What is your opinion on SCHRADE?

[craytab]

I read and reacted to your review, I think I'll be satisfied with my purchase. It's somewhat frustrating to hear you describe it as NOT being a bushcraft knife though, when I know of at least two videos on YouTube describing it as such, and even demonstrating it being used to baton with. I'm sure there are more videos, but I digress. You seem to know your stuff about knives, you actually dismantled and took it apart LOL (you must be a serious knife enthusiast) That pommel can be used to pound logs into the ground, yes? What else can the pommel serve to do? Or what is a pommel on a knife for?

I did try and do my research on this knife, it checked all the boxes that I wanted: North American made, quality steel, full tang, aesthetically pleasing to look at (you and I ARE somewhat similar in that regard), and can withstand use and abuse in the tasks I put it to. Overall, I just want a knife that is going to last me a lifetime, one that I can use repeatedly and enjoy for a very long time. I think it will compliment my Silky saw very well.

Do I know much about steels? No, absolutely not. You guys all seem to have a 'favourite steel' and this I do not understand, to me, metal is just metal, I do not know the difference in different types of steel. Maybe one day I will, but for now, I think S35VN is a good starting point to get a feel for what a good (decent?) steel should look, feel and perform like.

And I most definitely will post some pics of the knife when I get it. I made sure to buy it NOW before it goes up in price due to inflation. House of Knives here in Canada is providing free shipping and even gave me a free shipping warranty to cover the product in the case it gets damaged, lost or stolen in the mail. Stoked about it.

Batoning does not equal bushcraft. Nor does smashing things with a pommel. Careful not to put all too much weight on what you hear/see on youtube. Unlike here, those youboobers are accountable to no one. They don't like a comment on their video? Delete and block. Here, the community will hold you accountable for what you say.

It is a really good knife and if smashing things, batoning, and general woods utility are what you want, the SOG Pillar will not disappoint. I think you may have a different interpretation of what bushcraft means than what most of us think it is. Sounds to me like you bought the right knife, not that other cheaper options could have done the same job. Do post up those pics and your thoughts!

This is what I think when I hear bushcraft. My two Kepharts (Look up the name Horace Kephart). One from Becker and the other from Carothers Performance Knives (CPK).

 

[Docscoot]

Here’s a good one! One of the better older GEC bargains out there if you can find one.

 

[chevyrulez1]

my experiences with modern Schrades have been mixed. I have had some that were decent as far as the steel and construction went. Others, not so much. Collectible? Not really, but if you are looking for a light use beater knife there are worse choices. Since Taylor was bought by Smith and Wesson, I am curious to see how it will effect their products going forward. While I appreciate the finer things, quality craftsmanship, and premium materials, I am also a value minded person so I think there is definitely a place for some “inexpensive” choices. Their Imperial line is even less expensive than the Old Timers, and some of those are not so bad. I have a couple of the Imperial sodbusters and they are not bad at all. Not as good as a Case by any means, but for $8 you can use and abuse it and then throw it away.

 

[Rich S]

Agree with Chevyrulez1.I found the Taylor Schrade with bone scales and 9Cr.. (or 440C depending on dealer) blades to be quite satisfactory users.

 

[Henry Beige]

He designs knives and is a member here. He had a line of knives that he designed and they made and sold.

He mentioned they fell short on their end of the deal and he was not happy.

There is an old saying, “Buy the knife, not the story”. I went against the grain with Brian Griffin’s SCHF55 and bought the story after reading his long thread about the genesis of his knife and the considerations that went into its design. It is a perfectly serviceable utility knife, tough enough to take some beating on, and easily up to popping open a frozen car door. It rides in my car, in my center console, where of course I won’t be able to get to it if I ever am frozen out.

After reading his even more detailed account of designing the earlier SCHF42, I bought that story, too. Schrade no longer sells the Brian Griffin knives, but still has a line of similarly constructed field knives, but without the story, I’m not interested.

 

[sharpknives23]

Batoning does not equal bushcraft. Nor does smashing things with a pommel. Careful not to put all too much weight on what you hear/see on youtube. Unlike here, those youboobers are accountable to no one. They don't like a comment on their video? Delete and block. Here, the community will hold you accountable for what you say.

It is a really good knife and if smashing things, batoning, and general woods utility are what you want, the SOG Pillar will not disappoint. I think you may have a different interpretation of what bushcraft means than what most of us think it is. Sounds to me like you bought the right knife, not that other cheaper options could have done the same job. Do post up those pics and your thoughts!

This is what I think when I hear bushcraft. My two Kepharts (Look up the name Horace Kephart). One from Becker and the other from Carothers Performance Knives (CPK).

Than kyou for the reply.

Horace Kephart sounds EXACTLY like the kind of guy I need to know more about. From Wikipedia: "Your thoroughbred camper likes not the attentions of a landlord, nor will he suffer himself to be rooted to the soil by cares of ownership or lease. It is not possession of the land, but of the landscape, that enjoys; and as for that, all the wild parts of the earth are his, by a title that carries with it no obligation but that he shall not desecrate nor lay them waste"

When I say bushcraft, I mean to go into the woods and live within them, so as to speak. 'Backpacking,' as some would call it. I do not fancy loading up my truck with callapsible lawn chairs, a cooler of beer, a jetski, to go sit in some campground with a bunch of others who've done the same thing. I want to assemble structures from materials found within the woods, hunt/fish for my own food, light my own fires, etc. AWAY FROM EVERYONE ELSE. I just really need to get away from this society we live in and get back to nature. And for that, I think I need a knife that will do it all without failing. Hopefully, the SOG Pillar can take care of me.

 

[Arathol]

George W Sears is the other one to look up. Read his book Woodcraft and Camping.
That book will show you what a small axe is really used for......

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[Arathol]

I think I need a knife that will do it all without failing. Hopefully, the SOG Pillar can take care of me.

Sounds like you should have got yourself an Esee Junglass II...

 

[sharpknives23]

George W Sears is the other one to look up. Read his book Woodcraft and Camping.
That book will show you what a small axe is really used for......

​

That book has 128 pages, is being sold right now for $12

The other book has 902 pages and is currently on sale right now for $17.51, hardcover, down from $43.58.. Which one to grab?

Sounds like you should have got yourself an Esee Junglass II...

Is there a difference? Same country of origin, similar prices, different steels. How does 1095 carbon match up to S35VN?

 

[craytab]

Than kyou for the reply.

Horace Kephart sounds EXACTLY like the kind of guy I need to know more about. From Wikipedia: "Your thoroughbred camper likes not the attentions of a landlord, nor will he suffer himself to be rooted to the soil by cares of ownership or lease. It is not possession of the land, but of the landscape, that enjoys; and as for that, all the wild parts of the earth are his, by a title that carries with it no obligation but that he shall not desecrate nor lay them waste"

When I say bushcraft, I mean to go into the woods and live within them, so as to speak. 'Backpacking,' as some would call it. I do not fancy loading up my truck with callapsible lawn chairs, a cooler of beer, a jetski, to go sit in some campground with a bunch of others who've done the same thing. I want to assemble structures from materials found within the woods, hunt/fish for my own food, light my own fires, etc. AWAY FROM EVERYONE ELSE. I just really need to get away from this society we live in and get back to nature. And for that, I think I need a knife that will do it all without failing. Hopefully, the SOG Pillar can take care of me.

I think the Pillar will serve you just fine. I don't think it will fail on you so long as you treat it as a knife (don't throw it, be reasonable if prying, batoning should be fine). Just be careful calling what you want it for bushcraft. The hardcore bushcraft or back to nature crowed will look down on that knife. For some justifiable reasons but mostly just snobbery. Like, the coating, sheath, stainless steel, military look, etc.... aren't bushcrafty. Justifiable reasons I don't think it is a bushcraft knife are things like the handle not being neutral enough for multiple grips, pommel, etc...

Best advice is to get out and use it and see if it works for what you do. Beyond that, who cares.

 

[craytab]

Is there a difference? Same country of origin, similar prices, different steels. How does 1095 carbon match up to S35VN?

They really are totally different types of knives. I wouldn't consider them comparable.

 

[Arathol]

That book has 128 pages, is being sold right now for $12

The other book has 902 pages and is currently on sale right now for $17.51, hardcover, down from $43.58.. Which one to grab?


Is there a difference? Same country of origin, similar prices, different steels. How does 1095 carbon match up to S35VN?

If you look around, you can download Camping and Woodcraft for free........
As for the knives, the Junglas knives have a deserving reputation for being nearly indestructible when used for the activities you describe....do some homework, plenty of reviews out there.

 

[jbmonkey]

The old Schrade made very good knives.

Now, not so much.

Plus, they shafted Brian Griffen who is a pretty cool dude.

yep this^

the Brian, thought it was Griffin, anyways designs were great and they botched them all up and i believe did Brian wrong. which is all wrong. he came here and would chat about his designs with us and why he did them and how they came to be. answered questions and think even helped some folks out. anyways pretty great for us fans........


glad I got a couple of them, before they ruined them.

 

[craytab]

If you look around, you can download Camping and Woodcraft for free........
As for the knives, the Junglas knives have a deserving reputation for being nearly indestructible when used for the activities you describe....do some homework, plenty of reviews out there.

Love the Junglas! And Esee in general. I think the 4, 6 or laser strike are more comparable to the SOG pillar. They are closer to bushcrafty though, much less combat utility.

 

[sharpknives23]

Love the Junglas! And Esee in general. I think the 4, 6 or laser strike are more comparable to the SOG pillar. They are closer to bushcrafty though, much less combat utility.

Damn thaat knife is huge! LOL

 

[Arathol]

Yes, but building shelters, a 5" blade isn't really going to cut it. A bigger blade or small axe would be better.

 

[craytab]

yep this^

the Brian, thought it was Griffin, anyways designs were great and they botched them all up and i believe did Brian wrong. which is all wrong. he came here and would chat about his designs with us and why he did them and how they came to be. answered questions and think even helped some folks out. anyways pretty great for us fans........


glad I got a couple of them, before they ruined them.

Should have gotten a raven.

He has the best woods walking threads. His handle is in the linked thread in case anyone wants to look through his wonderful content.

Schrade SCHF42 Raven Is Discontinued

***EDIT: I Have Since Terminated the Licensing Agreement For This model, the SCHF42D Mockinbird and The SCHF55 Blackbird Based on The Very Poor Business Practices Of Smith & Wesson Owned BTI Tools (Battenfield Technologies Inc.), The New Owners of Schrade, And How Poorly I was Treated By Them...

www.bladeforums.com

 

[craytab]

Damn thaat knife is huge! LOL

The Junglas II is smaller but still big.

 

[sharpknives23]

Yes, but building shelters, a 5" blade isn't really going to cut it. A bigger blade or small axe would be better.

You do know I have a Silky saw as well, right? I can process larger branches with the saw and then use the knife to further baton and/or break down the pieces for my shelters lol

 

[Uncle Timbo]

I grew up carrying a Schrade or Uncle Henry stockman.

Then I found these forums. Been broke ever since.