Favorite "Classic American" Knife

451 - it's my contention that Case copied the Buck 110 to get the "Sharktooth." So, if that's the case, how can it really be an american classic? The Buck 110 came out in 1964. The Case version came later.

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That's like saying the 34 Plymouth Coupe isn't an American classic because the 32 Ford Coupe came out before it.

The Case is an improvement on the Buck with a handful of significant differences.

Of those choices, the Kabar. I was a Marine, after all.

My own personal choice, however, would be the trapper pattern. I don't know how old that design is overall, but Case has been cranking them out since the 20's, and I really like it.

The Trapper is a true American design as a similar knife was not cataloged at Sheffield prior to them being made here in the US in the early 1900's. A Trapper is considered a jackknife as it has two blade both opening from the same end. A thinner version showed up here in the 1920's and the mini-trappers in the 1970s. The large hunters were also called large trappers back then with the swell center being the most common. Single blade trappers were also made.

Jackknife

So, if a Trapper is a jackknife because both blades open from the same end, what would a Muskrat be? I have both a Trapper (toothpick & spey) and a Muskrat (toothpick & spey), the difference being that the Muskrat has a blade opening from either end.

I've also referred to a four-blade scout knife as a "jackknife" in the past, since that's a word I've heard folks use for it. I have typically used that term to refer to any pocket knife having one or more blades, usually non-locking. I've even referred to my smaller single-blade locking folders as "jackknife" in the past.

It looks like I'm about to learn something new.

Jackknife has become a somewhat generic term in the past 20 years but at one time described a certain style of knife. A clasp knife traditionally had a single blade such as the Sodbuster. Today these terms are used by so many folks interchangeably that the original definitions have been changed over the years. Add to that that folks named knives by adding a descriptive name to the word jackknife such as the harness jack which has an awl for leather added to one end. Also different companies called knives by names they tried to make descriptive. Volumes have been written on this subject but Bernie Levine's book is one of the best references out there.

significant differences

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Oh yea! You mean the price don't you. LOL

Oh yea! You mean the price don't you. LOL

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Ever wonder why a Chevette was cheaper than a Viper?

The Sharktooth is out of production but the Mako starts at under 30.

You keep hammering price point when there is really no difference.

Another Other vote...for the Case Peanut, though a Stockman is my usual pocketknife.

I also think the Shotgun Shell knives that Kershaw made are classics, particularly the one with the gut hook.

Pipe Hawk

Pipe tomahawks are pretty iconic americana...

The Peanut is largely considered a genteman's knife due to it's size but don't let that fool you, I have seen the small Peanut take on some pretty big jobs. I often carry a peanut as a social knife, the one that gets used in polite company. Small and unobtrusive, it doesn't raise eyebrows when used unlike some of the big black tacticals so many young'uns seem to favor today. Back in the day all the major US knife maker made this pattern, most with two blades some with one. Remington, Case, Schrade, Imperial, Ka Bar, etc. My Grandfather called it "the little knife that could". One of my favorites is the Colt on the right, just really like the spearpoint and those swedges.

Folding Hunters

For those who like the Peanut and who appreciate the Folding Hunter design, I invite you to try the Case Pocket Hunter.

If you've never seen the Pocket Hunter in person, imagine a Case Peanut, where the smaller pen blade is replaced with a "skinner" blade (basically a blade having a "normal" profile) that's the same length as the main clip-point blade. Then, because the blades are the same length, move the nail nick on the "skinner" blade to the same side as the main blade.

Presto -- you have a folding hunter. Essentially the same size and weight as the Peanut (give or take a gram or two), but having two "main" blades, either of which can be opened from the same grip.

I was slow to appreciate and adopt this knife because, never having seen the full-sized Case Folding Hunter, I thought the name ("Pocket Hunter") was absurd, especially given its size. It was only after my wife bought me a Folding Hunter that I made the connection. The next time I saw one for sale I took it home. I actually like the design better than the Peanut. It's easier to use, it is presentable in all the same contexts, and the blades are the same size.

I sure would like to have a couple in CV steel, though.

A lack of CV is why I have passed on many models Case offers.

You keep hammering price point when there is really no difference.

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Don't get me wrong. I really like my case knives. But, in general, they're just too expensive. BTW, where can I get a Mako for under $30?

it doesn't raise eyebrows when used unlike some of the big black tacticals so many young'uns seem to favor today.

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I am not so young anymore (I turn 40 this year), but there is hope! Research my threads of just a couple of years ago, and you will find that I thought that traditional style knives were as pointless as buggy whips and high-buckled shoes. Now? Now I own 7 knives that could accurately be called traditional, and other than collecting particular models of "tactical" knives (which, strictly interpreted, I own zero of) traditional knives are my main interest. What it boils down to, more than anything, is that I was just plain wrong about them. No, my trappers are not as suitable to some of the tasks I demand of my Endura, but they are more than adequate for virtually any normal daily task I have. Plus, as you say, they are more suitable in polite company.


A side note: I bought a Spyderco Kiwi three or four weeks ago, and it is a delightful little knife. What it is is Spydercos modern approach to the classic slipjoint design, and it's a real winner. Chinese made, but typical Spyderco quality, all for about 20 bucks. It is the single most ergonomic knife I own, and I like it enough that I often carry it in addition to a pocket-clipped blade. I have yet to let someone use it that wasn't surprised and interested in it. My mother, whose interest in knives is minimal (although I did pass along a CRKT Folts Minimalist to her to use on her church hiking trips that she really likes) liked the knife well enough that she ordered two: One for her purse and one for general house use. Give it a try if you haven't!

Since the question refers to a "Classic American Knife" I picked the Bowie...
The other choices, except "other", are good knives but but not as iconic as a Bowie.
JMHO YMMV

The "Green River" knives were popular in the frontier days.

BTW, the Randall #1 is a Bowie style clip point knife.

Buck 110
OT-8 Stockman
Any Barlow!

I'm going to vote for any knife that has a Sodbusterieness quality about it

I've had a Case Sodbuster in my pocket for years and it's a great do all knife.

Sodbusters rule!

The sodbuster is an old German pattern who original name translated as folding butcher knife (Shlachtmesser Zum Zulegen). In the US it was still a much admired pattern and in fact a knife very much like today's sodbuster was in Daniel Boone's kit bag. Case is the company that created the name "sodbuster" in the 1960's.

They are a great pattern and while they didn't originate here in the US they certainly have been around since before the US was a nation. They have always been a favorite pattern of mine and I carry one quite often. Mine include the basic Case in black delrin, a German Bull in stag below it, and a Fight'n Rooster...



I also have a large with custom scales...



and this "trapbuster" the results of combining two jr. sodbusters with some re-profiling of the blades...

451-Thanks for the history lesson man! That is cool! I learn something new here everyday. Very nice sodbusters! Thanks for sharing

-Fillet knives, Rapala, to similar designs. Another fact of the matter is, those in "fishing" environments, knew how to use "the tool" and therefore a lot of game, and household duties where carried out, with fillet knives.

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There is an older Rapala in my kitchen now, I prefer the more flexible blade than those found on most boning knives.

As for the Old Hickory...I think I have modded a half dozen of these of the years...

http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z271/reloader1959/?action=view&current=oldhickorysticker.jpg

-Fillet knives, Rapala, to similar designs. Another fact of the matter is, those in "fishing" environments, knew how to use "the tool" and therefore a lot of game, and household duties where carried out, with fillet knives.

Click to expand...

There is an older Rapala in my kitchen now, I prefer the more flexible blade than those found on most boning knives.

As for the Old Hickory...I think I have modded a half dozen of these of the years...

http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z271/reloader1959/?action=view&current=oldhickorysticker.jpg

Randall. Andy model

-Fillet knives, Rapala, to similar designs. Another fact of the matter is, those in "fishing" environments, knew how to use "the tool" and therefore a lot of game, and household duties where carried out, with fillet knives.

Click to expand...

There is an older Rapala in my kitchen now, I prefer the more flexible blade than those found on most boning knives.

As for the Old Hickory...I think I have modded a half dozen of these of the years...