Old Ka-Bar stag trapper, use it or sell it??

[laocmo]

I've been given an old Ka-Bar stag handled trapper. I think I was the first person to open the box. It’s a beautiful thing, the stag is perfectly matched on both sides. I know nothing of these knives. My question is are they common? And made to be used? Or should I try to pass it on to a collector? Thanks!

 

[paulhilborn]

That's a gorgeous knife and to me screams to be carried and used. I'd never argue the point to put her up and not use it but I cant stand the thought of it spending it's days in a box never being used.

And if whoever gave you that knife wants to giveaway anymore please PM me for my address

Merry Christmas!!!

Paul

 

[Coyote3855]

Wow. Very nice knife. Certainly made to be used, but if I owned it I might not. Trappers are my favorite model of slip joint. PM me please if you decide to sell it to a collector (me).

 

[Humppa]

What a great looking knife!! I would be glad owning it.

If it were mine - use it, carry it frequently when not even daily!! I would never sell a knife like that. That stag is plain awesome!!

 

[555]

Cool looking knife.
Trappers are very collectible.
In the end the choice is yours.

 

[Bob W]

That knife would go straight into my collection to be preserved as an outstanding example of it's style and material.

If I wanted one to use, I'd buy one that wasn't in such pristine condition.

 

[leghog]

I'd use it. If not, I'd give to one who would. Those knives were made to be used.

 

[Phil in Alabama]

With that one "as new in the box", I think I'd keep it that way to collect, and find another one to use that is similar. Ordinarily I would say use it, but that one is preserved history and it would be taking a perfect condition historical relic and making it just another used knife.

 

[monger4142]

I wouldn't sell a gift, and I don't collect "safe queens" so my vote would be to use it!

 

[pvicenzi]

An older knife in that condition, would definately have a lot of interest. Cograts on obtaining such a beatiful knife.

P.S. Im sure the people in the traditional knife forum would enjoy seeing a photo of this knife.

 

[wolf-man-12]

I have 2 of the KB - SHT - but they never see the light of day as they are 100% and Safe Queens for life ( until I pass and my 2 Sons get a hold of them and then who knows what will happen to them.?? Pawn Shop most likely.!** LOL

 

[555]

That knife would go straight into my collection to be preserved as an outstanding example of it's style and material.

If I wanted one to use, I'd buy one that wasn't in such pristine condition.

:thumbup:

That's what Case yellow trappers in CV were made for. Users.

 

[Ebbtide]

Using it doesn't mean you have to beat on it.
just sayin'

 

[Franciscomv]

That's a beautiful knife, from a company with lots of history. Personally, I'd use it, because that's the way I enjoy knives. If you don't feel like carrying it, oil it and keep it pristine in its box, but don't sell it unless you really need to (or just don't like this style of knives).

 

[leghog]

Knives are tools and should be used. Recall a Bob Lovelace interview in a the 14 July 1980 Sports Illustrated:


"What's the point of a new knife in a museum or a cabinet?".....

"One of my knives in its sheath is about the neatest package in all of design," he says. "I make one of the finest tools in the world. A knife is as personal and necessary a thing as a man ever owns, and, by God, I don't have to apologize to anyone." In fact, if there is any apologizing to be done, Loveless figures that it is owed to him by customers who refuse to treat his work as something of utility, who put his knives in cases and "fondle and drool over them."

"Ninety percent of my knives aren't used!" he exclaims. "And, damn it, they should be out working. That's why I make them. When some old cowboy or guide comes back to me with a knife that's worn down to a nub and he says, 'That thing fit my hand better than any knife I'd ever had, and it worked longer, too,' that's fame. That's what I'm on earth for. A knife is a tool, and if we don't treat our tools with a certain familiar contempt, we lose perspective."


Personally, I won't own a knife I won't use. To each his own.

 

[NCCNC]

To me, selling a gifted knife is very inconsiderate. Just use it!

 

[tltt]

Those were part of a reissue that Ka-Bar did a decade or two ago. They're fine knives, but there are still enough floating around at reasonable prices, that I wouldn't worry about using it if I liked it .