Switching to a traditional folder to EDC

WreckedVeteran said:
I am looking at a Case Trapper full size with yellow scales but haven’t made my mind up yet.

Any recommendations?
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Or at least some kind of full size Trapper. That's certainly my favorite traditional.
I would even suggest a similar size but only one blade (I remove one blade from most all of my Case Trappers).

Some of the better steel alloys are sneaking into these better (single blade) knives as well. At least some 154.
 
If you can't find a store where you can handle a few, I like the idea of trying a few patterns cheaply by getting some Rough Riders. I've done that and found it well worth the $15 delivered to know that I don't need to drop real money on a particular pattern. They're also a great way to explore modifying knives. Screwing one up won't make you cry. And when you're done with them they can always be given to kids or to people who don't appreciate a really good knife. I think that the quality and the steel of RR is on a par with Case. It's that country of origin issue that's a problem for many folks. If you're looking at the mid range, don't forget Boker Tree Brand. I've found it to be a step up from RR/ Case and a step below GEC. They're more of a working knife and less of a collectors item, so you won't see as many options for covers, colors, etc. There's still a good variety of them, but it's not as overwhelming. A two-layer Victorinox is hard to beat with all the tools and is still slim enough to pocket well. Three layers may start to get a bit thick, depending on your preferences and pockets. The thin blades cut well even when dull and they sharpen as easily as the other brands I've mentioned. I'd look for a model with Alox scales or an older cellidor model as I've read that Vnox recently cheaped out on the plastic scales and they aren't so durable these days. There isn't a knife in the world as non-threatening to the general public as a bright red SAK ...

The size, weight, and feel in hand of a traditional may not be what you imagine looking at pictures. Many traditionals tend to feel smaller in hand than moderns, which you may or may not like. I started with a Stockman fifty years ago, went into moderns, and have returned to traditionals. I've grown to really like two types of traditional. Big, beefy, hand-filling models, like the Bulldog Cattle King, and slim, single-spring, two-blade models like the GEC Churchill or Possum Skinner. My self-imposed length limit is 3.75" closed on the short end. Many traditionals are shorter than that. Lots of people think that my low end is too darned big. That's fair. Weight goes up surprisingly fast with size. Getting some in hand and better yet, using them, will tell you what you like.
 
Good call on the Case. The yellow Delrins are a good inexpensive way to try out various traditional patterns, while still buying good quality..

As others have said, heavier traditionals can feel a bit like a rock in your pocket. If you feel you need a lighter knife, and don’t mind a modern twist, take a hard look at the Lionsteel Shuffler. It’s absurdly light, amazing quality, and uses a far better grade of stainless than most traditionals.

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Go with a medium stockman. Multiple blades instead of the single found on most modern knives. Will disappear in your pocket as a full-sized trapper never will, and will contrast starkly with the clipped modern that interferes with even reaching anything else in your pocket.

Case 6318 is the poster child for this pattern, but RR offers a whole range of 3-bladed knives in this size range, including whittlers, sowbellies, etc. You can try 3 or 4 for the price of a Case, or a good half dozen for the price of a GEC. Rough Rider has been touted for years as the make you can go to to see how you like a pattern, before spending serious money. A lot of us find they are pretty nice knives, worth keeping in their own right.
 
The trapper is a great pattern, you get a choice of two full-sized blades for different uses, something that you don't get with most modern knives. You could try dropping your Sebenza in your pocket for a day to get an idea how the trapper will feel. You could also get a small traditional to carry along with your Sebenza.
 
black mamba said:
If you want to stay with a single blade, the Case Tribal Lock is an excellent suggestion, as the Zulu spear blade is about a utilitarian as they come. It combines a slight belly for slicing with a low enough tip to use for precision cuts. If you want to dive into a multi-blade traditional, then a 4" stockman is about as good as it gets. A pretty new looking Schrade USA Uncle Henry 885UH can be found on the bay for well under $50, and is a wonderful tool. Here's mine.

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Second that,my only other suggestion would be Buck 301
 
Buzzbait said:
Good call on the Case. The yellow Delrins are a good inexpensive way to try out various traditional patterns, while still buying good quality..

As others have said, heavier traditionals can feel a bit like a rock in your pocket. If you feel you need a lighter knife, and don’t mind a modern twist, take a hard look at the Lionsteel Shuffler. It’s absurdly light, amazing quality, and uses a far better grade of stainless than most traditionals.

djzoPqah.jpg
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This. You're used to pretty decent steel in your current carry.
 
- my suggestion from a Sebbie to traditional would be a Lannys Clip that you could pinch open. It's a traditional folder of substance with a real good feel in the hand.

In the pic below they are all LCs - the second to right is a backlock Lanny Clip - now, that is easy to open and obviously locks, so you get the traditional size, appearance and feel with the safety of a locker.

Many, many guys are still happy with nailnicks and longpulls.......but as I have gotten older (and lost both thumbnails to accidents years ago and they're now not as robust) I find the pinch-open so much easier, quicker and happier

6%20x%20Lannys%20Clip.jpg


6%20x%20Lanny%20Clip.jpg
 
Welcome to a new wonderful world of knives! :)

As someone who recently returned to traditionals after many decades away from them and who carried Spydercos for many years, I think I can at least somewhat relate to where you're at.

The Case Trapper is a great knife and my most recent purchase. I've been buying different patterns for a while now trying out different sizes, blade setups, etc. As has been said, the full-sized Trapper is pretty beefy in the pocket. Having grown accustomed to having a larger knife more neatly tucked in the side of the pocket, this might take a little getting used to. It also depends on what you carry in the same pocket. I carry my keys and a foldable-reader-glasses case about the size of a Zippo lighter. I don't mind the size but you will definitely notice it so if you go that route, just be aware it might be a bit of an adjustment and not run away from the traditional world too soon. :D But it is a great feeling knife and works very well.

That said, as a general EDC, I prefer my Mini Trapper in 6.5 Bone Stag with the Wharncliffe and Clip combo. Even before coming back over to this world I was realizing my EDC needs were not really requiring longer blades. My beloved Manix 2LW was often being supplanted by a Chaparral or Dragonfly. Mentally it seemed weird at first but practically I realized I almost never felt under-knifed. I just mention that to give some perspective on my mindset that might help understand my preferences/recommendations. The Mini Trapper also has half stops and that just kind of lends to the traditional feel of the knife. It's a great pattern.

I started with a Case Mini Copperlock and could not be happier. In fact, for me, this knife design ranks among the best I've ever handled. So slim and ergonomic but with enough blade to handle most of what I toss its way. And having the back lock sort of helps bridge that modern-to-traditional gap. I'm thinking a full sized Copperlock or a Tribal Lock or both will surely find their way into my little horde.

The other pattern I absolutely adore is the canoe. Around the same size as the previous two yet with ergonomics that are just different enough to really set it apart. I should say that so far that's been my experience with all the patterns I've tried. No matter how similar in size and general shape, subtle differences make them distinct. Anyway, the canoe is a great pattern that gives two-blade versatility in a not so big package that feels great to use. Notice that on the canoe and Mini Copperlock, the blade tang is hidden by the bolster. Not a big deal for those that aren't but I like the look and feel.

So far, of the various Case patterns I've tried, those are my top three with the Mini Copperlock probably finding its way into the pocket a little more often than the other two.

And, if you want to kill some time and be exposed to a knife world that at least I never really knew existed, lock up your wallet and tune in to this YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCppuObQHn8alCHGGVESilhA

Please let us know what you decide!
 
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CRK Slippie? I will second the Lion Steel Shuffler. However, it might be fun to see if a smaller knife would handle your needs. Lately, the GEC#14 is hitting my sweet spot for most carry.
 
Transition period...
Carry your modern folder 'clipped' to your pocket as usual.
Throw a GEC #14 or Case Swayback Gent in your coin/watch pocket.
Then you'll see the wonders of the traditional knife world. I'll bet you pull that small traditional out of it's little pocket way more often then you pull the big modern out. You will then realize what "handy" and convenient little knives they are. Then you'll be ready for the full switch over to traditional knives.
 
Early Fightn' Roosters and Bulldog slipjoints are of very good quality if you can find them. Some of my favorites--KV
 
Im gonna 3rd the Lionsteel shuffler, or roundhead, or dom if you can find it. A trapper or stockman would be nice choices as well. But the Lionsteel barlows are in thier own class. Super light, high end materials, beautiful knife.
 
WreckedVeteran said:
I‘m sure this has been posted a thousand times but...

My interest in traditional folders, specifically slip joints has peaked to the point of wanting to switch from a Sebebza 21 to a traditional. I would of course rotate them out but l do not have a slip joint.

I am looking at a Case Trapper full size with yellow scales but haven’t made my mind up yet.

Any recommendations?


Thanks in advance,
Chris
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I happen to have a full size trapper from Case in yellow derlin that I received from @Odog27 in a lot sale here. I thought the sale was for a mini-trapper so Odog27 went above and beyond and purchased and drop-shipped a mini-trapper to me. Super stand-up guy. I told him that I would pass along his generosity when the opportunity arose. Perhaps this is it. If you are interested please PM me your mailing information and I'll get it out to you.
 
I think a Case trapper in Delrin/synthetic is a great choice. They had to be way ahead of their time when they came out. Pretty much bullet proof with the synthetic scales. You can get an open top sheath from Case if you don't like pocket carry and with an untucked shirt, it isn't noticeable. I carry one alot of days to work in an office and in my khakis have an extra inside pocket and it isn't noticeable. Sometimes I carry it lose in my front jeans pocket, sometimes I wear the sheath. It's easy enough to carry either way for me or it will stand up next to my wallet in my back pocket.
Been around a hundred years and alot of people that go to traditional from modern tend to gravitate toward it, probably still be around 100 years from now. They seem to have gained in popularity in recent years.
 
peanutsxx said:
I happen to have a full size trapper from Case in yellow derlin that I received from @Odog27 in a lot sale here. I thought the sale was for a mini-trapper so Odog27 went above and beyond and purchased and drop-shipped a mini-trapper to me. Super stand-up guy. I told him that I would pass along his generosity when the opportunity arose. Perhaps this is it. If you are interested please PM me your mailing information and I'll get it out to you.
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I've said it before and I'll say it again, the best folks hang out in this sub-forum!

:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
After looking at this the op mentioned a sebbie and as fAR as cost vs quality maybe he should check out a original Boss or Bose/Case collaboration.Those are um nice
 
For me i love the stockman pattern. The case medium stockman or a 301 buck are in my pocket most days. Ive carried boker knives as well. I carried a trapper for a good amount of time very capable knife.for almost any use a smaller trapper is a good choice. Id suggest going to a gun store outdoor store maybe bass pro or something where you can handle different patterns to see which you like best.
 
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