All About Pocket Knives

Posted: **Sun Oct 11, 2020 3:08 pm**

MTTP: Tested XX Era (1920-1940)

Since we're creating a timeline of the Case Mini Trapper I thought it would be interesting to consider what was was happening at the time the knives were being made.

The Tested era covers two decades: 1920s & 1930s, both of which contain many significant U.S. and world historical events.

Normally when I think about the past it's in the context of my own life, i.e., where was I and what was I doing at a particular moment in history? However, I wasn't around during the Tested era and I doubt anyone reading this right now was alive during the Tested era either (except maybe Sut Tatersaul). My 82 yr old father was born in 1938 so he was just a wee toddler when the Tested era ended in 1940.

The first decade of the Tested era, 1920, is the only decade in American history to get its own nickname: "The Roaring Twenties," but it wasn't all just flappers and jazz bands that defined this era. Much like today, the U.S. was dealing with a flu pandemic (Spanish Flu) that began in February 1918 and didn't end until April 1920. Looking at the state of things today, one wonders if we've learned anything from our history or if we're doomed to repeat it and have to endure the coronavirus for another two years. Kinda weird to wonder if my Tested era Mini Trapper might've been made by, used by or even just carried in the pocket of someone who had Spanish Flu...or died from it.

Despite the nickname, the 1920s was a time of great hardship. Not only was the country dealing with the flu pandemic, but to make things even harder there was that pesky little thing called the 18th Amendment, or as it's more commonly known: Prohibition. If you think things are hard for us today, just imagine what it was like back then: not only were people fearing for their lives and dropping like flies from the flu, but they weren't even allowed to drown their sorrows in alcohol.

Another event from 1920 that seems particularly relevant to current events of today: In November 1920 the first commercially-licensed radio station began broadcasting live results of the presidential election. This was effectively the birth of modern mass media. In the election, Republican Warren G. Harding beat Democrat James M. Cox to become the 34th President of the USA.

Speaking of elections...believe it or not, women in the U.S. have only had the right to vote for just over 100 years. That's right, the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was passed on August 18, 1920 (the last state to secure a "yes" vote, Tennessee, voted 50-49 in favor of women's suffrage in the House of Representatives). With passage of the 19th Amendment, 1920 became the first (and only) year in which the U.S. Constitution was amended twice in a single year. Every woman living in Tennessee should receive a free Mini Trapper after they vote this year!

Posted: **Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:35 pm**

World War One made a major historical mark as the nineteen teens wound down.

The Spanish Flu ran it's course and so will Covid.

The 1920's and Prohibition ushered in the era of growth for gangs such as Al Capone and his ilk.

The Depression was the major marker for the 1930s, made worse by the Dust Bowl.

On the positive side, the list of inventions that shaped America in the boom years of the 1920s included the automobile assembly line (first appeared On December 1, 1913), the airplane, the washing machine, the radio, the assembly line for products other than automobiles, refrigerator, garbage disposal, electric razor, instant camera, jukebox, etc.

Posted: **Wed Oct 14, 2020 4:54 pm**

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 7:18 am**

MTTP: Tested XX Era (1920-1940)

I won't lie, I'm a bit disappointed because I was hoping to see more than one Tested era 07 to begin the Mini Trapper Timeline; but I'm really not too surprised. Much like the owners and collectors themselves, it's only natural for the number of 80-100 year old 07s either in circulation or lingering in a storage facility to decrease over time.

But, before we move on to another era there are a few points of interest on the timeline from the Tested era that occurred during the 1930s decade that are worth mentioning.

Earlier, jerryd mentioned the Great Depression which is recorded in history as occurring from August 1929 to March 1933. Several factors contributed to cause the Great Depression but the impetus is generally attributed primarily to the stock market crash on Wall Street in October 1929. Most historians cite the massive spending during WWII as the event that ended the Great Depression. During the depression, with millions of dollars of investments gone and millions of people unemployed, it seems likely that fewer pocketknives would have been produced and purchased. It would be interesting to know Case's production totals for that decade, especially how many 07's were made. Seems likely that the manufacture and sale of almost any product during this difficult time would experience a sharp decline, including pocketknives--despite the fact that Tested era Case knives were undeniably a useful tool and a quality product. Perhaps that's one reason they're somewhat rare and hard to find today (at least the ones still in mint condition).

Nevertheless, despite the myriad difficulties associated with it's early years, the stalwart little 07 has persisted until today much like many of the New Deal programs instituted by President FDR that were designed to overcome the effects of those years of economic devastation and hardship and protect the future of America. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the politics of the New Deal (liberal or conservative), we all enjoy many benefits as a result of it to this day. Far too many to list, but some of the more common programs include Social Security, FDIC, SEC, TVA, and thousands of projects completed by the PWA and CCC in construction, infrastructure, national forests, etc. Had I been alive during this time I'm sure I would have wanted a Case 6207 in my pocket as I worked with my fellow Americans to get America back up and running...and I can only believe that many of the men working for the PWA and CCC probably carried one, too.

Next stop on the Mini Trapper Timeline: XX era (1940-1964)

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 3:55 pm**

Time waits for no man, so moving right along...

Mini Trapper Timeline:

XX Era (1940-1964)

Unlike during the Tested era, I'm sure many, if not most. AAPK members were alive for at least some portion of the XX era. In fact, it would come as no surprise to learn that most AAPK members were actually born during the XX era. Personally, however, I cannot be counted among that distinguished group known collectively as "Baby Boomers"; I missed it by one year, which puts me right at the beginning of Gen X. Curiously, the "Boomers" were born during the XX era and the Gen Xers during the U.S.A. era which seems backwards to me (in a strictly nomenclature sense). But, what's in a name, anyway? You can't judge a book by it's title, but very often it's entirely possible to judge a knife by it's era. So, let's take a gander at the XX era 07.

This jigged red bone 6207 is my one and only XX era Mini Trapper. It's not "mint" owing to the "spider" on the pile side tip of the clip blade. But, as far as construction and quality are concerned it's just short of perfection. This knife still maintains a nice strong opening and closing snap on both the master clip and secondary pen blades. The 6207 pattern stamp makes its debut on the pile side tang of the master blade in the XX era. Pinned oval shield has an open "C" and tall "S" denoting production in the early part of the XX era, i.e., closer to 1940 than to 1964 although the exact year this particular knife was made is indeterminate. The fit and finish are exquisite with the slight exception of the run up which has a tiny drop where the back spring meets the blade tang...not much, but just enough to be noticeable. Since this is my only example, I don't know if that was characteristic of XX era 07s or just on mine. Would sure be nice to see some other members' XX era 07s for comparison; I know they're out there.

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:01 pm**

Looked it up. I'm part of The Greatest Generation (pre-1946).

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:55 pm**

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:01 pm Looked it up. I'm part of The Greatest Generation (pre-1946).

You are indeed, jerryd!

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:37 pm**

QTCut5, you requested a photo of my XX 07. I found this one. Thanks for your interest in my knife.

Posted: **Fri Oct 16, 2020 10:00 pm**

Jtx wrote: ↑Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:37 pm QTCut5, you requested a photo of my XX 07. I found this one. Thanks for your interest in my knife.

Took another photo of my knife to try to show the bone better. (Not sure it is any better though

)

Posted: **Sat Oct 17, 2020 1:08 am**

"Interest" isn't quite strong enough...Lust & Envy seem more appropriate to describe what I feel about your knife.

That is some sweet sweet bone...even better than I remembered it. And I bet it has a very interesting history, too, since it's been passed down from generation to generation in your family.

Posted: **Sat Oct 17, 2020 1:46 am**

Man Q and jtx, you're showing some fab red bone and specimens of the pattern. Those babies rock. Great to see a progression and such fine examples. Treat to surf through. Keep documenting the sweet bones.

Posted: **Sun Oct 18, 2020 3:21 pm**

Thanks, Ivoryman.

It's interesting to observe the subtle (or sometimes stark) variations between handle colors of knives from the same time period as well as how much the color of Case's red bone in particular has changed since the early years up to the modern era.

MTTP: XX Era (1940-1964)

1940

Commonly referred to as "the war years," the first decade of the XX era, 1940, towers over every other decade of the 20th century as the most full of sorrow, patriotism, and ultimately, hope and the beginning of a new era of American dominance on the world stage. This decade left an indelible mark on all but the youngest of Americans that lasted for the rest of their lives. Those who were young and in the military were dubbed "The Greatest Generation" by former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, and the moniker stuck. The decade started off with a "bang" with the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan (a "date which will live in infamy") which led directly to the USA's military involvement in WWII. After just over four years of historic battle, peace was finally reached in May 1945. FDR was elected to an unprecedent third term as president in 1940. Other notable names associated with WWII include: Harry S. Truman, Winston Churchill, Josef Stalin, Adolph Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, Ho Chi Minh, Anne Frank, "Tokyo Rose," Sikorsky (helicopters), Jeep (originally Willys Quad), Penicillin, Nutella, and the now ubiquitous Duct Tape.

But the 1940s weren't only about war. Just a few culturally significant names associated with this decade include: Joe Dimaggio, Jackie Robinson, Chuck Yeager, Mahatma Gandhi, George Orwell, and Walt Disney.

There's no denying that war tends to be a catalyst for invention, and not necessarily only for the purpose of slaughtering each other, either. Although, sadly, Case's red bone handle color may have changed dramatically from that of the XX era, there are some things from the 1940s that we still enjoy today. Our modern lives abound with many things that were invented in the 1940s, things we pretty much take for granted. For example, computers got their genesis in 1940 as well as cellular communications technology and the mobile phone, the transistor, color TV, aerosol spray can, synthetic rubber tire, microwave oven, Velcro, ballpoint pen, SCUBA, Polaroid camera, Elmer's glue, Frisbees, LEGOS, Slinky, M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers, Cheerios, the Whopper, meatloaf, and everyone's undisputed favorite: the Bikini (I wonder if jerryd had a hand in that invention....figuratively speaking!

)

The "Greatest Generation" indeed!

Posted: **Sun Oct 18, 2020 3:45 pm**

One more interesting tidbit of 1940's trivia:

We all know (and probably use) the phrase "Roger that." Did you ever wonder where it came from?

"Roger that" dates back to US radio communication as early as 1941, based on then-use of the given name Roger in the US military phonetic alphabet for the word for the letter "R". Here, the "Roger" stands for the initial "R" in “(Message) received.”

To indicate a message had been heard and understood—that is, received—a service-person would answer "Roger," later expanded to "Roger that," with "that" referring to the message. In military slang, the phrase "Roger wilco" conveyed the recipient received the message and will comply with its orders, shortened to "wilco."

Posted: **Sun Oct 18, 2020 9:52 pm**

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Sat Oct 10, 2020 3:01 am
Modern Slip Joints wrote: ↑Fri Oct 09, 2020 6:17 pm I choked reading the O7 and S&M 51 patterns called "dog leg." I don't see a dog's hip shape in them. The only pattern that I'm aware of Case naming Dog Leg is the 4 1/2" *240 which is almost always a Trapper. Its left end is a lot broader than its right making it more like a dog's rear leg. Maybe Q sees a small dogs front leg shape in the 07?

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:58 pm MSJ, I don't see a "Dog Leg" there either. Oh well, to each his own.
Not to split hairs (or any other element of canine anatomy), but it's interesting to note the entry for "Dogleg" included in the "Lexicon of Knife Terms" section of Tobias Gibson's A Pocket Guide to Knives (http://apg2k.hegewisch.net/lexicon-d.html) has the following definition:

Dogleg: A traditional handle pattern in which the handle is slightly crooked and resembles a dogs hind leg. The top of the knife is narrower than the bottom. The top bolster is noticeably smaller than the butt end pommel. Both bolsters are normally rounded. The handle pattern is favored for Peanuts and Trappers.

I think there's definitely an argument to be made for calling the 07 a dogleg jack. Although it may not be a perfect fit, the 07 does meet several essential dogleg criteria: handle is slightly crooked, narrower at top than bottom, top bolster noticeably smaller than butt end pommel.

I thought the "butt" end was the "head" end since they call it a barehead if there is no bolster, only scale. The butt being in the middle, not the end on any animal I know of. And someone needs to tell the Case people, they call it a Mini Trapper too. Just saying.

Posted: **Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:32 am**

Ivoryman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 18, 2020 9:52 pm I thought the "butt" end was the "head" end since they call it a barehead if there is no bolster, only scale. The butt being in the middle, not the end on any animal I know of. And someone needs to tell the Case people, they call it a Mini Trapper too. Just saying.

I believe you are correct, Ivoryman. With regard to the anatomy of a knife, the terms "butt" and "head" both refer to the same thing and are often used interchangeably (or misused entirely ). Personally, when trying to distinguish which end of a knife I'm referring to, I prefer "pivot end" and "butt end"; however, this only works with knives that have a single pivot..

Posted: **Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:53 am**

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:32 am
Ivoryman wrote: ↑Sun Oct 18, 2020 9:52 pm I thought the "butt" end was the "head" end since they call it a barehead if there is no bolster, only scale. The butt being in the middle, not the end on any animal I know of. And someone needs to tell the Case people, they call it a Mini Trapper too. Just saying.
I believe you are correct, Ivoryman. With regard to the anatomy of a knife, the terms "butt" and "head" both refer to the same thing and are often used interchangeably (or misused entirely ). Personally, when trying to distinguish which end of a knife I'm referring to, I prefer "pivot end" and "butt end"; however, this only works with knives that have a single pivot..

Thanks, I think you're probably correct, interchangeable. Better change terms I use to more clear ones. Thanks, good to know and cool to see the progression over the years, great idea for a thread and learn something every day.

Posted: **Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:30 pm**

This 2006 Natural Bone 6207 is not in chronological order to where we are at this point on the Mini Trapper Timeline (XX era 1940-1964), but it is relevant in that the laser-etched handle depicts the various tang stamps Case used throughout the years (from which the age of a knife can be determined).

Normally I'm not a fan of excessive embellishment on a knife, but I have always been intrigued and fascinated by Case's tradition of using the tang stamp as a means of dating a knife, so I'm willing to make an allowance for this particular highly-embellished Mini-T.

Posted: **Tue Oct 20, 2020 4:01 pm**

Those handles are kind of busy.

Posted: **Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:50 pm**

Nice one Q..

I keep looking at those..

John

Posted: **Wed Oct 21, 2020 5:20 pm**

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 4:01 pm Those handles are kind of busy.

Yep...that's some very "busy bone" indeed.

(Gives your wisdom teeth something to chew on, don't it!)

Posted: **Thu Oct 22, 2020 2:37 pm**

MTTP: XX Era (1940-1964)

1950

Chickens in every pot and two cars in every garage. Ahh yes, the glorious, iconic 1950s; what a great time to be alive, right! The second (full) decade of the XX era, 1950, was a highly romanticized period in American history and the decade that is probably remembered with the most nostalgia. Although this was still a few years before my time, my parents came of age during the 1950s so my childhood was significantly influenced by this decade. 1950 was the start of the fast changes that would be seen in the following two decades, the great depression was becoming a faint memory and families were moving out to the suburbs. The median family income was $3,300 a year, average cost of a new house was $8,450 and milk was still delivered to the doorstep. Average cost of a new car was $1,510 and a gallon of gas cost only .18 cents. Socially conservative and highly materialistic in nature, the 1950s was a decade marked by compliance, conformity, consumerism and just a touch of rebellion (Rock and Roll, baby!)

But, as is always true with any time in history, the "happy days" of the '50s weren't always the blissful times as they're so often portrayed. The beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in 1954 exposed the underlying racial tensions caused by segregation and discrimination in American society. The Cold War, the Cuban Revolution and the Korean War all contributed to the anti-communist sentiments in the US that led to McCarthyism and the "Red Scare."

Even worse than Bolsheviks in our midst (for us knife lovers, anyway), during the 1950s, US newspapers as well as the tabloid press promoted the image of a new violent crime wave caused by young male delinquents with a stiletto switchblade or flick knife, based mostly on anecdotal evidence (genuine fake news!). In 1954, Democratic Rep. James J. Delaney of New York (why is it always the d@mn Dems?

) authored the first bill submitted to the U.S. Congress banning the manufacture and sale of switchblades, beginning a wave of legal restrictions worldwide.

Fortunately, not all pocketknives were deemed a danger to society which is why we lovers of vintage pocket cutlery can still find plenty of XX era 6207s to collect today...like this one:

Posted: **Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:52 pm**

Ahh, but a kid could buy a BB gun and carry a pocket knife to school where we played "stretch" at recess. The bad with the good didn't touch the majority of us so it was an era of sweet bliss.

Posted: **Thu Oct 22, 2020 4:15 pm**

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:52 pm The bad with the good didn't touch the majority of us so it was an era of sweet bliss.

Did you ever have to practice "Duck & Cover" drills in the classroom when you were in school, jerryd?

Posted: **Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:39 pm**

QTCut5 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 4:15 pm
jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:52 pm The bad with the good didn't touch the majority of us so it was an era of sweet bliss.
Did you ever have to practice "Duck & Cover" drills in the classroom when you were in school, jerryd?

Nope.

Southern Indiana folks were smarter than that. We practiced sticking our heads between our legs and kissing our *** goodbye.
(For those who I have to explain that to, the last part of that is a joke folks.)

Posted: **Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:46 pm**

jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:39 pm
QTCut5 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 4:15 pm
jerryd6818 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 3:52 pm The bad with the good didn't touch the majority of us so it was an era of sweet bliss.
Did you ever have to practice "Duck & Cover" drills in the classroom when you were in school, jerryd?
Nope.

Southern Indiana folks were smarter than that. We practiced sticking our heads between our legs and kissing our *** goodbye.
(For those who I have to explain that to, the last part of that is a joke folks.)

LOL, That’s great Jerry. We were taught same thing here in Wi.

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