Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors Review

Let’s Talk About Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors

The Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors presents a unique proposition in the world of multi-tools and everyday carry. Manufactured by Schrade, a company with a long history in knife making, this offering is essentially a replacement part or a DIY component, consisting of two unsharpened stainless steel scissor blades designed to integrate into compatible Schrade folding knives. The fact that they are unsharpened immediately sets expectations; this isn’t a ready-to-use tool, but rather a piece requiring further work and customization.

I stumbled upon these unsharpened scissors while in the process of refurbishing a vintage Schrade multi-tool. The original scissors were damaged beyond repair, and instead of replacing the entire tool, the availability of these replacement blades sparked my interest in attempting a repair. The low price point, at just $0.96, made it a low-risk venture, even if it required some effort to bring them to a usable state.

Upon receiving the blades, my initial impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The unpolished stainless steel gives them a raw, unfinished look, emphasizing their role as a component rather than a complete tool. The absence of a tang stamp further reinforces this impression, highlighting their function as a generic replacement part.

Compared to fully assembled multi-tool scissors from brands like Leatherman or Victorinox, these Schrade blades lack the refinement and immediate usability. However, these other scissors come integrated into complete, higher-priced multi-tools. This is a bare-bones alternative. My initial excitement was tempered by the understanding that significant effort would be needed to transform them into functional scissors, but the challenge of the project intrigued me.


Real-World Testing: Putting Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors to the Test

First Use Experience

Testing these Schrade scissor blades involved a different kind of field test than usual, focusing on modification and integration. My “testing ground” was my workshop, where I had to carefully sharpen and fit these blades into the existing frame of my Schrade multi-tool. Initial use involved attempting to cut thin paper to assess the sharpness of my sharpening job.

Performance was directly tied to the quality of my sharpening work. The blades, being unsharpened, offered zero cutting ability out of the package. After several hours of careful grinding and honing, the blades began to function, although not perfectly. Any issues with the cutting action were directly attributable to inconsistencies in my sharpening or alignment within the tool’s frame.

Ease of use wasn’t applicable until the sharpening process was complete. Once sharpened and installed, the scissors operated like any other pair of multi-tool scissors, albeit with the personalized touch of my own modifications. The first-time use revealed the importance of precise alignment for smooth and effective cutting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of occasional use, the Schrade scissor blades, now fully functional, have held up reasonably well. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture during cleaning. However, the edges have required occasional touch-ups with a honing steel to maintain their sharpness.

Durability seems adequate for light-duty tasks. The blades are not designed for heavy-duty cutting, and attempting to cut thicker materials has resulted in some minor edge deformation. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the pivot point are essential to keep them operating smoothly.

Compared to my experience with factory-sharpened multi-tool scissors, these DIY scissors require more frequent maintenance. While not a superior product out of the box, they’ve become a personalized and functional part of my multi-tool. The satisfaction of bringing them to life is a significant benefit.

Breaking Down the Features of Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors

Specifications

The Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors is defined by its simplicity and functional purpose. The blades are constructed from stainless steel, providing a degree of corrosion resistance. The blade length is approximately 1.25 inches, and the overall length, when assembled, is about 2 inches.

The “additional features” listed as “unpolished, unsharpened” are the most significant specifications, dictating the end-user’s involvement in completing the tool. This lack of finishing matters because it requires the user to possess (or acquire) the skills and tools necessary to bring the product to a usable state. The stainless steel material is a positive, making sharpening easier compared to higher carbon steels, and offering better corrosion resistance.

Performance & Functionality

The performance and functionality of these Schrade scissor blades are entirely dependent on the end-user’s skill and effort. Out of the package, they perform no cutting tasks. However, when properly sharpened and installed, they function adequately for light-duty tasks such as cutting paper, string, and thin fabric.

The primary strength lies in their availability as a replacement part, extending the lifespan of older Schrade multi-tools. The most significant weakness is the need for specialized skills and tools to make them functional. If a user is unwilling or unable to sharpen and fit the blades, they are essentially useless.

The unsharpened nature of the blades is the biggest disappointment for a consumer expecting immediate functionality. But for a DIY enthusiast, it represents a blank canvas and a challenge. Once functional, they perform acceptably for their intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors is inherently basic, reflecting its role as a component part. The stainless steel material offers decent strength and corrosion resistance. The overall weight is negligible, and the blades are designed to integrate seamlessly into compatible Schrade multi-tool frames.

The user-friendliness is entirely dependent on the user’s experience and skillset. Sharpening and fitting the blades requires a degree of mechanical aptitude and patience. A beginner may find the task daunting, while an experienced knife sharpener may find it straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Schrade scissor blades appears to be adequate for light-duty use. The stainless steel construction should resist rust and corrosion. However, the edges are prone to dulling with use and will require periodic sharpening.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the pivot point. Sharpening will require more specialized tools and techniques, depending on the desired level of sharpness and cutting performance. The simple design allows for easy disassembly and cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

Given that these are replacement blades, no accessories come with the product. The primary customization option is the degree of sharpness and cutting angle applied during the sharpening process. Users can tailor the blades to their specific needs and preferences.

These blades are specifically designed for integration with compatible Schrade multi-tool frames, and compatibility with accessories from other brands is unlikely. The focus is on restoring or customizing existing Schrade tools, rather than creating hybrid solutions.

Pros and Cons of Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors

Pros

  • Affordable replacement part for Schrade multi-tools.
  • Stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance.
  • Offers customization options through sharpening.
  • Extends the lifespan of older multi-tools.
  • Provides a rewarding DIY project for tool enthusiasts.

Cons

  • Requires significant sharpening and fitting to become functional.
  • Unsharpened state may disappoint users expecting immediate usability.
  • Performance dependent on user skill and effort.


Who Should Buy Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors?

The Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, experienced knife sharpeners, and individuals looking to restore or customize older Schrade multi-tools. It’s ideal for those who enjoy tinkering and have the skills necessary to bring these blades to a functional state. Survivalists and preppers who value repairability over immediate convenience may also find value in this product.

This product should be skipped by those who expect immediate usability, lack knife sharpening skills, or are unwilling to invest the time and effort required to make these blades functional. It’s not suitable for users seeking a ready-to-use tool.

A must-have accessory is a good quality sharpening stone or sharpening system. A honing steel for maintaining the edge is also recommended, along with appropriate lubrication for the pivot point.

Conclusion on Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors

The Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors is a unique offering that caters to a specific niche within the tool market. It is not a finished product, but rather a component that requires significant user input to become functional. The value proposition lies in its affordability as a replacement part and the customization options it offers to skilled users.

The price is undoubtedly justified, given that it’s a small fraction of the cost of replacing an entire multi-tool. The low cost also lowers the barrier to entry for attempting a DIY project. I would personally recommend it to individuals who enjoy tinkering with tools and have the skills necessary to sharpen and fit the blades.

Ultimately, the Schrade Folding Knife Tool Blade, Unsharpened Scissors is a testament to the value of repairability and customization in a world of disposable products. It’s a project, a challenge, and a way to breathe new life into an old tool. If you’re up for the task, grab a set, sharpen your skills, and give your trusty Schrade multi-tool a new lease on life.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top