Which Case?

D

Diamond Dog

Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
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Let me start by saying that I never owned a Case knife before. I recently lost my buck 303 edc and need to replace it asap! I was at BPS the other day and was handling some case knives and I really liked the feel for them. They seam thinner not as chunky as the buck and the blades seam thinner as well. I really liked the yellow handled ones and seen some brown delrin handled ones that were nice too.

That being said, I want to purchase an edc type of blade that I can use for camping, gutting an occasional fish, slicing foods, possibley scrapping some wood shavings and a ferro rod to make a fire. Just looking for an all around edc blade that is functional and can serve these purposes.

I am not sure of the steel or quality? I've seen the real shiny blades...not real partial to the mirror like finish and then I've seen the more matted look stainless? Any info on the steel would help.

I handled a single bladed slim line trapper, liked the weight and sleekness but there seemed to be a little more blade play than I would like is this normal or was this just a single flaw?

Also, in consideration with some of the cases I've seen are the trapper and the stockman. I'm really not quite sure which size too get the medium or large stockman (both have good pocket feel)

Lastly, I really liked the sod buster too! The only thing from me not getting the sod buster is I'm not sure it is as pointy as needed to gut out a fish if need be.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and if any one can post up some pics that would be very appreciated as well. Thank you!
 
I have been using my yellow CV (carbon) trapper for almost 3 years now and I can speak pretty positively about it, the 6347 stockman is pretty good too (stainless), served me well in the last months but as an overall knife the trapper is hard to beat
no blade play on both blades after all the use, never needed hammering/adjusting on any of the 2

from my experience I can suggest and do suggest the CV yellow trapper, maybe SS could be more indicated for fish

this regarding trads and slippies, would suggest a fixed blade and the trapper otherwise
maxx
 
Some folks "mod" the sodbuster by grinding the top get a drop point and the blade a little pointier. The sodbuster would be a good EDC and camp knife but I agree that not the best for filleting a fish. The second choice would a yellow handled trapper in CV. As long as you are not around saltwater, the CV should be fine and better IMO for striking on a ferro rod than the SS but that is just me.
 
I recommmend the Sodbuster or Soddie Jr to everyone...
But with your specifics I would suggest a (Lg or Small) Congress, Trapper, Stockman, etc.
 
I have 5 case knives, 2 stockmans, a canoe, a small texas jack, and a copperlock. I only like to recommend what I have experience with. Also, I am partial to the CV for its edge and ease of sharpening.

For what you listed, I would use my 47 pattern stockman. For new production, there is a version (the stag rancher 58132) in CV that should fit your bill. The raised back (with the blade closed) of the sheepsfoot on the stockman is an excellent surface to strike a ferro rod.
 
I have a Trapper (the 4" version) and I love it. I like all their designs. I don't think you can go wrong with any of 'em.
 
I don't think you can go wrong with a Case sodbuster, stockman or trapper.

You might also have a look at the mini Trapper with a Wharncliffe blade (6207W). It's 3.5" long -- about the size of a medium stockman. It's also available with a spey blade but I find the Wharncliffe blade more useful for my purposes. There's not much you can't do with that blade combination. The design is very practical also. The nail nicks are placed on the same side and are easily accessible. Both blades have half stops. And don't let the "mini" name fool you -- the ~ 2 3/8" blades (tip to top of the tang) are plenty capable.
 
Diamond Dog said:
I was at BPS the other day and was handling some case knives and I really liked the feel for them. They seam thinner not as chunky as the buck and the blades seam thinner as well.
Click to expand...

You got it, man! :thumbup:

Honestly, I think you should just decide your price range and if you want stainless or CV steel (carbon), and then go handle a bunch and pick the one that suits you best. As you probably know, CV steel will stain and patina, and it can rust as well (though I've never had a problem with that, even growing up on the coast in south Florida). If you're cool with that aspect, I'd recommend CV. If not, their stainless should suit you just fine as well and you'll get a fine working knife for your money; made in the U.S.A to boot.

Lastly, if you handle a trapper and find it a little large for comfortable pocket carry, I'd suggest checking out a medium stockman, mini trapper, or Texas jack.

Good luck and let us know what you come up with and how you like it.

-- Mark
 
If your leaning toward a stockman I recommend Cases excellent 5347 there is a stag CV version as well but get one before they're gone....
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I agree with looking at as many as possible. I live in a small town in KY, and there are at least three Case dealers here, hardware stores and a Southern States.
Make sure to look at the Mini Copperlock trapper, and the Canoe. I love my Canoe, it is a small knife, but has a large blade, if that makes sense.
It is about the perfect fit in the pocket.
 
Mini-trapper in CV is what I use for freshwater fish. I find it's really easier to carry than a full-size trapper, and the 3-5/8" size isn't too small for fish at all.
 
I have a CV mini trapper with the spey blade removed and I like that knife. I also a couple of other knives in the same size including a couple of Case's Wharncliffe mini-Trappers. Another vote for the mini-trapper. The size is perfect for the pocket and the clip blade is a wonderful food knife - apples, cheese, salami, etc. and works well to make tinder, cut para-cord, remove splinters, etc. I wouldn't think that a Sodbuster would be as practical in the woods. I would recommend trying to find one of the 3 1/2" Case Wharncliffe SS mini-trappers or picking up either the Chestnut or Yellow CV Case mini-trappers.
 
Thanks a bunch fellas! I may be on the hunt to look at the mini trapper that sounds like it may fit the bill. I may just buy the sod buster anyway the feel in the hand can't be beat.

Does the CV state so on the blade? I'd prefer a carbon to a stainless.

I fish alot in the mountains and do alot of hiking to get to some of my spots. I carry mimimal gear. Thus my pocket knife may be my primary go to knife for alot of applications. I'll keep everyone updated!
 
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