Chaps my behind

[sm]

You best leave my Wasabi Peas alone, Steve.

John,
I was picking on Justin...
Now I know you like those as well.

Lemmee see, to keep this thread non-firearm related ...

I eat my peas with honey
I've done it all my life
It makes the peas taste funny
But it keeps them on the knife. -


I forgot whom wrote that poem, so if you know , please post the author.

I learned that poem in the 1st grade....(yes they had poems that far back).

 

[Okiecruffler]

I learned that poem in the 1st grade....(yes they had poems that far back).

Sure, but you could only read them in the day time, seeing how fire hadn't come along yet.

 

[Okiecruffler]

This has become my favorite thread ever, and not because I'm getting a blade in the deal. The thread has been allowed to have a life of its own, it's gone off topic, run around the tree and come back. And no one has posted that their brother's friend who's a knifeshop worker won't sell sharpfingers because they're POS's, no one has suggested I need a Randell, no one has suggested I need a Glock. Just good folks sharing stories like we were sitting a round a fire. Heck, one fella even brought his dawg. Thanks guys.

 

[TrapperReady]

OK, some background on the dog. Some years back, a neighbor of mine took me and my wife out trap shooting. We became instant addicts of all things shotgun, including bird hunting. The problem was that our two dogs were lazy housepets, and about 6 years old.

The neghbor, who had a good gun dog, relocated for work and had the nerve to take his dog with him... leaving me twitching like a junkie with no fix. So, I start eyeing the resident mongrels and decide that one of 'em has just enough lab in him that he might work out.

To make a long story short, he loves to hunt, but has to trip over a pheasant to realize it's there. He's got the heart and the attitude, but his nose isn't much better than mine. So, I spent several years following him around (except when the cover would get thick -- at which point he'd fall in behind me and let me break trail). When I'd take him duck hunting, he'd mostly sleep. If it started raining, he'd just crawl up underneath me to stay dry. If I shot a bird and it fell in the water, I'd have to fetch it.

However, he was (and is) great company. He also likely saved my life one cold, wet morning and for that he gets all the treats he wants. He's now 13 years old, moves slowly and has some trouble getting down the stairs. But he's still great company and one of the best animals I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

 

[seeker_two]

OC: My brother's friend who works at the knifeshop (that is, if I had a brother and he was the type to have friends who would do a decent day's work) says (or would say....if he existed) that if you don't have a Glock .45 Super Mag with a Randall laser sight/spotlight/bayonet on the light attachment, you might as well shoot yourself before the goblins get to you.....

(....well, no one had said it so far.... )

sm: Wasn't there an old song about "eating goober peas," too?....

 

[Brian Dale]

So, I spent several years following him around (except when the cover would get thick -- at which point he'd fall in behind me and let me break trail)...(etc.)

Sounds like a smart dog.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Well, as long as we're talking dogs on a knife thread (told you I liked this thread). Here's mine....

She's about 13, give or take, we're not really sure, doesn't hunt anything unless you count her rather strange hatred of box turtles (gotta be a story there somewhere). But I'm not sure I could reload with out her underfoot. She's getting old and slow and sometimes she leaves little dog droppings behind when she gets up now. However, the young prince can crawl all over her, pull her ears, bite her tail and she won't so much as look at him crosseyed. And yet let someone unknown come near the house and she's right there. Not barking, just watchfull, scary quiet. One fella tried to cut thru our yard one day and she had him half up a tree PDQ. A better dog has never lived and I should know, I've had a bunch of good dogs. Don't know how much more time I have with her, I hope awhile. I've always believed that one of God's cruelest tricks was allowing humans to outlive their dogs.

 

[Rupestris]

I've always believed that one of God's cruelest tricks was allowing humans to outlive their dogs.

You said it John!

I had to put down my Rotweiller a few years ago. Never thought I'd find a dog as good as that one again. My wife (Ellie May Clampett Jr. as I affectionately call her) can't say no to a pet in need of attention.

Last year my Nephew's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia so they had to get rid of their dog. A year-and-a-half old Yellow Lab named Daisy. Well, guess where she ended up...



Yep. In my house. Not only my house, but she thinks she belongs in my bed.

Just as good as my ol' Rotweiler but on a whole diferent level. Not the guard dog type but a bundle of energy and very bright.

Of course I have to tell everyone that she is named after the BB gun that was once made in the town of Plymouth, MI where I work now .

She's still a young'n but I already dread the day I have to say good bye.

Chris

 

[Rupestris]

Oops.
Almost forgot this was a knife thread.

This is the Bark River Woodland I had on me the day I snapped that pic of Daisy


Enjoy,

Chirs

 

[The Tourist]

Hey, guys, I hate to interrupt, but as you know much of this thread has dealt with Schrade Sharpfingers. To that regard, it's the discussion of the original Sharpfinger to any Chinese replacements.

Here's my question.

To any of the hunters here who have seen, used or hunted with the Chinese model, is it really that bad?

Would a substantial reduction in price be worth it to substitute the Chinese version?

 

[TrapperReady]

Hey, guys, I hate to interrupt, but as you know much of this thread has dealt with Schrade Sharpfingers.

To any of the hunters here who have seen, used or hunted with the Chinese model, is it really that bad?

Due to an unfortunate translation, the Chinese version was being sold under the name "DigitPricker" and they had to be pulled from shelves.

 

[Rupestris]

Tourist,

You're right. Getting back to the original post...

Just from what I've read I can add the following:
Taylor Brands has left a bad taste in the mouths of some knife folks.

That said, I've also read that Taylor is looking to put a facility in TN or KY (can't recall which right now) to start production of Schrade knives in the US on a limited basis. Probably custom versions of existing models.

Enough about Taylor and the current situation with Old Timer knives for a second.

There are a few Chinese offerings out right now that are getting rave reviews among the classic slip joint knife crowd. Two of them being Steel Warrior and Rough Rider brands. Some feel that Marbles chinese offerings are up to par as well.

I have fixed blade knives made by Buck in China and Taiwan. They were on clearance at Cabelas and I ended up paying $5 each for them so I couldn't pass them up. To my surprise they are VERY well crafted knives. In fact, they have cleaner, more even grinds than the Bark River knife that I posted above that cost me $80.

I've never bought one of the Chinese Old Timers but I can't imagine them being complete crap. Especially for the price. My biggest complaint is that they are now stainless steel as opposed to the original carbon steel versions. Otherwise, I might buy one.

If I were going to buy one today, knowing I'd have to settle for 420 or 420HC, I'd buy the Rigid version that is still available for around $25 and made in USA.

USA made Rigid Sharpfinger on eBay

Would a substantial reduction in price be worth it to substitute the Chinese version?

If the heat treat is done right - yes. without a doubt. Even with a chinese production stainles steel as proven by my chinese Buck brand knives in 420HC.

HTH,
Chris

 

[sm]

Yes, the Chinese clones of the Sharpfinger are that bad; as is the rest of the Old Timer line.

Setting aside it is an abomination to have the Old Timer name prostituted to make sales.
Ditto for Winchester and other Classic USA knife mfgs names that are also being prostituted as well.

My Experiences:
New versions of Sharpfinger, feels lighter , and do not have the heft and balance of original.

Heat Treat seems to only be right at the edge, for if sharpened "past" that edge, one has nothing.
This defines "differential heat treat" to an whole new level.

A 1965 all steel Falstaff beer can is better steel and has better heat treat.

Piss poor quality is piss poor quality even if the mfg pays one to use the damn thing.


Just my review of the new Sharpfinger ...

Steve

 

[Rupestris]

Heat Treat seems to only be right at the edge, for if sharpened "past" that edge, one has nothing.
This defines "differential heat treat" to an whole new level.

That must be the difference between the OT's and the Bucks.

My Buck offerings from the far east are through hardened. To the point that there is NO flex in the blade. Even the US made Buck fixed blades will snap clean before flexing as much as some quality differentially heat treated knives.

This shouldn't be an issue (with Buck brand at least) if you use a knife as a knife and not a sharpened pry bar.

 

[sm]

Lest us not forget, Old Timers USA were 1095 carbon steel
Carbon steel is easier to heat treat, and many custom makers that use 1095, can and do heat treat Carbon Steels themselves, thus having quality control of the "whole" knife, including heat treat.

In later years, Shrade quality slipped, the heat treat was not the same, many felt this was the signal Shrade was having some serious problems, as were other USA mfgs.

Stainless heat treats different, and the Taylor made Sharpfingers are a stainless steel.
All the Old Timers are a stainless steel now.
In the old days, folks bought Old Timers for 1095 carbon and the Uncle Henry line, for the stainless blades.

So a person that makes knives, and uses 1060, 1075, 1095 Carbon steels, even 01 tool steel, can heat treat their knife.

Stainless they send out to be heat treated, Paul Bos being the most well known, though other folks are quality "heat treaters" as well.

Heat treat can make a bull chip work, but you gotta know how to heat treat a bull chip.

New Sharpfingers "feel" like 420J2 , to me. I only freehand sharpen...so they feel like this to me.
J2 I understand was never meant to be used for knives per se' but it is now, by quite a few folks such as Buck, Kershaw and others.

Buck, can control the heat treat, and it my understanding set this up, to meet standards, Bos inspects on the ferrin' jobbies.


Imperial, if memory serves me right, Imperial used 1075 in their knives, including fixed.
Well phooey! 1060, 1075, and 1095 is what was and is still used for bayonets, machetes, and other uses, hard uses.
Opinels are 1075, and they too are hard used knives.

So, what we have is, heat treat on old Old Timers, Imperials, and Opinels, that are carbon steels that are proven.
Heat treats are "easier" for lack of better way of stating it, where stainless "has" to be done more "so-so" for that particular batch of stainless.

New Sharpfinger is a "stainless steel" of who-knows-what quality heat treat.

Honestly, one is better off buying a Opinel for $10 or less, than a new Sharpfinger which sells for more now.

The bottom line: What are you getting for monies spent?

You ain't getting spit with a new Sharpfinger, IMO.

 

[Navy joe]

A 1965 all steel Falstaff beer can is better steel and has better heat treat.

Well tell us how you really feel!

Speaking of Schrade;
Anybody got a sheath for a Schrade Old-timer they'd care to sell me? Youthful indiscretion, aided and abetted by turtle blood made a mess of the knife. I rescued it, it's beautiful and I use it in the kitchen daily. I'd like to tell you the sheath made it too, but it suffered many other abuses of a 10 year old boy. My dad gave me the knife, he was happy to see it still serving on in vegetable prep duty.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

New Taylor/Schrade USA

I was knife shopping today.

Yes, I know, what a shock.

(For what, you may ask . . . . . . indeed.)​

I was mulling over some Case XX knives and spied a Schrade (Taylor) Walden (USA) for $130 on the same shelf. Red bone scales.

I asked to have a look at it.

Damn.

Superb fit & finish. Numbered series. Two blades: clip point and broad spey. Sharp. Very sharp. Blade & edge finish top quality. Very positive half stop. The snap is 4.0 on the Richter scale.

The guy stopped to wipe the blades when I was done. I asked why he wiped those when he wasn't doing the other knives we were examining. "These have carbon steel blades. They'll stain if I leave the finger prints on them."

Now, my sensibilities tell me the knife is probably more realistically worth $75-$80 or so, but even at $130 I have to say I am starting to think about it.

The other Schrades I wouldn't give to anyone I cared about, but this Walden . . . that's something else again.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Well, I don't have any Chinese knives, but I carry a CRKT M16 that's Taiwanian. The wife carries a rollerlock that I think is tai as well. My mirage, I'm not sure. I like them, decent enough steel for a guy like me who don't know no better. My M16 has been used for some rather interesting chores and it's never failed.

But there's just something about the way those old Old Timers cut. Maybe it's the carbon steel, I'm not smart enough to know. I just know they cut like a light saber when their sharp and it don't take a lot of work to put a working edge on one. And then there's the fact that I've become a stubborn old cuss and there ain't no way I'm dressing a deer with a furun knife. Wouldn't taste right.

 

[Rupestris]

I was mulling over some Case XX knives and spied a Schrade (Taylor) Walden (USA) for $130 on the same shelf. Red bone scales.

Superb fit & finish. Numbered series. Two blades: clip point and broad spey. Sharp. Very sharp. Blade & edge finish top quality. Very positive half stop. The snap is 4.0 on the Richter scale.

Now, my sensibilities tell me the knife is probably more realistically worth $75-$80 or so, but even at $130 I have to say I am starting to think about it.

Take a look on ebay. You can find those new Schrade Walden USA knives for around $40 - $50 NIB.

I'm seriously considering one of the Green Bone Stockman knives.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Due to an unfortunate translation, the Chinese version was being sold under the name "DigitPricker" and they had to be pulled from shelves.

Now THAT's funny!

www.engrish.com

Nice looking dogs, Okie and Rupestris!

 

[The Tourist]

The reason I asked the original question on Chinese knives is that like it or not, they might become a very real aspect of our entire spectrum of cutlery very soon. If not already.

Now, let's be far. I'm a guy who likes quality, and won't defend a "brand" by simple loyalty. For example, nearly every biker I meet says that GoldWings are the standard for quality in heavy touring bikes. Well, I put an armature right through the back of a 1980 GoldWing engine and blew the entire rear of the motor right off of the mounts, at 1,400 total miles. It was such a rare occurance that Honda flew in a customer service team from California.

Now get this, during their investigation, the CBX Honda they gave me crapped. One of the carburetors was defective. To the contrary, I've only had one Harley that left me standing--in over 30 years. By this experience, Harleys are better. Follow me on that idea.

I don't mind paying upwards of one to two hundred dollars for a good knife. This is a situation for me as a singular client. Obviously my list of clients does not reflect that. Sure, I have collectors and some users who daily carry top end Striders and Emersons. But we all know that's just a few guys.

I asked you to follow me, and here's the pay out. There will be many clients who simply like the feel and use of Schrade products. The fact that the American plant is closed and the production is now from China might mean nothing. After all, CRKT cleaned up the Taiwanese idea of quality.

The OP here lamented the loss of the original series of SharpFinger knives, and most of us agree. But the entire customer base is not going to give up on the knife itself just because the new ones are Chinese.

I had a Mustang built in Canada, and I believe my GEO Tracker (a Suzuki product) was built in Illinois.

 

[Brian Dale]

I had a Toyota pickup built in the Bay Area of California. It ran as well as one built by tabi-wearing, natto-munching guys from Nagoya. That was fine; Toyota made sure that I could rely on their brand name.

The key is this: who's running the show at the company, and can we depend on them to maintain the characteristics of a brand that we have been able to rely on in the past?

You guys are telling me that, with the Schrade company, we can't.

 

[The Tourist]

with the Schrade company, we can't

Like with any brand, you buy selectively. I like Mustangs, I'd love to drive these newer models with superchargers. I would not buy a used Ford Pinto.

I love my Dyna, but I'm not a fan of the V-Rod.

Several months ago during deer season, my company had a promo going. Buy a new knife, get a Schrade Old Timer for free. I even sold some flat out.

I sharpened them, buffed the brass to a mirror finish and went through eight cases of them!

Now, no one turned down a Strider to own one of these Old Timers. The clients bought them knowing full well they had a knife they could abuse at deer camp, field dress +/-six to eight deer, and then get it resharpened. Or they could throw it away.

In fact, I carried one for a while as a test mule. All of mine were made in China. And I would still sell you one with a clear conscience. But like any vender, I would Q/C the sample I sold to you, and yes, I returned some as substandard.

I've had some great luck with Spyderco knives. If you are a member of KF, you know I'm having trouble with a current Native.

There will always be anecdotal problems with individual products.

 

[p35]

SMKW was selling kits to make a Sharpfinger as part of the Camillus factory cleanout- ie Camillus made Sharpfingers. Might be worth a look if they have any left- asking about $10 IIRC.

 

[Okiecruffler]

My big thing on sharpfingers

Back in the days of my teens, when serious hunting got done, you couldn't tell one of us yahoos from the other. We all carried 30-30 lever actions (Okay, I carried a 444, but I was compensating for soemthing ) over our shoulder and a sharpfinger on our hip. Dad hated them (the sharpfingers, not the levers, although his had more style as a 300 savage 99). Said we always nicked a gut with them. He was probably right but to be fair, a teenage boy who just shot a deer could probably nick a gut with a butterknife. Dad carried one of the biggest bowies I've ever seen on his hip. I remember him making it from a kit when I was a little bitty Okie. Thing was just wicked sharp. He spent hours sharpening the false edge until it wasn't false anymore, used that edge for dressing and the forward edge for utility camp chores. He's a strange bird, does all his bird hunting, including waterfowl, with a .410 bolt action. But he was trained by the best.

BTW Chris, that is one beautiful lab.