Thoughts on new Battenfeld Old Timers

[chevyrulez1]

I purchased an old timer 80T many years ago in the early days after their switch to Taylor / China and was not impressed with it. I gave it away, but later on picked up an Uncle Henry 885UH which is basically the same knife but with the Staglon handles. Again, I was not impressed.
Last year I was wandering through Tractor Supply and saw an Old Timer Gunstock Trapper for like $14, so I bought it on a whim and after carrying it awhile I kinda liked it.
After ordering several Rough Ryder knives recently and being less than satisfied with the fit and finish on them, I decided I would give the old 80T another try as I saw it had pretty much all positive reviews on Amazon and it was on sale for $18.
Got it in the other day and have been carrying it the last few days and I must say I am impressed. Fit and finish is pretty good, feels solid, the main clip blade has a slight hollow grind to it and thin behind the edge which makes it a pretty good slicer, which is much different from the UH that I have. It is just a flat grind and really thick behind the edge and took a lot of reprofiling to make it usably sharp. Not a GEC by any means, but has anyone else noticed that their quality seems to have improved under the Battenfeld ownership? I was curious what others experiences were.

I do have many higher end knives, Benchmade, Spyderco, Case, German, English, etc. but I still like to pick up cheap beaters too from time to time to use and abuse without worry as to the cost. I may have to try out the OT Barlow and Scout Pattern sometime.

 

[Fred1950]

I've been looking at the "lumberjack" stockman, One of the biggest stockman style knives made, for a everyday beater to use here on the farm.

 

[Will Power]

Interesting development, be useful to see some more reactions too.

Several years ago I got hold of this PRC made 3 OT lockback. Nearly everybody gave poor reviews of the other Chinese Schrades and it sounded as if they were not up to standard - although we should bear in mind that the US made ones at the very end of their time were not exactly well finished either.

I was surprised by this little knife, I got it as I'm in Europe and access to the US made ones was more difficult. It has NS liners and smooth Buffalo Horn handles. Lockup is total, no play of any kind, very nice seam between tang and spring when open, liners and scales nicely radiused, very sharp knife and although small, it retains its edge impressively. At first here was some flaking of he horn around the pins but his cleared up with oil and carry, no warping anyway- horn can be troublesome stuff at times. So i was pleased with it but assumed I just got a very well finished one.