Just getting back into traditionals; like Case yellow delrin; normally carry lockback clipped to pocket and a slippie in pocket; Trapper is just overkill(great knife) so have been looking at the Case Peanut and the Pen Knife; can't decide which one(eventually will probably get both). Any input? Am carrying an old Kabar that is just a little oversize. Thanks
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Peanut or Pen knife
- Thread starter BOrrell
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I'm partial to the peanut, I carry one everyday for about two years, not to add more to the pot but two others that I really like are the Case 87, it's the peanuts bigger brother, and one that doesn't get a lot of talk is the Eisenhower, which is a really nice small knife.
Case 87, Peanut, Eisenhower
87 and nut
Peanut & Eisenhower
Pete
Case 87, Peanut, Eisenhower
87 and nut
Peanut & Eisenhower
Pete
I have and carry the heck out of both of them. The yeller pen is one of those knives where I think, "If only I weren't a knife nut, this one would be the only one I needed." That being said, it's a very narrow thing -- the same thickness, give or take, as one of those little gents' lockback knives. Plenty of handle length, but it feels very slight if you really need to get a grip on it.
The peanut makes up for its shorter handle length by being wider, and the square-ish shape means you have a nice shelf to put your thumb on. You end up kind of 'pinching' the knife between your thumb and forefinger, with the middle and ring fingers just kind of keeping the back from flopping around. It gives great control for delicate, precise cutting, but getting a good grip on it the way you would on a larger knife really isn't an option (nor does it need to be, IMHO)
The peanut is available in every handle material under the sun, near as I can tell. The poor neglected pen is available in yella and that's it. The peanut is also a little more unobtrusive in the pocket. The blade length is closer than you'd think, between the two -- the much-longer pen has 2 blades on one spring and that limits the length of the main blade, but the jack configuration on the peanut lets them jam an awful lot of main blade in that little handle.
I was going to say you can't go wrong with either (and that's true), but if I were to pick one to start out with, it'd be the peanut.
Regards,
--Mark
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well said
get both
, then post a comparison reviewbtw, there is no cult of the penknife thread, if that tells you anything
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Peanut all the way. I've carried a cv case peanut to work everyday since I bought one in the spring. Superb little knife that can handle a lot more than you would expect. Go for it. I have the chestnut bone and old red bone now, sorry about the crap phone pic...
Paul
Paul
Okay, I assume this is not a trick question.
Both are good at what they are designed to be, a small unobtrusive pocket knife that can deal with day to day carry, and not be noticed until such time you need a cutting tool. The pen will give you a bit more handle in length, but the peanut is boxier and gives a pretty good grip for something so small. Either one will be able to handle whatever cutting tasks you will run into in modern American suburban life. Neither one would be my first choice if I were parachuting into the Amazonian rain forest or the wilds of Alaska. On the other hand, I've found out through field practice that the peanut will clean fish and small game with all the aplomb that it opens up UPS and FEDEX boxes.
The well known ice cream place has 31 flavors to choose from because we all react different to different stimulus. Some people love t-bones while others want a nice porter house. Some people like big cars while others like the little ones. My own father loved Pontiac's with as big an engine that he could order, and when he fired it up in the morning, the populace of the Persian Gulf stood up and cheered. My own prefered car was my old VW bug that he made fun of for years, calling it a Nazi taxi.
But one thing I have found to be true- if a peanut is too small, then a fraction of an inch larger knife is not going to be that much better. If a two inch blade is not making it, then a two and a quarter or even a two and a half is not going to make that big a difference. But it all comes down to how it strikes you. How do you like the feel of it in your hand, and does it strike your fancy?
Me, I love the little 'nut. It's got a stylish look that I enjoy, and I like the boxy feel of the handle in my hand. But then, I'm not a very big guy, and a J frame Smith and Wesson feels good in my hand with the stock grips vs a K frame which feels a bit awkward to me with the stock grips. Personal difference. Personal taste.
But like the point that was made, a peanut is available in a huge number of handle materials and either CV or True Sharp. You can even get damascus, which is weird, but neat. A peanut is a very strange little thing that can transcend logic, and kind of grow on you for no real logical reason. At the present, I am taking part in forum brother Grateful's three knife challenge. I'm sitting on a patio of a home in Mission Viejo California, 3,000 miles from home, with just the three knives I left home with. The Victorinox classic on my keyring, a peanut in my pocket, and a Buck 102 woodsman in my day pack. I had a lot of knives to choose from, and in fact did not choose the 'nut for the trial. But the morning we left home for what is expected to be a 6 week trip on the road, I went and grabbed my peanut. Just couldn't leave it behind. So far on this rambling cross country trip, the peanut has done everything I've needed out of a knife. Opening packages of food on the road, making a salad in Karen's Aunt Jane's kitchen in Atlanta, trimming some vines from Sister in laws back yard in Georgetown Texas, and making a hot dog stick for granddaughter Breana last weekend up in the San Bernardino mountains at Lake Arrowhead, and a lot of cuts on stuff in between.
Since we're not talking a huge amount of money here, go ahead and try the peanut. It just may surprise you at what it will do, once you get used to it, and it's quirks. There is a reason there is a peanut cult!:thumbup:
Carl, Grand High Muckba Of The Cult.
Both are good at what they are designed to be, a small unobtrusive pocket knife that can deal with day to day carry, and not be noticed until such time you need a cutting tool. The pen will give you a bit more handle in length, but the peanut is boxier and gives a pretty good grip for something so small. Either one will be able to handle whatever cutting tasks you will run into in modern American suburban life. Neither one would be my first choice if I were parachuting into the Amazonian rain forest or the wilds of Alaska. On the other hand, I've found out through field practice that the peanut will clean fish and small game with all the aplomb that it opens up UPS and FEDEX boxes.
The well known ice cream place has 31 flavors to choose from because we all react different to different stimulus. Some people love t-bones while others want a nice porter house. Some people like big cars while others like the little ones. My own father loved Pontiac's with as big an engine that he could order, and when he fired it up in the morning, the populace of the Persian Gulf stood up and cheered. My own prefered car was my old VW bug that he made fun of for years, calling it a Nazi taxi.
But one thing I have found to be true- if a peanut is too small, then a fraction of an inch larger knife is not going to be that much better. If a two inch blade is not making it, then a two and a quarter or even a two and a half is not going to make that big a difference. But it all comes down to how it strikes you. How do you like the feel of it in your hand, and does it strike your fancy?
Me, I love the little 'nut. It's got a stylish look that I enjoy, and I like the boxy feel of the handle in my hand. But then, I'm not a very big guy, and a J frame Smith and Wesson feels good in my hand with the stock grips vs a K frame which feels a bit awkward to me with the stock grips. Personal difference. Personal taste.
But like the point that was made, a peanut is available in a huge number of handle materials and either CV or True Sharp. You can even get damascus, which is weird, but neat. A peanut is a very strange little thing that can transcend logic, and kind of grow on you for no real logical reason. At the present, I am taking part in forum brother Grateful's three knife challenge. I'm sitting on a patio of a home in Mission Viejo California, 3,000 miles from home, with just the three knives I left home with. The Victorinox classic on my keyring, a peanut in my pocket, and a Buck 102 woodsman in my day pack. I had a lot of knives to choose from, and in fact did not choose the 'nut for the trial. But the morning we left home for what is expected to be a 6 week trip on the road, I went and grabbed my peanut. Just couldn't leave it behind. So far on this rambling cross country trip, the peanut has done everything I've needed out of a knife. Opening packages of food on the road, making a salad in Karen's Aunt Jane's kitchen in Atlanta, trimming some vines from Sister in laws back yard in Georgetown Texas, and making a hot dog stick for granddaughter Breana last weekend up in the San Bernardino mountains at Lake Arrowhead, and a lot of cuts on stuff in between.
Since we're not talking a huge amount of money here, go ahead and try the peanut. It just may surprise you at what it will do, once you get used to it, and it's quirks. There is a reason there is a peanut cult!:thumbup:
Carl, Grand High Muckba Of The Cult.
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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- Feb 2, 2005
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- 20,039
Carl, be safe on the road!
My father, for years, swore by Schrade OT pen knives. It was a common occurrence to see them on the dryer in the basement, as they ALWAYS made the trip through the spin cycle. I am surprised whenever my parents got new, or used but new to them, washers and dryers, they did not find a Schrade collection up against the wall.
I gave my father a Case peanut, and he has managed to not lose it. It, and the pen knives of my youth, were perfect sizes for him. He only ever needed something to clean his fingernails, maybe cut a stray thread here or there, or other small tasks. He is an auto upholsterer, and uses his upholstery shears for everything you can think of. He has a Cold Steel Finn Wolf (puukko) I gave him for his kitchen knife at work, but I have seen him use old (but clean) upholstery shears to slice a loaf of bread for a sandwich or salad. He swore by his Schrade sharpfinger since he was my little brothers age of 19, he's now 60. He truly doesn't care if he loses a knife, he knows I'll get him another one even though he has told me since the first to not get him anymore. The Case peanut was the only one he didn't make a joke over (Oh another knife!), and the one that he hasn't lost, yet.
I've even got a Schrade pen knife for him as a gift, one of the USA made ones. Size of a peanut, but blades on opposite ends. I won it on here, and knew it would be the perfect gift for him. Thanks again to the generous party
.
My father, for years, swore by Schrade OT pen knives. It was a common occurrence to see them on the dryer in the basement, as they ALWAYS made the trip through the spin cycle. I am surprised whenever my parents got new, or used but new to them, washers and dryers, they did not find a Schrade collection up against the wall.
I gave my father a Case peanut, and he has managed to not lose it. It, and the pen knives of my youth, were perfect sizes for him. He only ever needed something to clean his fingernails, maybe cut a stray thread here or there, or other small tasks. He is an auto upholsterer, and uses his upholstery shears for everything you can think of. He has a Cold Steel Finn Wolf (puukko) I gave him for his kitchen knife at work, but I have seen him use old (but clean) upholstery shears to slice a loaf of bread for a sandwich or salad. He swore by his Schrade sharpfinger since he was my little brothers age of 19, he's now 60. He truly doesn't care if he loses a knife, he knows I'll get him another one even though he has told me since the first to not get him anymore. The Case peanut was the only one he didn't make a joke over (Oh another knife!), and the one that he hasn't lost, yet.
I've even got a Schrade pen knife for him as a gift, one of the USA made ones. Size of a peanut, but blades on opposite ends. I won it on here, and knew it would be the perfect gift for him. Thanks again to the generous party
.Carl, be safe on the road!
My father, for years, swore by Schrade OT pen knives. It was a common occurrence to see them on the dryer in the basement, as they ALWAYS made the trip through the spin cycle. I am surprised whenever my parents got new, or used but new to them, washers and dryers, they did not find a Schrade collection up against the wall.
I gave my father a Case peanut, and he has managed to not lose it. It, and the pen knives of my youth, were perfect sizes for him. He only ever needed something to clean his fingernails, maybe cut a stray thread here or there, or other small tasks. He is an auto upholsterer, and uses his upholstery shears for everything you can think of. He has a Cold Steel Finn Wolf (puukko) I gave him for his kitchen knife at work, but I have seen him use old (but clean) upholstery shears to slice a loaf of bread for a sandwich or salad. He swore by his Schrade sharpfinger since he was my little brothers age of 19, he's now 60. He truly doesn't care if he loses a knife, he knows I'll get him another one even though he has told me since the first to not get him anymore. The Case peanut was the only one he didn't make a joke over (Oh another knife!), and the one that he hasn't lost, yet.
I've even got a Schrade pen knife for him as a gift, one of the USA made ones. Size of a peanut, but blades on opposite ends. I won it on here, and knew it would be the perfect gift for him. Thanks again to the generous party
Hey Dan, driving safe is on my mind, but I don't think most Californians are worried over it. And I thought Washington D.C. drivers were weird!
It's interesting that your dad has managed to keep a good hold on his peanut. No trips through the washer/drier. I think he must like it enough that he takes care with it. I've seen a lot of those old pen knife guys who love the Old Timer's. I saw a lot of the Schrade model that I think is called the minuteman in use for lots of years with them. Those carbon steel Old Timers would cut! But I'd love to see a loaf of bread cut with upholstery shears. Learn something new everyday.
Carl.
arizonaranchman
Gold Member
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- Jan 1, 2012
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- 4,343
well said
get both
btw, there is no cult of the penknife thread, if that tells you anything
I was gonna say the same! This is all you need to know! Lol
For me, a Pen knife is what I wear in a suit. The single-spring construction disappears in a front pocket. Doesn't even make an impression or mess with the fall of the fabric. I choose a Peanut for slacks or Carharts. They hide a double-spring knife, and even though the Peanut is shorter, it is boxier and easier for me to get a good grip on. That extra width makes a difference.
I have 3 Case Peanuts, one in Damascus and 2 in CV. Love them. I also have a GEC Pemberton in 1095. It gets equal love. 1/8" shorter, but taller and easy to handle.
I have 3 Case Peanuts, one in Damascus and 2 in CV. Love them. I also have a GEC Pemberton in 1095. It gets equal love. 1/8" shorter, but taller and easy to handle.
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Peanut. Just because I prefer jacks over pen knives.
Fausto
Fausto
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Peanut! After getting one I removed the trapper out of my bag, replaced with a singleblade sodbuster. I then took that out too. Now I only edc a peanut. I wear suit pants m to f. The peanut has a ton of blade relative to its closed length and all that I need!
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I have located one Case Damascus peanut for sale at $119. I don't want it for myself so if anyone is interested, contact me privately and I will share the info.
The dealer sent me one photograph. When I asked for more, they did not reply. So I spoke to the dealer today by phone. They explained that they do not have time to send more photos. I told them the reason I wanted photos was to determine if the scales match, and to see how fat the scales are.
I asked if I could return the knife if I bought it and did not like how it looked in hand. They said no, no returns. But the person on the phone did get the knife in their hand and answered my questions.
They told me that the pile side scale is about 1/8" thicker and less figured than the mark side.
So, if someone is OK with a no return policy, and mismatched scales, you might like this knife.
In my opinion, it would be best for someone that lives near the dealer and could go look at it in person. It is located in Spurger Texas, but BF rules prevent me from telling you more, unless you message me privately.
here is the one photo I received
fwiw, I EDC a Case Damascus Stag Peanut and absolutely LOVE it.
The dealer sent me one photograph. When I asked for more, they did not reply. So I spoke to the dealer today by phone. They explained that they do not have time to send more photos. I told them the reason I wanted photos was to determine if the scales match, and to see how fat the scales are.
I asked if I could return the knife if I bought it and did not like how it looked in hand. They said no, no returns. But the person on the phone did get the knife in their hand and answered my questions.
They told me that the pile side scale is about 1/8" thicker and less figured than the mark side.
So, if someone is OK with a no return policy, and mismatched scales, you might like this knife.
In my opinion, it would be best for someone that lives near the dealer and could go look at it in person. It is located in Spurger Texas, but BF rules prevent me from telling you more, unless you message me privately.
here is the one photo I received
fwiw, I EDC a Case Damascus Stag Peanut and absolutely LOVE it.
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- Aug 24, 2010
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- 1,447
would you please post a measurement?
Case Pen Knife
Closed length: 3 3/8"
Main Blade (bolster to tip): ?
Case Peanut
Closed Length: 2 7/8"
Main Blade (bolster to tip): 2"
The Pen is 1/2" longer in the handle. How much longer than the Peanut's main blade, is the Pen's main blade?
and btw, here are a couple other threads with info about pen knives
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/784280-Case-pen-knife
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1123062