White River Knife and Tool M1 Backpacker Pro or Caper?

[Sid Post]

After reading many threads and watching some YouTube videos on the virtues of the White River Knife and Tool M1 Backpacker Pro, I'm looking at it and the Caper. Is the only difference the bolts versus hollow tubes so you can take the scales off and use a paracord wrap? I should also note the G-10 versus Micarta scales.

TIA,
Sid

p.s. I'm looking for a knife blade in the 3~4" range in a good stainless (like Enzo/EKA knives or better) that can be used as a neck knife, small belt sheath knife, or pack knife when a folder isn't the knife in my hand for normal everyday things and light travels (multi-hour hikes with a light pack, fishing, business travel, etc.).

 

[Deinos]

Yup. Backpacker pro has removable g10 vs the pinned Micarta of the caper. I think the Micarta scale shape is a little nicer and you get more color/style variations. Caper also has a stonewashed finish. Have to decide if that is worth the jump to around $150 though.

If you are considering the caper and like that blade shape, consider the Bradford Guardian 3.5 in m390 as well. They have an optional kydex sheath that would do well for neck carry.

 

[madcap_magician]

Also all of the Backpacker Pros are in S35VN, but only the newest Capers or Backpackers are. Most of the Capers and Backpackers on shelves right now are S30V.

 

[Deinos]

Also all of the Backpacker Pros are in S35VN, but only the newest Capers or Backpackers are. Most of the Capers and Backpackers on shelves right now are S30V.

Yeah, definitely a lot of old inventory on the shelves. WW updated the sheaths for a lot of their knives too, so make sure you have the newer version. If not, give them a call. I bought the older knucklehead that had more loose retention, and they sent me the updated sheath ASAP. Great company to deal with!

 

[22-rimfire]

They seem to sell pretty quickly and so you're probably dealing with S35VN vs S30V with a new knife. But you can certainly ask the retailer what steel a particular knife they are carrying is and would ship to you.

Can't really address the differences between the two. I have the Backpacker Pro with orange G10 handles. It is a nice little knife and appears quite strong. I would suspect there would be no issues splitting some small kindling for a fire with one.

 

[Sid Post]

...

Can't really address the differences between the two. I have the Backpacker Pro with orange G10 handles. It is a nice little knife and appears quite strong. I would suspect there would be no issues splitting some small kindling for a fire with one.

The Orange model is the one I'm thinking most about. Sounds like we are (or were) looking for similar things. I don't see much fire building with mine but, the durability sounds good!

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I have one of the Backpacker Pros with orange G10 ... and that is the main reason I went with it over the Caper with Micarta is because the G10 scales are removable.

I may get the Caper soon ... I would prefer a stonewashed or tumbled blade ... I love the Pro but have to say the polished finish shows scratches veryyy easily.

But the design of the knife is great feels good in hand and works great.

JJ

 

[22-rimfire]

I just mentioned that to give you a feeling about the strength that I see that is built into the design (just in case)... about right. This is the fixed blade I now grab if I'm headed for the woods. I know my tendencies and I know that I tend to favor my SAK, so the fixed blade doesn't really see much use in general. It is there if I need it. When I need to cut something.... I automatically grab my SAK first. It's an ingrained habit from long use. Splitting wood with a knife doesn't really happen much in my life.

I think my next fixed blade is going to be the Kabar Becker Kephart (BK-62) that is supposed to be released later this year. I understand it has a 5" blade with walnut handles.

 

[Sid Post]

...

I may get the Caper soon ... I would prefer a stonewashed or tumbled blade ... I love the Pro but have to say the polished finish shows scratches veryyy easily.

...

Couldn't you just sandblast it lightly to take the sheen away and make scratching less noticeable?

 

[22-rimfire]

I don't even know what finish is on my Back Packer Pro.... looks like stone wash, but I'm no expert. It is not a shiny mirror (reflective) finish. Looks just like the picture on the website. Not really worried about scratches as I bought it to use and I imagine I will still own it when they put me in the ground.

With the scales being removable, I could see handle replacement as an easy thing, but I have no intention of replacing the G10 unless somehow it gets chipped which I doubt will happen.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Yes it could be sanded or blasted or tumbled now but it was just a heads up ... I believe the caper version comes with a different finish that won't show every little scratch.

 

[Deinos]

Also all of the Backpacker Pros are in S35VN, but only the newest Capers or Backpackers are. Most of the Capers and Backpackers on shelves right now are S30V.

Yeah, definitely a lot of old inventory on the shelves. WW updated the sheaths for a lot of their knives too, so make sure you have the newer version. If not, give them a call. I bought the older knucklehead that had more loose retention, and they sent me the updated sheath ASAP. Great company to deal with!

They seem to sell pretty quickly and so you're probably dealing with S35VN vs S30V with a new knife. But you can certainly ask the retailer what steel a particular knife they are carrying is and would ship to you.

Can't really address the differences between the two. I have the Backpacker Pro with orange G10 handles. It is a nice little knife and appears quite strong. I would suspect there would be no issues splitting some small kindling for a fire with one.

Does look like inventory is starting to move. Last time I checked, a lot of BF listed vendors had the s30v in stock (or at least hadn't updated their descriptions if that wasn't the case). CollectorKnives and KnifeCenter still have the s30v in stock. Others like USAMade appear to be completely out, as you mentioned. Guessing some of that is due to WW's recent move. Maybe inventory will stabilize once they get settled.

 

[22-rimfire]

When I ordered mine, it was listed as S30V, but they shipped a newer one with S35VN. May just be a website update thing with the description. Basically I suggest you call if it makes a difference to you. I would have been satisfied with either steel myself.