Opinion Needed

[afishhunter]

Of the following three two blade patterns, which is the "sturdiest" in your opinion or experience?

1) Full Size Moose.

2) Full Size Trapper.

3)Full Size two blade slipjoint folding hunter.

How well they pocket carry is irrelevant, since all can be carried in a shooting or possible's bag or in a belt sheath.

I know G.W. Sears (Nessmuk) carried a Moose pattern. I'm wondering if the trapper or folding hunter would be a better choice for the same knife tasks as he used his moose pattern for. (carving/whittling tent stakes and spoons, making feather sticks, and wood shavings for kindling, possibly as a patch knife when shooting his muzzleloader, and be didn't use pre-cut patches, etc..

(my patch knife is a straight razor. just like the "mountain man" and a lot of the colonials used.)

 

[JohnDF]

I'm not sure that one is that much sturdier than the other.
If carrying isn't a concern, I'd choose a fixed blade if I was worried about how sturdy a folder is.

 

[screened porch]

A double ender may be slightly stronger because the pivot pins are shorter.

 

[afishhunter]

I'm not sure that one is that much sturdier than the other.
If carrying isn't a concern, I'd choose a fixed blade if I was worried about how sturdy a folder is.

It'll be paired with a Mora number 1.

 

[Old Hunter]

I own examples of all three and will have to say all three patterns (assuming the Trapper is at least 4-1/4”) are very equivalent in sturdiness. I’d pick may favorite of the three patterns - for me it would be the Moose (I own both a Case 6275 and a Winchester (Blue Grass) - both are beasts. The old fashioned Folding Hunter I would put in a different category - all I have are beasts as well, but noticeably heftier than the other two. OH

 

[afishhunter]

The old fashioned Folding Hunter I would put in a different category - all I have are beasts as well, but noticeably heftier than the other two. OH

I'll have to agree with you. My Marbles MR417 Folding Hunter feels heavier than one of my standard production brass bolster Buck 110's.

 

[meako]

Interesting question.
I think sturdiness is the random factor or free radical in the equation...as in -other factors apply which might make one example sturdier than the others ...eg who makes the knife....or usage...but lets assume all 3 are brand new...same brand/maker...made within a month of each other...also a definition of sturdy needs to be put..and a rigorous testing trial...before I could decide....praps Im overthinking it...
Its a fascinating question you've posed..
Cheers.

 

[black mamba]

Jer's point in post #3 was the first thing I thought of, and in addition, each blade's pivot only gets used half as much compared to the common pivot of the trapper or hunter. Moose for the win!

How about a Barlow Moose, with extended bolsters?

 

[JohnDF]

each blade's pivot only gets used half as much compared to the common pivot of the trapper or hunter.

Good point, Jeff.
Also, if one pivot loosens in the field you can rely on the other.

 

[black mamba]

In African hunting lore, the sidelock double rifle was the ultimate in reliability for the exact same reason as yours, John. It was really two rifles in one; if one lock failed, you still had a perfectly good single barrel to use. The double-ended knife is really two knives in one.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Good points in favor of the moose here. Im saying folding hunter though. The folding hunters tend to have pretty large bolsters that support the blades well. Plus, the blades tend to be thick and sturdy, often with saber grinds. The pattern tends toward stiff springs too, where as Ive had moose and trapper knives with lighter springs.

 

[Hickory n steel]

The moose is usually a big beefy knife so I'd say a moose.
But personally I dont think it matters, nessmuk always followed a trio having a belt knife a belt axe or hatchet and a pocket knife.
Go that route and it won't matter what's sturdier.

A scout Is probably better if you ask me.

 

[meako]

Sturdy
Heavy
Reliable
In 11 posts my randomness factor is coming in to play due to individual interpretations of the meaning of sturdy.....yes we all know what it means ...but neither heavy nor reliable necessarily equate to sturdy....and yet they most definitely may .....I know Im being pedantic and picky...but I guess its the old saying ..one mans meat is another mans poison....
Some compelling points raised so far...Im tipping Moose for the win with Trapper and Folding Hunter neck a neck for 2nd in the photo finish....not much air between all three at this turn.
Cheers.

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

I personally like all three patterns, and on a tight budget it is hard to beat Rough Rider. They have 3 different moose patterns that are under 15 bucks,of which I only have personal experience with this model. One thing I do like about it the "spey" blade virtually unnoticeable when using the clip blade,and the clip isn't obtrusive when using the spey. Although I've not used it as such the spey on these would make a great skinning blade imho. RR also makes the folding hunters and trappers, again for a real bargain. I will also add for wanting to try out a pattern on a budget the Chinese made Winchester knives worth a look. I have a Chinese made Winchester jumbo trapper that I bought at a sporting goods store for I believe 12 bucks. Its every bit as good as a Rough Rider and most likely produced in the same factory. Rough Rider also have a jumbo trapper I really want to try out as it has the same spey/skinner blade as the above moose,and a really nice and interesting recurve clip blade. Also the offer it with a wharncliffe secondary blade.