Can't make up my mind so it's poll time, Tidioute 488213EC or Coppersmith Trapper

chickenfried

chickenfried

Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
1,065
Whittling it down to the final two was hard enough. So I'm having trouble deciding between the last two standing. Use will be the usual pocket knife stuff food, packages, fishing, whittling, gardening. Don't care about size or weight, I'm used to modern folders so pretty much anything traditional is going to feel like a feather. Which is less likely to be a nail breaker? Better warranty? Thanks for all the help the forums given me recently:)

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/488213-EC-bt-jig-brazilian-cherry.jpg
Why I like the tidioute:
Like the idea of two different types of blades
That one of the blades is a wharncliffe
Beaver shield is cute
GEC reputation

Frets:
1095 steel I know it's a fine steel. But I'm used to higher end stainless steel...
Closed blade sticking out of the handle might affect comfort.

http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/194
Why I like the coppersmith:
All about the copper.
I've read the 14-4 steel is similar to 154cm, a steel I like.
Think the patina the copper develops contrasting with the stainless and the brown bone will look awesome
single blade will be more comfortable since there isn't a closed blade sticking out of the handle.
Frets:
Only a single blade
In photos and description bone seems very smooth/polished might be slippery in hand
 
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Get both! :cool:

If you are new to traditionals then maybe a carbon blade might do you good at first. I love single blades as well but the big draw to most of these knives and patterns is the multi blade aspect. If you want to shake up your carry and comfort zone, get the GEC. If you want a smaller, slimmer, slicier version of what your used to but need some time to get rid of your pocket clip anxiety, pick up the single blade :D
 
Both is a great idea! I have a Coppersmith small lockback in D2 steel coming in tomorrow, as well as a GEC Conductor in 440C. Can't go wrong with both, and then you can always flip the one you don't like.
 
Try what I sometimes do when I can't decide...flip a coin and stick to whatever choice the coin makes :) Either selection would make a really fine EDC, and you never know, you might be pleasantly surprised at the performance of 1095 if you give it a chance, I know I was.
 
sitflyer said:
Try what I sometimes do when I can't decide...flip a coin and stick to whatever choice the coin makes :)
Click to expand...

I've used a different method which involves flipping a coin. Flip a coin and while it's in the air you'll realize that you're hoping for one side vs. the other. Stick with that decision. If you honestly aren't hoping for one over the other go with what the coin says.
 
I would go with the GEC for a traditional, they make a great knife. The opening might be stiff, but the fit and finish will be great and you get a second blade:thumbup: As for 1095, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. It is easy to sharpen to a razor edge and keeps the edge for a while. With the GEC, you also have a second blade for when the first one goes dull and you are away from your stones!
Another option: buy both and sell the "loser" you will take a little loss but you will know for sure you made the right choice:)
 
They both look great. I've been eyeing the Coppersmith Barlow, so I'd say go Copper. But I don't really know anything about either. I just think the copper is unique and looks cool.
 
The coppersmith surely would disappear in the pocket being a single. The Improved Trapper is a different animal totally. That selection gives you the flat blade of a wharnie and the belly of the Turkish clip. I have an improved trapper and it disappears in the pocket as well, even with two blades;).
 
went with the coppersmith. Little cheaper and I think I'm more of a one blade to do everything kinda guy. Thanks for listening to all my hemming and hawing, I finally pulled the trigger on a slipjoint.

But dang that beaver shield IS cute.
 
Good choice. Keep an eye out for model 23 and 73 GEC knives on the bay and exchange here. They come in single blade versions and can be found with a beaver shield. Go on their website and click the collections tab they have a section for the beaver series I believe. Enjoy your new obsession :)
 
chickenfried said:
went with the coppersmith. Little cheaper and I think I'm more of a one blade to do everything kinda guy. Thanks for listening to all my hemming and hawing, I finally pulled the trigger on a slipjoint.

But dang that beaver shield IS cute.
Click to expand...

I think you made a great choice going with the Coppersmith Trapper, it's going to be a very pocket friendly knife. If you like 154CM you will like 14-4 CrMo, if I understand correctly it's Latrobe's version of 154CM. You sound like me if you are used to and like 154CM you would have been dissapointed with 1095.
 
I'm kinda fond of the #48...

hvnj.jpg


The #48-IT with the wharnie/clip is a sweet combo. :thumbup:
 
sitflyer said:
Try what I sometimes do when I can't decide...flip a coin and stick to whatever choice the coin makes :) Either selection would make a really fine EDC, and you never know, you might be pleasantly surprised at the performance of 1095 if you give it a chance, I know I was.
Click to expand...

Correction, flip a coin, which ever side you want the coin to land on you want more, buy the one that you prefer the coin would on while it is in the air.

Edit: saw this after I had posted...
Cory Hess said:
I've used a different method which involves flipping a coin. Flip a coin and while it's in the air you'll realize that you're hoping for one side vs. the other. Stick with that decision. If you honestly aren't hoping for one over the other go with what the coin says.
Click to expand...
Keep us posted on how your knife works out.
 
I have the GEC 48 and the blades have an easy pull, about 4/10. The nail nicks are perfectly positioned for easy opening. The knife is very slim for 2 blades. It really does disappear in the pocket. The 1095 sharpens more easily and takes a beautiful patina. Only negative: blades are a little long. Sort of like a folding steak knife.

I love copper, too.

I think you need to get both. :)
 
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