First Impressions of Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack arrives promising a comprehensive field dressing solution for hunters and outdoorsmen. Marketed by Schrade, a name with a long history in the knife industry, the pack includes a guthook, a hunter, and a fillet knife, alongside a sharpener and sheath. This trio aims to cover the essential tasks involved in processing game, from initial field dressing to preparing the harvest for the table.
I needed a reliable and portable set of knives for my annual deer hunting trip in the Adirondacks. I was tired of carrying multiple individual knives and wanted a dedicated kit that could handle various tasks efficiently. The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack, with its all-in-one concept and appealing price of $31.99, caught my eye as a potential solution.
Upon unboxing, the orange rubberized polymer handles immediately stand out, offering high visibility. The blades have a satin finish. While the knives feel relatively lightweight, the build quality seems adequate for the price point.
Compared to individual hunting knives I’ve previously owned from brands like Buck and Gerber, the Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack prioritizes convenience and affordability. I considered purchasing a higher-end set from Benchmade, but the Schrade‘s value proposition was more compelling for my specific needs, especially considering the rough handling my gear often endures in the field. This price point makes it a good consideration to purchase for testing.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The low price raised some concerns about long-term durability, but the completeness of the kit and the potential for simplified field dressing were enticing. I was eager to put the Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack to the test in the harsh environment of the Adirondack Mountains.
Real-World Testing: Putting Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack was immediately pressed into service during a recent whitetail deer hunt in upstate New York. The gut hook was my first task during field dressing. I used the hunter knife for initial skinning and then the gut hook opened the abdominal cavity with ease.
Performance was adequate in the slightly damp and cold conditions. The rubberized handles provided a secure grip, but the blades required frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge. This was especially true for the gut hook as it went to work through hide and muscle.
The knives are straightforward to use. No special skills needed to utilize these knives. The grip and blade shape lend itself to ease of use.
After the first use, I noticed some slight dulling of the blades and minor staining on the steel. The sharpener was useful for touch-ups in the field.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on game and around the camp, the Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack shows expected wear and tear. The blades have retained their shape and haven’t chipped or broken, but the edges require consistent maintenance. The kit, even with its shortcomings, is a worthwhile addition to any field pack.
The nylon sheath is showing some fraying at the seams. The rubberized handles have proven surprisingly durable and haven’t become slippery, even with prolonged exposure to blood and moisture. The finish on the blades have shown some staining despite my attempts to clean the knives.
Cleaning and maintenance is easy. The stainless steel blades clean relatively easily, but require prompt attention to prevent staining. The sharpener included in the kit is sufficient for field touch-ups, but a more aggressive sharpening system is needed for restoring a truly keen edge.
Compared to my previous experience with higher-end knives, the Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack underperforms in edge retention. However, its affordability and comprehensive nature make it a decent value for occasional use.
Breaking Down the Features of Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack
Specifications
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack includes a set of specialized blades designed for hunting tasks. The guthook has an overall length of 8 inches with a 3.5-inch blade. The hunter knife measures 7.5 inches overall with a 3.25-inch blade. The fillet knife is 9.75 inches overall with a 5.25-inch blade.
All blades are made of stainless steel with a satin finish. The handles are constructed from orange rubberized polymer for enhanced grip and visibility. The kit includes a 2-inch sharpener for on-the-go edge maintenance, all housed in a black nylon belt sheath.
These specifications translate to a lightweight and portable kit designed for specific tasks. The gut hook facilitates efficient field dressing. The hunter knife is for skinning. The fillet knife allows for precise meat preparation. The orange handles enhance visibility in low-light conditions, while the sheath allows for convenient carry on a belt or pack.
Performance & Functionality
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack performs adequately for basic field dressing and meat processing tasks. The gut hook opens the abdominal cavity efficiently, but requires a sharp edge to prevent tearing. The hunter knife is useful for skinning smaller game or detailed cuts, but can feel undersized for larger animals.
The fillet knife allows for precise cuts, but lacks flexibility compared to dedicated fillet knives. The sharpener does well in the field to maintain the existing edge. Overall, the kit meets expectations for its price point, but doesn’t exceed them.
The kit’s primary weakness is edge retention. The stainless steel requires frequent sharpening, particularly when working with tough hides and bone. The handle design could also benefit from more ergonomic shaping for extended use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack emphasizes functionality over refined aesthetics. The orange rubberized polymer handles offer a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended use.
The lack of finger grooves or a more contoured shape can make the handles feel somewhat generic. The blade profiles are functional but not particularly innovative. Overall, the design is practical but lacks the polish of higher-end hunting knives. There is no learning curve to using these knives.
Durability & Maintenance
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack is designed for moderate use and can withstand reasonable wear and tear. The stainless steel blades resist corrosion, but are prone to scratching and staining. The rubberized handles are durable and easy to clean.
The nylon sheath is the weakest point in terms of durability. The stitching may unravel with heavy use. The knives are easy to clean with soap and water. Regular sharpening is essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack includes a basic 2-inch sharpener and a black nylon belt sheath. There are limited customization options available for this particular kit.
While the blades are compatible with most standard sharpening systems, the handles are not designed to be replaceable. The sheath can be replaced with aftermarket options for greater durability or customized carry. There is no way to customize or change the blades.
Pros and Cons of Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
- Complete kit includes all essential knives for field dressing and meat processing.
- High-visibility orange handles enhance safety and prevent loss in the field.
- Rubberized handles provide a secure grip, even in wet conditions.
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended use.
Cons
- Edge retention is lacking, requiring frequent sharpening.
- Nylon sheath durability is questionable, prone to fraying and wear.
- Basic design and ergonomics lack the refinement of higher-end knives.
Who Should Buy Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack?
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack is perfect for occasional hunters, budget-conscious outdoorsmen, and beginner hunters who need a complete and affordable knife set. It’s also a suitable backup kit for more experienced hunters who want a reliable set of knives to keep in their vehicle or camp.
Those who prioritize premium materials, exceptional edge retention, and refined ergonomics should skip this product. Dedicated professional hunters or those who process large quantities of game would benefit from investing in higher-end individual knives.
A must-have accessory for this kit is a quality sharpening system. This will help maintain the blades’ edges and maximize their performance. A more durable aftermarket sheath may also be a worthwhile upgrade for frequent users.
Conclusion on Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack
The Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack offers a compelling value proposition for hunters and outdoorsmen seeking an affordable and complete knife set. While it doesn’t match the performance or durability of higher-end knives, its low price and comprehensive design make it a practical choice for occasional use. For a low price, this kit is a good addition to any hunter’s gear.
The price of $31.99 is justified by the kit’s completeness and functionality. However, buyers should be aware of the need for frequent sharpening and the limitations of the nylon sheath. This kit has a good value for a starter kit.
I would personally recommend the Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack to beginner hunters or those on a tight budget. It offers a convenient and affordable way to get started with field dressing and meat processing. Upgrade your hunting experience. Grab a Schrade Old Timer Hunt Pack and hit the woods with confidence!