Ode To The 07

[QTCut5]

I think you made a good choice. I see a lot of 6.5 Bone Stag 07Ws for sale on eBay (often you can get a brand new one in the $30-$40 range), but who knows how long the Burnt Amber will be available?

Of course, it's impossible for me to say I like one model more than the other; I like both. But, I, too, really like the look of the threaded bolsters on the Burnt Amber--I wish Case would make more 07s with threaded/grooved bolsters. It's a classy look, IMHO.

Some of Cases 6.5 Bone Stag is fatter than their other bone and has irregular variations in thickness to better mimic real stag.

If a thicker handle is preferred, then the 6.5 Bone Stag is the way to go.

Burnt Amber, 6.5 Bone Stag, 6.5 Bone Stag

[QTCut5]

Although my other 07W/Trapp2Cliffes pairs all have smooth bone and diamond shields, this Caribbean Blue Jigged Bone pair is also part of that particular subset.

[jerryd6818]

~Q~, you finally found a way to stand out from the crowd.

I like 'em.

[QTCut5]

Actually, jerryd...what I've "found" is a way to justify buying duplicates of 07Ws I already have.
As long as I can keep Lansky1 on retainer, I could potentially replicate my entire 07 collection with matching TrappCliffes & Trapp2Cliffes. (OCD Monkey heartily approves this worthy goal! )

[steve99f]

The burnt amber MT looks really good Q! tempting.......

[QTCut5]

Two new Mini-Ts to add to my pile:

First up is this Kershaw 4381 Gadsden which was gifted to me by an AAPK member who's been known to frequent these parts from time to time, my good friend and fellow Mini Trapperist, jerryd...maybe you've heard of him? Great guy...full of surprises. Anyway, he has instructed me to give a "fair and honest appraisal" and to abstain from "glowing praise" just because it was a gift.

OK, that's fine...I think I can do that.

Although I have other knives with black handles, this is currently my only black Mini-T. So, right off the bat it scores points for uniqueness. Also, this is my only Mini-T with G-10 covers. And, it's the only Mini-T in my collection made by Kershaw (I'm cuckoo for Kershaw); it just keeps on racking up points right and left.

But that's all subjective. Objectively, I have no complaints...other than the fact that it's made in China, which always makes me somewhat wary and causes an automatic squinty-eyed sidelong glance reflex. But, I should know by now that Kershaw ain't gonna slap their brand on just any old Chinese POS, no siree. And the eponymous Gadsden truly is a knife that cannot be summarily dismissed nor disrespected (nor symbolically "tread upon" to be more literal). It ticks all the boxes of a perfectly functional mid-size folding knife. Everything is nicely tuned up, lined up and flush; blades centered, relatively smooth run-up to the back spring, razor sharp edges, smooth walk and snappy talk (although no half-stop), perfect nail nick placement on the clip master blade, low ricasso corners when closed. It's clearly a 'working knife' more so than a collectible, though, as evidenced by the brush-finished, i.e., no fingerprint, blades and bolsters and lack of unnecessary embellishments like a shield. Although I'm still not a fan of G-10 on a Mini-T (don't mind the look, just don't like the synthetic feel...wish it had more tactile texture like the Beretta Trident...oh, wait, that's carbon fiber), all-in-all, the Gadsden is a solid little knife that I am very happy to add to my collection. Thank you jerryd!

Next up: Keen Kutter KKRD07 (that's right, it's an "07") Smooth Red Bone Mini Trapper.
OK, I'll just admit it, I got this one because of the shield. Another unique addition to my pile. I was happy to see that it was made in USA, but I did not realize until I got it that it was made by Bear & Son Cutlery (definitely not one of my preferred American cutlery companies). I feel it is a notch or two higher in quality than the B&S knives I have owned in the past...and, ya gotta admit...that is a pretty cool shield, huh!

[Modern Slip Joints]

You have no black bone 6*07 knives in your collection? That's a serious shortage of Mini-Ts that needs to be addressed. I own a smooth black bone 6220SS Peanut. I occasionally see other Case patterns with jigged black bone at auction on evil bay so a black 6*07 must be out there. You do not want to be caught unprepared when you need one for tactical black ops. My Peanut is sharp and ready.

[jerryd6818]

I'm glad it passed muster ~Q~. They're just a plain old, solid, unpretentious, work-a-day knife.

[QTCut5]

I agree that black is best for tactical ops, and I do have a number of black tactical knives (mostly Kershaw, BTW), but I guess I've never really considered a Mini Trapper to be a "tactical" knife. But, I guess when the need arises one must be prepared to improvise (you never know when you might be attacked by a ninja...so, keep that peanut handy!)

If I were more interested in black Mini-Ts, I think I would probably prefer ebony wood over anything synthetic. I tried this Smooth Black Composite 2207, loved the shield and bolster stamp, but the slick black synthetic handle never really grabbed me, so I sold it.

[QTCut5]

I'm glad it passed muster ~Q~. They're just a plain old, solid, unpretentious, work-a-day knife.

Agreed. And, BTW...I would happily EDC the Gadsden if it had a pocket clip (for me, a clip is essential on any knife I carry).

[jerryd6818]

We all have our preferences. To each his own. To me, it just says blue jeans and work boots.

[jmh58]

We all have our preferences. To each his own. To me, it just says blue jeans and work boots.

This one too..

[jerryd6818]

Actually John, that's a good comparison and one I had in the back of my mind.

[QTCut5]

I would never have bid $15.50 for this knife if I didn't know that War Eagle Blades is one of AG Russell's made-in-China products
($23.46 total after tax + s/h). Technically it may not be an "07" but it is a Mini-T (I think AGR just called this a dogleg trapper). As expected...it's better than expected! And BONUS for adding another unique shield to my Mini-T collection.

[jerryd6818]

Congratulations Mr. Eagle Eye. Very nice grab.

[jmh58]

Congratulations Mr. Eagle Eye. Very nice grab.

John

[jerryd6818]

.
Finally.

[jmh58]

John

[QTCut5]

Oooooo...niiiiice! Love that Crimson Red Bone (Roll, Tide!)
Good score, jerryd...worth the wait.

[Lansky1]

.
Finally.

Gotta concur Jerry - that crimson bone is def one of the best late model colors from Case (bet it looks even better in person) - really like that alot.

[jerryd6818]

Thanks fellers. Gotta tell ya boyz. She's a looker.

[QTCut5]

That Crimson Red looks an awful lot like this Tested Red (remember the confusion over the abbreviation "TST" on the box label?)

Beautiful Color!

Oh no...I feel an OCD Monkey "Red" fixation coming on. Better prepare for the Red 07 photoflood onslaught that's sure to follow.

[QTCut5]

RED ALERT!!

These are all the red handled knives I own

07Ws

Red Mini-Ts + Ratcliffe

[jerryd6818]

~Q~ You do have a thing for Wharnies. Me too but I can't even see your tail lights.

[Nev52]

As requested by QTCut5 I am posting my Case 6207. Who knows I might find another. I keep finding knives I forgot I had.