Buck 55 vs. Case CV slimline trapper.

C

CodeArmadillo

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Nov 19, 2014
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Hey fellas. I just got done with my last thread which made me decide between the Buck 112 and Buck 55. I obviously chose the 55. Now I am stuck between the 55 and the Case slimline trapper in yellow. Around the same price too. I like the whole patina idea with the CV, but I also love my Buck 110, making me like the 55. This knife will be used for around the house, food, and edc. Thanks
 
Those are completely different knives. Different grinds, blade shapes, blade thickness, blade lengths. Locking vs. non locking. One is a relatively short and stocky knife, the other longer and thinner.

Since you can have a Case yellow CV slimline trapper for around $25 or so, I would see if you can fit both into your budget if you are interested in them both.
 
Ok but if you were to choose one for yourself, what would it be. Ive seen you jc57 around here before and I'm sure you know I'm a lover towards buck knives.
 
Having owned both, I think the 55 is a little better F&F, a little higher quality in the construction. But I gave the 55 to my brother and kept the CV slimline for myself, so maybe that says something too. They both fall into the category of somewhat lighter-duty, unassuming knives. Both great, and so cheap that you really ought to "get both."
 
CodeArmadillo said:
Ok but if you were to choose one for yourself, what would it be. Ive seen you jc57 around here before and I'm sure you know I'm a lover towards buck knives.
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Just because I've been posting a while doesn't mean I know anything. :)

I own a single Case Slimline Trapper in stainless steel that I keep in my work bag for apple-slicing duty. It is great for that purpose. Slim and long, good slicer, stainless cleans up easy. I probably would not carry it as my only knife, though I have done so on occasion.

If I wanted a general purpose knife, I'd rather have something a little shorter and stockier, so between the two I guess I'd go with the Buck 55. It also has a more versatile blade shape for a wider range of tasks with that very pointy clip blade. The thickness of the spine would probably make it a little less suitable as a fruit slicer but much more useful overall.

I have an old Buck 110 from the late 70s (back when they were made with 440C) and it's a big chunk of a knife. I carried it for years at a former job but I was able to wear it on my belt in the sheath. I would not want to pocket carry it. I don't know what the 55 is like as far as pocket feel and weight.

I do like Buck knives and think they are of excellent overall quality, at least those I own are (that old 110, which I still have though I never use it), and new 301 and 303 slipjoint patterns which are among my favorite knives period.
 
Wow, thanks for the response. I'm always just afraid of having a slip joint shut on my fingers. That's why I didn't get the Buck 302 a while back.
 
The Mini Copperlock is more inline with the Buck 55 for comparison. I like my copperlock and always debate on getting a 55. One of these days...
 
I have and love a 55, but it may be worth pointing out that, as is often the case on Bucks, the kick/tang is quite large. From the plunge to the tip, the 55 is not a whole lot longer than the same dimensions on a peanut. Since you mentioned wanting to cut food, it bears mentioning.

The blade shape does have a long, gentle belly going into a needle-like tip -- it will give most wharncliffes a run for their money. It pierces beautifully (I had a bandaid on my thumb last week to prove it) but strikes me as likely fragile for piercing heavier materials. The Buck 503 is the same size, but with a thicker drop point, FWIW.

The copperlock, mentioned above, has a more robust point and a good bit more blade, but is only available in TruSharp at the moment, which I would put behind both Buck's 420 and Case's CV. They are a beautiful thing though. The fellow who designed it had a good eye.

Have you considered a Case Sodbuster Jr? They're single blade, come in CV, have a stouter blade for general use, a similar frame-shape to the Bucks, and they're a bit cheaper than the slimline (but with a thicker handle than any of the above.) It might make a good middleground, and a cheap way to conquer your slippiephobia :)

I ain't makin' your life any easier, am I?
--Mark
 
rune1279 said:
I have and love a 55, but it may be worth pointing out that, as is often the case on Bucks, the kick/tang is quite large. From the plunge to the tip, the 55 is not a whole lot longer than the same dimensions on a peanut. Since you mentioned wanting to cut food, it bears mentioning.

The blade shape does have a long, gentle belly going into a needle-like tip -- it will give most wharncliffes a run for their money. It pierces beautifully (I had a bandaid on my thumb last week to prove it) but strikes me as likely fragile for piercing heavier materials. The Buck 503 is the same size, but with a thicker drop point, FWIW.

The copperlock, mentioned above, has a more robust point and a good bit more blade, but is only available in TruSharp at the moment, which I would put behind both Buck's 420 and Case's CV. They are a beautiful thing though. The fellow who designed it had a good eye.

Have you considered a Case Sodbuster Jr? They're single blade, come in CV, have a stouter blade for general use, a similar frame-shape to the Bucks, and they're a bit cheaper than the slimline (but with a thicker handle than any of the above.) It might make a good middleground, and a cheap way to conquer your slippiephobia :)

I ain't makin' your life any easier, am I?
--Mark
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Wow, you are so helpful with that. I looked into the sodbuster Jr. But chose the case slimline trapper over it.
 
Have you looked at the Case Mini Copperlock in stainless steel? If so, what did you think of it?
 
No, that particular one is jigged bone that is dyed blue, though they do make a similar looking knife in their blue jigged synthethic American Workman series, which also has an 'as-ground' blade, meaning more of a brushed satin finish. http://www.wrcase.com/knives/standard/american-workman/

The one in that image I included is their standard Blue Bone series with a polished blade. It's a nice slim knife, medium sized overall but a very serviceable blade. http://www.wrcase.com/knives/standard/blue-bone/

I personally prefer the bone over jigged synthetic.

I left you a visitor message by the way. ;)
 
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