Single spey blade trapper

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
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Feb 2, 2005
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I am almost certain I asked this before, but as a registered user I don't have the search option. I would like to get my father a relatively inexpensive single blade trapper, but with the spey blade, not the clip point. Steel and handle materials are not of great importance, my father got by just fine for many years with just a Schrade Sharpfinger and a no name SAK. However, he saw a Queen trapper I had, and commented that he wanted a trapper, but with just the spey style blade. If he found out I spent more than 20 bucks on a knife for him, he would blow his cups. I am looking for something that can handle a couple runs through the washer, won't get beaten up too badly if it jumps out of his pocket in his garden for a week, and that would be easy for him to sharpen. Standard trapper length is fine. I believe that someone mentioned a model, I thought I had subscribed to the thread, but apparently not. Any brand/origin is fine.

Thanks.
 
Well, I don't know about the single blade, but Moore Maker offers a trapper with two spey blades. I have seen it called the Cowboy, as on their website, and the branding pen trapper on the bay. I hope this helps.
 
silenthunterstudios said:
I would like to get my father a relatively inexpensive single blade trapper, but with the spey blade, not the clip point.
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What is it your dad prefers about the spey blade? Just curious. I've never heard of anyone toting a knife like that - not that there's anything wrong with that. :) Can't even say for sure that I've ever seen a knife like that.

silenthunterstudios said:
I am looking for something that can handle a couple runs through the washer, won't get beaten up too badly if it jumps out of his pocket in his garden for a week, and that would be easy for him to sharpen.
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Please tell me your dad's not running his knives through the dishwasher.

Now, to answer your original question: One option would be to find an affordable trapper (Case, NOS U.S.-made Schrade, Camillus, Boker, Queen .... even used would be fine) and have a customizer take it apart, remove the clip blade and its spring, and then pin back together the knife. Obviously, it'll run up over his $20 - so don't tell Dad the real cost! Just buy it for him as a gift. Dad's are worth it, just ask my son! :D
 
I was thinking about getting someone to remove the main blade. Not the dishwasher, but it will most assuredly make it through the washing machine in his pants. He told me that he really likes the secondary trapper blade, because it does not have a point he can hurt himself on. Scott Gossman sharpened by Queen trapper, and it was razor sharp, he specifically told me he doesn't want one that sharp ;).
 
Ken Coats (and perhaps another maker that doesn't come to mind) has sold several custom slipjoints with a single spey blade in the maker's "sale" area so apparently they have both utility and appeal.
 
Blues said:
Ken Coats (and perhaps another maker that doesn't come to mind) has sold several custom slipjoints with a single spey blade in the maker's "sale" area.
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I would love to get him a custom trapper, and actually plan on getting him a high end folder, just for going to church etc. Right now, he really wants a knife for work, and everyday use. He told me, after I got a Rough Rider folder for him, that I spent too much on him, and that he liked simple things. Simple guns, simple cars and simple knives. He went on the internet once, and that was kicking and screaming, to find an address on Google, so I don't think he'll find out who Ken Coats is:D. A big factor in this choice, is that he would feel horrible if he lost a knife that cost me more than 5 bucks.
 
It's 3/8" bigger than the standard 4-1/4" Trapper size, and it really is pocket-filling, but Great Eastern did a run of Beaver Tail trappers with just the one spey blade. They came in a variety of bone scales, and I bet you could find vendors that still had them in stock. If you want it more rust resistant, you could patina the 1095 for him. It would be easy to sharpen, though. Here's a pic, although this vendor is out of the knife:

http://www.spaceportcutlery.com/morepics.asp?prodid=1468
 
Good one, Robb. I was scratchin' my head trying to remember where I had seen that pattern/blade offering. :thumbup:
 
I was going to recommend the GEC #73, also. Not to gainsay RobbW but I believe you'll find it's 3/4" shorter than the standard Trapper format: ~3.75" closed.

-- Sam
 
I didn't realize the Beaver Tail also came in the #73 pattern as well. That would be a very manageable size.

I have a #73 Linerlock (3-3/4") with a Clip Point blade, and it is a handy knife. Right up to the limit of what I'm willing to carry size-wise, but a very solid knife.
 
silenthunterstudios,

Forgive my straight forward questions and suggestions here, but:

(1) What does you Dad have against a Trapper pattern with two blades?. After all, you leave the secondary spay blade and you could modify the clip blade with a stone/hone and some wet/dry sand paper to give him one true spay and one modified (by you) spay. Would that work?

(2) Anyone that says they do not want a sharp knife(and prefers a dull knife) worries me as they may not be aware of the true dangers of a dull knife harming folks more often than not.

(3) Years ago Case produced a single blade Farmers Trapper with the spay blade. The last one I remember them producing this model was the 1970's early 1980's. (this is the one the call the Barehead Trapper with no bottom bolster) They are up on eBay and the secondary market often enough. So try that as well. Sorry, I don't remember the model # of those single blade spay's.

Best,

Anthony
 
I can relate to your Dad just wanting a traper with a spey blade. How would a Sodbuster work for him? Maybe a Yellow Case in Stainless or even a good carbon blade.
 
sunnyd, no problems with your questions, I had the same ones for him. I think he would be happy with a two spey blade trapper. A sharp knife is not a problem for him, I think a super scary sharp one is. The Queen model Scott did (and he told me he doesn't modify knives that aren't his anymore) was super scary sharp. He asked me to sharpen his Sharpfinger for deer season, has asked me to sharpen kitchen cutlery at the holidays. Had my Spyderco kitchen knife professionally sharpened for the holidays, my father was just in awe, I guess he was used to sawing on the bird with his el cheapo junk cutlery. He said that one was too sharp.

Many great ideas here, thank you.
 
AG Russell Fruit tester's knife. Ha. It hit me when I was taking my afternoon nap. Single spey in micarta handle.
 
kidwholaughs said:
AG Russell Fruit tester's knife. Ha. It hit me when I was taking my afternoon nap. Single spey in micarta handle.
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I actually got him a stainless Schrade or Imperial fruit tester last year, can't remember which maker. He says its too nice to use. :confused:. I specifically got him stainless because it would be easier to maintain.
 
I found this ad online for Winchester Workman series knives that shows a trapper with a single spey blade. Look at number 19005.
 
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If you don't find one, let me know, and I could do a blade/layer removal for you(free too; I don't charge for knife modification work anymore) :)

G.
 
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