wingriderz
Member
For those that carry those. I am looking for a small one blade folder . To keep in front pocket for Edc light duty packages envolpes . Is case worth the extra cost ?
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Case or Old Timer
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To answer your question...it depends.
Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.
If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.
In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.
Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.
Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.
Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.
Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.
Some of my Case pocket knives.
Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.
If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.
In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.
Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.
Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.
Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.
Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.
Some of my Case pocket knives.
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I bought a three-blade old timer a long time ago, I generally cut rope, boxes, open letters. Its held up ok, it has some rust but keeps a sharp blade. That said, I prefer a lockback folding knife to keep the blade from closing on me.
hope that helps,
Tx40d
hope that helps,
Tx40d
OP
wingriderz
Member
To answer your question...it depends.
Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.
If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.
In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.
Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.
Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.
Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.
Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.
Some of my Case pocket knives.
Thanks nice collection . Its just to keep me from using my main EDC knife out of boxes string envlopes.
OP
wingriderz
Member
I have found Tractor Supply to have a good stock of Cases and reasonable prices.
I have a Schrade and a Case. (photos in Gunleather forum titled Maker
Marks and History.) I don't know the price differential, but in my opinion
the Case is a much better quality knife.
Marks and History.) I don't know the price differential, but in my opinion
the Case is a much better quality knife.
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To answer your question...it depends.
Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.
If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.
In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.
Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.
Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.
Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.
Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.
^^^^ What he said!
Said much better then I could have Mule Packer.
As long as it is stamped Made in USA you can't go wrong with either...I have a number of each maker. That all changes when it is not stamped at all or China.
One of my all time favorites has been the Old Timer 30T folder.....sharpens easily and holds an edge for a VERY long time.
Randy
One of my all time favorites has been the Old Timer 30T folder.....sharpens easily and holds an edge for a VERY long time.
Randy
I've never been crazy about Old Timers, but Uncle Henrys were really good knives fifty years ago. I carried a medium Stockman Uncle Henry for years, and I considered it the perfect pocket knife. Then, I lost it, and was heart broken. I carried many different knives since, but lately I've been carrying a Case medium Stockman, and I'm very happy with it. I was never a real fan of Case knives until I started using them about 15 or 20 years ago. Now days, I'd buy a Case, in a minute, and not worry any longer. I'm not real sure about Schrade, like I was about the old Schrade-Waldens of years past.
OP
wingriderz
Member
I have Swiss Army officers model in that pocket now. Its a great knife and keeps me from reaching in other pocket for my lockblade. I am looking to go with signal blade and a lil less bluk. You all sold me on rhe Case. I have seen the Texas Tooth pick model . Thoughts please or any other models ?
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The mini trapper is a good choice for a smaller knife and if you want a one hand opener go with the Russlock . All current Case models are well built .
Richard Simmons
Member
Case sodbuster is a good choice as is a GEC Bullnose which I'm carrying this week. Also a Buck 503 Prince (locking blade), 55 (also locking) or a Buck 302 Solitare would be well worth your consideration.
Richard Simmons
Member
Here's the bullnose. A classic pattern
Very nice! I've also got the matching Bull Buster.
garddogg56
Member
For me as an EDC work knife the made in USA Oldtimer with 1095 steel and delrin scales is a far tougher knife BUT as a Sunday knife or prettier knife Case all the wayLeft are 125ot+34ot.. rgt are 1970 vin carbon steel blades with bone scales Cases.both steels sharpen easy and hold an edge well.
Left are 125ot+34ot.. rgt are 1970 vin carbon steel blades with bone scales Cases.both steels sharpen easy and hold an edge well.Attachments
kwselke
Member
I carried Buck 503 Prince models for many years and liked them, I just kept losing them. I think I carried similar Buck models called Squire and Knight. Same basic knife, just different sizes. I loved them all, but for whatever reason they would turn up lost and never find their way home.
If you are simply looking for a low cost (under $25) folder Schrade/Old Timer, lower end Case, and low end Bucks, as well as many other brands will serve you well until they are lost or broken. Pick a model that you like, then use it, your preferences in knife design will be refined that way.
I have a bunch of cheap knives around that see frequent use, even though I have "better" more expensive knives available too. I do not need to use a $70 knife to peel a grapefruit when a $6 model works fine and is at hand.
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