Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback Review

First Impressions of Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback is a classic pocketknife, and I was eager to see if it held up to the Old Timer legacy. Schrade has been making knives for generations, and the name evokes a sense of tradition and reliability. This lockback model, with its sawcut bone handle and leather sheath, promises both functionality and a touch of old-school charm, so I was excited to get my hands on it.

My need was simple: a dependable, everyday carry knife for light tasks around the campsite and for basic cutting needs. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but still felt substantial and well-made. I’ve been using modern tactical folders with all the bells and whistles, but I was yearning for something simpler, more traditional.

Upon unboxing, the Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback had a good weight and the handle fit nicely in my hand. The sawcut bone handle felt solid, and the satin finish on the blade looked clean. My initial impressions were that this was a well-built knife for the price. It exudes a classic and traditional aesthetic.

Compared to a similarly priced Kershaw folder I own, the Cave Bear feels less tactical and more geared toward general utility. A Spyderco Delica 4, while much more expensive, offers a more modern ergonomic design and superior steel, but I was specifically looking for something more traditional, which led me to choose the Schrade. The Old Timer feels like a classic design.

I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and feel of the Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback. It wasn’t flashy, but it felt solid and ready for work. It’s a knife that inspires confidence through its simplicity and traditional design. It felt ready for anything, and I looked forward to putting it to the test.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages. The knife performed adequately in these conditions.

The Cave Bear handled basic cutting tasks with ease, even in damp conditions. The lockback mechanism felt secure. No time was needed to get used to it; it’s a very intuitive tool.

The only issue I noticed after the first use was the sheath felt a little stiff. I also needed to use a sharpening stone after some extensive use, which is reasonable for this knife class. It’s important to remember that this isn’t an expensive, premium knife.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback has proven to be a reliable, though not exceptional, tool. The edge retention isn’t the best. However, with regular honing, it stays reasonably sharp.

There are minor signs of wear and tear on the handle and sheath, but nothing significant. The brass bolsters have started to develop a slight patina. This only adds to the knife’s classic character.

Maintaining the knife is simple: a quick wipe down after use and occasional oiling of the blade. It’s easy to sharpen with a basic sharpening stone. Compared to my experience with high-end knives, the Cave Bear requires more frequent sharpening. However, it’s also significantly less expensive.

Breaking Down the Features of Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback

Specifications

• The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback features a 5-inch (12.7cm) closed length, making it a substantial but still pocketable knife.
  Its size makes it comfortable to hold and use for various tasks.
• It boasts a 4-inch (10.16cm) satin finish 7Cr17MoV stainless clip point blade.
  The clip point blade is versatile for piercing and slicing.
• The handle is made of brown sawcut bone, providing a classic look and decent grip.
  The sawcut texture enhances grip security, even when wet.
• It features brass bolsters and an inlay shield, adding to its traditional aesthetic.
  These details provide both visual appeal and added durability.
• It comes with a black leather belt sheath for convenient carry.
  The sheath keeps the knife secure and readily accessible.
• The knife weighs in at 0.74 lb, offering a solid feel without being overly heavy.
  This provides a balance between portability and usability.

These specifications contribute to a functional and aesthetically pleasing knife suitable for general utility and everyday carry. The stainless steel blade, while not a premium steel, offers good corrosion resistance. This is important for outdoor use.

Performance & Functionality

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback performs adequately for its intended purpose as a general utility knife. It’s suitable for basic cutting tasks. These include cutting rope, opening packages, and preparing food.

The clip point blade design is versatile. It allows for both piercing and slicing. The lockback mechanism provides a secure lockup. This inspires confidence during use.

However, the 7Cr17MoV steel requires frequent sharpening compared to higher-end steels. The handle, while aesthetically pleasing, could benefit from more aggressive texturing for improved grip. The Schrade meets basic expectations for a traditional pocketknife in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback features a classic and timeless design. The sawcut bone handle, brass bolsters, and inlay shield create a visually appealing aesthetic. The knife feels substantial in hand, thanks to its weight and size.

The handle shape is generally comfortable, although some users might find the lack of finger grooves less ergonomic than modern designs. There’s virtually no learning curve. The Old Timer is simple to use.

The clip point blade is well-suited for a variety of tasks, and the lockback mechanism is easy to operate. The classic design ensures it will appeal to those who appreciate traditional pocketknives.

Durability & Maintenance

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback is reasonably durable for its price point. The stainless steel blade resists corrosion. The bone handle feels solid.

However, the 7Cr17MoV steel is softer than premium steels and requires more frequent sharpening. The leather sheath will require occasional conditioning to prevent drying and cracking.

Maintenance is straightforward: regular cleaning and oiling of the blade, and occasional sharpening. With proper care, the Cave Bear should last for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback comes with a black leather belt sheath. The sheath is functional for carrying the knife.

There are limited customization options for this knife. Aftermarket scales or clips are not readily available.

However, the user can customize the sheath. For example, they can add a different belt clip or modify the retention strap. The knife is primarily designed for its out-of-the-box functionality. It’s not really designed for extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback?

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback is perfect for:

• Casual campers who need a reliable knife for basic tasks.
• Those who appreciate the classic aesthetics of traditional pocketknives.
• Individuals looking for an affordable and dependable everyday carry knife.
• Hobbyists who enjoy whittling or other light crafting activities.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who prioritize high-end steel and superior edge retention.
• Users who require a knife with a more aggressive grip for demanding tasks.
• Individuals who prefer modern designs and ergonomic features.

A must-have accessory is a sharpening stone for maintaining the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback

The Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback is a solid and reliable knife that offers good value for its price. While it doesn’t boast the latest features or premium materials, it provides a dependable cutting tool with a classic design. The Schrade Old Timer is not exceptional, but it is effective.

The price is definitely justified. The knife offers a compelling combination of affordability, functionality, and traditional aesthetics.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, dependable, and affordable pocketknife. It’s not going to win any awards. However, it will get the job done without breaking the bank.

If you appreciate a classic design and need a reliable tool for everyday tasks, the Schrade Old Timer Cave Bear Lockback is definitely worth considering. It’s a knife that evokes a sense of nostalgia and embodies the spirit of simple, reliable tools. Get your hands on one and experience the Old Timer tradition.