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Posted: 2/28/2021 8:50:30 AM EST
 Attached FileMy grandfather (born 1922) always carried a canoe pattern Case. At least since the 1980s but I think even long before then. He even had a “stash” of brand new Case canoes, that he kept in a drawer when he finally wore an old one would. He would sharpen the blades on a wet stone until they became little splinters of metal. Then pitch the old worn out knife into the drawer and grab a new one. This pic is from one that he clearly sharpened a little. But I never remember him carrying it and he didn’t wear this one out; he must not have liked this particular one. What was the purpose or history of the canoe knife? Extra old fashioned? I never met anyone else who carried a canoe pattern. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:00:15 AM EST
[#1]
To have a second blade? Seems pretty cut and dry.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:03:16 AM EST
[#2]
Rough work and fine work.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:04:50 AM EST
[#3]
The big blade was for everyday use and the small one was razor sharp.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:08:35 AM EST
[#4]
Every boy carried a knife back when boys were boys
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:13:38 AM EST
[#5]
Two knives in one. You didn't have to cut your apples with the same knife you cleaned and trimmed your fingernails with, opened boxes or did other tasks- never mind that the blades were right next to each other and the thing was usually half full of pocket lint and other gunk.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:14:36 AM EST
[#6]
My FIL carries one as well but in a smaller size. It’s all he’ll carry. Keeps it razor sharp with a wet stone. Fellow can skin and process deer and hog like a pro with it.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:15:10 AM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Rough work and fine work. Quote HistoryQuoted: Rough work and fine work. Quoted: The big blade was for everyday use and the small one was razor sharp. This. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:21:52 AM EST
[#8]
I'm not sure what the history of the canoe pattern in particular is, but I think one of the reasons multi bladed pocket knives were popular back in the day was that the steels weren't that great. Today we have folders with steels like m390, elmax and cru-wear that will hold an edge way longer than the 1095 or 420hc that Case uses. Hence the big blade for rough work and small blade for delicate work technique that was common back then.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:26:07 AM EST
[#9]
I'm a Grandpa carried one as a boy.
One kept SHARP, other used for rougher chores |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:28:42 AM EST
[#10]
My dad always carried a SAK tinker.
Now I find I normally do as well. 2 blades with screw drivers  Attached FileI also like the Case trapper. I have my grandfathers. Walmart had some new ones marked down to a couple bucks so I bought a bunch which Ill give to my son and nephews when they're old enough. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:38:07 AM EST
[#11]
Two reasons, style or aesthetic design, and practical, the canoe end allows covering the tip of a wider long blade, the tip can have less drop.
I wonder how the ends serve as a guard, too. I have a couple of knives my grandpa ground to a near whisker. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:39:43 AM EST
[#12]
Blade shape has most metal for old man to sharpen repeatedly and still last.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:54:24 AM EST
[#13]
I think the canoe pattern is for style.
ETA "Canoe Pattern" does not mean the two blades. Look at the shape of the bolsters. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:55:32 AM EST
[#14]
crazy double tap |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 9:59:03 AM EST
[#15]
Only two blades? Since I was in high school, I've always (and still do) used a three blade Old Timer of Schrade.
The smallest blade is extra sharp, the middle blade is somewhat sharp for skinning insulation from wire, and the large blade for everyday use. 
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Posted: 2/28/2021 10:12:14 AM EST
[#16]
I wonder if it's area or (more likely) peer dependent? Every "old guy" I knew in my AO carried a Barlow of some flavor. Mostly a Case.
 I carried a Case Granddaddy Barlow till I lost it wade fishing in the Shenandoah River then I went to a Mercator.  |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 10:15:53 AM EST
[#17]
I grew up minutes from the Case factory. Everyone carried one of those at one time or another.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 10:29:14 AM EST
[#18]
The canoe style is symmetrical, being that the same bolsters were used on both ends. Same with the side panels. So a little less expensive to make, and less expensive to buy. Filled the palm on the hand more when using. A time when pennies had buying power.
And an offshoot of the Barlow knife design above was modified years ago into the TL-29, or what is commonly called an electrician’s knife. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 11:30:51 AM EST
[#19]
I've got some old knives that were my dads, and ones that were given to me long ago by him when I was a kid that are that style. He always had a small knife like that in his pocket. I also have a cheap "dress knife" he'd carry if he and mom went out so it wasn't bulky in his pocket.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 12:04:52 PM EST
[#20]
An interesting read. Pocket Knives The spey blade isn't something I use a lot, but it makes for pretty precise work. The sheepsfoot is one I do use a lot when I want precise cuts and want to make sure exactly where I'm cutting. The large general purpose blade can be several shapes, and is for general heavy use.
Why? He probably just liked it, it fit his style, pocket, use, needs, and what ever reason we pick out a pocket knife. Sounds like he was dedicated to the style and brand. Case is a fine brand to be dedicated to. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 12:20:38 PM EST
[#21]
I think my grandfather carried an Imperial, or something cheap like that. Passed away many years ago, but his pocketknife was around the house when I was a kid.
Don't know what became of it. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 12:50:39 PM EST
[#22]
I've got a nice, brand new case knife somewhere in the basement.
 too nice to carry, probably circa 1970s produced, stag, red inlay on the x's. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 1:04:33 PM EST
[#23]
Back then we didn't worry about a knife being tactical. We always carried a knife for doing mundane things like cutting string. My Boy Scout knife had a can opener blade and one for removing bottle caps. Oh yeah, back then there were no screw off soda tops. Or pull tabs. Doubled as a screwdriver. Also had an awl blade.
Knives were tools to be used. Not to impress your friends with how much you spent for a knife you may never use. All us kids carried pocket knives. Even in school. I have a little Swiss Army knife that I carry on my key chain. Comes in handy many times. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 1:18:41 PM EST
[#24]
So are you asking about the specific canoe pattern, or multi bladed knives?
The one I always wonder about is the sunfish style, it just seems awkward. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 1:35:06 PM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My dad always carried a SAK tinker. Now I find I normally do as well. 2 blades with screw drivers https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/20201020_130313_jpg-1844816.JPG I also like the Case trapper. I have my grandfathers. Walmart had some new ones marked down to a couple bucks so I bought a bunch which Ill give to my son and nephews when they're old enough. @03RN Beautiful setup! What revolver is that? |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 1:48:36 PM EST
[#26]
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Posted: 2/28/2021 1:51:46 PM EST
[#27]
Have Case knives become the target of hipsters yet? I sure hope the fuck not.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 1:58:12 PM EST
[#28]
My old 3 blade case has one blade marked "for flesh only"
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Posted: 2/28/2021 2:00:09 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So are you asking about the specific canoe pattern, or multi bladed knives? The one I always wonder about is the sunfish style, it just seems awkward. The specific canoe pattern; with two similar shaped blades; neither with much of a point. I suspect my grandfather liked it because it was a wider knife and fit his hand more, for wood working and carving and such. Perhaps because you could sharpen them longer and more times. I’ve started carrying the Case canoe a little bit to see if it’s usefulness is apparent or it will rub off on me. But the canoe pattern in general just seems like and odd pattern for a knife. Two blades; neither are blunt but neither are pointed. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 2:02:06 PM EST
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What’s all this “old man” stuff y’all are talking about? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/55995/1F4266E2-FE50-448E-BEB4-5C7A0E19E301_jpe-1845151.JPG I personally like both of those better than a canoe pattern. My first Old Timer as a kid was that pattern. And I’ve got this similar Schrade on the table today.  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 2:03:46 PM EST
[#31]
Dad had a couple similar, thinking Buck and Case, have to dig them out.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 2:07:40 PM EST
[#32]
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Posted: 2/28/2021 5:14:18 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @03RN Beautiful setup! What revolver is that? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: My dad always carried a SAK tinker. Now I find I normally do as well. 2 blades with screw drivers https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/433221/20201020_130313_jpg-1844816.JPG I also like the Case trapper. I have my grandfathers. Walmart had some new ones marked down to a couple bucks so I bought a bunch which Ill give to my son and nephews when they're old enough. @03RN Beautiful setup! What revolver is that? Just a m66-8  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 5:22:18 PM EST
[#34]
Around here it was the Stockman. Spey blade is for cutting bulls, sheepsfoot for feet trimming, big blade for anything needing a big blade.
My papaw always carried a 4 bladed Congress in Voss Cut Hen and Rooster. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 5:32:55 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think the canoe pattern is for style. ETA "Canoe Pattern" does not mean the two blades. Look at the shape of the bolsters. In my opinion--and totally uneducated--the "canoe" shape was not the aim. It is the result of having finger guards designed into the bolsters on both sides of the knife, since both sides have blades. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 6:27:58 PM EST
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Have Case knives become the target of hipsters yet? I sure hope the fuck not. Everything I like  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 6:50:16 PM EST
[#37]
I find an awl more useful than a second blade most of the time. Scoring a line, opening boxes (and avoiding tape residue on the main blade), popping a vent hole in my beer
 ,...My father carried Vic Classics and used them often. He was a fabricator and mechanic so if he needed something more he would just go grab a full-sized tool. He really liked the mini Leatherman I got for him after he lost a Classic to the TSA, I also bought him a Vic Cadet he didn't take to; both surprised me. I feel like buying a sodbuster now. 
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Posted: 2/28/2021 6:58:28 PM EST
[#38]
I guess I'm weird. I keep the large blade on my SAK razor sharp in case I need it, and use the small blade for the daily tasks that dull, like boxes and paper.
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Posted: 2/28/2021 7:00:42 PM EST
[#39]
Case knives are becoming collector's items now. I have a couple of Camillus stockman knives. One on the night stand and one by the computer. Got them from Smokey Mountain Knife Works years ago. And a few trappers knives.
Oh hell, I have knives of various sorts all over the place. I use to buy the little Case single blade folders. I liked the Christmas ones. Easy to carry in your pocket. Too bad Camillus is out of business. They made good knives. Or is it Schrade? Oh well. |
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Posted: 2/28/2021 10:09:22 PM EST
[#40]
Schrades been out of business for years. They made 100 years and closed the doors to the factory in 2004. I had a family friend that worked at the factory in Elenville NY.
Now Schrade knives are made in China and is name only and nothing to do with he original company. |
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Posted: 3/1/2021 12:35:08 AM EST
[#41]
Why that pattern?
Perhaps he simply liked it. My own Grandfather was an electrician by trade and tended to carry what he called an electrician's knife. I forget who made them, but they were all metal and stamped Kamp King on the sides. It was like a Swiss Army Knife, but with a large bail instead of a ring. He would use them until the bails wore in two, or the blades wore out. He carried them until the day he died. I have two of them. One was the last one he used, the other a like new one he never got to. It looked like this...  Attached FileI personally have carried a Victorinox SAK of some kind since I was a kid. The two blade thing is easy to explain. For general use I use the small blade all the time. When I need to cut something larger, I break out the large blade. I would imagine that idea could be transferred from knife to knife, person to person. |
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Posted: 3/1/2021 1:48:36 AM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What’s all this “old man” stuff y’all are talking about? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/55995/1F4266E2-FE50-448E-BEB4-5C7A0E19E301_jpe-1845151.JPG Funny thing, when I saw your pic I immediately got a phantom smell of my childhood tackle box. |
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Posted: 3/9/2021 2:30:27 AM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why that pattern? Perhaps he simply liked it. My own Grandfather was an electrician by trade and tended to carry what he called an electrician's knife. I forget who made them, but they were all metal and stamped Kamp King on the sides. It was like a Swiss Army Knife, but with a large bail instead of a ring. He would use them until the bails wore in two, or the blades wore out. He carried them until the day he died. I have two of them. One was the last one he used, the other a like new one he never got to. It looked like this... https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/3003/s-l400_jpg-1846348.JPG I personally have carried a Victorinox SAK of some kind since I was a kid. The two blade thing is easy to explain. For general use I use the small blade all the time. When I need to cut something larger, I break out the large blade. I would imagine that idea could be transferred from knife to knife, person to person. @JDemond I've read that those older camp knives don't have as strong of springs as SAKs do and it is advised to not open them like that. Fwiw, wouldn't want to have your grandfather's knife break! I'm also a huge SAK fan; I generally go between a Cadet and Pioneer and keep an Alox Bantam in my wallet. In my 5th pocket right now (the ring helps pull it out quickly)-  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 1:04:06 AM EST
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @JDemond I've read that those older camp knives don't have as strong of springs as SAKs do and it is advised to not open them like that. Fwiw, wouldn't want to have your grandfather's knife break! I'm also a huge SAK fan; I generally go between a Cadet and Pioneer and keep an Alox Bantam in my wallet. In my 5th pocket right now (the ring helps pull it out quickly)- https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/516916/IMG_20210309_012451951_jpg-1858324.JPG All his knives are retired. I keep them because they were his, but I have never used them at all. I have kept a SAK in my pocket since I was a kid. My first was a Camper that I lost, but suspect it's serving someone well to this day. Then a couple Recruits, a Tinker, one Deluxe Tinker I just retired, and my newest is a SwissChamp. I would love it if we could design our own one off knives. I never knew I needed scissors or pliers in a pocket knife until the Deluxe Tinker, but the SwissChamp is overly large with a couple items I could do without. |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 1:55:11 AM EST
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Two knives in one. You didn't have to cut your apples with the same knife you cleaned and trimmed your fingernails with, opened boxes or did other tasks- never mind that the blades were right next to each other and the thing was usually half full of pocket lint and other gunk. But using the same knife to cut your apples as you use for everything else, is like a couple levels down from eating at Golden Corral. It's probably not the most sanitary option, but it'll build your immune system up. |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 2:13:09 AM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My old 3 blade case has one blade marked "for flesh only" My FIL was from Montana, he said the sheepshank one (or whatever its called) with the curved down point was for castrating sheep and pigs. I assume that was the blade on yours. After you see it done a few times, you understand the concept. Of course now I do the lambs with the rubber bands and its not as bloody. |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 3:17:02 AM EST
[#47]
Not all knives need to be tactical
Most people will never get in a knife fight Grandpas knife and others like it helped build America. Opened up stuff for their lunch while at work in the mills and mines. Not some fancy $500 tanto blade folder with G10 grips and anodized titanium screws. |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 5:23:22 AM EST
[#48]
My small armada.
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Posted: 3/10/2021 5:33:49 AM EST
[#49]
My Dad always carried a Case canoe. He said a "butterbean" carried best in his pocket. Simple as that. |
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Posted: 3/10/2021 5:42:23 AM EST
[#50]
I have a Case canoe knife. I never carry it. I always have the medium Stockman or their single blade Barlow in my pocket.
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