Real knives have curves?

[CVamberbonehead]

Hi, I have carried regular Stockmen and Trappers for years, and always liked them. I stayed away from the "curvy versions" of these knives though, like the Sowbelly/Saddlehorn/Bow Trapper etc. They always seemed too big and bulky, with blades sticking way up from the handles. But...

I recently got a GEC 88 Yeti and a Case Saddlehorn Trapper to try out. I have a Case Sowbelly single blade on the way also. I got to thinking after I started using the Yeti that it really was not as uncomfortable as I had expected that curvy frame with its proud blades to be. It looks like they would be annoying, but they aren't so bad. This morning I had to cut up some boxes to recycle with it and it worked just fine actually, did not bother my fingers at all and I had a fine grip on it. The Saddlehorn has been great in the short time I have had it too, and actually feels great while whittling. They really aren't too big in the pocket like I always thought they would be and I really like using them so far. I am really looking forward to the Sowbelly!

So, do you prefer regular Stockmen/Trapper knives or do you like their curvier cousins? Why? Feel free to post pictures.

 

[GaiusJulius]

To me the “curvy” ones are aesthetically not my cup of tea but I’ve heard they’re great in the hand!

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Well, I am all about some curves... and I like the looks of the sowbellys and such too. lol They seem to be nice in the hand so far from my limited samples. Lots of cushion for the pushin through cardboard, wood, and food with the swell in the handle. lol
I could see where if you had small pockets the saddlehorns and such could take up a lot of space though. Then again, there are a lot of people walking around in my town with giant Spydercos in their skinny jeans and they seem to be ok, and the average sowbelly or saddlehorn is smaller than a Paramilitary 2.

 

[Spillproof]

My vote:
Easily my favorite Case pattern and always carried as a second knife. I'd go larger if it was my primary.

But I appreciate all variations on the theme, and I have some trappers too.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

My vote: View attachment 2137345
Easily my favorite Case pattern and always carried as a second knife. I'd go larger if it was my primary.

But I appreciate all variations on the theme, and I have some trappers too.

Those are pretty sweet. The medium stockman might be my favorite too except that they are just a tad small.

 

[black mamba]

I'll take the curves, any time. Marilyn Monroe or Twiggy . . . NOBRAINER!

 

[Jolipapa]

Curves are more bling!

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Curves are more bling! View attachment 2137509

View attachment 2137510

I wish I could find those Winchester knives. They made a Sowbelly stockman too, but I cannot find them anymore. They used to be pretty cheap and now they are like hens teeth.

 

[BrotherJim]

my too big too curvy example YMMV

 

[Jiki]

 

[sunknife]

I like 'em all, curvy or not.
This Winchester stockman is called a sowbelly and it has nice lines IMO.
View attachment 2138529

These three are what A G Russell defined as a true sowbelly shape. Fairly large knives and very palm filling and comfortable in the hand with blade open.

 

[baxtrom]

Hi, I have carried regular Stockmen and Trappers for years, and always liked them. I stayed away from the "curvy versions" of these knives though, like the Sowbelly/Saddlehorn/Bow Trapper etc. They always seemed too big and bulky, with blades sticking way up from the handles. But...

I recently got a GEC 88 Yeti and a Case Saddlehorn Trapper to try out. I have a Case Sowbelly single blade on the way also. I got to thinking after I started using the Yeti that it really was not as uncomfortable as I had expected that curvy frame with its proud blades to be. It looks like they would be annoying, but they aren't so bad. This morning I had to cut up some boxes to recycle with it and it worked just fine actually, did not bother my fingers at all and I had a fine grip on it. The Saddlehorn has been great in the short time I have had it too, and actually feels great while whittling. They really aren't too big in the pocket like I always thought they would be and I really like using them so far. I am really looking forward to the Sowbelly!

So, do you prefer regular Stockmen/Trapper knives or do you like their curvier cousins? Why? Feel free to post pictures.
View attachment 2137256

I’m not a huge fan of the Saddlehorn, it reminds me of a mushroom for some reason, but I do like curves on a knife. If it doesn’t have curves, it’s not a knife, it’s a chisel

 

[Jolipapa]

I wish I could find those Winchester knives. They made a Sowbelly stockman too, but I cannot find them anymore. They used to be pretty cheap and now they are like hens teeth.

Yes, those days are gone! have mine for a certain while, when I got it there were at least five or six more. Mine has a tiny hair size crack on one side. I wonder if all had the same (small) defect.

 

[Arathol]

Nothing but curves........

 

[Old Engineer]

I kind of like knives with some curve to the frames .

And the Case Saddlehorns

Harry

 

[Hammer67]

I quite like the Saddlehorn pattern. Unfortunately, the example I received from Case a couple years ago was pretty bad QC. But one of these days I'd like to track down a good quality example.

In the meantime, other curves I appreciate:

 

[kamagong]

I kind of like knives with some curve to the frames .

Yes indeed.

 

[airyq]

I wish I could find those Winchester knives. They made a Sowbelly stockman too, but I cannot find them anymore. They used to be pretty cheap and now they are like hens teeth.

You can find them on the big auction site regularly but prices are rising, have been for the last year or so. Appears to be some demand for them.

 

[Jiki]

 

[Arathol]