Codger_64
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Schrade X-Timer Line
In 2003 Schrade introduced a new line of knives called “X-Timers”, updated versions of patterns from the Old Timer line, notably the TPR series of green handled Schrade+ stainless knives, though most of that line was still produced in 2003. Black TPR ergonomic handles and laser etched black coated blades were the hallmark of the fixed blades and the one large folder from the series, while the lock backs used anodized aluminum handles in a variety of colors with laser etched black coated blades. One, the smallest, was a customized version of the traditional slip-joint, with black Delrin scales, special brass shield and bolsters, and a special blade coating. The full size folder was introduced the following year, and the blade pattern of the lock backs changed slightly and they were given a new number. Rather than create a new handle mold for the TPR handles, the decision was made to use the handle design from the 1ELK Jim Zumbo knives designed for introduction in 1998. In my opinion, this was a good choice, as the material is grippy and the design fits the hand well. The black coated blades were an attempt to capture the “tactical” look that had become popular. Alas for Schrade, it was too little too late. So many different models had been designed, tooled, and introduced since 2000 that they had overextended themselves on training costs, new machinery, and marketing. 2004 was the 100th anniversary of Schrade, and the company closed in midyear before the candles on the cake had been blown out.
XT7B - The “other” X-Timer folder, the XT7B lock backs, was only added to the X-Timer line in 2004, so it will be uncommon on the market in a few years. The MSRP was listed as $69.95. This massive folder, 5" closed with a 4” drop point blade, is molded from a more rigid compound than TPR (a copolymer on the order of Zytel ), necessary since there are no liners, just a locking bar. It shares the handle size and design with the fixed blade X-Timers, and is a direct folding version of the XT2B Drop Point pattern. When the XT7B is open, it is a near twin of the XT2B. The 4" blackened Schrade+ stainless blade (Schrade called the finish “E-coat”
with laser etched “X-Timer logo, gives this knife an open length of 9", 1/4 inch longer than the LB8 Papa Bear and 7OT Cave Bear. Like the 7OTX, it has an ambidextrous thumb stud, but drum shaped and diamond textured on the face for traction. The butt of the plastic handle has a thong hole with an aluminum liner which provides a rear fixing point for the stainless lockbar. The lockbar runs the length of the inside of the handle and is curved to spring onto the rear face of the tang when the blade is opened. A serrated tab on the spring protrudes 1/8" below the handle to provide a release for the lockbar, moving it out of the way of the tang for blade closing. The knife came with a semi-rigid ballistic cloth belt sheath with a tricot lining, and a snap closure. The sheath has an “X-Timer” logo patch sewn to the flap. The tang stamp (blade left) is SCHRADE+ over U.S.A. XT7B.
These were not "glamor" knives, no really exotic materials, or snappy names like "Lava Flow Ninja", did not really have time on the market for sufficient promotion to pump up a consumer demand. The mechanism is quite simple, nothing magic with clockwork internals, no bearings, pistons, and very little to get clogged up, wear out or break. Not a bad knife at all, except maybe in certain jurisdictions where knifes with blades of this length are forbidden (you'll put yer eye out!), or knives that can be opened and "flicked" are not allowed. I don't know by what standards "flickable" is determined, but if you use the thumbstud to open the knife to 90 degrees, it does readily deploy with a flick of the wrist to the full open position and lock with a resounding pop that even a deaf old codger can hear plainly. Nothing stealth about that!
I bought one not long after the factory was ordered closed, along with the other larger X-Timers to review them, and try them out, and to make a pattern family display of them. I "oopsed" another one not long after, and gave it to my oldest son this past Christmas. I figured that at 26 years old, he should be able to keep himself out of trouble with it.He works construction and fell in love with the knife, impressing co-workers with his dexterity in deploying, using, and stowing it in it's semi-rigid belt sheath.
Two more of them recently came my way and I'll put them back with my extra stock. Maybe to sell or trade sometime in the future. Do I expect to make some sort of grand profit on them? Nah. But I gave less than $20 each including shipping, and that isn't bad for a NIB knife complete with papers and sheath that had a MSRP two and a half years ago of $69.95. I still pick up a duplicate of the fixed blade X-Timers occasionally as opportunities present themselves, for the same reason. In production such a short time, and so obviously a user as opposed to an art knife, I look for them to become quite uncommon in the next five or six years.
The seven main patterns of the X-Timer series were:
XT1B - 2003-2004 Camp Knife Fixed Blade
XT2B - 2003-2004 Drop Point Fixed Blade
XT3B - 2003-2004 Fat Boy Skinner Fixed Blade
XT7B - 2004 5" Handle Folder blade lock w/sheath
6OTX - 2003 Lockback
7OTX - 2004 Lockback
24OTX - 2003-2004 3 5/16" Black Delrin, brass bolster pen knife(Wal-Mart SFO)
XT4 - 2004 - 9" Fixed Blade w/ Sheath (advertised, but not produced)
Codger
In 2003 Schrade introduced a new line of knives called “X-Timers”, updated versions of patterns from the Old Timer line, notably the TPR series of green handled Schrade+ stainless knives, though most of that line was still produced in 2003. Black TPR ergonomic handles and laser etched black coated blades were the hallmark of the fixed blades and the one large folder from the series, while the lock backs used anodized aluminum handles in a variety of colors with laser etched black coated blades. One, the smallest, was a customized version of the traditional slip-joint, with black Delrin scales, special brass shield and bolsters, and a special blade coating. The full size folder was introduced the following year, and the blade pattern of the lock backs changed slightly and they were given a new number. Rather than create a new handle mold for the TPR handles, the decision was made to use the handle design from the 1ELK Jim Zumbo knives designed for introduction in 1998. In my opinion, this was a good choice, as the material is grippy and the design fits the hand well. The black coated blades were an attempt to capture the “tactical” look that had become popular. Alas for Schrade, it was too little too late. So many different models had been designed, tooled, and introduced since 2000 that they had overextended themselves on training costs, new machinery, and marketing. 2004 was the 100th anniversary of Schrade, and the company closed in midyear before the candles on the cake had been blown out.
XT7B - The “other” X-Timer folder, the XT7B lock backs, was only added to the X-Timer line in 2004, so it will be uncommon on the market in a few years. The MSRP was listed as $69.95. This massive folder, 5" closed with a 4” drop point blade, is molded from a more rigid compound than TPR (a copolymer on the order of Zytel ), necessary since there are no liners, just a locking bar. It shares the handle size and design with the fixed blade X-Timers, and is a direct folding version of the XT2B Drop Point pattern. When the XT7B is open, it is a near twin of the XT2B. The 4" blackened Schrade+ stainless blade (Schrade called the finish “E-coat”
with laser etched “X-Timer logo, gives this knife an open length of 9", 1/4 inch longer than the LB8 Papa Bear and 7OT Cave Bear. Like the 7OTX, it has an ambidextrous thumb stud, but drum shaped and diamond textured on the face for traction. The butt of the plastic handle has a thong hole with an aluminum liner which provides a rear fixing point for the stainless lockbar. The lockbar runs the length of the inside of the handle and is curved to spring onto the rear face of the tang when the blade is opened. A serrated tab on the spring protrudes 1/8" below the handle to provide a release for the lockbar, moving it out of the way of the tang for blade closing. The knife came with a semi-rigid ballistic cloth belt sheath with a tricot lining, and a snap closure. The sheath has an “X-Timer” logo patch sewn to the flap. The tang stamp (blade left) is SCHRADE+ over U.S.A. XT7B.These were not "glamor" knives, no really exotic materials, or snappy names like "Lava Flow Ninja", did not really have time on the market for sufficient promotion to pump up a consumer demand. The mechanism is quite simple, nothing magic with clockwork internals, no bearings, pistons, and very little to get clogged up, wear out or break. Not a bad knife at all, except maybe in certain jurisdictions where knifes with blades of this length are forbidden (you'll put yer eye out!), or knives that can be opened and "flicked" are not allowed. I don't know by what standards "flickable" is determined, but if you use the thumbstud to open the knife to 90 degrees, it does readily deploy with a flick of the wrist to the full open position and lock with a resounding pop that even a deaf old codger can hear plainly. Nothing stealth about that!
I bought one not long after the factory was ordered closed, along with the other larger X-Timers to review them, and try them out, and to make a pattern family display of them. I "oopsed" another one not long after, and gave it to my oldest son this past Christmas. I figured that at 26 years old, he should be able to keep himself out of trouble with it.He works construction and fell in love with the knife, impressing co-workers with his dexterity in deploying, using, and stowing it in it's semi-rigid belt sheath.
Two more of them recently came my way and I'll put them back with my extra stock. Maybe to sell or trade sometime in the future. Do I expect to make some sort of grand profit on them? Nah. But I gave less than $20 each including shipping, and that isn't bad for a NIB knife complete with papers and sheath that had a MSRP two and a half years ago of $69.95. I still pick up a duplicate of the fixed blade X-Timers occasionally as opportunities present themselves, for the same reason. In production such a short time, and so obviously a user as opposed to an art knife, I look for them to become quite uncommon in the next five or six years.
The seven main patterns of the X-Timer series were:
XT1B - 2003-2004 Camp Knife Fixed Blade
XT2B - 2003-2004 Drop Point Fixed Blade
XT3B - 2003-2004 Fat Boy Skinner Fixed Blade
XT7B - 2004 5" Handle Folder blade lock w/sheath
6OTX - 2003 Lockback
7OTX - 2004 Lockback
24OTX - 2003-2004 3 5/16" Black Delrin, brass bolster pen knife(Wal-Mart SFO)
XT4 - 2004 - 9" Fixed Blade w/ Sheath (advertised, but not produced)
Codger
