Blades for running a trapline?

[steve-in-kville]

If I could have three to run the line itself (not skinning and such) I would want a bird & trout belt knife, belt axe and maybe a multi-tool. Maybe even a bowie or machete for clearing brush or making sets??

So what would you guys want if you ran a part-time line everyday??

 

[dttomcat]

In theory, I would think that a bushcraft knife would serve you as well, or better than, the bird and trout or the belt axe. B & Ts are small and axes are heavy. But you would know better than me. Experience is the greatest teacher by far. I would be grateful to learn something about trapping animals from someone with experience. -DT

A good multitool is usually a great idea.

 

[Shuya]

I'd take also those three items:
a decent fixed blade (not too heavy, a 3mm thick and 8-9 cm long blade in carbon will do every task to do)
a multitool, for me the new spearpointed blade - Swisstool Spirit is the best tool you can boy. for cutting wires, sawing notches and so on
a gansfors axe: do not make the mistake of buying a small camping axe if you have to do much work with it, better paying with more weight for a better handling. You better have to test them before going out with one you cant work with.

 

[Jay Mulcahy]

When I had a trapline as a kid, I used 2 set ups. Before it iced up I used an old GI machete for cuttting stakes, clearing brush for sets etc. After ice set in I would swap the machete for a Norlund Hudson Bay hatchet, mostly because I needed to cut holes in the ice for setting conibears. For a knife I usually carried a pocketknife like a toothpick or trapper, and had a Rapala filet knife on my belt. I dont recall using the knives too much unless I was skinning out something or cutting something up to bait a set.

 

[ROCK6]

Swisstool Spirit is the best tool you can buy.

Welcom aboard Shuya! I agree, Doc Canada here on the forums got me hooked on the Spirit multitool...I love it!

For me it would depend a lot on the area and game trails. I would want a chopper to clear brush and small saplings if needed...if that was the case, a good machete would be nice. If the weather was colder and the wood thicker/harder, I would probably opt for my GB Wildlife hatchet. Add a good belt knife and the multi-tool and you're set.

ROCK6

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I'm not (yet) a trapper, so I'm kinda guessing here.

I've read plenty that mention a "trapper's axe" -- essentially a 3/4 Hudson Bay style axe.
Probably just go with a Snow & Neally Hudson Bay axe for that.

Definitely a multitool. One of these days i have to try a Swisstool.

I was thinking a Bark River Ptarmigan for a knife.

 

[sd550]

Nothing pretty, just function:

Machete, 3"-4" fixed blade knife, & slip joint pliers.

Don't go overboard on the price as these will get used and lost over time, only speaking from experience though.

 

[Bufford]

One decent fixed blade capable of chopping, and one small fixed blade or a folder for small chores including the skinning.

 

[HDBeav]

Its been a few years, but I got by with an inexpensive, metal handled hatchet for pounding stakes, a pair of side cut pliers for cutting wire, and a folding pocket knife for cutting bait, cutting markers so I could find the sets, and skinning. The knife line up you have mentioned essentially covers all those bases, so your on your way:thumbup:

Later on I added a Busse Natual Outlaw E, and used it to cut stakes for muskrat traps, cutting bait and clearing brush. I still have the hatchet and pliers in the old pack basket. An opinel or small buck diamondback would easily handle the other chores. I'd prob go with my Busse meaner if I had the chance to trap now. sd550 has good points, will be used harshly and may get lost.

Pick a knife you enjoy and trust, much like a good gun, part of the joy of the experience is using the tools that appeal to you. Good luck and have fun!

 

[udtjim]

some of my trap line equipment. i also usually have a Buck 110 and or a Mora clipper.

 

[mogwai]

http://www.mandmfurs.com/hammer.jpg

 

[Joezilla]

when I first saw this thread I thought it said trampoline. Knives and trampolines don't mix Joe! I have a beaver trapper friend, and he just uses an old hickory.

 

[Sharp_newbie]

My grandfather who has been a trapper for years and my uncle take 1 knife, a 4" fixed stainless. as for an axe, they always took the large chopper, because in this day and age your going to be on a quad or sled for the most part (that was there logic, maybe you will walk i don't know.)

 

[rzwieg]

I carry a hatchet on my water lines, but rarely on my land line. My knives are a SAK Farmer and a Mora, which gets quite a bit of use. If I lose the Mora I'm not out much.

 

[steve-in-kville]

Thanks for the replies. Lots of good points. I am trapping mostly land and will be walking the entire line.

 

[harpoon41]

When I was a kid my dad and brothers and I ran a line during the mid to late 70's. We carried Schrade/Walden muskrats, Case trappers and later Buck 110's. An old Norlund Hudson Bay handled the axe chores. We tried to keep the natural environment the way it was so no machetes or other hackers.
Later in the 80's whenever leave time and family allowed I would try to set some sets up. Same style of blades, maybe a Buck 119 and later a Cold Steel SRK.
The last I trapped was 93 and I remember my Leatherman Supertool being the most used "blade". Good luck on the line, great fun!