Odd realization

Rsmith_77

Rsmith_77

Joined
Jun 4, 2010
Messages
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So I have come to a realization the other day
Now that I've had some real experience with both patterns.

Despite my belief that the stockman pattern being the most popular American traditional pattern
I have really decided that I prefer the trapper pattern

I think it comes down to ergonomics and comfort. I just think they are alot more comfortable to hold and use without the sheepsfoot digging into my hand
I certainly can see the utility and perhaps the peace of mind of having 3 blades in a single package, I just don't seem to reach for a stockman, I reach for my trappers

I think I need to pick me up a full size case trapper in CV or CS and maybe a couple of boker examples to fill out the collection
 

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I am sure some of y'all will recall me expressing some... confusion about not having any use for the spey blade since I didn't do any skinning or really any hunting.

But actually carrying the trapper for the last couple months I came to realize I only used the clip anyways, allowing me to keep the spey blade "clean" for food duties

And with the trapper set up I could ensure the blades didn't touch and (theoretically anyways) cross contaminate so I always had a EDC dirty blade and a clean blade
 
Rsmith_77 said:
So I have come to a realization the other day
Now that I've had some real experience with both patterns.

Despite my belief that the stockman pattern being the most popular American traditional pattern
I have really decided that I prefer the trapper pattern

I think it comes down to ergonomics and comfort. I just think they are alot more comfortable to hold and use without the sheepsfoot digging into my hand
I certainly can see the utility and perhaps the peace of mind of having 3 blades in a single package, I just don't seem to reach for a stockman, I reach for my trappers

I think I need to pick me up a full size case trapper in CV or CS and maybe a couple of boker examples to fill out the collection
Click to expand...
I don’t think it is odd. What you like is is your preference. I prefer single blade trappers. 🤷
 
For me it kind of depends on the specific model. Some Stockmans don't seem to have the sheepsfoot problem as bad but I've also had some trappers where the clip point's angled spine sticking up caused the same issue.

Like my Case medium stockman doesn't seem to dig into my hand but, as much as I love my sowbelly, the sheepsfoot absolutely kills my hand. I really like my Case trappers EXCEPT the huge Case trapper I had, the corner of the clip point was pretty bad in-hand when using the other blade.
 
I was informed last night by CuzDoug85 CuzDoug85
That the stag 48 is designated as a western trapper
And I absolutely adore this particular example
 
It does depend on which stockman you are using. The GEC #53 Cuban Stockman (really a cattle knife) has the muskrat blade main and because of that the sheepfoot can sit nice and low in the frame.
OcmERQD.jpg


With the smaller 3½" stockman you can get even slimmer.
jr8N0Uh.jpg
 
I collect mostly Buck knives so they only have the Stockman and Cadet (in the current US-made pocket knife line). I have some Case knives too, but I have to say I like the Stockman (especially the large Stockman) better than the Trapper. Maybe it's because you get 3 blades. I also like their folding hunter and backpocket. Maybe because they emulated Buck knives. But who am I fooling? I like almost all knives.
 
Lol I have ... perhaps as a consequence of this realization
Come to the conclusion that I feel good about my pocket knife choices
Now I wanna look more into lockback choices

I literally have all (3!😆) Of my bucks out for a pic as I type this

I think I need to work on this next. Debating running to the store and picking up a 110 but I am pretty sure if I do, the wife will murder me by the end of the day 😁
 

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Rsmith_77 said:
Lol I have ... perhaps as a consequence of this realization
Come to the conclusion that I feel good about my pocket knife choices
Now I wanna look more into lockback choices

I literally have all (3!😆) Of my bucks out for a pic as I type this

I think I need to work on this next. Debating running to the store and picking up a 110 but I am pretty sure if I do, the wife will murder me by the end of the day 😁
Click to expand...
At least you have some representation of Bucks in your collection. My favorite Buck is the 112 but I have quite a few more of the other types. Way more than my wife realizes :)
 
I don't know WHY I can't buy a 112 for as cheaply as I can buy a 110
Or honestly, cheaper

That bugs the everliving crap out of me
Which is honestly the reason I don't have one or either (don't tell the guys on the buck forums 😁)

Oh wait H Happy Hippo

Crud YOU are on of the the guys on the buck forums 🫢). 😜
 
I actually use a sheepfoot much more often than I'd otherwise use a clip or a spey - probably by an 8:1 margin over the other two. So, my preference leans heavily toward a stockman pattern. My favorite sheepfoot is in the Case '75 pattern, due to its extremely thin hollow grind - it's thinner behind the edge than most any other I've used.

Having said the above, one of the most aesthetically attractive knives I have is the Buck 311 slim trapper pattern - I've always like the elegant lines of that one - and it carries lightly in the pocket. I've also liked either of the narrow clip or spey blades for use in kitchen & food tasks, such as for a steak knife or for slicing fruit.
jwtzsQB.jpg
 
Oh I love the sheepsfoot blade
Don't misunderstand me.
I just think I prefer it to be a primary blade rather than a secondary
Or in a single blade frame like the victorinox florist knife
 
I carried an old Henckels Stockman for years, and I think it was my favorite every day knife. I eventually lost it, and I've been carrying an old Case Muskrat for about a year now. Most of the time it's fine, but there are times that I miss that big old sturdy clip blade. I'll probably go back to a Stockman once I find the right one.

It does seem, though, that when you're wandering around a gun show looking at knives that Muskrats and Trappers are comparatively scarce. You see a lot of Stockmans, and tons of Pens, Peanuts and little Jacks of various flavors. I'm not sure that's a function of supply or demand though.
 
Rsmith_77 said:
I think I need to work on this next. Debating running to the store and picking up a 110 but I am pretty sure if I do, the wife will murder me by the end of the day 😁
Click to expand...

You should have a calm, rational discussion with her about knife values. If she gets blood all over a minty 110 it has a big impact on its value to the Estate. The reasonable thing for you to do is to hide the kitchen knives before you leave the house to go knife hunting. Everyone wins.
 
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