Schrade Exertion ~ AUS-10 Steel On The Cheap

[@fireemblemistrash75]

I really wanna see Schrade do well frankly. They are really trying to turn themselves around lately and I believe they are putting in some effort into improving there knives.

[@edrader746]

they are "exerting" themselves, yeah :-)

[@Teufel_Resen]

I gave them a shot with a 1095 5-6inch blade of theirs and it chipped really quickly. I think they have improvements needed on their heat treatment. Otherwise they’re good throw away knives for sure.

[@fireemblemistrash75]

@@edrader746 lol Yeah... I do wanna see them improve though

[@fireemblemistrash75]

@@Teufel_Resen True. Id like to see what they could offer frankly than be the equivalent of a walmart brand folder

[@edrader746]

@@fireemblemistrash75 i may buy one of these actually!

[@IIDASHII]

I bought the Benchmade Steep Country with the gut hook similar to this one, and I find it far more of an inconvenience when gutting an animal than a help. It gets caught on everything while separating the intestinal tract from a deer carcass, and its not that hard to open up an animal without a gut hook. I wish I'd bought a cheap Schrade! I might not regret the purchase so much!

[@Miller_Time]

I've been rooting for Shrade. The knife i inherited from my grandfather was a Shrade, its fantastic quality. They have fallen behind in recent years but I'm glad they have re evaluated and started making new knives.

[@Sherrodja]

Put 30mm heat shrink grip tubing on the handle. You can get it cheap from Amazon. It's made for deep-sea fishing rod handles. I've put it on some of my pricey knives and the improvement to the ergo's are amazing. Just use a hairdryer to shrink the tubing. You can also use a hairdryer to tighten the fit of the sheath. Just be careful not to melt the plastic. I'd rather they'd have used kydex.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for the tip!

[@RandyCamper-i3u]

i cut the belt clip off for space saving throwing in a pack or even pocket, and hes right little heat in a clamp fixes that retention perfectly @@gideonstactical

[@kennethkrieb3018]

I’ve been hoping to see Schrade make a comeback for a while now. They have put out some interesting new designs lately, however, their quality has left a lot to be desired. Maybe they should go the route of Gerber and have a ‘made in America’ line of high quality items and keep their Chinese made line for their budget oriented items. A lot of old timers would love to see Schrade put out some high quality items. Thanks for the video Aaron. Very informative.

[@robertlane6895]

I have the schrade adder in aus10 it's been a great knife would like to see more of schrade come back to the usa

[@lucasyup]

I have several Schrade fixed blades that I like quiet well, but I'm glad you reviewed these and pointed out the floppy scales which make it a big no-go for me.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I found it on Ebay and thinking of getting because it looks like comfortable, but not large knife and durable. Sometimes "thin is in", but short compact knives with thicker, stronger blades often prove capable in a pinch and I thought being a stainless steel it would be good to process food.... yet look manly and outdoorsy cutting green preppers and onions.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Nice. I grew up carrying Schrade/ Old Timers. Good to see the company going the right direction.

[@gideonstactical]

Right on

[@4673962]

Hey Aaron, I see people giving tips and tricks to making knives and sheaths better, when there seems to be a problem with either. So maybe you could try a couple of these suggestions out on some of these knives and sheaths and do a follow-up video on these and other ones that you have reviewed in the past. If it works out maybe more people would buy the knives and do some of the tips, tricks and corrections for themselves. Great video and as always very informative 👍, keep up the great work!!

[@gideonstactical]

Excellent idea!

[@pauledmonds7316]

I live in UK and have recently bought an Exertion. I don't know how much they are now in the US, but I paid £45 GBP (US $57) for it. I have only just discovered the wonderful feel of TPE for handle scales and bought it because of this. I was, considering what I paid for it, very disappointed by the scales for the very reason that you pointed out. When I got the scales off, I was dismayed to see that they are hollow; I mean, just how much would it have cost to make solid scales?? To deal with this, I came up with the idea of filling the scales with ShooGoo polymer shoe repair adhesive. This has made them solid and they don't flex anymore. I also scuffed-up the tang with a dremel tool so that the ShooGoo would stick to it. You're right; the handle screws are crap. Over here in the UK, £45 should buy you a really decent knife (I recently bought an SCHF52 for £60) and hence, I felt somewhat ripped off - I've bought knives for £20 which are better made and put together. The sheath is Awful - the retention.... Isn't, and the ceramic so-called sharpener is set wrong so that it doesn't fit the blade edge and is therefore completely useless. I do, however, really like this knife - it is extremely comfortable and now that it's fixed, all I need to do is make a decent leather sheath for it 😊

[@Hammer1978]

This is a great knife to practice handle making on. Grab your fav material, drill out the screws, shape the handle, and BAM new blade handles!

[@gideonstactical]

Totally a good template for that.

[@RandyCamper-i3u]

lets see it

[@JayKoczan]

Thank you for the honest review. While the price and the steel used is tempting, my personal choice would be to spend a little more on a camping knife, and especially a hunting knife with a gut hook. The handle separation being able to collect blood and debris, is too much compromise for me.

[@thomasmaloney843]

Kansbol is actually a sort of hunting knife. I would buy an Odenwolf knife over the Schrade. For 30, you get 440c and none of the hangups of the Schrade.

[@kentuckyboy541]

As someone who has hunted for 25 years, all you need to dress a large game animal is a 3 to 4 inch drop point. Gut hooks do just that and that's what you're trying to avoid. Cold steel pendleton hunter is my go to for many years but this would work too. 17 degree edge for a hunting knife. Hit it with ceramic and a strop after cleaning after each use and gtg. I make knives as a hobby and for 30 bucks it would almost be worth making a pair of scales for....

[@philvogt7671]

I just got a Schrade Wolverine from grabagun. Figured I’d try it.

[@jordancoleman714]

Circle back around and let us know what you think of it! Did you get the scalloped schf57 or the newer wolverine?

[@philvogt7671]

@@jordancoleman714 it just arrived yesterday. It looks like a hollow grind. Super sharp out the box. Little big for everyday carry, but def doable.

[@BFVgnr]

I've got a first gen Spyderco Native, the stainless handle version with AUS10 blade steel. Holy hell.

[@gideonstactical]

Good choice!

[@byteblock1667]

I bought that drop point schrade just for a project knife to make my own hardwood scales. I enjoy modifying my camping knives.

[@jgz6989]

I got one and like it........great carver, great feathers (turkey). Steel is on point for this blade.

[@scotthackney1450]

I like the design and the fact you can take scales off easily and make your own awesome videos!

[@RandyCamper-i3u]

id like to see this one with custom scales

[@toddcarr.]

The biggest problem with schrade is consistent quality. I've seb knives that were great and some that were pretty much useless especially in the heat treating of thier steels but for the price you can take a chance and after a bit of use see if it's for you or not and the level of quality you can live with. As long as the steel is heat treated properly AUS10 is a great mid-tier steel that will perform great for most tasks. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable

[@gregblake2764]

This Schrade knife is very similar to the Buck 685 hunting knife made out of 420HC and sells for about the same price. Everything you said about the blade shape and the hollow grind is completely on target. Very functional knives for how inexpensive they are.

[@franciscoarana6626]

Hey Aaron, for me, is actually a fantastic knife for the $!. I super-glude the slabs and was a perfect hack!.. thanks again!

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, timely vid mate, I've been looking for something like this as a budget fixy, mainly for fat wood hunting locally. A couple of others I have in the size range, that can take a baton, are living in kits and having a crack with AUS 10 appeals. I could just ignore the fire steel/sharpener, but man those handle scales are a real downer. Spose I could re-scale it. Then again, one shouldnt have to and plenty of other alternatives, maybe a Gator in 420HC, since I cant find the fixed version in 154. Or I'll just take a Mora Companion or Robust and be done with it. If they ever do rectify the issue, I'd really appreciate an update vid. Cheers Duke.

[@roberteamyiiii]

I would prefer the Mora either the gsrdsberg or the kansbol. They work with their sheaths and survival kits. They sharpen pretty easily. With a dying economy I want stuff I know has long term value.

[@palerider7171]

Thanks for the information Aaron. The way I look at it for $30 I would use it as is and not complain too much about it. I certainly wouldn’t super glue the scales to the tang as if I was unhappy I would replace the scales, the hardware and the sheath and still be ahead of game especially compared other offerings. I think that is probably Schrade intended as this is a Delta budget offering not an Alpha or Beta offering which should be higher quality but also far less affordable. Again thanks for the video and the information.

[@jonnyboat2]

Aaron, I just received and tried out a new knife design from Outer Limitless channel called the Inception. I honestly have to say it's literally the best knife I've ever purchased and own. I'd love to see you try one out.

[@nikeduck24]

Check out White River knives. USA made and SUPER affordable. S35VN steel.

[@steely_mike]

I've been waiting for the GT review on this knife. It offers Great Value and at the very least would be a good backup to throw in a pack

[@TismFishing]

You really should look at the adder scrade just released, my new favorite neck knife.

[@jordancoleman714]

The schf57 or wolverine has better looks than the adder. Why they didn’t make that in AUS-10 is beyond me…

[@kuramatd]

Not a terrible knife for the price. I still feel fantastic with my Mora Garberg, though. I know it's definitely out of the price point the Schrade is in, but it's so worth it (caught it on a sale at $50 and felt like a steal).

[@danlangford9434]

Nice price. I've been considering replacing my hunting knife for this deer season, and thanks to you, I may have just found it.

[@gideonstactical]

Nice!

[@jamesdixon7656]

Great review! I bought the DP when it came out and really like the profile. All knives have compromises, but for the price some can be overlooked. Good all around camp knife.

[@butchhill5656]

I have some old Schrade. And at one time, they were really good. Hope they make a come back

[@joshwhite5684]

Honestly as a lifelong hunter I don't really like gut hooks. To me the perfect knife for a few dollars more for a hunting knife is the joker Pantera. I feel like gut hooks are unnecessary. As much experience as you have with blades a smaller drop point or clip point would would be a lot easier if you ever decided to hunt

[@gideonstactical]

Thank you for sharing your experience and what you use.

[@jordancoleman714]

Hey Josh, how are you liking that Pantera?

[@joshwhite5684]

@Jordan Coleman I absolutely love it, it has the perfect dimensions for cleaning game.

[@charlescollier7217]

The SOG problem is the same as the Cold Steel problem - GSM. The focus on squeezing the biggest profits out of the customer base by using the cheapest materials - that's their MO.

[@ethanvanzant2402]

Compelling design, but they should definitely upgrade hardware and either add the 3rd screw or change handle materials. Also, ditch the pull through sharpener and firesteel and just give us a little better sheathe.

[@realbroggo]

Many (many) years ago my first couple of hard use field/camp knives were Schrades. They were good value & worked really well - helped me discover what I did & didn't like about fixed blades. Then about 6-7 years ago they fell off a cliff & off my radar big time - poor designs, poor materials etc... This knife ain't great but it has caught my attention. Biggest issue is the sheath - forget accessories & just make a good enough sheath. I do hope Schrade is on the up and can return to its former self. Just have to wait & see. Sharp blades all.

[@redderm]

I like striking a steel with my edc hollow ground folder, I find that it sparks much better if you strike it up where the grind is, so like the last 3/4 of blade next to the tip. As for the ceramic, I think Id rather have it and not need it. I think most non knife people, (like many hunter/gun people), arent too picky about using V sharpeners like that, and dont even seem to notice the burr is horribly misaligned. My mind is still blown from seeing a knife banter with (zack?) knife talking with backpacker hunters, and they said they ran simple V sharpeners like that.

[@ninemimesleft]

That sheath is the epitome of box checking instead of designing. I bet you could glue down those scales.

[@marsarmory6236]

Kudos to Schrade, they have some other smaller fixed blades (caper and DP) aus-10 with skeleton handles around 25 that are very excellent as well.

[@nathanbollinger2594]

Curious to hear your thoughts about new CRKT Razel Nax.

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Excuse me, but I need to go. Going to start my new business making aftermarket micarta handle scales (with mounting hardware) for the new Schrade fixed blades. No drilling required.

[@jordancoleman714]

Dude you’d probably make a pretty good living… 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@macmccartney5760]

You should do a review on the fox knives octopus vulgaris , specificaly the vg10 san mai blade with ziricote handle scales. Ive always wanted one but ive never seen an American review in english. And you do excellent reviews

[@lilfire1877]

Hey. I think its 440C on the SOG.

[@papimaximus95]

Yep!

[@realbroggo]

Yep found it buried on the SOG website. They really should include the 'C' (ie. Cryo 440C not just Cryo 440) to avoid scaring people. 440C & AUS10 are actually very close in performance while 440A & B are notably inferior and belong in a scrap yard. Have a great day!!

[@Raees-Divitiae]

I'm still loving the content, but I'm simply not a large fixed blade design lover. To each their own. For a full tang, I only use them in the kitchen. That's just me. Don't get me wrong. The kits seem quality. The pricing for the steel is great. I simply prefer a Flipper, Bali, and Multitool for EDC.

[@gideonstactical]

Right on 👍

[@austinbridge]

I might go up a literally few dollars for the Wolverine with the G10 handles. Not sure. I think the value for the AUS-10 is unbeatable either way.

[@lostcat9lives322]

Am I to only one who thinks a gut hook knife would be a serious "self-defense" knife?

[@unfi6798]

Another back-up for my back-up considering there's a few trade-off. Cowabunga.!

[@davidblowe9096]

Just had a look online and their "survival" knife lin, the Bedrock, Reckon and Leroy are AUS## - nothing wrong with that **BUT** there a hollow grind - Schrade has a lot of ground to make up and putting 1 style of grind on "everything" is not the way to go.

[@jeremyschaapveld9754]

Is that your video background or did you build it for a purpose? I see you have firewood stacked ? I enjoy your videos… you opinions are trusted by me 👍👍 Gideon 🙏

[@gideonstactical]

Little bit of both, thank you for watching

[@robertbarker5802]

Funny how all the effort went into the steel and scraps went into the scales and sheath. But at that price it wouldn't be too awful to make decent scales and maybe a leather or kydex sheath.

[@justintraupel9468]

Is that chunk of AUS10 worth getting some good scales and a sheath made for it?

[@justintraupel9468]

Wondering because I have one on the way as a replacement

[@gideonstactical]

Sure 👍

[@justintraupel9468]

@@gideonstactical now I just need to find someone that will make scales and a sheath for it

[@barrybueler3356]

Not a shrade guy but for the price I’m very impressed.

[@davidkeller491]

I have one I put gorilla wood glue under the handles

[@gideonstactical]

Ya that or taping the handles would be the right thing to do.

[@chadslagle1662]

Hey Man can you do a review of the Swiss Tech Wurdig? Looks like a interesting budget blade.

[@alpine1600s]

For a meatier hunting knife, the Old Timer Generation 169OT in D2 is a great knife.

[@gladeshunter8796]

I got one and was thoroughly impressed with it after processing a couple of deer . Edge retention is excellent . Some of the better import D2 I’ve used .

[@brentgraves2636]

I have the adder which the skinning knife I am impressed so far. For the price it is a good knife.

[@jordancoleman714]

Did you try the Wolverine?

[@brentgraves2636]

@@jordancoleman714 Not yet but I will keep looking at this line

[@LDmagnum]

Shrade…. Bring bake your USA made balisong please🙏🏻

[@onesky8647]

So basically, the blades are fine, but the grip scales and sheath could be better. Two out of three are meh. Not sure what Schrade was thinking. :)

[@realbroggo]

I think that Schrade are trying to drag themselves out of the gutter they've been in the past 6-7 years or so which isn't a bad thing. Personally I think they need to remember the old adage, do the simple things right and the complex ones will take care of themselves. ie. less bells & whistles and more quality. Have a great day!!

[@jordancoleman714]

They have great designs, but then they get cheap on the execution. Lots of great designs and then they half ass everything afterwards.

[@randomstuffman01]

Good video. Thanks. toronto canada

[@DrJosh2]

Amazon says they won’t ship it to Alaska. Probably because of the ferro rod… I see that a lot. So stupid.

[@gideonstactical]

Weird, SMKW has them maybe they will?

[@franciscotellechea8974]

Nice video Gideon. You should test the new bedrock series... I've the sheepfoot one and it's really a monster.

[@survivetheattack]

$24 at MidwayUSA rn!

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk4518]

Good review very interest I like your honesty.

[@VortymLichbane]

Sounds like it's a great value blade blank in some inconvenient packaging

[@Robin6512]

Knives get lost on hunts. Rather loose a 30$ knife then my $400 FK. That I use for camping/bushcraft stuff and keep a very close eye on

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

I would buy it but take the existing scales and make my own, given it is an AUS10 steel. Maybe cheap in US but here in Australia it sells for $90AU.

[@realbroggo]

I'm with you. (Also from AUS.) It's actually good that the scales aren't glued down - makes them much easier to replace. Even if screws strip they can be drilled out. Also good that tang isn't skeletonised as it will make designing and fixing new scales much easier. The fact that they use AUS10 actually makes the effort of changing scales worth it (IMHO blades with lesser steels just aren't worth working on). Have a great day!!

[@panagiotissoufliotis6558]

Just a very basic tool for the outdoors, at a price you won't be sad when loosing it . Decent steel and design, but with too many flaws. Secondary tool, yes.

[@sg-oe9wb]

Modded mine, bought some micarta and kydex from China used a carbide bit to add a third hole and used better handle hardware. It's unrecognisable now and it was a fun learning project on a rainy weekend.

[@Gintelligence]

Its schrade trying to make amends for previously made models With lots of problems **couple runs of well made knives, --made in Taiwan originally**branded made in china then off to china for production

[@tengu6399]

I'll be getting one for sure. Great value for a great bushcrafting tool. 👍

[@320emerica]

U can remove the fire starter 👍

[@gideonstactical]

Probably with a Dremel

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

SOG Tellus is 440c

[@gideonstactical]

I am not sure about that.

[@gideonstactical]

They have been promoting as 440 which is like saying AUS steel…ok is it AUS6/AUS8/AUS10…I am seeing they are just starting to have some of the info say 440c glad to see that but aus10 is still my preference when coming from China.

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

@@gideonstactical yeah it's odd they just list the 440 in most spots without the letter C or A. I feel like customers would be more attracted if it listed 440C like on their Redondo knife

[@papimaximus95]

Yeah, it says 440C on the SOG website. It is buried but there: "CRYO 440C stainless steel has the perfect combination of outstanding corrosion and wear resistance that is required for a knife destined for hard outdoor use. "

[@papimaximus95]

The SOG Tellus is also made in Taiwan and not China - although China would beg to differ.

[@troyspurling1910]

This was a rough one brother. Nothing exciting. China explains it all, from the handle to the sheath. Maybe for a kid who loses stuff? Lol!

[@gideonstactical]

Hahahah

[@josh33025]

Yeah we're all watching our dollars and cents going towards knives.

[@markfletcher8084]

Nice looking knife.

[@tomassoyweyvon4902]

How about Bone?

[@gideonstactical]

Not sure

[@tomassoyweyvon4902]

@@gideonstactical watching your Vid on K-Bar Ek50 Short, I put it in the shopping cart👍

[@lostcat9lives322]

Hang out at a public park after dark. Or join a evangelical Christian church. Or attend a Trump rally.

[@elionzo]

Great review as always! Schrade also used Aus 10 to re-edit their classic beloved "Schrade extreme survival SCH27" that was made of 8cr15mov. They re-named it "Schrade delta class extreme survival" and gave it an Aus 10 blade. It also comes WITHOUT the infamous tool in the handle, and it is as of today available for $ 30ish bucks on Amazon...

[@davidcleveland9815]

You do great you are the best

[@yankee23a]

Mmm....so the Demko Free Reign, also made of AUS10 and kraton handles goes for $150....really...????......for 5x the price I know the demko has a nice plastic sheath but hell nooooooo is it worth 5x the price

[@jeremymueller2848]

Make some wood handles for it. Bingo

[@taylorfishman823]

I bought one of these when it came out, I forgot what the deal was at the time but I think I paid $20-25 for it. Overall I’ve been super impressed with it. I haven’t been able to take it on a camping or hiking trip yet, but I’ve used it a good bit around the house. One thing I like about the sheath is that it’s very easy to clip on my belt or on my pocket as I tool around the house doing stuff, and the retention is just enough that it doesn’t feel like it will fall out for no reason, yet I don’t really have to fight to get the blade out or back in. But you’re right, it definitely will not retain when turned upside down and shaken. The handle is very comfortable. I have noticed the flexibility of the scales, but I do really like the feel of that material so I’m ok with it as is for now. The blade is really well done, like a properly achieved hollow grind seems kinda rare these days lol. The edge is super thin and slicey despite how thick the spine is. I have no idea how much tough pounding it could handle, but for most tasks I use a knife for it’s the perfect design. I mean I had been more of a tall flat grind guy, but then I got this and was like “woah!”

[@Kinglobo]

£45 in UK. No thank you :(

[@alpine1600s]

Positive is you can easily replace the scales with wood, or even 3d printed scales.

[@clintonlewis1261]

Yeah I agree dumb design on sheath, guy hook one is dumb design to -handle scales!

[@alpine1600s]

Gut hooks just make it easier when cutting around the stomach and intestines. They are a small luxury.

[@jameshiers5451]

A knife that falls out of its sheath is too much of a compromise for me

[@Metal_Matrix]

Subsidized labor....

[@davekelly9657]

So basically you are telling us it's crap? Thanks for sharing. Will not be getting those knives.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Like what they're doing, but I hate guthooks!!! Having skinned thousands of animals I hate having a guthook when I'm inside the body cavity.