Looking for a good trapper

My 2 bladed #15 is 0.54" thick in the middle of the handle. My 2 bladed #23 is 0.62" in the same spot. I don't know that 0.08" is enough to really worry about. Granted, the #23 is thicker at the bolsters, but the vast majority of the knife is right around that 0.62" mark. Looking at the list of things he uses his trapper for it doesn't seem like he'd be wearing dress slacks during these operations. I don't know that thickness is the biggest concern here, especially when we're talking about such small differences to begin with. I could be wrong. It's happened before.
 
Rough Rider large sunfish might make a good alternative. It will do everything you listed for use. I love mine, and well under $20, to boot.
I've been using mine as an EDC for about a year now.
 
Another option is Northwoods. They have some blades in CPM 154 steel. Great carbide structure in the metal, Easy to sharpen and its stainless.
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I second the Ka-bar copper dog as well. Awesome knife. The copper patinas nicely.
 
guys Im sure its been mentioned on here before so sorry for the repeat question. Whats the deal with the different names on the GEC knives? "unXld, Tidioute"
 
cjordan said:
guys Im sure its been mentioned on here before so sorry for the repeat question. Whats the deal with the different names on the GEC knives? "unXld, Tidioute"
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Generically speaking, Tidioute is the more "plain" of the two while Northfield labeled knives offer more "bling" if you will. The main differences are, or at least as I've understood them, handle materials, swedges, long-pulls (on certain models), and fancier/nicer bolsters available on the Northfield line.

I certainly could be wrong, but it sounds as if the woman at Case misunderstood your question. Overall I've found Case to be very helpful. With that said, if you liked your CV trapper, and unless wishing to try another brand, I would suggest buying another. If none of the presently in production handle materials catch your eye, there are many other from years past that may. Knives from the 1970's with that fantastic pretty bone, while more costly than one recently made, could be another option and are, in my most humble opinion, are of a higher quality worth the added investment. Whichever route you choose, I wish you luck.
 
One more question. Do yall think the 1095 steel in a GEC is any better than a Case? Just trying to figure out the price difference. Didn't know if it's just the fit and finish of the GEC? Thanks
 
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Too bad regarding your experience with Case. Sounds like that lady shouldn't have a job answering phones - she's obviously not passionate about her job or Case - that's too bad. I don't think her response is representative of the company. But sounds like you're looking for other options. I agree Case options are limited for the CV line.

Lot's of good mentions in this thread. I second the GEC #73 single blade - its alot of knife in a reasonable size (3 3/4" closed). This is one tough knife.
-Rex

Tidiuote #73 autumn bone GEC 2013 by tens339, on Flickr
 
I think the 1095 and CV are comparable. I believe the major price driver is fit and finish in addition to smaller production runs.
-Rex
 
You could always give a Canal Street Cutlery Moon Pie Trapper a try. They make the Coppersmith series for Kabar so they are essentially the same knife. The CSC Trappers are 440C, which is a very good stainless. A bit harder to sharpen than 1095, but light years better than the Tru Sharp that Case offers. They are almost exactly the same size as Case trappers.

Here's one in antique bone and one with G10






OP - I'll cut you a deal on a Mint in box one wearing smooth sunset bone covers. If you're interested, send me an email.
 
^^^ do you own the one in primitive bone? I'm interested in the fit/finish on those. My dad picked that one out - I plan to purchase one for him.
-Rex
 
I don't have any in primitive bone. I thought that was GEC? Fit and finish of every Moon Pie Trapper I've come across has been superb. Pull on this is a nice smooth 5-6 with good walk & talk & snap. Nicely centered blades.

These are my other ones. I might have another one somewhere.....

Smooth Sunset Bone with a Case Trapper in mammoth tooth.


Pale Jade G10 & Tortoise Shell

 
draggat said:
You could always give a Canal Street Cutlery Moon Pie Trapper a try. They make the Coppersmith series for Kabar so they are essentially the same knife. The CSC Trappers are 440C, which is a very good stainless. A bit harder to sharpen than 1095, but light years better than the Tru Sharp that Case offers. They are almost exactly the same size as Case trappers.

Here's one in antique bone and one with G10






OP - I'll cut you a deal on a Mint in box one wearing smooth sunset bone covers. If you're interested, send me an email.
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I sent an email but I'm not for sure if it went through or not.
 
dannyp said:
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.



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.
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I have the MM trapper and it's not bad at all. The pull could be a little stronger but it's an excellent knife for the price.
 
We don't buy, sell or trade in the discussion threads. Keep the discussion to the knives.
 
bdev said:
I have the MM trapper and it's not bad at all. The pull could be a little stronger but it's an excellent knife for the price.
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I was probably too quick to dismiss the B&S made knives based on their reputation here. After looking at Mike's site and seeing that those Trappers are one of the top sellers, it should have occured to me that the quality is good. I doubt he would keep stocking them if they were poorly made.
 
My CSC Moonpie trapper has both blades off center. The spey blade spring isn't flush in the open position. The bone, however, is gorgeous. The rest of the knife is just fantastic. The walk is super smooth with probably a 5 pull. The blades close with a nice smooth snap (cam tang, no half stops). It's a very nice well made knife but mine does have those little issues. I don't think they're common, though. CSC has a great reputation.
 
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