Schrade model 175

[Carl64]

Often called a florist knife or pruner, but my Schrade pamphlet lists it as one of the "sampler" knives (the others being melon-testers). Looks like this:
http://www.bissettnursery.com/Hardgoods/Images/Schrade/175rb.jpg

Sadly, mine appears defective because the blade looks bent. Other than that, it looks to have been very well gound with the flat grind diminishing right at the spine, pretty good backspring fit, very good bolster/slab fit for a $12 knife. It also opens fairly smooth but still with a decent snap open/close.

How common are these? I saw them listed in catalogs up until the end, but almost nobody ever had them in stock (exceot for the page I just found above I guess).

 

[Codger_64]

Carl, my '73 shortline lists them as horticultural knives. Most of the later years list them simply as open stock up til '99 when they are tossed in with the sampler knives which, it would stand to reason, might as well have been called special purpose knives. They were made for many years so I would think they would be pretty common. Most florist suppiers handled them for a long time. Hope this helps.

Codger
PS- Crink that blade straight... it isn't that hard to do. I have to do it to my 897UH blades monthly since I use them quite hard daily.

 

[Carl64]

Carl, my '73 shortline lists them as horticultural knives. Most of the later years list them simply as open stock up til '99 when they are tossed in with the sampler knives which, it would stand to reason, might as well have been called special purpose knives. They were made for many years so I would think they would be pretty common. Most florist suppiers handled them for a long time. Hope this helps.

I guess they just weren't general-use enough blades. I don't see a sheepsfoot and think that. Most sheepsfoot blades are actually almost as pointy as a lot of drop points, though a curved blade is better for lots of slicing.

I like the age-old simple handle design. Too bad they don't have a drop point like this. This one can't be re-ground because the tip of the blade rests just barely inside the handle, which makes for easy opening and prevents blade crash into the backspring.

Codger
PS- Crink that blade straight... it isn't that hard to do. I have to do it to my 897UH blades monthly since I use them quite hard daily.

Yes, I planned on trying that. I ordered a second unit for my "collection" so I can carry this one and play with it. No fear about "fixing" it.

 

[Codger_64]

Many knife blade patterns have found usefulness beyond their designer's intent. I think that few knife owners these days spey their calves with their stockman knives. I am reminded of a critique of the Sharpfinger here in the archives to which Wally Gardiner responded personally I believe. The user had a problem with the fact that the blade was not sharpened all the way to the choil. He used it exclusively as a box opener at work. I think you might be pleased with the spearpoint bladed Barlow pattern if you want to try a different blade pattern in a similar single bladed handle. Heck, can one have too many Schrades?

I use a high tech crinking fixture to assure bending the blade at just the right point, and "bounce" the handle several times to get just the right amount of bend, checking the fit after every few flexes. The fixture allows insertion of the blade to any depth, and has a cellulose surface to protect blade finishes. When not being used as a crinking fixture, it doubles as a desk drawer and forms an excellent base for my computer and Schrade play table.

Codger

 

[Carl64]

I use a high tech crinking fixture to assure bending the blade at just the right point, and "bounce" the handle several times to get just the right amount of bend, checking the fit after every few flexes. The fixture allows insertion of the blade to any depth, and has a cellulose surface to protect blade finishes. When not being used as a crinking fixture, it doubles as a desk drawer and forms an excellent base for my computer and Schrade play table.

Codger

I have a similar device I use for adjusting pocket clips from Spyderco and Benchmade knives. It has six different compression boxes, though I really only need one. I found it to also be a handy place to keep all of those fabric coverings the police make me wear when I leave the house.