The Mini TrapPER DIEM -- Your Daily Mini Trapper

[QTCut5]

DAY 108

Fish on Friday. OK, technically Abalone isn't "fish" (it's a sea snail), but it lives in water so it's close enough for government work (and, I assume, for Catholics, too). Religious dietary restrictions aside, Abalone is definitely one of the more interesting handle materials. I've gone into it's prodigious psychedelic properties previously so I won't delve into that aspect again. I will point out the obvious, however, that just like stag (and snowflakes, supposedly), every abalone handle is totally unique--no two are exactly alike. The colorful swirls are mesmerizing and have a depth that can draw you in the longer you stare at it and leave you in a mild hypnotic trance.

I know Case made an 8207 Abalone Mini Trapper, but, to the best of my knowledge, they never released a 107W with abalone scales. So, the only way to get an abalone 107W is to modify one yourself...or, better yet, have a professional modify it for you like my Mini TrapPER DIEM for today which is a Painted Pony mod by Michael Prater.

I'll be honest, I'm not usually a big fan of fancy file work--I'm a devout minimalist who prefers to keep things simple and uncluttered--so, excessive embellishments are not my cup of tea. Although it's highly unlikely that I would ever carry and use this knife, I like to maintain the illusion that I could EDC any of the knives in my collection if I wanted to. As far as I'm concerned, all the file work does is create many little spaces for collecting lint, dirt and debris. Aesthetically, it changes how I see the knife from a piece of functional art into a piece of decorative jewelry. But, as always, YMMV when it comes to certain adornments and embellishments on knives.

TGIF,
~Q~

You are getting sleepy...very sleepy...!

[jerryd6818]

Abalone is mesmerizing. Love it. As for the file work, we agree. Not so much. Thought it was pretty spiffy when I first saw it and as time wore on, my infatuation with file work wore off. Now? Meah. I could live a long, productive life if I never saw another knife with file work.

Edit: "Painted Pony mod by Michael Prater" started me thinking. We have several knife mechanics here on AAPK whose knife mods are spectacular and yet if you go to sell a knife they've mod'ed it will not bring near the $$$$ of one done by someone like a Michael Prater (I assume he's famous for his mods). Hmmm. Interesting.

[Lansky1]

Holy crap Q - that abalone 107W is the bee's knee's ! What a knife !!!!!!

[QTCut5]

DAY 109

Thanks, John...it's a well-known fact that when it comes to compliments nothing surpasses a comparison to bee's knees, so that is very high praise indeed.

I think you'll like (or at least recognize the color of) my Mini TRapPER DIEM for today because I'm pretty sure you have a matching Wharncliffe Copperlock (which you may feel free to post here should you feel so inclined even though it's not a Mini Trapper--OCD Monkey approves of posting knives with matching color handle scales).

In loosely keeping with the psychedelic theme of yesterday's Abalone 107W, today's Mini TrapPER DIEM provides a somewhat mellower visual experience. Nevertheless, make no mistake, this Purple Haze Bone has its own way of "acting funny, but I don't know why...'Scuse me, while I kiss the sky." (My apologies to Jimi Hendrix...I just couldn't resist.)

2014 CASE 6207 Jigged Purple Haze Bone Mini Trapper

BTW--This Purple Haze should not be confused with these Ultraviolet Mini Trappers which I previously posted--to the untrained eye they might appear similar, but obviously they're a different "trip" altogether (and a clever excuse to sneak in a repeat! Suck on that, OCD Monkey !!).

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

Boy, oh boy. I sure wouldn't mind latching on to one of those Ultraviolet Mini Trappers. Ultraviolet Mini Trappers, sex, drugs and rock & roll. What a combination. (you did mention Hendrix)

[QTCut5]

Ultraviolet Mini Trappers, sex, drugs and rock & roll. What a combination.

I'm happy to see that you listed them in the right order starting with the most important thing first...0bviously you've got your priorities straight!

~Q~

PS--In my case, the "drugs" are perscription pharmaceuticals that are as big as horse tranquilizers and really should be labled a choking hazard...they're about the furthest thing from recreational as you can get.

[QTCut5]

DAY 110

Yesterday I was scraping the bottom of my Mini Trapper barrel when I discovered a few unposted knives that actually make a mini theme--causing OCD Monkey to squeal with delight (you know how much he loves themes). I call it a "mini theme" because there aren't enough to fill an entire week. But, at least they'll keep the thread alive for a few days longer.

Today's Mini TrapPER DIEM, and the first in the mini theme of Case Collectors Club 07s, is this 2012 Life Member 6207 with Crimson Bone handle scales and a Case Collectors Club shield.

I think this Crimson Bone is my favorite of all the Case reds.

~Q~

[Lansky1]

DAY 109

Thanks, John...it's a well-known fact that when it comes to compliments nothing surpasses a comparison to bee's knees, so that is very high praise indeed.

I think you'll like (or at least recognize the color of) my Mini TRapPER DIEM for today because I'm pretty sure you have a matching Wharncliffe Copperlock (which you may feel free to post here should you feel so inclined even though it's not a Mini Trapper--OCD Monkey approves of posting knives with matching color handle scales).

In loosely keeping with the psychedelic theme of yesterday's Abalone 107W, today's Mini TrapPER DIEM provides a somewhat mellower visual experience. Nevertheless, make no mistake, this Purple Haze Bone has its own way of "acting funny, but I don't know why...'Scuse me, while I kiss the sky." (My apologies to Jimi Hendrix...I just couldn't resist.)~Q~

Q - I'm all about Case Purple Haze ... reminds me of one of my greatest guitar playing influences every time I pick one of them up. Here's to Kissing The Sky --->

[QTCut5]

Q - I'm all about Case Purple Haze ... Here's to Kissing The Sky --->

Wow, John, that's a nice group of Case Purple Haze knives...it seems you've gone beyond merely kissing the sky, though...you appear to be knee deep in a regular Purple Haze celestial orgy! Rock On, dude!

... reminds me of one of my greatest guitar playing influences every time I pick one of them up.

Gee, I never would've pegged you as a fan of Prince! (May the Prince of Purple Rain RIP--Reign In Purple!)


DAY 111

OK...now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Continuing the mini theme begun yesterday, today's Mini TrapPER DIEM is another Case Collectors Club Life Member 07, but this 2004 release is clad in Allegheny Mountain Bone and sports a CCC cloud shield.

FUN FACT: The Allegheny Mountain Range is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range and although it extends into north-central Pennsylvania, it does not include Bradford, PA, (the home of Case knives) in it's environs.

As I have mentioned once or twice before, I love Case tang stamps (see Day 8, page 4) and today's Mini TrapPER DIEM has an unusual one. Does anyone know what the letters "ACK" stand for? (I don't think it means Another Case Knife!)

FUN FACT #2: Did you happen to notice the (infamous) serial number stamped on the bolster? (Probably best not to carry this one to church )

~Q~

[Meridian_Mike]

Yikes!!
Doesn't it make you nervous to own that serial number? (LOL)...
Just don't let somebody come along and stamp that on your fore head.....

[jerryd6818]

Does anyone know what the letters "ACK" stand for? (I don't think it means Another Case Knife!)

~Q~

[QTCut5]

Yikes!!
Doesn't it make you nervous to own that serial number? (LOL)...

Maybe that explains why I got it for such a (helluva) good deal. You might even say I made "a devil's bargain"!

jerryd...nice try, but, I'm pretty sure Bill the Cat's Bloom County home isn't anywhere near the Allegheny Mtns.

~Q~

[jmh58]

Hey Q... Aint you outta Minis yet??!!
John

[jerryd6818]

John, you are just full of P&V today. Did you get a little lovin' last night or somethin'.

[jmh58]

John, you are just full of P&V today. Did you get a little lovin' last night or somethin'.

[QTCut5]

Hey Q... Aint you outta Minis yet??!!

Not quite, John...OCD Monkey still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

~Q~

[QTCut5]

DAY 112

Wow...it's already Tuesday again...my how the time flies. A week ago I lamented the finale of the Two-For-Tuesday tradition. However, as you may have suspected, OCD Monkey has found yet another loophole for breaking a rule. This time it's in deference to the more important standard of continuity in maintaining an established theme; in this case the mini theme of Case Collectors Club 07s.

Some of today's Mini Trappers have been previously posted, so technically they are repeats. But, since they fit (and finish) the current mini theme, an exception has been deemed appropriate and permission to repeat has been granted by the reigning Mini-Trapper Grand Poo-Bah who has the power and authority to alter, ammend, break or bend the rules that he himself established.

So, armed with this special dispensation and begging your indulgence, I present the grand fianle to the Case Collectors Club 07 mini theme in this nostalgic revival of the Two-For-Tuesday tradition--with the unprecedented added bonus of a second pair--for a double Two-For-Tuesday Mini TrapPER DIEM presentation. I hope you enjoy this little stroll down memory lane.

(Originally posted on DAY 67, Tues, Nov. 6, page 29)

2014 CASE CCC Regular Member 6107 Dynasty Jigged XXpresso Bone Mini Trapper

Technically, these next two aren't really a repeat since only one of them was previously posted (see DAY 27, Thurs, Sept. 27, page 14) and not as an official Mini TrapPER DIEM, just as an example to show the unique 61007 pattern number.

1997 CASE CCC Jr. Member 61007 Barehead Jigged Green Bone Mini Trapper

Did you notice the different number of dots in the date tang stamps on these two Jr. Member Mini Trappers and that one of them is missing the pattern number tang stamp entirely? What's up with that?

I think you'll have to agree with the Grand Poo-Bah that these knives were indeed worthy of a repeat presentation and thus we can justifiably absolve OCD Mini Trapper Monkey of any accusation of disrespectful disregard for the rules by an act of malicious repetition. (Not that he would have cared since OCD Monkey always believes his actions are not only completely justified, but self-evidently correct and rational and thus exempt from all criticism.)

~Q~

[QTCut5]

DAY 113

OK, I lied! It wasn't intentional, mind you, but I did say that yesterday's Mini-TrapPER DIEMs closed out the Case Collectors Club 07 mini theme. It turns out that's not actually true. The truth is, I have one more CCC 07 that I had completely forgotten about. What's even more incredible is that it had never been previously posted in this thread. Of this I am absolutely 100% certain because OCD Monkey forced me to meticulously scan each and every page of the thread...twice, before he would allow me to post this one today; OCD Monkey is a ruthless, demanding, borderline sadistic taskmaster, indeed.

So, here it is, the Mini-Trapper that somehow managed to avoid detection until now despite all indications to the contrary and which is totally incongruous with its very appearance. I mean, just look at this one and ask yourself how in the world something so blatantly unique, flashy even, could escape notice for so long in a crowd of otherwise mostly similar mini trappers? Although admittedly, the gray bone could easily be overlooked in a crowd, that blindingly bright brass bomb shield literally screams for attention, demanding to be noticed. If you were ever lost in the wildnerness or the middle of the ocean, you could probably use the super shiny shield to send a signal to a search & rescue aircraft passing several miles distant...possibly even in the dead of night!

1992 CASE CCC GY6107 Jigged Gray Bone Mini Trapper

Another cool feature on today's Mini TrapPER DIEM is the pattern number tang stamp on the reverse side of the single blade. I assume "GY" must be the Case designation for "Gray" .

Today's Mini-TrapPER DIEM hereby concludes and finalizes the CCC 07 mini theme once and for all (unless, of course, any loyal followers happen to have one they'd like to share...which goes without saying, is always srongly encouraged and very highly appreciated).

Still unwilling to give up, OCD Monkey continues to root around in the dark recesses of my nearly empty mini-trapper barrel, scraping the bottom furiously, convinced there must be more Mini Ts that haven't been posted yet. He sure is a stubborn little simian. I, for one, can't wait to see what he pulls out of his...um...er...I mean, what he manages to find to post next.

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

You are correct ~Q~, that is a fresh face. My memory cells are a bit iffy these days but now and then they cough, sputter and kick in like an old Model T Ford engine. I still have nothing to show but I do have three on my wish list that are possibly for January. Keeping my fingers crossed on those.

[QTCut5]

DAY 114


Well, well, well...what do we have here? Appears to be another gray bone Mini T lurking in the shadows. Nothing too glamorous or alluring about this one...not even a "GY" in the pattern number...just a plain jane, ho-hum, run-of-the-mill 6207 that happens to be gray...no showstopper here, folks.

And yet, if you stop to think about it, bland and unpretentious though it may be in comparison to other colors, gray is actually a philosophically fascinating color. Many people (perhaps even most) like to think in terms of black and white, right and wrong, cut and dried, pro and con, etc., because it simplifies what is otherwise a complex world and makes tough decisions easier. In reality, however, the myriad aspects of life are rarely so easily defined, classified, quantified, qualified or justified; there are many, many shades of gray. There's even a phrase commonly used to identify uncertainty, especially in areas of moral ambiguity: "That's a gray area" which suggests that there's no obvious "right" answer to a particular question or clear course of "correct" action in a given situation.

Gray is also the color of theories and hypotheses--the stuff that's produced by the gray matter contained in your cranial cavity.

So, don't be too quick to dismiss gray as an uninteresting or insignificant color...after all, it sits at the crossroad where the absence of all color and the presence of all light intersects the presence of all color and the absence of all light. Try and wrap your gray matter around that concept as you gaze at today's gloriously gray Mini-TrapPER DIEM.

2010 CASE 6207 Jigged Gray Bone Mini Trapper

FUN FACT: The color produced by combining various quantities of black and white can be spelled either "gray" or "grey"; both spellings are considered correct. It's one of a handful of words in the English language that has two accepted spelling variations (thanks to the Brits).

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

Stop it now! Just stop it! I'm over budget for the month of December and here you go, making me lick my chops over another fine looking Mini-Trapper. It's not fair, I tell ya. It just ain't fair.

[QTCut5]

DAY 115

Time to mix things up a bit, get away from Case 07s and throw in a few OTCs for variety.

Now, I know that you loyal, die-hard, hardcore Mini-Trapperists might think my Mini-TrapPER DIEM for today is a repeat. But, after reviewing all the pages of this thread for the umpteenth time, I can assure you it has never been posted as a PER DIEM knife. It did, however, make a very brief cameo along with some other knives (under the MSMD Ammendment) way back on DAY 24, and it also appeared in the Ode To The 07 thread. So, I can understand your confusion--I, too, was sure I had already posted it (which I had, just not in this thread). But, since this one is a 51, not an 07, I feel it's more appropriate here.

Speaking of pattern numbers...I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love Case pattern numbers because of all the information they contain about each specific knife. As much as I love Queen/Schatt & Morgan mini trappers, I've never learned how to decipher their pattern numbers. All I know is that the 51 at the end is the model number for a 3 1/2" dogleg frame. But, I haven't got a clue what the other numbers stand for. OCD Monkey finds it curious (and not a little bit annoying) that the exact same pattern number can be found on two similar but different S&M knives. What kind of way is that to classify and organize anything?

~Q~

[jerryd6818]

DAY 115

As much as I love Queen/Schatt & Morgan mini trappers, I've never learned how to decipher their pattern numbers. All I know is that the 51 at the end is the model number for a 3 1/2" dogleg frame. But, I haven't got a clue what the other numbers stand for. OCD Monkey finds it curious (and not a little bit annoying) that the exact same pattern number can be found on two similar but different S&M knives. What kind of way is that to classify and organize anything?

PB030010.JPGPB030008.JPGPB030009.JPG

~Q~

I don't have a complete identifying chart but I have figured out some of them.

The model # 032 229

03 = handle material, in this case stag
2 = number of blades

2 = blade profile, in this case a spear blade
29 = knife pattern, in this case English Jack

It's a daunting task and I only have a few documented but here they are.

[colin.p]

WOW. It's all I can really say.

DAY 107

Today's lesson, boys and girls, is about the basic economics of supply and demand. It's no secret that when a government, no matter how well-intentioned, bans a popular commodity, it doesn't necessarily reduce the demand...in fact, often, prohibition only ends up causing scarcity, i.e., less supply, which drives up prices and can lead to the establishment of an underground black market. This phenemenon has been seen at various times throughout history; some of the more notable examples include alcohol, switchblades and recreational drugs--you know, the really good stuff that makes life fun, interesting and/or tolerable. (On a side note: it's curious that the government has never banned war or marshmallows--those things are disgusting and have no redeeming social or nutritional value whatsoever!)

By now, I'm sure you know what this is leading to: Ivory. For as long as I have been a knife collector, my all-time favorite handle material has always been ivory. I don't know why, but it's true. There's something about ivory that quickens my pulse and touches my soul like no other substance in the world. As far as I'm concerned, ivory is the gold standard of knife handle materials...in fact, "gold standard" is a misnomer, it should be called the "ivory standard" since ivory is not only more rare, but much more desirable than gold. I could fill a page or two praising the beauty of ivory, but I know you would rather just look at some pictures; although, to be perfectly honest, pictures only tell half the story--ivory really must be held, touched and felt to fully appreciate the depth and scope of it's incomparable essence.

Today's Mini TrapPER DIEM is a rare Case IV207 with factory ivory and scrimshaw.

PC110026.JPGPC110027.JPG

And, since today is Threesday, allow me to present this trio of Case Ivory Mini Trappers all bearing the "IV" prefix in the pattern number tang stamp to denote genuine ivory.

PC110030.JPGPC110029.JPG

~Q~

[QTCut5]

WOW. It's all I can really say.

colin.p: I'm not sure if your comment is in reference to the ivory knives (the emoji drooling over the beautiful ivory), or my long-winded diatribe on prohibition (the emoji drooling because he fell asleep from sheer boredom). But, regardless of how it was intended, I'll choose to interpret it as the former...so, Thanks!

~Q~