What makes a trapper?

[Josh K]

I've seen a few like this with some different styles. What makes it a trapper vs say a back pocket?

 

[abcdef]

Trapper has a clip blade and a spay blade. Back pocket a little longer with single clip. Don't have to put it in the back, but you can.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Trappers can have a single clip.

IMO, the Backpocket is a bit of a trapper pattern. Maybe a little bigger version with a bigger handle.

 

[Prester John]

My opinion--at least the way I use the word--is that a trapper is a large (~4") slipjoint jackknife with a long clip and a long spey blade. If it is a one-bladed knife, it is usually called a "single blade trapper." If the spey is replaced by a wharncliffe or other blade, it is a "modified" or "improved" trapper. If it is small, it is a mini-trapper. Kind of like a martini is made with gin and vermouth. A martini made with vodka is a "vodka martini."

 

[Pinemoon]

Found this on AG Russell's "knife encyclopedia."
A good resource.

Trapper:
A two bladed knife, most commonly with both blades at the same end, the blades often a clip point and a long spey blade, sheepsfoot or wharncliffe. The exception to the blades being at the same end is the Muskrat Trapper which always has a blade at each end.

 

[rockgolfer]

My opinion--at least the way I use the word--is that a trapper is a large (~4") slipjoint jackknife with a long clip and a long spey blade. If it is a one-bladed knife, it is usually called a "single blade trapper." If the spey is replaced by a wharncliffe or other blade, it is a "modified" or "improved" trapper. If it is small, it is a mini-trapper. Kind of like a martini is made with gin and vermouth. A martini made with vodka is a "vodka martini."

John nailed my interpretation of the pattern as well. Look forward to seeing what other nuances this pattern may hold and learning a thing or two

 

[kvaughn]

I used to think a serpentine jack with a clip and pen was a trapper. Ended up with a few when I was in my "Trapper collecting" phase. Learned otherwise. Realized I like the jack better for EDC anyway.--KV

 

[HST]

I would like to state, that it’s not a Clip, it’s a Muskrat Clip blade. IME with GEC.

 

[JB in SC]

The classic Case two blade trapper pattern is the 54, been in the catalog since the 1920's, spey and clip blades. Many variations of the pattern have been made over the years.

The single blade Backpocket pattern that Wilfred Works builds now (and the Case version) is probably derived from the old Kabar Trapper which predates the Remington Bullet. The full size is 4 1/2" closed vs 4 1/8" of the classic 54 Case two blade pattern.

The Case/Bose Bullnose collaboration is a close approximation of the Kabar without the roofline jigging and Dog's Head shield. The Kabar is one of Tony's favorite patterns.

 

[JohnDF]

However it's classified, I love this "Small Locking Single Blade Bullet Mini Trapper".

 

[afishhunter]

IMHO a "standard" "Trapper" is a slipjoint, has two blades on the same end; a Clip Point and a Spey/Budding, that is the same length as the clip point, and it is 4.125 inches closed.
I think the handle can be either equal end, gun stock, dog leg, or serpentine.
They generally have a bolster at both ends.

All I "know" (note quotes) about a "back pocket" is it sounds uncomfortable to have when you sit, and it may be prone to go AWOL while/when you are seated.

 

[Prester John]

IMHO a "standard" "Trapper" is a slipjoint, has two blades on the same end; a Clip Point and a Spey/Budding, that is the same length as the clip point, and it is 4.125 inches closed.
I think the handle can be either equal end, gun stock, dog leg, or serpentine.
They generally have a bolster at both ends.

All I "know" (note quotes) about a "back pocket" is it sounds uncomfortable to have when you sit, and it may be prone to go AWOL while/when you are seated.

I never thunk of putting a knife in my back pocket.

 

[Josh K]

Distilling some thoughts so far, Trapper is a two blade large folder, typically 4” or so. The handle styling, bolsters, and such, are very much to each their own in style and material.

Which makes me wonder, a single blade trapper would be considered a modified pattern? I have to say, my preference is towards a single blade.

All I "know" (note quotes) about a "back pocket" is it sounds uncomfortable to have when you sit, and it may be prone to go AWOL while/when you are seated.

Agree

 

[willard0341]

So the one on the right is excluded for the pen blade? It would be a jack?slim line trapper, improved trapper

 

[NativeCraft]

I never thunk of putting a knife in my back pocket.

Particularly one as big as Case's so-called Backpocket.

 

[NMpops]

So is the Case Slimline Trapper still a Trapper? They've been marketing as a trapper for 50 years or more.

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Jumbo trappers,

Jumbo trapper with a regular "large" trapper

I dont have a Case Backpocket, but from pics I've seen I would class it as a single blade jumbo trapper.

 

[Prester John]

So is the Case Slimline Trapper still a Trapper? They've been marketing as a trapper for 50 years or more.

Yeah, but it's a "slimline" trapper. Trapper is modified.

 

[NapalmCheese]

All I "know" (note quotes) about a "back pocket" is it sounds uncomfortable to have when you sit, and it may be prone to go AWOL while/when you are seated.

Assuming you carry a wallet in your back pocket it’s not so bad. The large knife sits on the outside of your wallet vertically in your pocket. I at least don’t actually sit on it, instead it rides above the seat on the outside of my buttcheek. It’s quite comfortable, the only inconvenience being when you have have to access your wallet.

 

[Houlahound]

What's the thinking behind putting both blades at one end??