Sharpfinger

Sharpfinger is the name given to a certain style of skinning knife, modeled after the Schrade 152 OT (Sharpfinger). The "Sharpfinger" name is given to a variety of knives in this design (3.5" upswept blade) by a number of makers.

History

The Sharpfinger was primarily produced by American companies such as Imperial Schrade and Camillus Cutlery Company, as well as by custom knifemakers. Imperial Schrade closed down U.S. operations in 2004, with Camillus following in 2007, and the rights to those brand-names were sold. The Schrade Sharpfinger is currently produced in China in both large and small sizes.

Description

The Schrade Sharpfinger is a fixed-blade utility knife, approximately 7.5" in overall length with a 3.5" blade and sawcut (textured)"Delrin" synthetic scales. The blade has a pronounced curve, distinctive from most other utility knives marketed in the United States, as well as being smaller than the average American utility or hunting knife.

Variants

*Schrade-Walden Sharp Finger (USA) -- high carbon steel, rare variant
*Schrade 152 Old Timer Sharpfinger (USA) -- high carbon steel
*Schrade 152 Uncle Henry Wolverine (USA) -- stainless
*Camillus Grand'Pa Sharp Hunter (USA)
*Rigid Max Edge Hunter (USA) -- "Tactical" version
*Arrowhead Roadrunner (USA)
*Taylor/Schrade LLC Sharpfinger (China)
*Winchester (China)-- inferior quality materials

Variants of the Sharpfinger were offered with the following handle materials:

*Smooth colored Delrin (cream, yellow, orange, black)
*Scrimshawed cream Delrin
*Stag (several patterns)
*Staglon (several patterns)
*Jigged bone (various cuts and colors)
*Wood (various types)

Weaknesses of the design

While this is an outstanding skinning and light utility blade, there are some inherent weaknesses. The high carbon steel Sharpfinger is highly prized for its ability to take and hold an extremely sharp edge, but the trade-off is a potential for corrosion and breakage. The tip of this knife is delicate and will snap if used to pry.

Famous Owners

Probably the most famous user of a Schrade Sharpfinger knife was Sonny Barger, founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

In an interview with Harper/Collins regarding his book "Dead in 5 Heartbeats", Barger commented on the Sharpfinger knife: "A lot of people I ride with carry that knife. I actually prefer fixed blades — like the Sharpfinger — to a folded blade. Although I carry a folded blade too, with a fixed blade you don't have to reach inside your pocket. It's always handy, on your belt when you need it. I use my Sharpfinger as a tool. I do everything with it. I like knives with sharp points. You never know when you might want to pop a balloon or peel a banana." [ [http://www.harpercollins.com/author/authorExtra.aspx?authorID=19700&isbn13=9780060532512&displayType=bookinterview Harper Collins interview with Sonny Barger] ]

Marc "Animal" MacYoung and Fred Perrin hold favorable views of the Sharpfinger as Animal discusses in his book and Mr. Perrin online.

References

External links

* [http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/corners/michael/152OT%20Sharpfinger%20and%20152UH%20Uncle%20Henry%20Wolverine%20Research.pdf Article on Sharpfinger forms and variants by Codger of "Collectors of Schrades R Us" ]
* [http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/2292/schraderev.htm Sharpfinger review by knifemaker and combat instructor Fred Perrin ]