Case slimline trappers

H

HFinn

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Sep 6, 2012
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I like my normal Trapper 2-blade Trapper very much but would like to get a one blade version for its better pocketability. The 2-blade could then be reserved to those occasions I wear a belt sheath (in the works by myself) or carry in a bag. The Slimline trapper is available by a dealer nearby in several styles. If anyone has good pictures of the following slimlines I would very much appreciate it if they could be posted in this thread.

The knives are:

Case 135 Working Barehead Slimline Trapper, jigged brown synthetic handle
Case Pocket Worn Slimline Trapper, bone handle bermuda green
Case Slimline Trapper, bone handle dark red

In the picture provided by the dealer the dark red handle model looks quite pinkish, but I quess it cant be since my 2-blade Trapper looked quite, well, crappy in the pictures and in reality the color is like syrup, very nice.

This trapper is very fast becoming one of my favourites, allthough nothing can replace the Opinels. :) By the way, I am weeding out knives and wonder what to do with them. Some of them are not traditionals and show some signs of use and sharpening. Maybe I could start a giveaway of my own.
 
In my experience (one knife, which I returned), and from what I've seen in examples from other people, Case's "Dark Red" bone is anything but. More typically it's a light red/pinkish/salmon color.

I've got a 31048 (yellow delrin, CV steel) myself. Normally I don't like traditionals that are that long closed, but the single blade slimline trapper is thin and narrow enough that it's still quite pocketable, despite the length. I like it for what it is. It's light and cheap and easy to get razor sharp. However, it's not a very "solid" feeling knife, and the blade-to-handle ratio is kinda poor. If you want something of higher quality, Queen (Utility), Canal Street (Half Moon), and GEC (#48) all make their own "slimline" trapper. They're more expensive, but should be more solid with a more substantial blade (yet still be great slicers).
 
Not solid, you mean like blade play or general fragility of the blade?

I have a R. Davin Laguoile. It looks nice and I like the engraved back spacer. Problem is that there is something wrong with the blade profile. It looks like the blade could use a really major reprofiling. So far it has filled the niche of a narrow bladed traditional folder but my experiences with Case have been good so far so that's why I would like the Slimline.

So, does anyone have opinions or good quality photos of these knives?
 
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HFinn said:
Not solid, you mean like blade play or general fragility of the blade?
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Mine came with some blade play that took quite a lot of whacks on the bolsters to tighten up. Beyond that, it's more a general feeling about the knife that I can't really quantify. The blade is thin, narrow, and hollow ground, but it's by no means flimsy. It just doesn't feel as solid an EDC knife as others. Maybe just because it's so skinny in all dimensions. For cutting up an apple (the main reason I bought mine) or other food prep, or for light utility work, it feels fine. But if I wanted to cut up a bunch of boxes or something like that, I'd grab something more substantial, like my GEC Bull Nose. That's just the way it feels to me. Like the handles should be thicker, or the blade should be wider...but then it wouldn't be a slim line, would it? Like I said, I can't really quantify it.

That said, please don't think I'm trying to talk you out of buying one. It's just a very different beast than the regular trapper you're used to. I really like my 31048CV. Usually it stays at home to cut up apples or whatever, but sometimes it goes with me when I don't feel like carrying my Bull Nose or Hayn' Helper sheepsfoot.

FYI, the slim line trapper doesn't have a half-stop like the regular Case trapper (or mini trapper). I'd say the pull on mine is about a 4 (out of 10, a 5 being the main blade on an ALOX SAK like the Soldier/Pioneer), and it's actually pinchable as well, at least with my fingers.

I'd take a pic for you, but my dim apartment isn't the best for photography - maybe tomorrow I'll snap a shot.
 
Planterz said:
That said, please don't think I'm trying to talk you out of buying one. It's just a very different beast than the regular trapper you're used to. I really like my 31048CV. Usually it stays at home to cut up apples or whatever, but sometimes it goes with me when I don't feel like carrying my Bull Nose or Hayn' Helper sheepsfoot.
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Yes, I understand what you are meaning. If I compare your observations to this other narrow bladed folder I have, the Laquoile, I feel the french knife could be great. It feels actually quite sturdy. Problem is it is difficult to sharpen to an edge I would prefer and it is frustrating. I dont have the necessary skills to totally reprofile a blade. Maybe I just should take the risk and give it a try. Damn the conseguences.

Choises, choises. In the meantime if you can post a picture I would be very gratefull.
 
View attachment 352440

This photo might help a little. I have used the slimline on the left for almost 39 years lots of time in maintenance and fab shops using this for many tasks. I recently bought its replacement on the right because the SS trapper is just too big and heavy. After all these years, my old friend and gift from my father-in-law, just needed a rest. It still has relatively good snap for its age and no wobble in the joint and occasionally makes it into my pocket still. It still takes a razor edge! If you want light and pocketable the slimline is it IMHO.
 
Here's my "dark red"/CV Case. It's not dark red, but it's not pink, either. It's actually quite bright red, if I had to name it:






Mine has been sturdy and tight, with no play or flimsy feeling.
 
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Thank you, that's what I needed to see. Most likely I will get the bermuda green, the red is a bit bright to my conservative taste :)
 
The slimline is very pocketable and good for everyday work. I should carry mine more, don't know why I don't. You could look for older versions of the dark red bone, there are some used in still very good condition. I found mine in an antique store and besides some dirt and lint it was in very good condition.
P1010438.JPG
 
Here is my Bermuda Green. It has great fit and finish and no blade play. I keep it in my work bag for food prep tasks, it's a great slicer and in SS requires very little maintenance.

By itself:


With friends:




The others in those pics are a Copperlock and a Small Saddlehorn.
 
Thanks, I will get the bermuda green. Looks really good. Even my wife says that green usually suits me :D
 
Turk88 said:
The slimline is very pocketable and good for everyday work. I should carry mine more, don't know why I don't. You could look for older versions of the dark red bone, there are some used in still very good condition. I found mine in an antique store and besides some dirt and lint it was in very good condition.
P1010438.JPG
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Seen this before and I always like it!
Barehead and proper Redbone too.:thumbup:

I'm a big fan of the Slimline, got the Brown Delrin, Yellow, G-10 all Barehead. Had the Bermuda Green but gave it away... Another fine variant is Queen Cutlery's Utility knife and GEC's very solid no issues 48 in a lot of handle choices.
 
May I suggest the Canal Street 1/2 Moon Trapper
A little bit more expensive but a much better knife
the stainless steel is a much higher quality
The blade is longer and the knife is 3 3/4"
 
This video gives a good impression of what to expect.

[video=youtube;fefOgYc8ewA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fefOgYc8ewA[/video]
 
I found an old slimline trapper with black delrin scales, possibly CV steel, needs to have the kick brought down so the spine is flush with the frame. I've had several slimline trappers, this one appears to be from the 70's.
 
I've been looking at Case's slimline/utilities for some time, but haven't pulled the trigger. I really enjoy my GEC #48 in Tractor Red, I hope y'all don't mind me putting a pic of a non-Case in this thread. Really cool, and often overlooked pattern IMHO.
 
whetrock said:
I've been looking at Case's slimline/utilities for some time, but haven't pulled the trigger. I really enjoy my GEC #48 in Tractor Red, I hope y'all don't mind me putting a pic of a non-Case in this thread. Really cool, and often overlooked pattern IMHO.
Click to expand...

Of course I dont mind, a nice knife is a joy to look at. I would like to get a GEC one day but where I live they are unheard of. Case I can get in a short time from a local dealer. Also if there is a defect it is not a major hassle to send the knife back. So far I have been very pleased with the Case and I am hesitant to raise the level much higher.
 
whetrock said:
I've been looking at Case's slimline/utilities for some time, but haven't pulled the trigger. I really enjoy my GEC #48 in Tractor Red, I hope y'all don't mind me putting a pic of a non-Case in this thread. Really cool, and often overlooked pattern IMHO.
Click to expand...

That's what I'm talking about:D very solid&well made. Nice Winterbottom style jigging on these too.

I've got the Tractor Green version, but I haven't used it much. Should change that.....wouldn't mind a Squirrel etch stainless version either.

Thanks, Will
 
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