Need opinion of two knives before I pull the trigger asap.

H

HFinn

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Sep 6, 2012
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I need an informed opinion of two Case knives. First one is Case Pocket Worn Slimline Trapper Folding Pocket Knife 3-1/4" Clip Point Surgical Steel Blade Bone Handle Bermuda Green. How strong is the spring, does it have a stop in the middle, the overall quality and usefulness. I really like the styling.

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Second one is Case Trapper Folding Pocket Knife 2-Blade. I prefer 1-blade style, but could live with a 2-blade. Same questions as above.

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Both are available (in stock).
 
Hey Finn,
I don't know the use your going to do with these trappers, for me the two bladed is more work specific, more oriented to outdoors because is more chunky, you save a clean blade and a dirty blade or a razors edge and a more multitool kind of blade(scraper or something).
I see the slimline like a general cutting knife with a very comfortable and slim profile in the pocket and a blade that is long enough for food preparation.

So, slimline trapper for me, maybe back pocket carry.

Mateo
 
I am seaching a general use knife for food prep and other uses when going outdoors. I don't hunt anymore so hygienics is not so much an issue, allthough cutting meat could be done. Some woodwork, whittling will be done also.

What kind of pull does these knives have, how strong is the spring? Do they have half-stop?
 
my case trapper doesn't have a half stop, don't know about the slimline. Springs are adequatey strong, I would prefer more, this is a personal taste thing though, (I actually like the bear-trap springs of the heavier GECs)
 
CASE Slimline Trapper is a favourite of mine. Why? Relatively inexpensive, very nice smooth spring action (because no half-stop) excellent slim dimensions , wont bow down your pockets (similar to a Laguiole in some ways). I use mine as food knives mainly and it excels in this area. CASE Trusharp is a divisive area for some, I find it totally adequate for most pocket knife tasks, it's not the best stainless by a long chalk but trash it certainly is not. I like the Barehead versions most, have them in Yellow, Brown Synth jigged, Black G-10 (especially nice in this).

I far prefer the Slimline single blade to the usual Trapper, they're too big for me and I need no Spey blade. Medium sized (called Mini by CASE) with a Wharncliffe I find more interesting though.

I'm certain you will be pleased with your new knife/knives....
 
fatcorgi said:
my case trapper doesn't have a half stop, don't know about the slimline. Springs are adequatey strong, I would prefer more, this is a personal taste thing though, (I actually like the bear-trap springs of the heavier GECs)
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Blah. I would have wanted a strong spring and douple stop, like in my douk-douk.

Switching to other brand, how would you rate the spring and usefullness of R. David Laquiole? These are also available where I live without a long wait.
 
If you go down the Laguiole Avenue, I strongly suggest looking at Fontenille-Pataud from France. They sell direct, not a long wait at all but they are not cheap. Superior by far than the David.

Another option is the GEC 48 pattern in stainless 440c or 1095. These have virile springs for sure! Half-Stops and much better F&F than CASE, more costly though. Consider too Queen Cutlery's Utility knife in D2, their version of the Slimline Trapper.
 
I still have never owned a slimline trapper or utility as Queen calls them. My biggest problem with Queen is that the edges are thick in comparison to Case and GEC. So many patterns. So little money.

Ed J
 
HFinn said:
Blah. I would have wanted a strong spring and douple stop, like in my douk-douk.

Switching to other brand, how would you rate the spring and usefullness of R. David Laquiole? These are also available where I live without a long wait.
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I don't have personal experience with Laguioles, willgoy's advice sounds sensible, I've heard only good things about Fontenille-Pataud. The GEC 48 also sounds good, if you don't mind something a bit chunkier, then there is the #73 from GEC as well, very nice solid pull with half-stops.
 
Case two blade trapper. Use the clip for dirty tasks and the spey for food prep. I have one in amberbone SS. Great knife.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
Case two blade trapper. Use the clip for dirty tasks and the spey for food prep. I have one in amberbone SS. Great knife.
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Strange, I would have thouught the other way round.

Maybe I have my preferences wrong. Maybe I am too much for those beartrap springs. They do make opening the knife a bit difficult, especially when my hands are wet. Maybe stiff springs are not needed to stay safe. Maybe the two-blade style is usefull. Maybe.
 
I've considered the Slimline Trapper - but the ones I've fondled at dealers have had problems with blade wobble.

Mixed results with the standard trappers. Some I've purchased or looked at were very, very good. Others left the factory with jagged, toothy edges, as if their last step was a coarse stone grinding wheel.

Spring strength was nice and gentle, but still firm, on the Slimlines. The standard trappers are a bit stiffer, but nowhere near what would be considered nail-breaking.

In short, it's always best to buy Case knives in person at a physical store location.

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If you're still considering other brands, look into Boker's line of traditional pocketknives. About the same price as Case, or less, and a much higher and more consistent quality.

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HFinn said:
Strange, I would have thouught the other way round.

Maybe I have my preferences wrong. Maybe I am too much for those beartrap springs. They do make opening the knife a bit difficult, especially when my hands are wet. Maybe stiff springs are not needed to stay safe. Maybe the two-blade style is usefull. Maybe.
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The long straight edge of the spey is good for slicing tomatoes etc. The pointy tip of the clip is good for puncturing clam packs, material, etc.
 
I have some old bokers that are good, but I haven't been much impressed by them lately. Either pattern will serve you well, I personally like the trapper because the spey blade is easy to get a hold of.

I would say that most case knives have a medium pull. Not as strong as my gecs or any information have handled but not too weak either.
 
I had a Slimline Case Trapper, nice knife but a little too narrow for my hand. Regular two blade trapper fit much better and the two blades was a plus. The Slimline makes a good Sunday knife. Either way you can't go wrong. If you want half stops the smaller Case trapper has them and nice pull.
 
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