I miss my Canoe. Need some ideas.

sqoon · Apr 23, 2011

I sent the Case Canoe I got for Christmas last year off to Case. What I'm assuming was excess polishing compound gunking up the main blade made for a really, really tough opening of the knife. I tried to clean it, but to no avail. It's off to see what Case will do about it. However, me being a numbskull just gave them my return address and no email or phone number. If they need to contact me or ask me anything, it looks like post is the only way to go. Who knows how long it will be before I get it back?

I started off with traditional knives with real hesitation. However, after meeting Carl's challenge to go traditional for a month really got me hooked. I now find myself rotating my Case Canoe or Buck 303 more than any of my "modern" knives. I'm even going to be selling off my BM Griptilian and will likely use the money for another Traditional.

I think I have about $80 to spend. The KA-BAR Dog Heads are looking good, but the Silver Script Hunter Green Canoe has also been calling me for months. I just don't know about the Case SS. I'm sure my Canoe won't be gone for too long, but in the meantime, I'm looking for ideas on what to pick up next. Any big classics I'm missing? Is the Swayback Jack all that great?

LKJW · Apr 23, 2011

Buy a row boat?

Yes, the sway back jack is that great. That was what I was gonna recommend. I have the CV chesnut and SS greeen. Both awesome.

sqoon · Apr 23, 2011

While the Case was giving me problems, the Bulldog Canoe was taking front seat. I forgot to mention it was back in the pocket.

The Swayback Jack in green and SS would solve a lot for me. 1. I would have a Swayback Jack and could join the cool kids club. 2. It would be green. I want a green Case. 3. It would give me a chance to get a feel for Case SS.

Damn. I make one fine argument.

pwcb2005 · Apr 23, 2011

Sway Backs are sweet! I got a mop one from the wife and fell in love with it! I have always carried trappers due to the nature of my work and they have always been my favorite, but after she got me that one, I have wanted more of them. In fact, after reading the other posts on this forum, I decided to get a chestnut bone SBJ in CV. It has a great patina already from 5 apples. Couldn't be happier.

Knife Crazied · Apr 23, 2011

Go with a SBJ or a toothpick

Flying Guillotine · Apr 23, 2011

I've never had a swayback, so I can't comment on them. However, have you considered a GEC? I've a Tidioute single blade scout that's tough as nails and chock full of practical goodness. Here's a couple pics:

black mamba · Apr 23, 2011

As a person with larger hands, I would recommend another Case Tony Bose design, the 3-1/2" small saddlehorn.

I'm pretty sure they made some in green bone, but I have one in green stag.

LKJW · Apr 23, 2011

For reference purposes. My green cost under 50 with shipping. Tough to beat that.

sqoon · Apr 24, 2011

Under $50? I'm hard pressed to find it under $70 with shipping. Dang! I just don't know... Can't find a single shop around me with one to try it on for size. That Tidioute looks nice.

LKJW · Apr 24, 2011

PM sent.

sqoon · May 22, 2011

Well, I picked up the SBJ in Chestnut and CV. Despite all that I had heard about this knife, it just isn't for me. Great looking knife. Fit and finish is all solid, but there are several features that just don't work for my hands. I've placed it in the swap meet. I think I'm destined to become one of these weird guys who only really likes one or two patterns. For me, it's the Canoe. I think it's a mix between the symmetry and the blade shape that really floats my boat. Case should be coming back with my Canoe (second time) soon.

midnight flyer · May 22, 2011

sqoon said:
Well, I picked up the SBJ in Chestnut and CV. Despite all that I had heard about this knife, it just isn't for me. Great looking knife. Fit and finish is all solid, but there are several features that just don't work for my hands. I've placed it in the swap meet. I think I'm destined to become one of these weird guys who only really likes one or two patterns. For me, it's the Canoe. I think it's a mix between the symmetry and the blade shape that really floats my boat. Case should be coming back with my Canoe (second time) soon.

Wouldn't worry too much about that. I LOVE the way those swaybacks look and they are excellent slicers, but they just don't sit right in my hand. A good canoe, though.... that's a different story. I like them big and small. I like the blade styles and designs, and I like the heavy bolsters. I think the canoe is very much unappreciated as a medium work knife.

Maybe you should throw caution to the wind and try a couple of other designs since you are just getting your feet wet with traditionals. In the approximate size of a large canoe, you couldn't go wrong with a medium stockman, or for a real treat a Dan Burke Barlow.

Robert

Robert.B · May 22, 2011

LKJW said:
For reference purposes. My green cost under 50 with shipping. Tough to beat that.

That green looks great, I have yet to own a case folding knife...might need to score a green SBJ as my first when I get back home.

sqoon · May 22, 2011

midnight flyer said:
Wouldn't worry too much about that. I LOVE the way those swaybacks look and they are excellent slicers, but they just don't sit right in my hand. A good canoe, though.... that's a different story. I like them big and small. I like the blade styles and designs, and I like the heavy bolsters. I think the canoe is very much unappreciated as a medium work knife.

Maybe you should throw caution to the wind and try a couple of other designs since you are just getting your feet wet with traditionals. In the approximate size of a large canoe, you couldn't go wrong with a medium stockman, or for a real treat a Dan Burke Barlow.

Robert

I have a Case Yellow Medium Stockman that gets plenty of pocket time. Nice knife. I like the bit sheepsfoot blade and find that it gets the most use just because of how accesible it is. Not a fan of the skinny clip point though. I still prefer my 303 as my main stockman. Toting it today as a matter of fact.