January 1st, 2025
7minute read
Quite a lot can happen in 20 years.
Perhaps no company illustrates that turbulence quite like Schrade, a knife manufacturer whose history dates back to 1904.
Indeed, Schrades tagline throughout the 1990s for its Old Timer series was Knives like Granddads.
Highlighted by models like the (from left to right) Divergent, Needle Serrated and Slyte, Schrade offers versatile and innovative products that demonstrate impressive quality and value across various price points.
Its not too small, nor too big.
When disengaged, the blade retreats back into the handle with a satisfying snick.
This knife gets both of those guys under the same tent.
Schrade was once known predominately for small slipjoints, including its Old Timer series of knives.
First, the Slyte has some very origami-like lines to it.
It bears mentioning that not all knives are equally suited to any particular task.
However, take one look at this thing and tell me this isnt an impressive chunk of metal.
The Divergent features a harpoon-style blade of just over 3”, well suited to daily cutting tasks.
Like the Divergent, Schrade utilizes AUS-8 steel in its construction of the Needle.
Whats the sense in dulling that edge through non-serious tasks?
Almost always, a better tool is at hand for household work.
Schrade’s Divergent model gives consumers an affordable way of testing out a “crossbar” lock. Scales are G10.
Such begs the question: whats the Needle actually good for?
It is remarkably lithe in the hand.
The Needle is a knife that says, in no uncertain terms,Back off.
The Slyte is a fetching piece of pocket art as much as it is a functional EDC knife.
Note that Schrade wants less than thirty bucks for this thing.
The Rest
Of course, these three knives dont represent the entirety of Schrades product category.
On top of that, Schrade still manufactures a number of traditional designs under the Uncle Henry sub-brand.
Schrade’s Slyte is feature rich. The Wharncliffe blade is great for draw and push cuts, the knife sits deep in the pocket, and a frame lock adds additional strength. It’s affordable and made by U.S. workers.
Go to forum thread
SchradeDivergent Folder
SchradeSlyte Folder
SchradeNeedle Serrated Fixed Blade
The Slyte is well-named as the knife is only a quarter inch wide across the frame. An easy carry, to say the least.
Schrade’s Needle Serrated is an affordable, double-edged dagger that follows in the footsteps of famous designs like the Gerber Mark II.
Lithe in the hand, this version of the Needle provides a full 6” of reach. Serrations offer additional cutting utility.
