Looking for a good trapper

C

cjordan

Joined
Jul 29, 2012
Messages
85
Hey guys, and gals. For the last couple of days I've been searching for a new trapper. I have always carried a case yellow handle with cv blades. They have always held up fairly well to what they get used for. I would like to stick with carbon blades, but if there is something that's is fairly easy to sharpen and holds an edge well I would like to read up on it. I have been looking at case but can't find but two or three trappers with cc blades. I have called Case and asked for some kind of production list of their trapper style knives but the lady said "sir do you realize how many knives Case has made since day one?" She said look on our site so I explained that the site didn't show but just a couple of trappers with carbon blades, and the yellow handle didn't show up so I thought maybe there was some other way. That alone is just about enough for me to move away from Case. I feel as tho she could have taken a little more time, but... it is what it is. Anywho if you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. This knife will be used for everything. Stripping wire, cutting rope, cutting zip ties, skinning game, cutting feed sacks, basically what ever I need to cut "within reason". Thanks in advance.
 
I personally picked up a Queen Cutlery Trapper with D2 steel blades a while ago here on the forum. Great combination of toughness and sharpenability in my opinion, and it seems to hold it's edge great. I've also found that D2 doesn't stain quite as easily as the CV blades on the Case knives, and gets every bit as sharp or sharper if you're willing to take your time when putting an edge on it. Then you can look at whatever scale patterns Queen offers on their trappers, because I don't believe they are making any stainless only knives at this time, except certain patterns being sold under the S&M name.

Good luck with your search.
 
As mentioned above, Queen with D2 steel would be awesome. It won't sharpen as easily as Case CV or GEC's 1095, but once you get it sharp you'll love D2. :thumbup:
 
Thanks yall. I'm going to check them out. I went back to Case's web sit and found about 28 pages of their trappers but nothing that I was interested in. Thanks for the sugestions
 
For what you're talking about using the knife for, I'd recommend a GEC #23 or #73. I carry a 23 every day, and it's fully capable if you can stand to carry a larger knife. The 73 is it's smaller brother. GEC's #48 or Queen's #19 are slimmer trappers, more in line with Case's trappers. Queen's D2 is great stuff and is going to hold an edge better than your Case CV. The drawback is that they can be a bear to sharpen, especially with a new knife when you've got to reprofile a blade due to a bad grind. GEC's 1095 is going to behave similarly to your CV. Here's some pictures of the knives I've mentioned, because pictures are fun:

Here is GEC's 73 and 23 side by side:

20140719_150234_Android.jpg


Here's Queen's #11, which is their single blade version:

20141005_133752_Android.jpg


Here's a single blade GEC #48:

diamondjack2.jpg


Here's a Queen Ruple Trapper, which is similar in size to GEC's 23 just a bit prettier:

queenruple1.jpg
 
I would look at the GEC #73 for a smallish trapper. I prefer the #42 which is 4.25" closed and the same size as the Madison Barlow mentioned above. The #23 is GEC's largest trapper pattern at 4.5" closed length. Canal Street makes a nice Trapper. The Case is probably what I consider the classic trapper which is a slimmer knife than the GEC's.
 
Another brand to consider is Boker. Their German made Tree Brand knives can be had with carbon steel blades. Great Eastern makes excellent knives, but there can be a bit of sticker shock for some people. What you want/expect out of a knife will determine whether or not the extra cost is worth it to you. Yellow handled Case CV Trappers can still be had if that's what you really want, also.

One thing to mention about the recommended Queen Trappers with D2 steel is that it will be noticeably more difficult to sharpen if you're using Arkansas stones.

bdev said:
Also consider this Moore Maker.....

http://www.collectorknives.net/moore-maker-3202b-yellow-delrin-trapper/
Click to expand...

I'm fairly certain that Bear and Son makes the economy line for Moore Maker. That would be my only concern with buying this knife. Their more expensive knives have been made by Camillus, Queen, and Canal Street over the years.
 
Might give a Rough Rider 1290 a try:

P1000957.JPG


The bolsters aren't perfectly aligned and mine has a gap in the scale. It is stainless. However, it's under $15 and the walk & talk are great. Blades came sharp.
 
You really have a lot of options for a carbon steel Trapper. You are familiar with Case and their are several to choose from. I have a Boker that is nice, a little more belly on the Spey and the knife feels thinner overall to me. GEC are really a couple of cuts above but your gonna pay at least double.
I also have a couple of 3 7/8'' Trappers, GEC and Moore Maker offers them, and they are a delight to carry while still offering the function and durability of the full sized models

Jim
 
Personally, I really like the Case Mini Trapper as it's 3.5" closed. I understand you issue with the lady you called, but my guess is she just didn't know how to help you.

The GEC 48 pattern is a good size too.

So is the old Schrade 94OT..... Gotta buy a used Made in USA one.
 
22-rimfire said:
I would look at the GEC #73 for a smallish trapper. I prefer the #42 which is 4.25" closed and the same size as the Madison Barlow mentioned above. The #23 is GEC's largest trapper pattern at 4.5" closed length. Canal Street makes a nice Trapper. The Case is probably what I consider the classic trapper which is a slimmer knife than the GEC's.
Click to expand...

I like the 73 for a single blade...... I'd think the two bladed versions might be thick.
 
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