- Joined
- Oct 20, 2003
- Messages
- 284
Well, I recently purchased a Schrade Middleman 3.25-inch Stockman, the 34OT. When I got the knife, I was a little disappointed. The fit and finish was flawless. Sure, the knives are not much to look at (delrin handles) but there were NO, absolutely NO, defects of any sort. (The 8OTs I purchased before for some friends also came without any defects, so I think the quality is the norm, rather than an exception) I discovered, however, that the blades were NOT, in fact, 1095, but rather, 420HC. I was ready to relegate it to the 'collection' bin, but I was out of town for the week and this was the only knife I had on me.
The knife came pretty dull. Not useless dull, but it would barely slice paper. Reprofiling it was very easy, and at 40 degrees, it was very, very sharp. I polished it up to 1000-grit (I was not intending to keep the knife very long) and left town the next day, with this as my only EDC.
Well, my father and I went to the grocery store, and when we got home, I had to open a good deal of packaging with the knife. I found the little knife really growing on me. It was very small and unobstrusive, and the blades opened with a nice twack. No nail-breaking springs, but a solid opening nonetheless. The narrow, thin blades went through the packaging without any hesitation. Cutting other materials with it was a joy as well.
I found the steel very workable and easy to sharpen, and it would take a very, very nice edge. Whatever Schrade did with the 420HC, they did it well!
All in all, I'd say this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rather cheap slipjoint. I got mine for around 22$ (28$ shipped), and I think it was money well spent.
The knife came pretty dull. Not useless dull, but it would barely slice paper. Reprofiling it was very easy, and at 40 degrees, it was very, very sharp. I polished it up to 1000-grit (I was not intending to keep the knife very long) and left town the next day, with this as my only EDC.
Well, my father and I went to the grocery store, and when we got home, I had to open a good deal of packaging with the knife. I found the little knife really growing on me. It was very small and unobstrusive, and the blades opened with a nice twack. No nail-breaking springs, but a solid opening nonetheless. The narrow, thin blades went through the packaging without any hesitation. Cutting other materials with it was a joy as well.
I found the steel very workable and easy to sharpen, and it would take a very, very nice edge. Whatever Schrade did with the 420HC, they did it well!
All in all, I'd say this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rather cheap slipjoint. I got mine for around 22$ (28$ shipped), and I think it was money well spent.