EDC Folder

J

Jcaviness

Joined
Jan 29, 2012
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Hey guys I am a long time reader but first time poster and was looking for some advice on an EDC. I would like a two blade folder , no longer than 4" closed and want to keep the price under $150. I have carried a Case mini trapper for as long as I can remember and am looking for something similar but that has better steel. Let me know what you guys think and thanks for replying.

JSC
 
Hi JSC,

which Mini Trapper you had there? Was it stainless or carbonsteel? Which steel would you prefer? Thinking about that, a GEC jackknife could be right for you. I have not any GEC knife, til now. But here in the forum are a lot of great reviews on some of them.

Kind regards
Andi
 
I have always had stainless but am almost positive my next knife will be carbon steel. This is my current EDC: Case Cutlery 5534 Case Mini Trapper Pocket Knife with Stainless Steel Blades Stag
 
What's the steel on your mini trapper? "Surgical Stainless", I assume. Also, what would you consider better steel? better edge holding, toughness, ease of sharpening? Every steel is a compromise in those area (and ability to resist rust).

(Sorry for asking the same questions as the above poster)
 
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I'm partial to GEC's powderhorn jack, 4"closed, 1095 carbon, a real looker IMO. Plenty of scale options and well within your price range.
 
Jcaviness said:
I would like a two blade folder , no longer than 4" closed and want to keep the price under $150. I have carried a Case mini trapper for as long as I can remember and am looking for something similar but that has better steel.
Click to expand...

Well, if you're comfortable with Case, you could easily pick up another Mini Trapper in CV steel.

Or, in your price range, there are a bunch of primo Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) trappers. I don't have one, but they have a great rep around these parts for their fit and finish and the quality of their 1095 carbon steel. Their #48 Dogleg Trapper isn't a "mini" per se, but it's a very pocketable 3.875" closed. The #48 Western Trapper is the same length.

Good luck, and please be sure to let us know what you end up with and how you like it.

-- Mark
 
If you want a harder steel try Queen they have blades made of D2. That said I think the CV steel from Case amazing. It gets sharp as heck and returns that way with a few strokes on a stone or ceramic.
 
I don't care for full Trappers but instead I'd recommend a Copperhead. Böker do some nice ones in carbon and not expensive either.

Check some GEC dealers' picture galleries, Furtaker Trapper or Big Jack, Moose might be of interest to you. GEC No.85 Bullet End Jack VERY well worth having too.
 
Will is right about the Furtaker Trapper from GEC. Here is a Northfield in burnt stag and 1095 carbon steel, under $150. You can't go wrong.

StagFTmark.jpg
 
If you like the mini trapper and want something with a different steel and a bit bigger, how about a Case fullsize trapper in CV?
Or the Buck 301, 371, 303
or the Case copperhead, sodbuster, sodbuster jr., caliber series, jr. scout, stockman, etc.
 
I suggest the gec white owl. It is a fairly new offering so there are lots of options. Good luck
 
Here's a GEC Tidioute #48 Trapper and a Northfield #48 Trapper Jack. Of all my #48s, I carry a green trapper jack the most. These are both in 1095
IMG_1724.jpg

IMG_1419.jpg


Here is a GEC #73 Scout Trapper in 440c. A few with this Tobacco bone popped up recently. It's 3 3/4" closed but the handle is a littler wider than the #48. These are also available in 1095
IMG_1763.jpg


I'd also recommend something in the GEC #66 family. They have jack (clip/pen), moose (clip/spear), muskrat (2xclip), and stockman configurations (clip/sheepsfoot/spey). These are all 3 1/2" closed and in 1095

For Queen, I have a couple of their #51 Jacks which are built on their Mini Trapper frame. I think this is a nice one too
IMG_1386.jpg


Of course, if you really like your Case... Maybe you can find one of the Stag/Damascus versions? I don't remember but they may be a little more than $150
IMG_1423.jpg
 
Being a fan of trappers myself, I highly recommend the gec made Schrade #73 trapper. 3 3/4" closed but with stouter blades than your average trapper or mini trapper. The fit and finish is top notch and it fits great in a pocket.

Ben
 
Thanks for all the advice I think I am going to pick up a GEC this week. I will post pics after I get it in.
 
No need to spend $150. You can get a Schrade Trapper, made by GEC, for $60. Hard to beat its quality, until you start looking at custom slipjoints.

- Christian
 
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