Schrade 125OT

glocktenman

glocktenman

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I've been looking for a nice US made 125OT because I like the style of it but they are a little pricey from what I've found. I was looking at the Case folding hunter single blade and it looks like it's the same size and style. I'm thinking of getting one of the Case folding hunters instead of the 125OTs at this point because of the prices if they are similar. Are there any differences in these two knives as far as build or style? Anyone have experience with both knives?
 
The 125OT is a one blade linerlock with 1095 carbon blade, or there is a 25OT with two. I don't think the Case versions have a linerlock on the single blade, and recently I believe the blades are SS. There are older ones in CV, but they get pricey. The newer ones with SS, if you like the steel, are a good buy when comparing prices.
 
The Case would probably serve you just as well, until you find a good deal on the old U.S. Schrade.

The U.S. Schrade 125OT has a liner lock, IIRC the Case does not. They look very similar. The OT will probably have the brown saw-cut Delrin scales, and the Case usually has jigged material for scales. The old 125OT's are made with carbon steel, and the Case single-blade Folding Hunter is made of their Tru-Sharp. (Case doesn't get the carbon steel in the thicker specs any more.)

~Chris
 
glocktenman said:
I've been looking for a nice US made 125OT because I like the style of it but they are a little pricey from what I've found. I was looking at the Case folding hunter single blade and it looks like it's the same size and style. I'm thinking of getting one of the Case folding hunters instead of the 125OTs at this point because of the prices if they are similar. Are there any differences in these two knives as far as build or style? Anyone have experience with both knives?
Click to expand...

I too am in the market for a nice 125OT.

My late grandfather left me and my brother, among other nifty things, two mint folding hunters. This would have been in about 1982. Mine was a 125OT single blade linerlock w/sheath, my brother got a Buck two blade folding hunter w/sheath that is very much like the Case models. My brother played sports, was (and is) very athletic, went to college and lives in the city. I fished and drank allot when I should have been going to college and live 40 miles outside the city. His Buck knife remains exactly as he received it (maybe he wouldn't miss it if it disappeared ;)) while I used up my 125OT years ago.

So I am partial to the 125OT since I am very familiar with the excellent steel they used. Mine was made in the 70's or very early 80's, it was easy to keep very sharp and you can use the snot out of it year after year and as long as you don't abuse it, say chopping down small trees to build a lean-to (guilty :() it should easily last a lifetime
 
The Queen #44 folding hunter looks like a very similar pattern as well, sans liner lock.
 
Howdy, I was given a 125OT,in 1976. Mine is the 2 blade non-locking. I carried it from 1976 till just a few years ago. I carried it on my police duty belt and on my belt off duty. Working, hunting, fishing. Recently went to a pocket clip knife,both on and off duty. If i hunt, fish or camp, the Old Timer 125OT goes. I never felt dis-advantaged by not having a lock on the blade. If it ever gets lost or stolen, i will pay what it costs to get a replacement----no question!

I would suggest that you decide which one you need (single blade with lock. Or 2 blade without lock.) Pay what it costs. You will get 1or 2 blades with good steel. Blades that will get as sharp as YOU are capable of honing. Mine is 35 years old. It ain't wore out, it aint obsolete. It is carbon steel, so it WILL rust, so you have to oil it.

Buy IT! If you don't like it, you wont like the other choices you asked about either (except if you are in need of stainless steel) I guess that may be more than my .02 Henry
 
orca8589 said:
The Case would probably serve you just as well, until you find a good deal on the old U.S. Schrade.

The U.S. Schrade 125OT has a liner lock, IIRC the Case does not. They look very similar. The OT will probably have the brown saw-cut Delrin scales, and the Case usually has jigged material for scales. The old 125OT's are made with carbon steel, and the Case single-blade Folding Hunter is made of their Tru-Sharp. (Case doesn't get the carbon steel in the thicker specs any more.)

~Chris
Click to expand...

I have a slight issue with calling it a liner lock. It really isn't, as there is a backspring there. On the ones I've handled- 4 in all- the "Lock" let it close about 15 degrees before holding, so it's more of a safety bar.

That said, I still use the crap out of the one I got on EBay for $3. It had a broken tip, and now has a little bit of a drop point at the end of the clip. Plenty of use left.
 
Sword and Shield said:
I have a slight issue with calling it a liner lock. It really isn't, as there is a backspring there. On the ones I've handled- 4 in all- the "Lock" let it close about 15 degrees before holding, so it's more of a safety bar.
Click to expand...

Yup, I did too. Where I grew up in NC, most folks called it a 'safety lever' or 'lever-lock'. To most of us, a lock on a knife was a lockback, or no lock at all. Some folks would file down the lever flush with the scale, because gripping the knife was uncomfortable (to them) with that hump in front of the blade.

~Chris
 
Sword and Shield said:
I have a slight issue with calling it a liner lock. It really isn't, as there is a backspring there. On the ones I've handled- 4 in all- the "Lock" let it close about 15 degrees before holding, so it's more of a safety bar.
Click to expand...

orca8589 said:
Yup, I did too. Where I grew up in NC, most folks called it a 'safety lever' or 'lever-lock'. To most of us, a lock on a knife was a lockback, or no lock at all. Some folks would file down the lever flush with the scale, because gripping the knife was uncomfortable (to them) with that hump in front of the blade.
~Chris
Click to expand...

I read some more about this and the 125OTs are listed a liner locks. However some people wrote about how loose the lock is and that it was simply a safety in their eyes. I'm thinking like you two.....it's a safety.

One other question; Some are called Mustangs, any difference in a Mustang model or was that just the name of the knife and some people use it while others don't?
 
glocktenman said:
I read some more about this and the 125OTs are listed a liner locks. However some people wrote about how loose the lock is and that it was simply a safety in their eyes. I'm thinking like you two.....it's a safety.

One other question; Some are called Mustangs, any difference in a Mustang model or was that just the name of the knife and some people use it while others don't?
Click to expand...

Someone who has owned more than 1 "new" one might remember better than I do, but I remember mine being pretty tight when like new, but loosened up pretty quick under use.
My guess is that the liner lock being brass is a major contributor to them getting loose. I know mine got loose pretty quick after hard cutting and eventually the liner got bent to the point that when open there is gap of about 1/32" between the tang and the lock.
 
I've bought about 6 (?) Schrade Folding Hunters (125OT & 25OT & scrimshaw ones) in the last few weeks on ebay. All are in excellent shape, blades not re-sharpened, and with original sheath. Highest i paid was $31.
I don't 'need' these knives as i already have about 20 (?) , but i can't pass up a good deal.
Here's the latest, and it is over $31, but i'd have been a "Son of a Gun" to pass this up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...B3n3S7w%3D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT.
The 225OT was only made 1990-92 and sold for $59.95.
The saw on these is the best of any folding saw blades.
I'm going to carry use this one because i have another, mint in the box.
Love Schrades, Eh !
roland
 
Roland, I'll tell you, I've been trying to line one up but it seems other people want to spend more on these than I do! I havent been in the low $30 area but if one of them I'm bidding on stays in that area I'll own it. I'll keep working on it and line one up eventually.

The 225OT you got is pretty cool looking with that saw blade. The saw blade looks like it's thick. That's a nice one.

When I get one I'll post it here............I'm holding my breath!
 
Randy, go for one that is either unused or only slightly used. Look out for used ones that have been re-tipped. It's often seen and shows in a pic of knife closed that tip of blade falls short of the full length of the handle.
Also if you have a chance to ask a question, find out if there is any play in the open position. It's not uncommon for the liner lock to be a hair short and the blade to have some up & down play (rather than side to side). Not a big issue as the knife would still work fine, but it's always nicer to have a tight one.
roland
 
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Well Fellas,
I got me a new 125OT USA today (USPS). It's a LARGE knife. I know how long the listing stated it was but when I got it and opened it, wow! When this thing is opened it'll get your attention. The handle material is much more handsome in person. The blade sits high enough when closed that I can grip it with my thumb and index finger and open it. Good walk and talk as well! The knife feels and looks very good in my hand. I'll get some pics of it posted tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for the advice; It was right dow the middle of the fairway. I'm super happy with it and glad I waited a bit longer and went with the 125OT.
 
Congratulations! And I'll tell you that they all pop hard on opening... although you did mention it. I have both the Old Timer version and the Uncle Henry and they both walk and talk harder on open than any of my 2 blade versions-schrade or buck or case..... and as far as the liner lock bending or loosening, this isn't going to happen unless you throw the dang thing or try to force the blade backwards against the lock-and why would we do that? there is no reason for that abuse. The knife will outlive you and yours if treated with common sense.
Best, Mike
 
Congrats.

I bought a fixed blade rubber handled greenish blue stainless knife for $13.00 I really enjoy using it although it looks as if the butt was rubbed across asphalt or something worse. I fully intended to rescale it, which is why I bought it so cheap, but it is my favorite beater for flattening cardboard. Schrade steel is awesome, and not only the carbon, as long as it is US made.
 
The 125OT is a great knife. I've owned a few, but sold them and I just have one my dad gave me. He had it for about 30+ years. Never used, in the original box with all papers and sheath.
It is a very substantial knife :thumbup:
 
Here are my pics of it although I'm sure many have see these before. Just sharing........
 
Glad you got one Randy. :thumbup:

I know what you mean when you handle one for the first time. They are a big blade!
 
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