|
Post by birdman on Jul 7, 2013 2:17:32 GMT
I am in the process of building an AR15 (for the first time in over 20 years). Unlike the last one I built, this one will be capable of taking a bayonet. Now, I have an older Ontario M7 with an M10 sheath, and I learned to use the M7-M16 combo in the Army, but I want a bayonet that would make a decent "using" knife as well - and the M7 does NOT fit the bill.
I have looked at the prices of actual issue bayonets - both the M9, and the Marines' OKC-3S (which looks like a KA-BAR with 40% serrations and bayonet mounts), and the prices are a lot more than I care to spend on something that would spend most of its time being used as a utility/field knife (and actually being USED as such) more than being looked at as a "tacticool" item. The AR will be my SHTF long gun, and in such a situation I believe in a pinch my bayonet training could be potentially useful, and the AR is also already a familiar weapon (drill, drill, and more drill, and then drill some more... :roll: )
Schrade has their "Extreme Survival" series out, and one of them, the SCHF-6, looks like it might fit the bill and is reasonably priced. It looks like an OKC-3S blade mated to an M9 grip. Biggest difference (other than the grip) between the Schrade and the issue item is the steel. The OKC-3S is 1095, while the Schrade is 1070. Now, I have seen swords (especially d/h Japanese-style swords) made of 1070, but how good is it as a knife steel? Has anybody had any experience with the 1070 Schrades, good or bad?
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Jul 7, 2013 12:55:49 GMT
The blurb says:
Schrade Knives M9 M-9 Bayonet Extreme Survival SCHF6
|
|
|
Post by birdman on Jul 7, 2013 23:46:23 GMT
Unfortunately, the blurb doesn't tell me much about how good of a knife it is, which is why I was asking if anyone here had any experience with either this one or any others in the series.
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Jul 8, 2013 15:34:42 GMT
While I don't have any of the new series I have carried a two bladed Schrade 940T folder as an EDC for twenty years
|
|
Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
|
Post by Sébastien on Jul 10, 2013 3:33:54 GMT
Hey Birdman ! Be careful. Many, many years ago, Schrade knives were great blades, made in the USA. Now, the brand name has changed hands, and today's Schrade knives are made in China and usually described has poorly-built, barely functionnal beaters. I'd look elsewhere. Ontario Knives bayonnets aren't cheap, but these are tough, well-made blades. I hope this will help you
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jul 10, 2013 16:15:05 GMT
Sorry, I don't know much about bayonets, but if the selection at Knife Center is any indication, it's a very (edit: where did this word go? It was "small") market.
1070 is a good steel, if handled properly. According to Knife Center, the Schrade you're looking at is made in Taiwan. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I've seldom seen it be of high note, either. I personally yet to avoid "Made in Taiwan," but that's just from my own experiences which are arguably limited and dated.
I will side with Seb (long time no see, stick around side, eh?) in that OKC has a fantastic reputation for very good knives, and while $115 (at Knife Center, other vendors may vary) may seem a hefty investment, really, if you're wanting a tool that will last and perform well, spending a good amount on it is generally a good way to start. $115 doesn't seem outrageous to me, if it were something I were planning to have for any actual scenario as opposed to "Look at this nifty thing I have" use, I'd say it's quite reasonable.
Then again, I've spent more on knives than some would be inclined to spend on much of anything else.
I say hold off on the Schrade, see if you can't save for the OKC, and if you still can't justify it to yourself...maybe it'll be on sale. :x
Edit: just looked at the reviews on Knife Center for the Schrade. They rate it highly, but seem to speak poorly of it in commentary. Probably a sign.
|
|
|
Post by birdman on Jul 10, 2013 22:03:34 GMT
Sounds like the biggest gripe is the metal clip on the scabbard scratching the blade (not a big deal - a using knife will get scratched just from being used). Maybe if I find one under $50 I'll try it.
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jul 10, 2013 23:02:13 GMT
True, but a blade that's constantly being scratched up by its own sheath makes me wonder what else is off about it. Also how soft it is, that a random piece of metal is harder...
Nevertheless, who knows until one has one for oneself? (oney onesaone)
|
|
|
Post by birdman on Jul 11, 2013 0:29:14 GMT
My suspicion is it's the black paint, and not the blade itself, that is being scratched. From what I can tell, the sheath is a copy of the OKC-3S sheath, but I believe the issue item is oxide coated rather than painted. I know the M10 sheath for my M7 bayonet seems to have some kind of retaining clip inside, and it has rubbed the black coating off along the side (and it IS an actual Ontario M7 from the 1970's or 1980's - probably 1980, s as it came new with the M10 sheath).
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jul 11, 2013 1:32:27 GMT
Possibly, but I also wonder if it's continuing to leave marks on the blade once it's removed all the coating. I have an old Kabar Warthog that lost a lot if its coating very quickly, and such problems are the primary reason I try to avoid coated blades.
Doesn't seem like anyone offers a bayonet that isn't coated, though. Regardless, a separate issue from overall quality of construction etc.
I just get the feeling that the Schrade is trying too hard, which is what I'd consider a bad impression in a knife, maybe it's just not my style. I prefer to keep bayonets and field/utility knives as separate entities, but the modern military disagrees, so what do I know?
|
|