Enzo Trapper

A

adimo

Joined
Apr 13, 2015
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I wanted to have an Enzo Trapper for a long time. Even if I don't need another knife, I would really want to get one now and I also found (what I think is) a good deal at a Finnish retailer. I just can't make up my mind about the steel. The knife would be definitely a scandi with a lanyard hole. The two options would be N690 with micarta and M2 with curly birch. I have never handled neither of those steels, all I know is what I read about them. The N690 should be a very good performer and prety much maintenance free. The M2 looks much more pretty and the steel should be better but it will require more attention. What would you choose for 4" scandi: N690 or M2?
 
I'd go with the M2. I have an Enzo Birk 75 folder in D2 with curly birch scales and it is the finest knife I own. Perfect in every way and factory sharp enough to shave the hair off a gnats arse.

Rich
 
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One more thing: If anybody has handled M2, how rust-prone is the steel? Here, in Ontario, I have never had issues with 1075, 1085 or 1095 with very little maintenance. Will the M2 rust easier than the 10xx steels?
 
The first (last, and only) knife kits I built was a pair of O1 Trappers. One for me, one for my best friend. I don't think M2 will do much for you in a smaller blade, it's supposed to be a very tough steel but the N690 will probably make more sense in this smaller blade.
 
adimo said:
One more thing: If anybody has handled M2, how rust-prone is the steel? Here, in Ontario, I have never had issues with 1075, 1085 or 1095 with very little maintenance. Will the M2 rust easier than the 10xx steels?
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I don't have any blades in M2 but judging by it's chromium content I'm betting it will definitely end up with a patina.
As long as you remember to clean off the blade after using it, oil it occasionally, and don't put it away wet you shouldn't have any problems with rust.

I'd definitely go with the M2 and curly birch. I have the birk 75 in curly birch and it's a damned good looking knife. Between the good looking scales and the patina your knife will develop over time it will have a lot of character.
 
Looking at A.G. Russell's steel data pages, it seems M2 is similar to D2. I love my Birk 75 in D2. Does the model you're interested in come in D2 - it's an amazing tough steel and so far (2 years of use) has not stained.
Rich
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. I actually have an Enzo in D2, but it's the larger one, the Camper (5" blade). That is a wonderful blade, very nicely made, very simple, somewhat following a puukko shape with a straight spine. I have played some with it and I think it works very well, but I didn't use it enough to judge. The sheath is the only issue there - it's beautiful thick leather with a dangler, but a bit on the loose side. I fixed it by gluing a very thin strip on leather on the inside close to the lip to hold up against the slight narrowing of the handle at that point. Now it hods okay. If it gets lose again, i'll probably try to re-shape the sheath under steam. I was reluctant to do that on the brand-new sheath because I never did it before and I think I would ruin it.

As for the Trapper, I think I will go with the N690. I have to make up my mind fast, otherwise my rational side will kick in and I'll realize I don't really need that knife since my life doesn't depend on it and I'll pass waiting for the next "I want that knife" crisis :)
 
I agree with you adimo. The N690 should be easier to maintain and although the curly birch probably looks nice, I prefer G10 or micarta handles. Most companies do a good job stabilizing wood handles now but I've had problems with cracking handles in the past. The N690 + micarta wins in my book.
 
N690 is a solid performer too. From my understanding it's close to VG-10 in most respects, VG-10 being a little more corrosion resistant(not by much, mind you), N690's tougher and more wear resistant. It's definitely no slouch.
 
I ended up pulling the trigger on the N690 Trapper. I will try to report back with impressions. Also wondering if Santa will put me on the naughty list for next year if I open the package before Christmas morning.
 
adimo said:
I ended up pulling the trigger on the N690 Trapper. I will try to report back with impressions. Also wondering if Santa will put me on the naughty list for next year if I open the package before Christmas morning.
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I’ve spoken to Santa and he says it’s fine. ;)
 
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