The Mini TrapPER DIEM -- Your Daily Mini Trapper

[QTCut5]

DAY 8


Welcome to week two of The Mini TrapPER DIEM where the fun never ends. For your entertainment, I present a challenge: Can you guess the unifying "theme" for the mini trappers I select to show this week? In case it wasn't clear, last week's theme was "Simply Red." OK, that was tricky because the Burnt Oatmeal Barn Shield MT I posted on DAY 5 obviously is not red--but, I had an unexpected trip to the hospital ER the day before which kept me from taking and posting a new photo, so I was forced to use one from the archives. But, not to worry, it just so happens that the first Mini T this week fits perfectly in this week's theme and fortuitously will also serve to provide a sense of continuity and a method to my OCD madness...the type of madness that probably has you seeing red (because it's yet another red handled mini trapper!)

OK, let the games begin:

1991 Case DR6207SS Date Stamped Dark Red Jigged Bone Mini Trapper

One thing I've always loved about Case knives is the tang stamps. They're kind of like a secret code that gives so much information about a particular knife: year of manufacture, handle material, number and (sometimes) type of blade(s) and blade steel. And in the case of this Dark Red bone, even a special designation ("DR") for the specific handle color.

Once you think you know this week's theme, post your guess right here for all to see--preferably along with a photo of your own daily Mini Trapper. Bonus Points will be awarded if the knife you post also correctly fits the theme--in the proper order (hint, hint ).

The first person to correctly identify my theme will win a sweet prize (and, believe me, it's totally worth playing for). But, I would caution you not to be too hasty; each participant is allowed only ONE guess, so you may want to wait until you're absolutely sure you know the theme before attempting to guess it.

Good Luck, and Happy Mini Trapper-ing!

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

My guess is knives made 1990-1993. (per the tang stamp)

If I'm wrong, here's one that goes with yours anyway.

[QTCut5]

My guess is knives made 1990-1993.

Wow, that's a bold and confident move to try and guess the theme based on only one sample. Thanks for playing; but, unfortunately, your guess is incorrect. My comment about the tang stamps was a bit of a red herring--I know there are a lot of very smart AAPK members out there and I wouldn't want this contest to be too easy (now you see how devious I can be ).

But, do not despair, jerryd, mon frere, if nobody correctly guesses the theme by next Friday, 9/14/2018, I'll rescind the one guess rule and allow everyone to guess as much as they like until someone gets it right...the prize for winning is just too good to go unclaimed (but it must be rightfully earned).

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

It was my only guess so no use in holding on to it. Since I failed so miserably, I've come up with another guess but restricted by the one guess rule I'll have to hold on to it for now.

[QTCut5]

It's also entirely possible that you may end up being the only contestant...in which case I suppose you'll eventually win by default.

~Q~

[bestgear]

OK Q, I'll play your little OCD game early and eliminate one of the possibilities for future players. Since you started this week with a 1991 version, my hypothesis is that you will end the week with a 1997 version which is when Case dropped the satin finish on knives with natural handle materials including the Mini Trapper.....so my guess is that this weeks theme is satin finish blades.

PS -Love the thread!

[QTCut5]

jerryd: Nice brown bone dated tang stamp Mini T, BTW. Even though it doesn't fit my theme of the week, it's a great looking knife.

I am always amazed that many people dismiss and/or disparage the later year Case knives. While I agree they may not have the same level of quality as the earlier year models, IMO they are still really good knives...certainly not cheap junk "gas station" knives by a long shot. As far as I'm concerned, Case and Queen are perfect for mid-level collectors (like me) because they are decent quality knives at affordable prices with tons of options to appeal to every taste and style. And for me personally, the Mini Trapper pattern is the perfect size and shape...the quintessential "pocket knife."

~Q~

[QTCut5]

my guess is that this weeks theme is satin finish blades.

Another gladiator has stepped boldly forward and accepted the challenge! I knew there were some brilliant folks here on AAPK with profound knife knowledge, but I'm sorry to say that your (amazingly insightful) guess is also incorrect.

If I may make a suggestion to potential future participants...When I was in school, my geometry teacher taught me that it requires two points to establish a line, but it requires a minimum sample size of three (of anything) to establish a pattern. Following that logic, I would expect that, barring a stroke of sheer luck, Monday's mini trapper post should be the one that will be the key to determining my theme.

Keep those brain cells a-churnin' and the hypotheses a-formulatin'...someone's bound to get it sooner or later. Also, keep this in mind: I'm a simple knife hobbyist, not an expert "knifeologist" like most of you, so try not to overthink this little contest too much.

~Q~

[bestgear]

Thanks Q.....At least with jerryd I'm in good company

[bladebuddy]

Q , I’ll share a picture and take a guess in your contest. Picture is of my only 2 07’s. A 2004 (red) and a 2006. I agree that the mini trapper is not too big and not too small. Feels good in the hand.

My guess for this week’s theme is “tang stamps with special designators.” Thanks for the game. It made me look at two of my knives more closely. They are rarely carried. Steve B.

[QTCut5]

OK, now this is what I was hoping for...mini trappers are starting to come out of the woodwork...that's exactly what we want to see--keep posting photos of mini trappers, folks, that's the main thing...the contest is secondary.

Steve B.: two fine examples of the 07 pattern...I especially like the jigging on the amber(?) bone 07. Nice try, but it appears you took the red herring contest bait regarding tang stamps that I used to chum the water...a noble guess, but, “tang stamps with special designators” is not the correct answer that will reel in the big trophy, I'm afraid. You're in good company (with Tom & Jerry!), so stay tuned...you might get another shot at it on Friday.

~Q~

[bestgear]

I forgot about my 9 Official BSA Case Mini Trappers - my contributions to catch-up to a very fun thread - well played Q

[QTCut5]

YES! Very cool BSA Mini T's, Tom. Brought back some very good memories of my scouting days as a boy growing up in Wyoming. I was one of those overly-enthusiastic scouts who started at age 11 and completed my Eagle at age 13 (one positive result of my OCD, I suppose). I went to scout camp every year I could and loved every minute of it...couldn't get enough; I literally lived and breathed the Boy Scout life for the better part of my youth.

I carted all my scouting memorabilia around with me my whole life, all throughout college and my years as a teacher in Upstate NY & Southern CA. Then, I moved to Hawaii and it was put into storage with all the accumulated detritus of my life. Tragically, just this past Spring I was cleaning out the garage and found that my treasure trove of scouting history was entirely covered in mold and mildew...everything was totally ruined: my Eagle neckerchief, scout uniform with all my special patches, my merit badge sash, skill awards belt..total loss...everything. It literally brought me to tears to have to throw it all away...like tearing out a chunk of my soul, it really hurt.

But, seeing your BSA Mini Trappers reminded me that even though I no longer have the physical relics, I will always have the knowledge and memories of one of the early formative experiences of my life. Thank you for posting them...that has really made my day.

Cheers & Aloha,
~Q~

[bestgear]

I feel your pain Q, check your PM's.

[QTCut5]

DAY 9

Although I have more Mini Trappers in my collection than any other single pattern, it's curious that I never actually intentionally chose to collect Mini Trappers on purpose. I was actually focusing on collecting knives with Wharncliffe blades and just happened to stumble into collecting Mini Trappers by chance because Case just happens to make a 6107W (with a single Wharncliffe blade) and a 6207W with a Wharncliffe secondary--like today's Mini TrapPER DIEM (and second in this week's theme sequence). Once I had collected every Case 07W I could find, I discovered that I had fallen in love with the pattern itself and began collecting Mini Trappers with the more traditional Clip/Spey blade combination as well. Before long, I was adding Mini Trappers made by any and every manufacturer I could find to my collection (not just Case) regardless of the number or configuration of blades. Next thing I knew, Mini Trappers became my knife of choice...quite by accident. I guess you could say that Mini Trappers chose to be collected by me more than the other way around.

2009 Case 6207W Smooth Persimmon Orange Bone Wharncliffe Mini Trapper

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

That smooth Orange Bone is quite attractive.

[QTCut5]

That smooth Orange Bone is quite attractive.

Indeed it is.

I'm pretty sure you remember, jerryd, that it was you who first introduced me to AAPK; however, I wonder if you realize that you are also responsible for opening my eyes to the beauty of orange handled knives? It's true...before I saw photos of your many orange knives, I had never appreciated just how beautiful a color it is. Now, I have almost as many orange Mini Trappers as red ones and I love them all (unfortunately, I am restricted by my own rules to posting only one Mini Trapper per day...otherwise I would fill a page or two with nuthin' but orange knives).

(Mmmm...Suddenly I feel like having a glass of orange juice...or a mimosa...cheers!)

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

jerryd, that it was you who first introduced me to AAPK;
~Q~

I did? How in the "hey diddle, diddle" did I do that 'cause I don't remember it.

[QTCut5]

jerryd, that it was you who first introduced me to AAPK;
~Q~

I did? How in the "hey diddle, diddle" did I do that 'cause I don't remember it.

eBay sale of one Case #85 Dr. Knife Goldflake s/n 13.


~Q~

[steve99f]

Those persimmon handles 07's are very attractive! I don't have one of those but I have one of these.

[wazu013]

Parker made Craftsman.

[jerryd6818]

jerryd, that it was you who first introduced me to AAPK;
~Q~

I did? How in the "hey diddle, diddle" did I do that 'cause I don't remember it.

eBay sale of one Case #85 Dr. Knife Goldflake s/n 13.


~Q~

Now I remember.

[QTCut5]

steve: I love the 6.5 bone stag...that was the first handle material that got me started collecting knives based on handle material...and it looks great on your 07W.

wazu: thanks for showing an OTC (Other Than Case) Mini T. I admit that the majority of my Mini Trappers are Case, but that's only because I started collecting Case knives first. Stick with this thread long enough and eventually I'll run out of Case 07s and start showing more Mini Ts made by other companies...could take awhile, though. (I curse the idiot who came up with the "one-knife-per-day" rule for this thread! Does he expect us all to live as long as Methuselah? )

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

Yeah, what he said. String him up in the town square. That'll teach him to make silly rules like that.

[QTCut5]

DAY 10

Actually, I love rules...I really do. I love ALL aspects of rules: I love making them (gives me a sense of power and control), I love following them (gives me a sense of security, order and accomplishment), and I especially love breaking them (gives me a sense of freedom). It's somewhat of a conundrum for a free-spirited person like me because, let's face it, there's not much point in having rules if you're going to constantly be breaking them. The trick to rules, I think, is in understanding that their purpose is actually not to confine and restrict freedom, but to provide freedom...freedom from chaos, freedom from fear and uncertainty and even the freedom from making bad choices that could lead to unhappiness, pain or loss. The "one-knife-per-day" rule that was imposed on this thread may seem arbitrarily restrictive, but it really does provide certain freedoms as well, primarily the freedom from having to decide how many Mini Trappers to post on any given day and the freedom from getting bored by Mini Trapper overload. One-per-day keeps it fresh and interesting because you never know what the next day will bring.

Today's Mini TrapPER DIEM is probably my least favorite Mini Trapper for several reasons: it has synthetic handles (my least favorite handle material), it's yellow (not one of my preferred color choices), and it is made of CV steel (which has a tendency to rust the second you set it down...maybe it's a good steel for a using knife, but it's definitely not a good steel for a collecting knife). Honestly, the only reason I even bought it is because the Wharncliffe blade outweighs all those negative factors. But, love it or hate it, it's my only Mini T that fits in the sequence of this week's mystery theme; and, being the third sample, should be key to determining the unifying relationship of this week's selection of Mini Trappers. Does anyone see a pattern here yet?

2015 Case 3107W Yellow Synthetic Wharncliffe Mini Trapper

Maybe this will help...

See what I did there? I found a way to follow the rule by posting only ONE Mini Trapper, while at the same time breaking the rule (or at least stretching the boundaries a bit) by posting multiple photos of it (and I also added a banana because there's no rule prohibiting the use of props).

Have a great day...and remember it's important to always follow the rules (and not to get caught if you break them!)

~Q~