The Schrade model ST2 scissor tool was first introduced in 1999, as a competitor to Leatherman’s highly successful Micra. It used the same style of side-folding blades as Schrade’s larger plier tool the ST1, but everything was scaled down to fit in a keychain /pocket sized frame. And whereas the ST1 was known as the Tough Tool, the little ST2 was given the nickname Tough Chip.
The venerable old Schrade firm was forced to close its door in 2002, meaning the Tough Chip was only in production for just a few years. More recently, the Schrade name brand has been purchased by Taylor Brands, and manufacture of the ST2 has been resumed in China, although with a noticeable fall off in quality. The following observations are in regard to the USA-made version of 1999-2002 vintage.
SCISSORSCompared to the Leatherman Micra, the Schrade did not stack up very well (IMO) Not only is the ST2 larger and wider in the folded up state…..
….it is also thicker.
Most troubling of all about this thickness issue is the big knob of a spring housing, located right at the pivot joint of the scissors:
Not only does the spring housing look a little strange the way it protrudes out there, it also gets in the way somewhat when making long cuts with the scissors, especially in heavy cardstock and such.
As compared to the svelte Micra:
A final note about the scissors: For some reason known only to Schrade, the ST2 is unusual in that it has a left hand scissor jaw arrangement, as opposed to the standard right hand arrangement as found on the Micra (and most all other conventional scissors)
BLADESThe Tough Chip has an adequate selection of blades….. (knife, Phillips, big flathead, little flathead, bottle opener, lanyard ring)
….all of which lock open using the same patented method as the ST1….
…but because of their sideways deployment, none of the blades are as useful as they ought to be. Cutting in the “wide” direction with the knife for instance, not only prevents you from getting into some places, it also feels rather strange in the hand.
REMOVEABLE TOOLSIn the handle opposite the blades there resides three removeable implements; a toothpick, a tweezer, and a nail file.
Being removeable does make these particular tools more useful. The tweezers for instance are a lot less clumsy to use than the attached ones on the Leatherman Micra.
The nail file is the diamond-coated sort, which might make it useful for sharpening up the knife blade or scissors in a pinch, although the user’s guide doesn’t mention this anywhere.
VARIATIONSAlong with the ST2 Tough Chip sold under the Schrade logo, there was also the model 45509 made for Sears Craftsman. The only difference is the stamped logo on the handles.
Of interest to collectors, there were at least two different stampings on the Schrade tools produced…
…as well as several different colors, including a deep green, dark red, and black.
Always the patriotic company, Schrade also outfitted a handful of ST2’s in this red-white-blue livery:
In conclusion, the ST2 Tough Chip came out at an exciting time in multitool history, when numerous old-time established cutlery companies were throwing their hat into the ring against the young upstarts at Leatherman. Despite their years of experience however, Schrade never really stood a chance, and the ST2 -versus- Micra comparison is a good example of that. But while it may suffer from some design shortcomings, the ST2 is a well made tool, definitely worth adding to your collection, especially at the bargain prices they can be had for these days.
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