Customer Reviews

Schrade Senior Rancher 4" Closed 3 Blade

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had this knife in my pocket for over forty years. It's a family icon. Everyone asks for Uncle Henry when cutting is needed, and it's always performed its job well. The blades are well worn from sharpening. I still have the orginal box that included a free replacement if lost warranty. Schrade does not offer the lost replacement warranty any more. If you do not have an Uncle Henry, buy one and keep it in your pocket. It is a tool you should never be without!!!!

This is a large example of the classic stockman 3-blade pattern. It is a slip joint knife, meaning that the blades do not lock but are held open or closed by the backsprings, which you can see running down the spine of the knife.

Schrade knives were once USA-made but are now made in China by Taylor cutlery. Most Chinese-made slip joints that I have tried have problems with the spring action, fit and finish, sloppy blade grinding, substandard blade steel, or all of the above. Not this one. The backsprings, liners, bolsters, and scales are all finished perfectly flush, all blades have smooth travel and plenty of snap on opening and closing, and there is no blade play. The blades are precisely ground of 440-C, a high-carbon stainless steel that takes and holds an edge, given proper heat treatment at the factory.

Some people don't care for the Staglon (imitation Delrin antler) handle scales, but unlike natural materials, this stuff is indestructible. And this knife is a user, not a collector's piece.

It comes sort of sharp from the factory, which is typical these days, even for higher-priced USA-made brands. If you know how, you can get this one razor sharp with not too much effort, although the steel is hard enough to put up a bit of a fight. Once it's sharp, it stays that way awhile.

The stockman is a classic pattern for a reason. The long, tapering master blade is great for delicate tasks like fileting fish, slicing sausage, or piercing and slicing open those damned clamshell packages. The shorter sheepsfoot and spey blades are for rougher work, like cutting rope or carving wood. The blunt-nosed sheepsfoot is especially good for situations such as the deck of a boat, where you might risk stabbing yourself with a pointy blade.

This is a lot of knife in a very small and charming package, and it will please anyone who wants a versatile knife to carry and use. I only rated four stars because it is made of ordinary materials and is not some exotic masterpiece. It is, however, a masterpiece of industrial design and function. As a user, I've found it flawless.