Why a trapper?

J

Javelin

Joined
Dec 19, 2008
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320
I've always wondered, what's the appeal of a trapper? For hunting I can see its worth, however outside of skinning game I can't see the value in it. If I were to have a spey blade I would not want it to have much length as I'd want easier handling and control. It's very large and bulky. I'm a fan of big handles but I just don't see why someone would choose a trapper over say a stockman or a larger 2 blade jack.

Can someone explain the appeal to me?
 
Well, I own a Case Trapper and a Böker Anniversary Trapper. I like them both. Why do I like it? Well, it´s because your asked questions... It´s bulky and big. But it fits in the backpocket very well. The Trapper is a full-size knife. Good for longer workings with is. The handle is big (long and broad) enough to keep the knife in hands for much longer tasks than many other knives.

I carry it just during longer working sessions, where a bigger knife is good. For EDC is personally use to carry smaller knives. (Because of your asked questions ;) )

The Trapper patter has its place in any collection or as working knives. You should give them a chance.

Kind regards
Andi
 
I like the long blades for slicing apples. I also keep the spey blade at a very acute angle on my Case CV trapper, and can use it to remove a five-o'clock shadow if necessary. Overall, one of my most useful knives, especially camping.
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I had this same question for a long time, so I decided to check one out myself. I got a Yellow one, just like the one posted above.
It spent a month in my pocket and I really enjoyed having it. It wasn't bulky, or too big for me, it was actually quite comfortable. It handled all the jobs my other knives do on a regular basis and it was perfect for tearing boxes down.

The spey even got used a lot, but aside from it's intended purpose, it's not the best blade for other chores.
It is a good skinner though.
 
I have a Schrade Old Timer trapper that I've been carrying a lot. I like the longer blades in general, and the wider body is more comfortable to use, although it's a bit too big and obvious for me to use at work. The long slim frame slips into my back pocket next to my wallet nicely, also.

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I just like the style. You can see this one has been used a bit.

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My current edc is MooreMaker small trapper.
 
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Trappers are strong working knives with very comfortable handles . The two long blades are really useful in the field or on the water . They are also great for food prep . Probably my favorite traditional pattern . Are they better than a stockman or a big jack ? No , but I am more comfortable with them so they work well for me . Your mileage may vary .
Jim
 
I generally prefer long blades, so trappers work well for me. And contrary to the idea that you get better control with the smaller blades, I've found that when I'm using the spey blade for its named purpose, the extra length and width are essential for proper control. The way I choke up on the knife, it's much easier to make slicing cuts with the longer blade than with a shorter. Basically, calves tend to twitch, so the longer blade is better for the way I work. I'm including a couple of pictures, because it's easier to show than to explain.

Speybladetrapper.jpg


Speybladestockman.jpg
 
Back in spring 2005 I sold all of my knife collection because of impending divorce with the exception of a few i wanted to keep, at that time the only trappers I had were slimlines. Then this past summer I liquidated the rest of my knives because of losing job, getting a new one which required a move, there went the red stag. The only knife I have been carrying was a spring assist kershaw, after looking at the traditional section here for awhile I decided to go back to tradional carry, today I went Cecil Clark's in Newport KY and bought a mini trapper with G10 scales because I want to carry it, I am glad I did, it feels good.
 
IMO the trapper is like the sodbuster of jackknives. Big, bulky, heavy, and sturdy. I personally think that the Trapper is a great pattern for hard work, just like the Bowie is.If you need more control, choke up on the blade.
But for EDC, I either carry a mini trapper or a Peanut.
 
Hmmm... where should I start, I will just list what I like about my yellow cv case large trapper.
big wide handle, but still nice and flat to fit in you pocket
clip blade for normal use
spey blade for the dirty work
blunt tip on the spey blade can be used as a screw driver (FOR LIGHT USE!)
the spey blade holds its thickness right up to the tip so it is very stought
trappers generally have "california clip" blades which I love the look of
the wide main blade lets it have a very nice final edge but still keep a thick gauge of steel
classy enough to go anywhere but tough enough for any chore
Should I go on or do you get the point? :D
 
I like trappers because the handle shape fits my hand well. But, I don't carry them often because of the blade configurations. I just don't have much need for a spey blade. I find that a Wharncliffe Trapper solves this problem for me.
Looking forward to the 2012 Forum knife.
 
knarfeng said:
I like trappers because the handle shape fits my hand well. But, I don't carry them often because of the blade configurations. I just don't have much need for a spey blade. I find that a Wharncliffe Trapper solves this problem for me.
Looking forward to the 2012 Forum knife.
Click to expand...

That's my take on the trapper pattern also. I carry a Wharncliffe Trapper almost everyday and find it does everything I need a pocket knife to do. I'll be in line for that 2012 knife too!
 
The long straight spey is an excellent slicer for food prep mainly vegetables


Queen One Armed Trapper in Smooth Black Cherry (delrin) in D2 4 1/2"

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For me, I like the handle shape. It just works for me. I also like the variety in size (goes along with handle shape and yes, I realize the same is true for the other patterns). Please keep in mind that these can go from tiny slim knives (ex. Case Tiny Trapper 2 3/8" closed) to heavier and larger trappers (ex. GEC #23 Pioneer at 4 1/2" closed). As for blade patterns, as long as I have 1 longer blade for food prep I'm ok for my uses. The secondary blade can be just as long or shorter, either way would be ok with me.
 
I used a Schrade 96OT commercial fishing for several months of the 2007-2008 season. I found that the spey blade worked similarly to a sheepsfoot or wharncliffe with its almost perfectly straight cutting edge when cutting rope. It was longer than the sheepsfoot blade on a stockman and the "point" is blunt enough to use on a pitching boat deck. That knife has been on gillnet and lobster boats from Chincoteague VA to Gloucester MA and I even took it to Georges Bank on a dragger for 10 days, using it as my only knife.
 
Mmmm, ok. Maybe I'll have to go and hunt down a nice trapper for myself to try out.

Thanks for the replys :)
 
JAlexander said:
I generally prefer long blades, so trappers work well for me. And contrary to the idea that you get better control with the smaller blades, I've found that when I'm using the spey blade for its named purpose, the extra length and width are essential for proper control. The way I choke up on the knife, it's much easier to make slicing cuts with the longer blade than with a shorter. Basically, calves tend to twitch...
Click to expand...

I wonder if you aren't the only member of these forums (indeed, the entire internet) who actually uses the spey blade for it's 'named purpose'. :)
 
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