Trapper or Canoe- Which to get next

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winchester73

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Jan 6, 2008
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I'm trying to decide which to get next another trapper or a canoe. I've never had the canoe pattern before and wonder if the main spear blade is as useful as the trapper or for that matter a stockman? Comments appreciated
 
I personally prefer the canoe because I like that the blades open on opposite ends. For me, it seems to be easier to get the blades open on the canoe and the pen blade is larger on the canoe than on trappers that I have owned.
My canoe is a stag north woods and I have two gec trappers
 
guess it also depends on what brands you are looking at. im big on the trapper patter. two long blades are very useful, one for work, one for food. both serve well for whittling also. the Canoe pattern is pretty nice too with one solid spear blade (very universal) and a pen blade is always useful to have, but I would recommend a two spring pattern it possible, makes it less likely for the blades to rub together.
 
The canoe is an interesting pattern. I'm not sure what brand you are looking at, because there are variances between them. The only one I have direct experience with is Case.

Carries flat but broad, with a nice spear on one end and a wider than normal pen on other. Here's a few shots of the Case Canoe with blades open and closed to give you an idea.









I got this one to try out the pattern but just really don't care for it. Others love it and it's their favorite carry knife, so it's purely a matter of personal preference.
 
Both knives work well for EDC. However I prefer the Canoe because of the pen blade. A short blade with a longer handle provides more control and leverage that can sometimes be helpful. Examples of this would include a surgeon’s scalpel or a woodcarver’s knife. Even a lowly utility knife does a good job of this.

Love that case canoe but wish they would do the swedge and long pull like on the gunboat or butterbean.

Don
 
I'd go with the Canoe. If you get one with a single spring, you'll have a double blade knife with a slim profile. Also, the design of the bolsters makes for a smooth carry. No exposed sharp edges. Check out Queen.
I had a Queen Workhorse Canoe but sold it on the exchange because it didn't get much pocket time. A good Canoe is on my "wish list".
 
winchester73 said:
I'm trying to decide which to get next another trapper or a canoe. I've never had the canoe pattern before and wonder if the main spear blade is as useful as the trapper or for that matter a stockman? Comments appreciated
Click to expand...

Another vote for a canoe, especially if you already have a trapper.
I do find the main blade on a canoe to be as useful as the main blade on a trapper or stockman. And all the comments on how well it rides in the pocket are spot on.

Here's a couple of shots of my queen canoe


Top down to show the thickness of the knife...
 
Definitely a Canoe, it's my favorite traditional pattern I've tried so far. The combination of blades is quite practical and I find that if you use the main blade the location of the pen blade and bolster makes something like a finger groove which is also something I love about it.
 
I also have a Queen canoe, and I bought it for the smooth streamlined feel and pocketability. I find, though, that the main blade is too wide to be as useful as the long clip I prefer. If you don't have one, by all means get one. It would be a great addition to your collection, but I personally think the trapper is a more useful design.
 
My favorite canoe is actually a Rough Rider. Cost you about $10 to give it a try. If you like it then you can save up for the Case of your choosing.
 
If you already have a Trapper or several then a Canoe makes more sense to me since you don't have one of those. Try something different I guess. And I do love THIN pocket knives. Never more than two blades for sure or even a single blade are my preferences.
 
I just had this delema myself. I went with the canoe as I've got a stack of trappers (it's my pattern). I find the canoe to be a refreshing if not elegant edition.
 
Canoe!

80sBokerClassicCanoe_zps9ab4b738.jpg
 
IMG_2127copy_zps3f514892.jpg


If you decide to get a canoe, be advised that the tangs on the Bokers, Rough Riders, Remingtons, Colts and Camcos are fully sunken (not exposed when the knife has both blades closed or one of the blades open). The Case tangs are very slightly exposed but Case rounds off the sharp corners of their tangs, so they are unnoticeable in use. The Queens have sharp, tall, exposed tangs, on both blades, that are very noticeable in use (i took a fine diamond stone to mine). This may not matter to most people but it does matter to some. Also of note is that the Queens are the only single spring canoe design in this picture, but they are no thinner than any of the others and thicker than some. The Queen happens to be my favorite, mainly because of the D2 steel and the Amber Carved Stag Bone covers (nobody does bone stag like Queen).
Obviously, I think you should try a canoe.
 
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