJ, then it's sure to be a good 'un. I have been very pleased with my '15 IRJ.
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Yeah you were! They leave much to be desired in the way of Quality.
 
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