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The Trapper!

I'm probably the last person who should start a discussion about the Trapper pattern! I don't collect them! But seeing as it is the most collected pattern in the world (according to companies that make the them) then someone must collect them! I've managed to accumulate a few.

The traditional or standard Trapper is a essentially a two blade jack knife 4 and 1/8 inches (appx 105mm) in the closed position. The primary blade is a 3 3/8 inch (appx 86 mm) clip blade and secondary spay blade of the same length. The standard will normal have bolsters at both ends and the two blades will be separated by a full spacer. The nail nicks on both blades will be on the shield or front side of the knife. The knife gets its name as it is said to be the knife of fur trappers. The spay blade, while it is often used to castrate animals is also an ideal blade for removing skin without puncturing internal organs due to the shape of the tip.

I have very few Standard trappers but have many knives made on the trapper frame. The frame I like. The blade choices, not so much. Still when you collect as many knives as I do, then you will accumulate your share of Trappers. Here is probably my favorite Standard Trapper. It is a Remington R12 that was made by Camillus. Blade etch reads First in the Field. And no, those scales are not Frost Wood! Jim Frost wasn't the first person to come up with laminated woods of different colors!

This one is about as Standard as a Standard Trapper gets!

Lets show off some Trappers! Standard or otherwise!

6 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Max McGruder on April 8, 2015 at 18:40

I do understand what you say Syd but to embrace it just because it isnt going away? Really there are many things in this country that isnt going away but that doesnt mean im going to embrace it. If you need to say that to justify it thats fine but really you dont have to justify it at all.
It seems too many in this country have that same attitude about many things now days.

Im not really picking on you and I'll get off my soapbox now.

Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on April 9, 2015 at 15:27

Ok, let's get back on topic. Here is a Rough Rider Double Take 4 1/8" closed Trapper with yellow comp handle, (please forgive my poor photography). Though obviously a "novelty" knife, it is a trapper, (or would that be trapper(s)?), and like many other RR knives it is of relatively high quality construction. I purchased it because of it's uniqueness, and it's relatively affordable price point. I also heard that this frame is to be discontinued, so I figured for the price I should get one if for nothing else to show to friends and ask if they have ever seen such a knife before. What I received was basically two conjoined trapper knives in one. All four blades are tight, well centered, and the handle is well made and smooth all around. Surprisingly the knife feels good in the hands, though relatively heavy, and is actually usable as a knife, (and I mean it REALLY fills your hand). There are Muskrat and Canoe patterns available in the Double Take format also, and after enjoying this one so much, I intend to get one of each pattern before they are discontinued, (if in fact they are discontinued). They also come in a brown smooth bone variety. I have a CRKT sheath that so happens to fit this knife perfectly, and intend to carry it occasionally as a conversation starter if for no other reason.

If you like interesting knives this might be something you should consider. Novelty? Yes, but a well-built, usable novelty.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on April 9, 2015 at 17:07

Interesting Syd!

Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on April 9, 2015 at 17:42

Thanks Tobias, glad it piqued your interest. It carries the name "Trapper", no matter how odd it is, so I thought it should be mentioned here.

Having a few different patterns of knives in my small "collection", I figured I should have a "Double Take" representative in the bunch, especially at the price. Weird as the knife appears, I find it kind of cool, and everyone I've shown it to was amused and fascinated by it. It feels substantial and well-made in the hand, and it helps that it is actually a well-constructed, functional knife.

I'm kinda hooked on the "novelty" of the pattern now, and plan to add one of each type to my knife budget in coming months; fortunately they are very affordable. I'm kind of an oddball, may as well have oddball things in my collection. Actually, I took your advice on collecting knives Tobias....I bought what I liked, so when it turns out to actually be a good knife it's a win win situation. Who cares if it increases in value or not, (I don't), I just like it 'cause it's cool!

Charles Sample said:

Interesting Syd!

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on April 9, 2015 at 18:55

I agree with you Syd. I buy what I like and like what I buy. I'm not looking to make money on knives, I just like to collect them. If I see something that I think is cool and if it is within my price range, I will buy it.

Syd Carr said:

I bought what I liked, so when it turns out to actually be a good knife it's a win win situation. Who cares if it increases in value or not, (I don't), I just like it 'cause it's cool!

Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on April 9, 2015 at 19:03

Yup, works for me. At my age I have to find my fun where I can....buying pocket knives is simply just good fun! I hope my grandson appreciates the knives when he gets them eventually, not as a collectible, but as something his grandpa held, used and appreciated. I still have every hand tool my grandfather and father owned and used, and the fact that those items were used on a daily basis by them is what makes them special; at least to me.

Charles Sample said:

I agree with you Syd. I buy what I like and like what I buy. I'm not looking to make money on knives, I just like to collect them. If I see something that I think is cool and if it is within my price range, I will buy it.

Syd Carr said:

I bought what I liked, so when it turns out to actually be a good knife it's a win win situation. Who cares if it increases in value or not, (I don't), I just like it 'cause it's cool!

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Doug Webber on August 30, 2015 at 1:32

I bought this knife off Ebay when I first started collecting Schrades. It was some time before I found the listing of the Schrade model #'s. When I couldn't find a 291 listed anywhere I figured I had gotten a counterfeit. I posted pictures and asked for opinions. The experts concluded it was a genuine Schrade, possibly a prototype, but the only one they had ever seen. I know that does not necessarily make it valuable, but it is one of the perks of collecting Schrades, very few records were kept and new discoveries still happen.

Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on December 7, 2015 at 21:32

I would dearly love to post a photo of my newest Trapper, a 1994 Buck #314 in Black Sawcut Delrin. I officially collect Camillus-made Bucks, so this knife is a departure from that course, but after seeing one, (all made in the Buck factory, with factory heat treating btw), I just had to have one, (not many show up for sale, and it seems many were customized; mine is "stock"). I already own a CC-made #311 Slimline Trapper, 4 1/4" closed like the #314, and now I can compare those similar sized, yet oh so different models. First off the #314 is a much beefier knife in general, and the blades entirely differ in grind, (though share similar shapes). This Buck-factory knife has a hollow grind more akin to a #110's blade, than the #311, which has a flat grind. Both blades on the #314 are wider in profile too, so in general it is a much more substantial knife than the #311. At this point the #314 is my favorite EDC, and is as well made as any knife that I own; it most definitely walks and talks! I hate to ignore my beloved #311, but right now I like it's heavier cousin more.

As soon as I come up with a camera I'll post photos with a side by side comparison of the #314 and the #311.

And always remember, if your camera gets dirty, DON'T put it in the washing machine!!!

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on December 7, 2015 at 21:43

Good advice Syd. I will keep it in mind. LOL

Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on December 7, 2015 at 22:00

Well, things like that happen when you get ahead of yourself Charles. I was house sitting for family in a neighboring town, and they have a washing machine. Now for a single guy who does his laundry at laundromats, having a washing machine all to himself can be a giddy experience. So giddy you dump an entire bag of laundry, along with whatever else was in the bag, (including the camera), directly into the washer and gleefully await the results. Who knew being able to sit on a couch and fold clothes while watching football could be so cathartic? (Not so cathartic when I opened the washer I found out). Being an electronics tech, I was sure I could revive the now-clean camera in some way, but alas in this case cleanliness was NOT akin to Godliness, (it's a goner). At least I have clean clothes!

I'm trying to get my family to NOT get me a new camera for Christmas because I don't want to wait that long, I'd rather just go out and get one. It's amazing how much you miss having a camera handy, especially when you have new knives to show off..

Charles Sample said:

Good advice Syd. I will keep it in mind. LOL

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Charles Sample on December 7, 2015 at 22:55

I had a feeling you were talking from experience Syd.

I once left my camera (not my good Nikon I have now) on the back bumper of my vehicle and drove about three miles before stopping for gas. Fortunately the camera was still there.