New Case Swayback Jack - First Impressions

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Ryanol

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Aug 24, 2011
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Untitled by rlibson, on Flickr

Picked this one up after asking the boards recommendations and then promptly ignoring them and buying the knife that set me down the path in the first place - sorry guys.

So I ordered up the Case Chestnut Bone Swayback Jack in Chrome Vanadium.

My first impressions are it's a nice LITTLE knife...coming off the full size trapper it seems dwarfish almost. I don't know why I perceived it to be a bigger knife: I read the dimensions, heck I even pulled out a ruler but perhaps all the accolades skewed my perceptions.

Here it is against the trapper.


Untitled by rlibson, on Flickr
Today will be it's first full day riding in my pocket.

Again I just want to thank all the great members of this little corner of the forum for all their advice and helping me carve my path towards traditionals and slippies.

Time will tell if I end up dropping the trapper and carrying the SBJ exclusively - for now each one gets their own pocket.
 
Please don't judge it by it's compact size. Like the peanut, it's very capable of big time cutting. Like my dad always said, "Don't have to be big, just sharp."

You're gonna like this knife, and become a fan of smaller knives. :thumbup:

Carl.
 
I've been carrying the same knife for a couple months now. Very pleased with it. It holds an edge, and takes one, very well. I just keep it in the "watch" pocket and it fits perfectly. Good knife.
 
I put it in the watch pocket yesterday but I am worried that my fat thighs will shuck it out like pea in a pod when I sit down. Right now its riding safely in the bottom of my pocket with some pocket lint and a couple of quarters.

It's hard to describe but I feel like this is the first "gentleman's" knife that I've owned.

At this point in it's life- it's closer to pocket jewelry than tool but that will change when she see's some use and gets a good patina going.
 
jackknife said:
Please don't judge it by it's compact size. Like the peanut, it's very capable of big time cutting. Like my dad always said, "Don't have to be big, just sharp."

You're gonna like this knife, and become a fan of smaller knives. :thumbup:

Carl.
Click to expand...

"these are not the droids you seek"....Carl you're the yoda of small traditionals.
 
Cool picture. I'm going back and forth between the SBJ and Peanut as a smaller knife. Going back to school after ten years and feeling like the trapper I've been carrying may be a bit too large for campus use. I like the Case CV and the Chestnut Bone (the trapper I'm carrying was my first CV Case, and I like it and the bone best of all my knives, right now at least.

Those are a couple of nice looking knives you have. I'd be interested to hear how you feel the SBJ stacks up after carrying and using a trapper for a while.
 
I'll try and update this thread as I use her and give my impressions.

Initially I am a little wary because a lot of my use comes in the form of food prep, probably 50-50 cutting food vs opening packages. The blades on the SBJ look perfect for opening cardboard but a little short for lopping corners off apples and whatnot.
 
Food prep is exactly why I went with a trapper for my first Case CV. My pocket knife is always sharper than my kitchen knives, and I just like the chance to get to use them for something other than packaging and string. Even camping I mainly use it for food, and I thought the trapper was a pretty good all arounder with that in mind. I was surprised how well I liked it, being mainly a stockman guy...which is why I like the looks of that SBJ. The main blade is a lot like a sheepfoot blade, which is the only thing I sort of miss. I may have to break down and get one.
 
Gratuitous pic.

IMG_1600.jpg
 

Untitled by rlibson, on Flickr

The SBJ made quick work of that honey crisp but you have to vary your attack. The trapper can cut the damn thing in half, with the SBJ you have to cut wedges around the core. Both are fairly equal equal at fuel processing ;) so far.
 
I'm absolutely in love with the sway back jack, and crestfallen that I misplaced mine. :( Hopefully I'll find it one of these days. I think I managed to lose it in the house somewhere, but I'm sure it'll take time to turn up.
 
I hear "food prep" allot, by food prep do you mean for your own consumption? I will use my pocket knife to cut up an apple for myself, but I wouldn't necessarily want just anyone to cut up my food with something that has been riding around in their pocket, oiled with god knows what.

I would think the Trapper would be vastly superior for general food prep in a commercial kitchen (a 6" utility chefs knife even more so), but for most fruits, meats & cheeses you might find in a picnic basket the SBJ should do just fine, and shouldn't alarm anyone if they see you use it to cut a loose thread on your jacket or something.

There is no "wrong answer" just curious.
 
Hi guys!

I don´t wanna open an extra thread. But thinking about buying a Swayback Gent, not Swayback Jack in Old red bone pocket worn. There are about 10 € different, but I want a singlebladed knife with a wharncliffe blade. What do you guys think? Or is the Swayback Jack better in the fit and carrying? Do any of you guys have this little fellow?

Looking forward for some information.

Kind regards
Andi
 
I don't think I have ever used a pocket knife for food prep. Not saying that I won't someday, but I've never had the need.
 
FLymon said:
I hear "food prep" allot, by food prep do you mean for your own consumption? I will use my pocket knife to cut up an apple for myself, but I wouldn't necessarily want just anyone to cut up my food with something that has been riding around in their pocket, oiled with god knows what.

I would think the Trapper would be vastly superior for general food prep in a commercial kitchen (a 6" utility chefs knife even more so), but for most fruits, meats & cheeses you might find in a picnic basket the SBJ should do just fine, and shouldn't alarm anyone if they see you use it to cut a loose thread on your jacket or something.

There is no "wrong answer" just curious.
Click to expand...

Food prep outside of kitchen for my own consumption - shop, field, picnic etc. generally consisting of cutting cured meats, cheeses and the occasional fruit. Not to scared of a little dust but it usually gets a quick run through a un-snotted handkerchief before and after any food items.
 
Ryanol said:
Food prep outside of kitchen for my own consumption - shop, field, picnic etc. generally consisting of cutting cured meats, cheeses and the occasional fruit. Not to scared of a little dust but it usually gets a quick run through a un-snotted handkerchief before and after any food items.
Click to expand...

10-4.
For that the SBJ should be just fine. It obviously can't bisect the average apple like a full sized Trapper can, but it does just fine cutting wedges, or slicing cheese or sausage. I just think it's the best built, designed (T. Bose) and executed $50-$60 knife on the market right now..
 
For the past couple of months I have been sucking in everything there is to find about the SBJ. I hope I can get one for Christmas. I`ve been saving up (lots of bills lately), but it`s not enough yet. I`ll be getting the SBJ just like the one in this thread. CV n all, and I`m going to let Knifeworks engrave my initials. I found the Case SS Cayenne Trapper too big to edc for me, so the SBJ and the Peanut should be perfect.

Post more pictures! :D
 
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