Let’s Talk About Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife
The Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife is a compact and versatile tool designed for everyday carry and various outdoor tasks. From the trusted name of Schrade, this knife boasts two distinct blades – one fully serrated and one fine edge – both crafted from 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel. This combination, coupled with its ambidextrous thumb holes and pocket clip, makes it an intriguing option for anyone seeking a reliable and adaptable folding knife.
I’ve always been on the hunt for a compact, multi-purpose knife that can handle a variety of tasks without weighing me down. I needed a blade that could easily switch between aggressive cutting (think rope, webbing) and finer tasks (food prep, whittling). The dual-blade design of the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife seemed like a perfect fit to address this need.
Upon first unboxing, I was struck by the knife’s surprisingly lightweight feel, thanks to its rubber-coated aluminum handle. The build quality initially appeared solid, though the aluminum handle felt a bit less premium than some of my other knives with G10 or Micarta scales. My first impression was optimistic, but I knew the true test would be its performance in real-world scenarios.
I considered other popular dual-blade knives from brands like Gerber and CRKT, but the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife caught my eye with its combination of stainless steel blades, a lockback mechanism for safety, and its attractive price point. Ultimately, the Schrade seemed like a practical and economical choice. I was excited to put this knife through its paces and see how it performs in various cutting tasks.
Real-World Testing: Putting Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife to use on a weekend camping trip. It served as my primary cutting tool for everything from preparing kindling to opening food packages. The serrated blade proved particularly useful for cutting through tough rope and paracord, while the fine-edge blade handled food prep tasks with ease.
The knife performed adequately in damp conditions, though I made sure to wipe down the blades after each use to prevent any potential corrosion. I found the ambidextrous thumb holes made it easy to deploy either blade quickly, even with gloves on. The only initial issue was the lockback mechanism felt a bit stiff at first, requiring some extra effort to disengage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife has held up reasonably well. The blades have retained their edge fairly well, although I did need to touch them up with a sharpening steel after a few weeks of consistent use. There are some minor scratches on the aluminum handle, but overall, the knife shows minimal signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning and maintenance have been relatively simple. I typically just wipe down the blades with a damp cloth after use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot point. Compared to my other EDC knives with more premium steel and materials, the Schrade requires a little more attention to prevent rust, but it performs reliably enough for its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife
Specifications
The Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife features two blades. One blade is fully serrated, and the other is a fine edge blade, both made from 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel.
The knife has a closed length of 4 inches. The handle is crafted from black dimpled rubber-coated aluminum.
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel: This steel offers a good balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening, making it suitable for everyday use.
- Handle Material: Black Dimpled Rubber Coated Aluminum: The aluminum handle provides a lightweight yet durable grip. The rubber coating enhances comfort and improves grip, even in wet conditions.
- Locking Mechanism: Double Lockback: A double lockback system is designed to secure both blades independently when open, enhancing safety during use.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the knife’s performance, durability, and overall user experience. The blade steel determines how well the knife holds an edge, while the handle material affects comfort and grip. The lockback mechanism ensures safe operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife performs its intended job of providing two distinct cutting edges in a compact and convenient package. The serrated blade excels at cutting through fibrous materials like rope and cardboard. The fine-edge blade is suitable for precision tasks like food preparation and whittling.
The main strength is its versatility. The dual-blade design allows it to tackle a wide range of tasks. A weakness is that the blade steel may not hold an edge as long as more premium steels.
The knife meets my expectations for a budget-friendly, multi-purpose folding knife. It’s not a high-end performer, but it offers good value for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price point, with solid lockup on both blades. The aluminum handle is lightweight and comfortable to hold, thanks to the rubber coating.
There is a slight learning curve associated with the double lockback mechanism, but it’s relatively easy to get used to. The ambidextrous thumb holes make blade deployment convenient for both right- and left-handed users.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction, the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The stainless steel blades resist corrosion, but it’s still important to clean and dry them after each use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Sharpening the blades and lubricating the pivot point is all that’s typically required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife comes with a pocket clip for easy carry. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this model.
Due to its design, the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife doesn’t really lend itself to customization in terms of scales or blades.
Pros and Cons of Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife
Pros
- Versatile Dual-Blade Design: Offering both a serrated and a fine-edge blade in one compact tool.
- Affordable Price Point: Making it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Lightweight and Comfortable Handle: The rubber-coated aluminum handle provides a secure and comfortable grip.
- Ambidextrous Thumb Holes: Allowing for easy one-handed blade deployment for both right- and left-handed users.
- Reliable Lockback Mechanism: Ensuring safe blade operation.
Cons
- The 8Cr13MoV blade steel might require more frequent sharpening compared to premium steels.
- The aluminum handle feels less premium than some other handle materials like G10 or Micarta.
Who Should Buy Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife?
The Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife is perfect for casual campers, hikers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a versatile everyday carry knife on a budget. Its dual-blade design makes it particularly well-suited for those who need to tackle a variety of cutting tasks.
Those seeking a high-end knife with premium blade steel and materials should skip this product. It’s a budget option, not a top-tier performer.
A sharpening steel to maintain the blade edges would be a must-have accessory. A small bottle of lubricant would also be useful for keeping the pivot point smooth.
Conclusion on Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife
The Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife is a solid, budget-friendly option for anyone seeking a versatile and reliable folding knife. Its dual-blade design, comfortable handle, and secure lockback mechanism make it a practical choice for everyday carry and various outdoor tasks.
The price is certainly justified by the knife’s features and performance. While it may not compete with high-end knives in terms of blade steel or handle materials, it offers excellent value for the money.
I would personally recommend the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife to anyone looking for an affordable and versatile EDC option. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly knife that can handle a variety of tasks, give the Schrade Double Lockback Clip Folder Knife a try. You may be pleasantly surprised by its performance.