Hello all I thought this review should have its place here (if I'm posting in the wrong area then I guess not 
).
The subject is a Case Trapperlock with the classic Yellow Delrin handles and Case's Carbon Vanadium steel. Now if you want the quick and dirty (or to avoid the wall of text) skip to point #4. I've had this knife for a probably half a year now and have EDC'd it for the a large amount of the time I've had it. The review will focus on: 1-Usability 2-Value 3-Appeal 4-Pros and Cons/Recap but first pictures!
A very pretty knife that develops character with use!
Now the review
1-Usability:
As a trapper shaped knife the usability of this blade is great! It's a perfect EDC since it's slim, light and can be opened with one hand. On the term of size and shape the knife closes up into a slim almost lighter like shape that has no real obtrusive edges (a problem I've experienced with large Spyderholes like the Para 2 is that it is rather large for carrying in pocket.) Although this version of the knife has no pocket clip it doesn't necessarily need it since it slides into pockets very easily. I carry mine in my back right pocket of my jeans and never feel it until I need it. The thumb stud is a great way to open the blade quickly. The trapper blade style is great for cutting due to its good sized belly and plentiful blade length. The blade on these trapperlocks is rather thick and robust so you can put it to some rather tough use without fear of breaking a tip and the CV blade should be soft enough that it won't just snap in half. Case's CV steel gets razor sharp very quickly which is great because the angle on the trapperlock came rather obtuse. The knife does come sharp from the factory but it's a toothy edge that tears through things rather than slice. The CV steel does have a tendency to rust in the blink of an eye but some high grit sand paper, some oil or a good patina should help take care of any issues. Definitely not a blade to take to the beach. The knife is light enough to use extensively but large and robust enough to not feel like it's going to fly out of your hand. This is not Cold Steel's G-10 though and one should be careful when using it in a wet environment. The liner lock is decent and does its job at keeping the blade from closing. It does not stick and is easy to access to close the knife one handed. One thing to note is the awkward balance of the knife's weight. The trapperlock only has one blade but similar bolsters to regular trappers. This means that the trappers at the tail end of the knife are rather large and heavy, which on a regular trapper with two blades and added weight should feel normal. On the trapperlock, however, the missing blade weight makes the knife feel slightly unbalanced and back heavy. Back to the blade this knife features a regular saber grind that makes the blade thicker (to allow for the thumb stud) and although pretty thick it does not hinder blade cutting capabilities. The knife takes care of many EDC tasks with ease such as cutting cardboard, opening envelopes, cutting fruit and other food, and even some light prying because of how thick the blade is. Opening the knife is at times even better than using it due to a bushing that the blade rides on that makes the opening crazy smooth. I've heard reports of it being to smooth and opening in pocket but it seems Case has somewhat fixed the issue with a good ball bearing detent (although if you flick it hard enough the blade can come out without pushing on it but this takes a lot of effort)
Overall as a user 8.3/10
2-Value:
Alright now onto numbers: the Trapperlock in Yellow Delrin and CV can be picked up for around $50. Now at that price point and under there are lots of slip joints and modern knives that can accommodate (and perform better) pretty much every person's EDC needs. The Trapperlock does fit some specific points that others don't like for example, it's got the combination of old school trapper knife with a liner lock and thumb stud (which to many is a combination made in heaven,) it also is made in the USA which to many is very important and has the heritage of a Case knife. Honestly though the Case is finished rather poorly for it's price (where Buck, Spyderco and even Case's slip joints show it up.) Thus this knife as a buy is certainly for those who's name it just calls out to (like me
) Taking all that into account I'd feel this knife would be awesome at the $40 range (and honestly more deserving of the price due to its mediocre finish)
Value at it's price point and finish range 7.2/10
3-Appeal:
Here's a little tidbit that might rub off wrong with the BF crowd as coming from the YT reviewers, how cool or attractive the knife is. I'm only putting this in because from my little experience I've felt how the "coolness" of a knife attracted me to using it more. I've personally carried a Griptilian over a Manix 2 because I thought the Manix was just flat out ugly and contoured awkwardly compared to the grip. But because of that I've used the Grip more thus making it to me a more useful knife. In this aspect the Trapperlock flat out takes gold. With its nickel bolsters, a patina'd blade and Case name it just feels right to carry and use. It has character and is also Sheeple friendly due to all the shiny stuff on it. Now onto the deal breakers. Case seems to have given the project of the Trapperlock to someone with more expertise in slip joints than locking knives. Firstly the liner lock almost immediately went completely to the right after receiving it. It looks like the liner is too short and not angled right to make contact with the blade (which also doesn't have an angle to keep the liner from moving or wearing right) This has caused blade play which although not extreme is disconcerting and also disappointing in a nice knife. The finish of the knife is as mentioned earlier mediocre. There are 2 small gaps between the ends of the one Yellow delrin piece and the brass handles and the backspacer doesn't fit right at the end of the knife (a small detail) as well as having a small gap in the back closer to the pivot. The knife is sturdy however and doesn't seem as it'll fall apart. The most awkward part of the knife is the way the blade and handle are organized. The blade is not directly in the center of the handle, like most locking knives, but instead offset to the right like a slip joint trapper blade would be. This seems to have been done by design to allow for brass to be put in and to put in the yellow delrin. However, this system makes the knife feel awkward since it is a single bladed knife and makes it feel like it has too much material on one side
Overall the appeal of the knife is still great solid 8.6/10
4-Pros and Cons/Recap:
Pros:
-Lighweight -Easy to Sharpen -Extremely useful blade shape -sturdy blade -beautiful to look at -Case heritage -Easy to carry -Easy to open
Cons:
-Mediocre finish -Bad liner lock design -Blade play -Awkward placement of blade -Tail heavy
Recap: Great little knife with some design/fit and finish issues. If this knife was to be redesigned with the liner lock in mind I would gladly pay $60 for it.
Overall Score: 8.1/10
I really want to love this knife but like one of those dates its just a really good friend. If anyone knows of a similar knife (single blade, medium edc sized, classic styling) please let me know I'm looking to pick something new up
). The subject is a Case Trapperlock with the classic Yellow Delrin handles and Case's Carbon Vanadium steel. Now if you want the quick and dirty (or to avoid the wall of text) skip to point #4. I've had this knife for a probably half a year now and have EDC'd it for the a large amount of the time I've had it. The review will focus on: 1-Usability 2-Value 3-Appeal 4-Pros and Cons/Recap but first pictures!
A very pretty knife that develops character with use!
Now the review
1-Usability:
As a trapper shaped knife the usability of this blade is great! It's a perfect EDC since it's slim, light and can be opened with one hand. On the term of size and shape the knife closes up into a slim almost lighter like shape that has no real obtrusive edges (a problem I've experienced with large Spyderholes like the Para 2 is that it is rather large for carrying in pocket.) Although this version of the knife has no pocket clip it doesn't necessarily need it since it slides into pockets very easily. I carry mine in my back right pocket of my jeans and never feel it until I need it. The thumb stud is a great way to open the blade quickly. The trapper blade style is great for cutting due to its good sized belly and plentiful blade length. The blade on these trapperlocks is rather thick and robust so you can put it to some rather tough use without fear of breaking a tip and the CV blade should be soft enough that it won't just snap in half. Case's CV steel gets razor sharp very quickly which is great because the angle on the trapperlock came rather obtuse. The knife does come sharp from the factory but it's a toothy edge that tears through things rather than slice. The CV steel does have a tendency to rust in the blink of an eye but some high grit sand paper, some oil or a good patina should help take care of any issues. Definitely not a blade to take to the beach. The knife is light enough to use extensively but large and robust enough to not feel like it's going to fly out of your hand. This is not Cold Steel's G-10 though and one should be careful when using it in a wet environment. The liner lock is decent and does its job at keeping the blade from closing. It does not stick and is easy to access to close the knife one handed. One thing to note is the awkward balance of the knife's weight. The trapperlock only has one blade but similar bolsters to regular trappers. This means that the trappers at the tail end of the knife are rather large and heavy, which on a regular trapper with two blades and added weight should feel normal. On the trapperlock, however, the missing blade weight makes the knife feel slightly unbalanced and back heavy. Back to the blade this knife features a regular saber grind that makes the blade thicker (to allow for the thumb stud) and although pretty thick it does not hinder blade cutting capabilities. The knife takes care of many EDC tasks with ease such as cutting cardboard, opening envelopes, cutting fruit and other food, and even some light prying because of how thick the blade is. Opening the knife is at times even better than using it due to a bushing that the blade rides on that makes the opening crazy smooth. I've heard reports of it being to smooth and opening in pocket but it seems Case has somewhat fixed the issue with a good ball bearing detent (although if you flick it hard enough the blade can come out without pushing on it but this takes a lot of effort)
Overall as a user 8.3/10
2-Value:
Alright now onto numbers: the Trapperlock in Yellow Delrin and CV can be picked up for around $50. Now at that price point and under there are lots of slip joints and modern knives that can accommodate (and perform better) pretty much every person's EDC needs. The Trapperlock does fit some specific points that others don't like for example, it's got the combination of old school trapper knife with a liner lock and thumb stud (which to many is a combination made in heaven,) it also is made in the USA which to many is very important and has the heritage of a Case knife. Honestly though the Case is finished rather poorly for it's price (where Buck, Spyderco and even Case's slip joints show it up.) Thus this knife as a buy is certainly for those who's name it just calls out to (like me
) Taking all that into account I'd feel this knife would be awesome at the $40 range (and honestly more deserving of the price due to its mediocre finish)Value at it's price point and finish range 7.2/10
3-Appeal:
Here's a little tidbit that might rub off wrong with the BF crowd as coming from the YT reviewers, how cool or attractive the knife is. I'm only putting this in because from my little experience I've felt how the "coolness" of a knife attracted me to using it more. I've personally carried a Griptilian over a Manix 2 because I thought the Manix was just flat out ugly and contoured awkwardly compared to the grip. But because of that I've used the Grip more thus making it to me a more useful knife. In this aspect the Trapperlock flat out takes gold. With its nickel bolsters, a patina'd blade and Case name it just feels right to carry and use. It has character and is also Sheeple friendly due to all the shiny stuff on it. Now onto the deal breakers. Case seems to have given the project of the Trapperlock to someone with more expertise in slip joints than locking knives. Firstly the liner lock almost immediately went completely to the right after receiving it. It looks like the liner is too short and not angled right to make contact with the blade (which also doesn't have an angle to keep the liner from moving or wearing right) This has caused blade play which although not extreme is disconcerting and also disappointing in a nice knife. The finish of the knife is as mentioned earlier mediocre. There are 2 small gaps between the ends of the one Yellow delrin piece and the brass handles and the backspacer doesn't fit right at the end of the knife (a small detail) as well as having a small gap in the back closer to the pivot. The knife is sturdy however and doesn't seem as it'll fall apart. The most awkward part of the knife is the way the blade and handle are organized. The blade is not directly in the center of the handle, like most locking knives, but instead offset to the right like a slip joint trapper blade would be. This seems to have been done by design to allow for brass to be put in and to put in the yellow delrin. However, this system makes the knife feel awkward since it is a single bladed knife and makes it feel like it has too much material on one side
Overall the appeal of the knife is still great solid 8.6/10
4-Pros and Cons/Recap:
Pros:
-Lighweight -Easy to Sharpen -Extremely useful blade shape -sturdy blade -beautiful to look at -Case heritage -Easy to carry -Easy to open
Cons:
-Mediocre finish -Bad liner lock design -Blade play -Awkward placement of blade -Tail heavy
Recap: Great little knife with some design/fit and finish issues. If this knife was to be redesigned with the liner lock in mind I would gladly pay $60 for it.
Overall Score: 8.1/10
I really want to love this knife but like one of those dates its just a really good friend. If anyone knows of a similar knife (single blade, medium edc sized, classic styling) please let me know I'm looking to pick something new up