Slimlline Trapper

[313 Mike]

Hello everyone, I'm new here, but have read through quite a few of the old posts and have learned a ton of things! There is a vast amount of knowledge here, and this fourm is a great tool to use as a reference, very cool indeed!
I have been carrying a Case Slimline Trapper for a year or so now, with the black "gumfuddy" handle, great knife and I really enjoy the utility of the pattern, blade design is great for a lot of different daily uses, long enough to slice with, sharp and pointed enough with the clip blade for piercing, sturdy enough to cut boxes, easy enough to get open quickly, use, then slip back in the pocket in one smooth motion, slim enough to be comfortable in a variety of different pant pockets, and light enough to not feel bulky. I also like the fact that there is only one blade, which makes it easier to align quickly in my hand and easier to access the nail nick without another blade in the way.
I was wondering if anyone would have any info to share regarding the history of the "slimline trapper" pattern...was it an evolution of the traditional trapper pattern as the name implies? Or is a style that was developed independent of the trapper? Was (is) Case the only American company that has made the slimline trapper style?
I am just eager to learn, and curious, and would love to hear anything anyone has to offer regarding this style knife and it's history. Thanks much.

[woseyjales]

Welcome to the AAPK community Mike.
Since you are new and seeking background information
I suggest you obtain a copy of Steve Pfeiffer's book
Collecting Case Knives-Identification and Price Guide.
Good foundation of general history of Case and your slimline
trapper is covered more thoroughly in the knife patterns
section under the 048 pattern pages 170-173.

Queen makes a similar model they refer to as a utility knife.
Pattern #11 is 4 inch closed length.

Schrade USA produced 3 7/8" single blade trappers you may
want to check out. 94OT and linerlock 194OT

[Gunstock Jack]

Here is a remodled 61048, a very useful pattern.

[jerryd6818]

How long has that pattern been around? Well, here's a Schatt & Morgan from before they went bankrupt in the late 1920s and were sold to Queen Cutlery at a Sheriff's sale in 1933.

[313 Mike]

Thanks for the tip on the book woseyjales, I will seek out a copy and study up.
That old Queen is a great lookin' knife, apparently that pattern has been around for quite a while and stood the test of time! Making my living as a chef I find the blade shape particularly useful for some food preperation tasks as well as edc purposes. Although my favorite pocket knife for food prep is by far the full size toothpick, you'll never find a better slicer than that in a foldable blade, although it's size makes it a bit more cumbersome to carry than the slimline trapper style, which is why I tend to grab the slimline ahead of the toothpick.

[jmh58]

I had a Queen #11 on my kitchen table to cut my food for the last 10yrs.. It sliced everything food wise I can think of.. Just recently switched to a large Case barlow.. The jury is still out on that!! John