Queen vs CS vs Case

benyaM95 Ranger Knif

benyaM95 Ranger Knif

Joined
Jun 23, 2006
Messages
1,544
just looking to get me self a traditional
Queen would be sent for re-profiling (many complains how dull their D2 out of the box). CS is 440C and Case is CV.
 
Hope I'm not hijacking your thread, but I wonder where the A.G. Russell brand slippies would end up if they were thrown into the equation.
I've been looking into slippies for days now and I'm a little confused.
Hopefully someone will help to clear the air for us.
 
I'd be hard pressed to tell you which ones I prefer. I have a Queen large stockman, a mountain man, sodbuster and the 2 blade trapper. All came reaonably sharp with the exception of the sodbuster and the spey blade on the trapper. A couple hours with sandpaper and a strop and they were razor sharp. I have a GEC pioneer and a Cuban Stockman. Fit and finish are awesome, they came sharp of of the box and they hold their edges. The GEC carry a little "bigger" than the Queen. I also have a Case stockman, a slimline trapper and a 2 blade trapper, all in CV. Fit and finish were lacking on all and I had to grind down the kick on the sheepsfoot blade on the stockman. The Case CV will get hair flinging sharp very quickly and will hold it's edge for a reasonable amount of time. All are good, but the ones that get carried most are the Queen large stockman, the Cuban stockman by GEC and my Case slimline trapper.
 
Canal Street varies between 440C and D2. The new Swell Center Jack and the Cannitler are both D2 and is very sharp out of the box. You should raise your question in the Traditional section, you will get more feedback.
 
Of the three brands you listed Queen is probably the best value considering the price with D2 steel. Their fit and finish are very good too. Once you get it sharp it stays that way for a while. It's hard to argue against a Case though, especially in CV. It is easy to sharpen and will develop a beautiful patina with use. If you don't want to have any staining then go for the CS in 440C or consider a Case with Trusharp.

Do you have a particular pattern in mind? If you let us know what it is we might be able to recommend some other knives that you haven't considered. I find it easier to pick a pattern first when looking for a new slippy. Then I can check what scale materials and steels are available from different makers before making a decision.
 
Queen IMO is best quality & usability for the price.Case second.I think GEC prices are climbing a bit due to popularity. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please.I've handled a few and can see why they would.
You can still get Queen made MooreMakers too. Very good quality and the shields are tops for me.
Canal St. are former cutlers and the quality is good too.
I love Case CV, and Case was my EDC for years, but there's something about Queen I like. One in particular is the sharp edges from drop forging. Done the old way. You got to go in there and touch it up with a file to stick it in your pocket.
 
Last edited:
Trappers huh? trappers are cool.
Couple of Queens...

P1010009-7.jpg


P1010076.jpg


And a bench made Amhearst.

P1010026.jpg
 
I think the top if the two trappers you showed is the way to go. Queen makes excellent knives. That plus the clip blade is just so smooth. It flows. Plus you get D-2 blades. Can't go wrong there.
 
Here is a photo of a Queen honey amber stag bone and Canal Street sawgrass green boneTrapper side by side. Between these two specimens, the Queen had slightly (and I mean very slightly) better fit & finish. The CS is 440C while the Queen is D2. Of the two, I prefer the Queen in D2. I was a little nervous about getting D2 because I had heard it was difficult to sharpen, but I picked up a DMT Aligner and in no time the Queen went from stock sharpness to hair whittlen sharp. So sharp I stabbed myself with it and didn't even feel it (long story).

Trappers-2.jpg
 
GEC has a couple of #48 trappers under the Tidioute brand that can be had for less than $80. They make some really nice knives and the 1095 they use is very good. A Moore Maker with smooth white or yellow bone is another option. Boker and Eye Brand might be worth a look as well. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the ones you listed though.
 
You might consider the yellow handle Case 54 trapper and the Case yellow handled stockman. you can probably get both for around $ 80.00 at TSC.
I carry Case 54 trappers and have no complaints.
I also have Queen, Camillus, Schrade, Hammer, and a few other brands in different styles.
I prefer Case because they just "feel right" in my hand.
Everyone here can give their own personal opinion and berate this brand or that brand. The truth be told it is all in the eye of the holder.
My humble suggestion is to go to your local sporting goods store and take time to handle different brands of knives and see which one "feels right" for you.If you don't have one near you ask people you know that carry pocket knives if you may see and hold their knife, most folks won't mind as long as you don't try to destroy it.
What ever you decide have fun and don't let other people influence you with their own biased opinion.
God Bless
Tracy
 
Corey, the Cocabola trapper is one of my favorites.Even closed the blades flow.The smaller Queen City clip blade is very thin. Not sure if they made them that way or what, but it sure would make a great filet knife.(it's a Safe Queen).Fit an finish on both are as good as it gets.I like how the Queens have the shorter rear bolster too.
Steve
 
navihawk said:
Corey, the Cocabola trapper is one of my favorites.Even closed the blades flow.The smaller Queen City clip blade is very thin. Not sure if they made them that way or what, but it sure would make a great filet knife.(it's a Safe Queen).Fit an finish on both are as good as it gets.I like how the Queens have the shorter rear bolster too.
Steve
Click to expand...

The Queen City (Cozy Glen) Canoe also has thinner blades than a regular D2 Queen
 
I am shopping for a new trapper and the CS and Queen versions listed above are high on my list. I am also considering the GEC No. 48 trapper and Kabar Dog's Head trapper (which is made by CS). Which knives have half stops?

Additional opinions on trappers?
 
Thanks for the feedback. Any observations on the brands I should consider? In traditional folders, I only have Case and T.A. Davison, so no experience with CS, Queen, or GEC.

Perhaps I should start a new thread, but this one is really on point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top