Schrade Delta Class Leroy Fixed Blade with High Carbon Stainless Steel Bowie Blade for Outdoor Activities

Update, April 2017: Now I said the stats are right on but I was wrong and so is the above stat on its weight, it is not 1.31 pounds ( 21 oz.), it actually weighs1.55 pounds (25 oz.) for just the knife, the sheath weighs 10.25 oz. for a total of 2.2 pounds (35.25 oz).Knife is still going strong despite heavy-duty use, managed to put a very slight ding in the edge chopping on icy hardwood but fixed it quite easily with a diamond stone. Finally had to do more than strop it, took about 10 minutes with a diamond stone then a fine Arkansas stone to get it back to shaving sharp after 5 months of use.As advertised, came hair shaving sharp and it's fit and finish were top notch.It's a big knife and might be bigger than you expect, pictures and even video reviews do not do it justice. This comes from two main aspects, first is how broad ( from edge to spine)the blade is, 2 and 3/8ths inches at its most broad and the second is how it's held , the finger grooves keep your hand 1 1/4 inch from the blade making it feel like an 11 and 1/2 inch blade. Also the grip design makes you hold it at a slightly negative angle (forward slanting), which helps it's already massive hitting power. To me these are all pluses but also were unexpected. It's a heavy knife as well and you feel every ounce of it, good or bad.Another thing video reviews have a tough time showing is a knifes edge retention over time and this knife, at least the one I have, holds its edge very well, on par with say 1060 hc in my experience. I live in northern WI. and this bad boy has to contend with frozen hard woods like maple, ash and oak and does great, have had it out on three trips into the woods doing chopping, clearing and yes battoning, no dents, rolls or chips and have not yet needed to sharpen it ( only stropped it once). The tip is strong too, did some tip testing on frozen maple wood and it held up just fine. I also feel compelled to mention the factory edge this came with, it was perfect and I mean that, it was completely even along its entire length and the bevel itself was even and was of a good width, I wish all knives came with edges like this.The grip material is fantastic, probably the best I've ever felt as far as comfort and function on any knife.The following are negatives but I didn't count them against the rating as I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. The grip causes a lot of hand fatigue, it's broad(I wear size L gloves) at around 1 and 1/4 inches and doesn't let my fingers close completely around it and all exposed tang knives cause more fatigue in my opinion and this one is no different. It's a hollow grind knife and this causes the blade to turn when chopping into sapling sized wood sometimes, again not unexpected. Like all Bowie designs the sweet spot for chopping is not up near the swedge but seems to be about 3 to 4 inches from the grip.It's a "big you-know-what" Bowie knife, if that's what you're looking for then get it now. Is it worth the money? Yes, yes, yes. Is it worth more than the money? Yes, even at %50 more it would be worth it. It's only possible draw back is it's steel and it's taken more abuse than I've ever thrown at a knife and it didn't flinch so it's not a draw back to me. Would I trust my life or the life of a loved one to it? To the one sitting on my lap right now, yes. Test it right away and If it gets chipped or bends on wood it's a defective one (and defects can happen to any knife) send it back and schrade will replace it, a defect will be immediately apparent on some hard chopping, it's not the kind that shows up after a long time.

This thing is a beast. It eats wood, and for the money, it can't be beat. The Jethro might out do it in chopping, but not by a lot. I prefer the Bowie style blade, for all around use, over the Jethro, but It depends on what you are looking for, and what your intended use is. If you are buying solely for chopping, go with the Jethro, but if you want an all purpose, but big blade, the Leroy is your best bet. It chops very well, and is super comfortable in the hand The TPE handles, absorb shock well, and the handle design is excellent, Very comfortable in the hand, with no hot spots or slipping.Mine came shaveable sharp right out of the box, and has held up very well in some pretty hard use.After heavy use, I still have not needed to resharpen it, but then, all of my other Schrades have all been very easy to sharpen, and they hold an edge pretty well.Once I opened it, and held it in my hand, I just had to run out into the woods, and put it through the test, It just screamed, use me. I have only had it for a couple weeks, but have put it through the ringer in the short time I have had it. The steel is lighter than say, a 1095 high carbon, but still seems to have held up pretty well so far, after heavy use.If you carry this in the woods, you can leave your hatchet home. No, it won't replace an axe, but competes well with a hatchet. And you can do more with it than you could with a hatchet. I actually split (batonned) a good 8" piece of red maple with it. It can also even handle fine work as well. With the choil, you can choke up on it, and it gives remarkably good control for such a huge blade A smaller blade would be better for fine work, but it WILL do it if it's the only knife you have on you..I made a few feather sticks with it, and the spine has a 90% edge, and does throw sparks off a ferro rod. Can make notches and sharpen steaks with no problem.The sheath is functional, but not exceptional. For the price, it will do. The retention tab is velcro, not a snap, and it slides in the slot that holds it. Be careful not to pull it out, and lose it. I think I am going to super glue mine, or some more permanent fix for it. It has plenty of slots and holes for lanyards or strapping to a pack. No drainage hole.Most of all if you needed to whack a zombie or two, it is definitely capable of tactical use. I can't remember off hand, the last time I had to hack up a zombie, but if that's your thing, this would definitely do it. It is after all, a very big. Bowie style knife.Pro'sBig bladeDecent steel for the moneySharp right out of the boxHolds an edge pretty well, yet easily sharpened once it does need a touch upVery ergonomic handleChops well, yet still usable for all around utility workA lot of blade for less than $45ConsThe retention strap on the sheath is velcro, and slides in the slot, so be careful you don't pull it off and lose it.Belt loop on sheath will only handle up to a 2" wide beltBig, and fairly heavy, but expected when you are buying a big blade like this.I would most definitely recommend this knife, if you are looking for a big bladed chopper, yet still usable for all around camp chores type knife.Overall, for a budget priced knife, Schrade just can't be beat, in my opinion. If you are willing to pay over $100 dollars, yes, you can get better steel, but for the money, I just love my Schrades.Shipping was quick, and overall, I ma very satisfied with this purchase.