Peanut vs. Mini-muskrat

[RobbW]

***I mean "tiny", not "mini" Muskrat***

There's been so much talk lately of Peanuts that I bought a Case Redbone CV and have carried it for two months just to see what all the talk was about. I've been pleasantly surprised. The narrow width and thin spine makes this knife perfect for getting around small and medium sized jobs--which are what I mostly require. From whittling to fruit to mail to cutting cardboard and plastic for recycling, this knife handles it all. It acts much larger than its size, and is much better than the wider, thicker blades of more modern knives.

I don't really use the pen blade, though. It seems too small and the clip blade is small enough for my needs. Do any of you use the pen blade, and if so, for what? I'm just thinking I might be missing out on some aspect of this fine knife.

I'm thinking of getting a mini-muskrat. It has the same body dimensions of the Peanut, but two clip blades. Any thoughts on the mini-muskrat?

Thanks.

 

[scattershot]

Don't tell anybody, but I recently bought a Rough Rider (Chinese) peanut just to play with, and I really like this little knife. I find that I use the small pen blade more than the clip. BTW, fit and finish on this knife rivals recent Cases that I have seen, and it seem to hold an edge pretty well. I cut up a cardboard box with the pen blade, and it was reasonably sharp afterward.

Been thinking I would like to get a stag handled one soon from Case.

 

[ElCuchillo]

I used to EDC a Peanut. Did so for a long time, and yes it handles anything you throw at it. It not only handled my small chores, but many big ones as well. In an incident that has become somewhat an ultimate testimonial to the humble Peanut around here, I used the pen blade to skin an alligator one time at work, and it out performed the other knives that were being used except for a utility razor, and even THAT had to be replaced before my Peanut gave out. Too small? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.................

 

[jackknife]

I use the pen blade for small jobs like sharpening a pencil, opening mail, and sliting those plastic blister packs. The main clip blade gets used for jobs like breaking down a cardboard box for trash, sharpening a stake for the tomato plants, cutting twine for same, light food duty, and a zillion other things.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

I use the small pen blade for "heavier" work such as scraping, prying and poking stuff because it has a stronger tip and is stiffer overall. The clip is the sharp thin slicer, the pen is more rugged.

 

[RobbW]

I used the pen blade to skin an alligator one time at work, and it out performed the other knives that were being used

Interesting about using the peanut on that alligator, doubly interesting for using the pen blade and not the larger clip blade. I suppose you used the pen blade because it was stouter and therefore better suited to the job?

Until recently I've been using modern folders with clips and blade of 3" to 3-1/2". I know that those blades are small by some standards, but they felt big to me and I assumed that having more inches of sharpened edge would give me an advantage, i.e., allow me to use the knife longer on jobs without getting dull. You know, use less from each inch by dividing the work up among more inches.

Now I'm realizing that the SHAPE of the blade matters more to me than the length of the edge. I am coming to realize that a thin and narrow blade profile will allow a knife to slip through a cut even then the edge itself is dull. By contrast, my larger blades are both wider and thicker. Even when razor sharp, they can bind up cutting certain materials--like thick, stiff cardboard and fruit, for example. There is something about the thinness of the Peanut blades that allows them to keep working even when dulled. I think that's why so many of us are surprised at the "large" performance of a "small" pocketknife.

 

[RobbW]

I use the pen blade for small jobs like sharpening a pencil, opening mail, and sliting those plastic blister packs.

I use the small pen blade for "heavier" work such as scraping, prying and poking stuff because it has a stronger tip and is stiffer overall. The clip is the sharp thin slicer, the pen is more rugged.

OK, I'm understanding that the pen blade is stouter and provides different, not just diminished, performance. Although the blade steel is of equal thickness, the pen blade is shorter and with a stronger point. I'll have to use it this way and see how it grabs me.

Still...I can't help thinking....

I have a Case Peanut (2-7/8")and Medium Stockman (3-5/8"). The clip blade on the Peanut is just a bit small for everyday cutting of food like pears, apples and cheese. With three blades, the Medium Stockman is a bit bulky to pocket, and I really don't need three blades. I can't help wondering if a knife in the 3-1/4" size range would be pocketable like the Peanut, but give me a bit more reach for food like the Stockman.

With 2 long clip blades like on the mini/tiny muskrat, I would have a primary and secondary blade. Or, I could sharpen one acutely for light, precision work, and the other obtusely for coarser, rougher work. That's why I asked the original question, I can't help thinking about the usefulness of two longer blades in a still small-ish package.

 

[knifeaholic]

OK, I'm understanding that the pen blade is stouter and provides different, not just diminished, performance. Although the blade steel is of equal thickness, the pen blade is shorter and with a stronger point. I'll have to use it this way and see how it grabs me.

Still...I can't help thinking....

I have a Case Peanut (2-7/8")and Medium Stockman (3-5/8"). The clip blade on the Peanut is just a bit small for everyday cutting of food like pears, apples and cheese. With three blades, the Medium Stockman is a bit bulky to pocket, and I really don't need three blades. I can't help wondering if a knife in the 3-1/4" size range would be pocketable like the Peanut, but give me a bit more reach for food like the Stockman.

With 2 long clip blades like on the mini/tiny muskrat, I would have a primary and secondary blade. Or, I could sharpen one acutely for light, precision work, and the other obtusely for coarser, rougher work. That's why I asked the original question, I can't help thinking about the usefulness of two longer blades in a still small-ish package.

Check out the Case 32087 pen pattern, available in both CV and SS...slim design and size wise in between the peanut and the medium stockman.

 

[Will Power]

Don't overlook a Sodbuster either, it's an excellent fruit&food knife and is lightweight but cuts above its size:thumbup: