copperhead question

Rsmith_77

Rsmith_77

Joined
Jun 4, 2010
Messages
4,250
What was the purpose of the copperhead?
i see the stockman and found the history, same with trappers etc etc

who developed the copperhead and what was its function/design reasoning?

thanks
 
Don't know its origins for sure but I don't think the pattern appears in catalogues prior to the 1920s

It's a rounded bolster Jack that means you can carry it without any sharp tangs catching in your pockets. A rounded Trapper if you like or curvy Gunstock!
 
It's generally considered a reduction from the full size folding hunter pattern and a relatively "modern" interpretation.

Many of the old folding hunters were 5" knives. This provides a more pocket friendly knife capable of most tasks for home & field.
 
5 3/8" Folding Hunter:

orig.jpg


3 3/4" Copperhead:

orig.jpg



Most copperheads feature a clip and skinner blade like the original folding hunters. (There are variations, especially in the custom realm.)
 
Most copperheads are 3 3/4". Most standard trappers are 4 1/8". (There are exceptions.)

Pick the pattern and blade selection that appeals to you (fits your size requirements and your intended chores) and you can't go wrong either way (imho).

(And, of course, the standard traditional forum solution applies as well...you can always get both!)
 
Rsmith_77 said:
What was the purpose of the copperhead?
i see the stockman and found the history, same with trappers etc etc

who developed the copperhead and what was its function/design reasoning?

thanks
Click to expand...

Sure am glad you asked this question, I've been searching all after noon to find the answer.
For some reason the copper head is one of my favorite patterns.
 
Elliott, thanks for the education. It confirms what I suspected but didn't know first hand. I think I like the copperhead pattern better than I do the standard trapper. That's certainly not to say that I dislike the standard trappers, but I like the usual blade configurations on the copperhead a bit better than the usual blade configuration on the standard trapper. And thanks for the photos of those great customs!!

Ed J
 
Interesting how many Copperheads have two blades. My Queen Copperhead (its being shipped to the UK right now, so don't have the # handy) is single bladed. I really like the looks of the two blade designs, do Case or Queen make any two bladed copperheads (I only collect Case and Queen traditionals ATM)?
 
Well, if you want to confuse the issue, how about a Case 2-bladed copperhead trapper from 1997, at 3-15/16" closed.

CASEcopperfull.jpg
 
black mamba said:
Well, if you want to confuse the issue, how about a Case 2-bladed copperhead trapper from 1997, at 3-15/16" closed.

CASEcopperfull.jpg
Click to expand...

Of course that particular Case "copperhead" frame is not a scaled down version of the classic folding hunter pattern.
It's another example of a company using a name (such as Texas Jack) for a pattern that differs from the generic pattern of the same name.

(And that's all I've got to say about that...;))
 
black mamba said:
Hey, Elliott, at least give me some credit . . . I said I was being confusing!
Click to expand...

Jeff, I give you all the credit in the world (and more if need be). I just was trying to put things in perspective for some of the other members who were trying to learn about the origins of the pattern.
(After all, it's confusing enough without all the additional nuance added by the companies themselves.)

Wasn't implying anything or trying to send any subliminal message.
 
Blues said:
Most copperheads are 3 3/4". Most standard trappers are 4 1/8". (There are exceptions.)

Pick the pattern and blade selection that appeals to you (fits your size requirements and your intended chores) and you can't go wrong either way (imho).
Click to expand...

lol as much as i wish i had a special requirement, my edc needs are pretty basic (opening boxes, cutting string, opening letters, some minor food prepping, maybe some light whittling) i just looking for "the pattern" that i will end up settling on that will become a companion for life hehe. I like the shorter length of the copperhead, but the slimmer trapper appeals. since i dont have either i dont know which one will carry better (for me)


and lol, getting both would be ideal however the spouse may have something to say about that :p
 
Elliott, I'm just messin' wit' you! :D I like regular copperheads, too.

Boker Double Tree
DT1.jpg
 
Thats good stuff! I never thought of a copperhead being a pocket friendly folding hunter,but it absolutely is.Good one Elliot.I guess we'll allow you to hang around here a while longer.;)
 
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