The Muskrat Marsh (Got a Muskrat? Post it here!)

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Jan 4, 2014
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I recently obtained a Case Muskrat and I love this pattern. It fills the hand, is slim in the pocket, and cuts like a demon.

If you're a fan of this pattern post your Muskrat here; this rodent should get way more love than it does.

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I don't own a muskrat and haven't considered picking one up, mostly because I don't get the concept of having two identical blades in the knife. I suppose the idea is to use one until dull and then the other? Maybe some of the muskrat fans (and you know who you are) can help enlighten me as to the draw of this configuration.
 
It is an odd set-up, some Hawbacker or Improved have a Wharncliffe instead of two Clips. However, when pelt skinning was significant activity, this pattern was useful.

They look pretty nice too

Here's a Queen D2 in ACSB, likely one of THE best made production knives I own. It's single-spring as well.

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And here's a Queen made Keystone Schatt from 14. This is a Mini Muskrat at 3 and a bit" makes a tidy Gents' knife, also single-spring construction.

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Some GREAT looking specimen posted above. That Queen looks especially nice. :)

major_works said:
I don't own a muskrat and haven't considered picking one up, mostly because I don't get the concept of having two identical blades in the knife. I suppose the idea is to use one until dull and then the other? Maybe some of the muskrat fans (and you know who you are) can help enlighten me as to the draw of this configuration.
Click to expand...

Having an identical back up blade razor sharp is a great asset in my book for EDC. But I believe having two identical blades also served a role for people doing heavy skinning.
 
I've got three Case muskrats. The stag version is slightly smaller than the other two




Hmmm - they weren't sideways when I pulled the IMG codes. Can't wait til my cable gets here so I can stop trying to take pictures with my phone
 
I like them because they just beg to be modded and once they are modified they're unlike any other pattern out there.

Here's a Ram's Horn CSC, Single Spring.


 
OK, another question for the Muskrateers: What's improved in an "Improved Muskrat" compared to a plain old Muskrat?
 
major_works said:
OK, another question for the Muskrateers: What's improved in an "Improved Muskrat" compared to a plain old Muskrat?
Click to expand...

I'm assuming anything that was/is a change from the original design is considered to be improved by the manufacturer. :)
 
The Muskrat (also referred to as a double-end Trapper) is a favorite among many collectors. Originally designed by those who enjoy the sport of muskrat trapping, this slender knife is ideal for skinning any small fur-bearing animal. The knife shape reflects that of a double-end jack knife, commonly using the same frame as the Medium Stockman (47). With the exception of a few, most of these knives carry two identical clip blades that open on opposite sides of the knife. One thing that makdes this pattern unique is that Case has not assigned a designated pattern number to it. In place of the common pattern number stamp on the knife tang, the word "MUSKRAT" is stamped directly onto the blade.

From Case' website. :)

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bluemetalchurch said:
The Muskrat (also referred to as a double-end Trapper) is a favorite among many collectors. Originally designed by those who enjoy the sport of muskrat trapping, this slender knife is ideal for skinning any small fur-bearing animal. The knife shape reflects that of a double-end jack knife, commonly using the same frame as the Medium Stockman (47). With the exception of a few, most of these knives carry two identical clip blades that open on opposite sides of the knife. One thing that makdes this pattern unique is that Case has not assigned a designated pattern number to it. In place of the common pattern number stamp on the knife tang, the word "MUSKRAT" is stamped directly onto the blade.

From Case' website. :)
...
Click to expand...
I learn something new here every day! :D:D
Thanks for the fascinating tang stamp trivia, BMC. :thumbup::thumbup:

- GT
 
I had a muskrat several years ago and gave it to a fellow forum member in a GAW.
It was made by Carl Schlieper, Solingen. Had nice bone covers and a nice steel.

I liked to carry that one as it was a nice and well made piece of cutlery.
 
Here's mine, made for Rigid by Canal Street a few years back. I love the (short) long pulls. This one has two springs.

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This is a nice low-profile pattern - the Rigid by Canal Street is quite a looker. I have a Buck 313, couple of Case on the 47 frame, and a Schrade USA 77OT that I have evidently never taken a picture of. OH

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