Don't own a Case. Which of these two and why?

CSG

CSG

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Dec 15, 2007
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I like the traditional look and bone handle choices of the Trapper Lock and Tribal Lock knives and, particularly like the drop point blade on the Tribal Lock vs the clip point blade on the Trapper. Should make it an easy choice, right?

Well, I've never handled either one and can't find them locally. Where I'm coming from with lock backs is, in particular, the Buck 501's. I own three from across the decades and they all lock up well, have no blade play, and great EDC use (I carried them before I got into one-hand open/close knives. So the 501 is my benchmark (along with the 500) for knives of this type.

Any thoughts or info would be appreciated. I'm looking for a traditional looking alternative to the Bucks and these two Case Locks would seem to fit the bill.
 
I vote Tribal Lock. The Zulu blade shape is the most useful compromise for a single blade knife, combining the precision of a straight-edge (Wharncliffe) for draw cuts, with the slight belly of a spear for push cuts and slicing.
 
I vote mini copper lock, I know it wasn't on your list but I like minee way better than my new tribal lock in looks and action. Maybe I just got a bad version of the tribal lock, but mine has a 3/4 stop and no resistance between 1/2 and 3/4.
 
I own Trappers but not a Trapper Lock. I own a Tribal Lock and a Buck 501. The Tribal Lock is larger and the lock up on mine is quite solid. The mid-back lock makes it super easy for one-hand closing. You can just reach back with your thumb and disengage the lock and use your finger to close the blade. The Tribal Lock is rather slim for it's overall size.

I prefer mid-back locks to "tail" locks so that i a very nice feature for me on the Tribal Lock. And as I said, it's very solid so I don't think it gives up ground to the 501. The 501 is smaller and more comfortable in my front pocket but the Tribal Lock isn't terrible. It's a great knife.
 
Thanks for the replies so far, especially from Eli who owns a 501. I'll check out the mini Copper Lock as well.
 
Checked the mini Copper lock but I think it's too small and I'm just not a fan of the clip point blades for my needs as an EDC.
 
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Out of the 2 I would choose the tribal lock every time. I have owned 2 trapperlocks. One that was perfect and one that the lockbar went all the way over and there was a lot of play. It would have been fine in use, but it was easy to let it go. I own 2 tribal locks. Maybe I am just a back lock guy, but I love them. Fit and finish is great, lock up is great. Very nice knives for the money. I also like copperlocks. :)

pic from when it was new

4vzJgeHl.jpg
 
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Don, that's pretty much the kind of handle I want on one of these. I looked at doing a custom 501 or 500 but not for the prices Buck wants for them. The Tribal lock, in particular, has that old world look with some of the features that are important to me.
 
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I have a Tribal Lock and like it much more than I'd ever have guessed. I typically prefer multi-blade slip joints less than 4" long closed. But the big Zulu spear is a great blade, and the lockbar in the middle of the knife instead of at the tail works much better for me.
tribal.mark.open.jpg

I've never even considered a trapper lock. Too long, don't have any interest in thumb studs or pocket clips, and not a fan of liner locks (at least the traditional ones I've used).

- GT
 
I have both and some Buck 501s. I like all three. If I could only have one, I'd go with the Buck 501, but between the two Cases I like the Tribal lock better than the Trapperlock. I like the blade shape better, prefer lock backs to liner locks, and just like the way it feels in hand. The Tribal lock is a fairly large pocket knife, but its so slim, I find it rides well in jeans pockets.
Orange Tribal Lock.JPG
 
Since the Trapper lock, with the liner lock, thumb stud and pocket clip doesn't really fit our definition of a traditional knife, I'm glad it's not getting much notice here. If it was I'd have to move the thread.
That said, I do have a Tribal lock. Just an all around great knife. You can't beat the blade, and Case has done a great job on these.
9tP7LMS.jpg
 
Peregrin said:
Since the Trapper lock, with the liner lock, thumb stud and pocket clip doesn't really fit our definition of a traditional knife, I'm glad it's not getting much notice here. If it was I'd have to move the thread.
That said, I do have a Tribal lock. Just an all around great knife. You can't beat the blade, and Case has done a great job on these.
9tP7LMS.jpg
Click to expand...
FYI there is a Trapperlock with a thumb stud and pocket clip (I have one), but most of them have neither (I have one of those too). So it should be ok unless the liner lock is a problem?
 
I’ve been jonesing for a Tribal lock for too long now, this thread is not helping. Tribal it is.
 
I don’t have a Tribal Lock, but do have the Trapperlock. I’m not a huge fan of the Trapperlock (love regular trappers though). Too much blade play in the locked position. I would go with the Tribal if I were you, I’ve not noticed any bad press on that one and I intend to grab one one of these days.
 
jstrange said:
I don’t have a Tribal Lock, but do have the Trapperlock. I’m not a huge fan of the Trapperlock (love regular trappers though). Too much blade play in the locked position. I would go with the Tribal if I were you, I’ve not noticed any bad press on that one and I intend to grab one one of these days.
Click to expand...
AND it's a Tony Bose design.
 
I don’t have either, but I would choose the tribal lock. I love the shape of the blade,, and truth be told, I’m not a big fan of trappers.
 
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