As the name suggests, trapper knives are a type of blade used to trapping and speying small animals. Trapper knives look very much like folding pocket knives. Still, some well-defined, distinct characteristics separate it from standard pocket knives and categorize it into specialized knives.
One of the main characteristics of trapper knives is that it offers two blades in the haft, unlike the traditional pocket knives. The conventional combination of these blades consists of one clip-point blade and another, popularly known as a speying blade. The size of trapper knives is fancily comfortable, roughly sized as a pocket knife, and weighs about the same.
Many components make the best trapper knife, such as its functionality, longevity, sharpness, etc. Some models provide additional features, such as extra few blades, each with varying tips. Considering all these different aspects, choosing the suitable trapper knife is not a matter of minutes. So, I went ahead and made this list with all the popular models in the present market; you can choose any of them without worry.
5 Best Trapper Knife
5 Best Trapper Knives of the Market
- CASE XX WR Pocket Trapper Knife
Case knives have always been a game-changer in the history of pocket knives; their innovation and quality of performance have very often left the customers in awe. Likewise, this trapper knife model has also swept the market away with its high performance and aesthetics.
The closed length of this knife is about 4.35 inches; it houses two 3.2-inch long blades. These blades are roughly about the same size, too, constructed of Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel. This is one of the best materials for day-to-day use; it’s effortless to sharpen and takes an edge quickly too. Like the typical design, this knife features one clip-point blade and one spey blade; both single-edged blades boast a mirror finish.
The shimmering handle is considered the highlight of this model; it’s made of blue pearl kirinite with nickel-silver spacers. The knife is still relatively lightweight, weighing only 4 ounces. It’s designed with a clip-joint lock; easy release ensured every time.
Pros:
- Built very sturdy with an inlay shield.
- High-visuals.
- Corrosion-resistant blade.
- Safe and easy to use.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come sharpened.
- Buck Creek Trapper Red Pick Bone
Buck Creek Presents one of the most reliable trapper knives in the market. It has both the look and the qualities, also within an affordable range. If it’s your first trapper knife, you can go no wrong with this one, useful equally in indoor and outdoor tasks.
The length of this open and closed is respectively 7.25 inches and 4 inches, making it suitable for a wide variety of jobs. The trapper is furnished with two different blades, the 3.125-inch long clip-point with a sharp tip applicable in detail works in general and a spey blade useful in slicing and dicing. The blades are made of stainless steel with a satin finish. These are resistant to rust and corrosion, so minimum maintenance is enough to ensure a long lifespan.
The red pick bone handle offers an attractive look; it has a textured body, ensuring a comfortable slip-proof grip. The release mechanism is manual, too; you can use the nail-pick to open and close the blade.
Pros:
- Manufactured in Germany.
- Versatile & durable knife.
- Constructed from high-quality materials.
- Comfortable bone handle.
- Two functional blades.
Cons:
- Needs frequent sharpening.
- Case XX WR Pocket Knife 31048 Cv
Another quality addition from the Case, if you’re looking for a single-bladed Case trapper knife, then this knife will serve you just fine. The slimline series of the Case is designed with one blade, which is very handy in dealing with precise cuts, such as fleshing and skinning animals.
The knife measures about 4-⅛ inches long while closed, featuring outstanding workmanship. The 3.25 inches long clip-point blade is constructed of chrome vanadium steel. So, not only you’re getting the chrome finish but also the extreme durability and sharpness. It holds the edge exceptionally well and is not vulnerable to rust.
The ergonomically shaped yellow synthetic handle is comfy to hold and offers stability. Because of its simplistic design, you can use it as an everyday carry too. The build is solid, so no need to think twice before packing it with your camping and hunting gear.
Pros:
- Built to last.
- Superior blade.
- Lightweight yet strong.
- Easy to use and maintain.
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance.
- Old Timer 97OT Buzzsaw Trapper Knife
Old Timer presents a unique trapper knife designed with one saw blade among the two, instead of the typical clip-point and spey blade duo. This product has been designed with versatility and affordability in mind.
The blade is about 7.8 inches long when open, and the size is very convenient for almost all sorts of tasks. The 3.7 inches long blades are constructed of 7Cr17MoV high carbon steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance, and the steel allows it to take an impressive edge. You can use the thin saw blade in a wide variety of tasks too.
The haft folder is made sturdily with triple rivets, and Nickel-Silver bolsters. The overall status of the locking mechanism of the saw blade is applaudable with the use of heat-treated springs.
Pros:
- Great value for the price.
- Multi-purpose trapper knife.
- Comes with a sharp serrated blade.
- Features heat-treated back-springs.
- Includes a sheath.
Cons:
- Poor quality control.
- Boker Tree Brand Pocket Knife
True to its name, the Boker Tree Brand Trapper is a classic knife indeed. In one package, they’ve bundled all the necessary characteristics of an excellent trapper knife; you cannot be unsatisfied in any way, not in looks, not in the service.
When closed, the knife is approximately 4 inches long. This slimline trapper knife features a single clip-point made from quality-grade steel, the Solingen Stainless Steel. Manufactured in Solingen, Germany, they haven’t slacked off on the design one bit. It’s perfect inside out; the sharpness is just as impressive as the blade’s durability and strength.
The jigged brown bone handle is a pleasure to look at and a delight to work with. Its slim profile fits in any sized hand and ensures a firm grip while not being too heavy. The maintenance is not at all a drag, entirely on the contrary.
Pros:
- Solingen stainless steel blade.
- Features mirror finish.
- Sturdy triple-riveted handle.
- Offers great & long-lasting sharpness.
Cons:
- Stiff opening.
FAQ
Q: When do I need a trapper knife?
A: Trapper knives are a multi-purpose cutting tool with a wide field of the appliance. They are built pretty sturdily so that you can use them as an EDC like a regular folding knife, also take it while camping and hunting to deal with small animals or fishes; it’s sharp enough to handle most of the jobs out there. Besides outside, its functionality is well valued in domestic tasks too — opening letters, cutting ropes, tapes or bandages, even in the kitchen. You’ll find the trapper useful anywhere.
Q: What’s the purpose of a spey blade in a trapper knife?
A: Typically, you may find a spey blade as the second blade in a trapper design, but not all trappers have them. As the name indicates, the purpose of a spey blade is to castrate animals. The blunt tip and straight edge make sure of the safety of the to-be-operated animal. However, these blades come in extremely handy while skinning furry animals, carving, and peeling fruits; because of the blunt tip, it’s much safer to maneuver precisely, even with force.
Q: How many blades can a trapper knife have?
A: Trapper knives are more widely known to have two blades, a clip point blade for general use and a specialized blade, i.e., spey blade, etc. However, you can find models with a single blade or multiple blades, up to five. You can find blades such as Wharncliffe blade, sheepsfoot blade, etc., design on a trapper.
Q: How long should my trapper knife be?
A: The trapper knives from the present day are designed to be portable and easily fit in pockets. So, the blade’s closed length should range from 3-½ inches to 4-½ inches, so they are compact and easily transportable. Although not much popular these days, you may still find fixed blade trapper knives that are longer in size and typically used to skin animals.
Final Verdict
After going through many models, the above few are the ones I’ve chosen as some of the most competent trapper knives of today’s market. Because finding the best trapper knife for yourself is no easy job, as you’re going to rely on it at times of need, so you need to make sure it’s reliable first.
Many aspects come into play here; I’ve analyzed them thoroughly, reviewed them as impartial as possible, and laid out the pros and cons to ensure a sober judgment. Hopefully, you’ll find the article as useful as intended; best of luck!