ST1 Tough Tool variations

Which ST1 do you have? As manufacturing methods changed over the life of the ST1 Tough Tool, different variations were produced. Significant changes occured in the plier head construction and the blade selection. At least four different Series have been noted.

Jaws

The original Series 1 tools had jaws produced by stamping six different pieces out from heavy gauge sheet metal then laminating them together with rivets. Fine and coarse serrations were then cut into the sandwich of jaw plates, no doubt an expensive operation. Wire cutter area was also cut after stamping. Note stylized SCHRADE logo and right-side-up USA logo.



Series 2 tools appeared sometime before 2000 (based on an ad photo in Field & Stream magazine from Dec 2000) Jaws were still produced from six pieces riveted together, but the pieces had changed somewhat. Now the center sections were investment cast, while only the outer four plates were stamped steel. Serrations were still cut after assembly. Wire cutters however were cast in from the start, eliminating some cost. Note plain SCHRADE logo and upsidedown USA logo.



The entire jaw was cast solid on the Series 3 tools. Somewhat humorously, fake rivet heads were also cast into the jaws. (even though they serve no function) Jaw serrations were also cast in instead of cut in afterwards. By eliminating the rivets and the "sandwich" construction, number of pieces for a complete plier head was reduced from ten down to only two. Plus no more labor involved in assembly, riveting, and cutting serrations. Cost savings must have been considerable.



After Taylor Brands acquired the Schrade name, production of the ST1 was resumed in China. These Series 4 Tough Tools resemble the American made models in appearance only. Close examination makes it clear that none of the dies or tooling from the original plant is being used to manufacture today's tools. Jaws remain entirely cast, with heavy burrs on a number of inner surfaces. The SCHRADE logo is now cast in place. Also note the flush plier pivot.

Handles/Frame

Handles do not vary much among the different series. All of them have a large stylized SHRADE TOUGH logo on one handle.

Series 1 tools have PAT PEND on the other handle.

Series 2, 3, and 4 have a long list of seven U.S. patent numbers.

Series 3 tools have stiffener bumps on the blade locking tabs, both handles.

Blades and Tools, left handle

Series 1 blade selection was described on the main ST1 Tough Tool page. Blades in the left handle are as follows:



Left handle blades in Series 2 tools were slightly different. The can opener was given a shorter nail notch, the "hook knife" was brought over from the right handle, and the clip point knife was given coarser serrations.



From Series 2 to Series 3 the left handle blades were virtually unchanged:



On the Chinese Series 4 tools a crude attempt has been made to imitate the American-made blades but the quality on all of them falls far short.

Blades and Tools, right handle

Series 1 blade selection was described on the main ST1 Tough Tool page. Blades in the right handle are as follows:



On Series 2 tools a sharp tooth saw blade replaces the serrated knife. The plain edge sheepsfoot is brought over from the left handle, and the shape of the large flathead screwdriver is changed somewhat. The small screwdriver is given somewhat more length.



The only change from Series 2 to Series 3 was the plain edge sheepsfoot blade. Note that this new blade is the same as used on the Schrade i-Quip and NaviTool.



Chinese Series 4 tools go back to a right-handle blade arrangement as used in Series 2. Note again however that these are just crude imitations of the originals.





Other minor variations exist from tool to tool. No doubt some examples are "crossovers," for example featuring blades from a Series 1 but a plier head from Series 2.