"Moose" v "Trapper"?

[afishhunter]

Which of these two patterns came first?

Which is more "sturdy" to use Mr. G. W. Sear's word?

Which would you prefer for getting upland game and fish ready for the pot/pan, and other light/medium camp chores, such as carving/whittlin' a oak, hickory, or Osage Orange spoon, bowl, trap triggers, or a survival bow?

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

I don't think it really matters. Which ever fits your hand best, I've known professional outdoor people and big game nunters that have carried both.

 

[brownshoe]

Mooose is sturdier. I don’t hunt and my spoons cum out of the drawer Most wood carvers prefer shorter blades than either pattern.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Hey brownshoe, you may want to rethink the way you spelt a particular word in your post.
It doesn't exactly mean the same thing when spelled that way.

 

[pholder]

Hey brownshoe, you may want to rethink the way you spelt a particular word in your post.
It doesn't exactly mean the same thing when spelled that way.

 

[Frank.K]

The trapper is for processing small game, I assume, hence the spey blade for skinning and fine pointy for processing small animals. Trappers probably use them for all sorts of other chores. I don’t know about the moose, I’ve never held one. It might come down to handle shape.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

I think the only reason the moose pattern is “sturdier” is that it has pins on opposite ends, so if one pin were to be damaged the second blade and pin remain intact. For hard use like making spoons, traps, etc, I would favor the moose over the trapper but it is a very close race.

If I get a free moment I will post a comparison pic tomorrow.

 

[screened porch]

Comment withdrawn for inaccuracy.

 

[screened porch]

No longer relevant.

 

[Old Hunter]

Don’t know that it doesn’t depend on the knife more than the pattern. Both of these are large stout knives designed for hunters - they both have strong springs - either would work fine for small game or medium range big game (but wouldn’t be my choice for either). OH

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

Don’t know that it doesn’t depend on the knife more than the pattern. Both of these are large stout knives designed for hunters - they both have strong springs - either would work fine for small game or medium range big game (but wouldn’t be my choice for either). OH

I live in elk country and I know plenty of hunters that have used one or the other on these animals. Moose pattern folders are harder to fine these days than trappers. Not many Case dealers left here in the Northwest.

 

[JohnDF]

I'd think they were pretty comparable.
But, I always took a fixed blade to dress game... much easier to clean.

 

[euroken]

Don’t know that it doesn’t depend on the knife more than the pattern. Both of these are large stout knives designed for hunters - they both have strong springs - either would work fine for small game or medium range big game (but wouldn’t be my choice for either). OH

My American Wildlife has a 'weaker' spring. All in honesty, it just may seem this way because the leverage on the pull is longer because of it's size. I wouldn't stab with it without risking losing a digit or two.

 

[Bastler]

No longer relevant.

I haven't been relevant for years, if ever. It doesn't keep me from expressing my opinions.

 

[Old Hunter]

I'm with JohnDF on this one - I have lots of appropriate folding knives to clean wild game, but far and away prefer a fixed blade of appropriate length and style for cleaning animals. I remember reading on this knife forum or another about a fellow that cleaned a deer with a Peanut to prove it could be done - I don't doubt one bit he really did it, but it sure wouldn't be my cup of tea. OH

 

[Old Hunter]

Not many Case dealers left here in the Northwest.

Around here plenty of hardware stores still keep Case Knives in stock, but they only have the basic and common patterns. You have to really look (I.E., at a Case Platinum Dealer, etc., to find a Case Moose). I have one, a bit smaller than the Winchester above (a 75 pattern), but it is old (1970’s). OH

 

[Just Tom.]

"Moose" v "Trapper"?​

If no weapons were available to the trapper, then - based on body size and weight alone - I’m pretty sure the moose would win every time.

 

[sf fanatic]

Hey brownshoe, you may want to rethink the way you spelt a particular word in your post.
It doesn't exactly mean the same thing when spelled that way.

Well, maybe he has randy old spoons.

 

[Ron53]

I personally prefer the Moose pattern, but have and use Trappers as well. One of my favorite knives is my GEC #54 Moose. It's well-used and looks that way!
Ron

With some woods companions:

 

[Ron53]

To go along with my above post, what we call a "Moose" pattern should have a clip and a long spey blade, usually a serpentine frame. My #54 "Moose" from GEC would actually be called a "Texas Jack" pattern, in the vernacular of the time (late-19th-early 20th centuries). I know we call a medium two blade jackknife with a clip and pen a Texas Jack nowadays. No matt3r if you call it a "Moose" or a "Texas Jack", it's a mighty handy pattern!
Ron