What's in a name? The Folding Hunter, a Traditional Pattern Knife

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Today, one specific traditional frame is recognized as the the Folding Hunter.* But at one time several patterns were simply called the folding hunters or folding hunting knives.

[@beaurex4756]

I bought a Buck 110 in about 1971. On a Canadian fishing trip, I loaned it to a nephew who somehow managed to deform the backspring so it wouldn't close completely. Tucked tight inside its leather sheath, it spent the next 30+ years in a drawer. I finally sent it back to Buck, and they repaired and refinished the knife at no charge. Not enough companies offering that kind of service nowadays. They made it better than a new knife.

[@trynsurviven2440]

The folding Hunter and the Trapper are my favorite designs.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'm pretty sure you're not alone in your choices of favorites; especially when it comes to the Trapper. Case says it is their best selling knife!

[@terrillschneider3778]

My wife gave me a Case Folding Hunter for our 50th anniversary I will always treasure it It’s Staminawood so it’s not the most expensive folding hunter I own but it’s my most beloved It’s in my display case and never gets used Thanks for a great video Tobias

[@gizmocarr3093]

When I saw a Clasp knife in person, it looked like a Super-Sized Tooth Pick that ate too much. I like the old folding Hunters more than Buck 110 because of the slimmer looks and less weight. The two blade ones are pretty heavy but two blades make it worth the added weight. Fun seeing your video on Folding Hunters.

[@bishop6426]

Hi Tobias: A terrific video as usual. The Buck 110 was the first knife I bought with my own earned money. That would have been circa 1968. I still have it. Possibly the greatest folding knife ever made. Thanks much for all you do. 😊👍😊

[@WVKnifeEnthusiast]

my favorite pattern of all time! Thx Tobias!

[@stuartgross5728]

A pattern that has always spoken to me. Educational video.

[@kirbycreekmo]

My earliest recollections of Folding Hunters were the Case (and Western) two blade (6265) knives on the belts in camp. The novelty (to me) of having two blades in easily portable sheath intrigued me. I remember wondering if they were 'safe', a notion probably instilled in my by my Grandfather who always carried a fixed blade for hunting. I don't think I ever saw a Buck 110 until 1974 and wanted one from that moment onward. Wonderful patterns and histories. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@propblast82nd]

Great knife chat !

[@mikecurtis2585]

Great video! The large folding Hunter from Case is my favorite!

[@oldphartsknives]

Thanks for this video !!! Reminded me of my grandfather who gave me his Schrade 225h when I turned 16. (That was in 1966). Still put it on my hip when I go hiking.

[@Elphoenix1]

I'm have recently started liking the folding hunter after buying my first 110

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

To me folding hunter brings an image of a Buck 110 because I carried one for decades. Got my first one in the 70's. Seems like everyone made their version of the 110, and many were lighter in weight. I had no problem with carrying the 110 until I finally got a Gerber EZ Out because it was light, had a pocket clip, & one handed opening. The Buck 110 has shared some history with me on my hip.

[@robertsmith3584]

wonderful analyst work as it relates to the the Buck 110, as quite frankly, you nailed it as the final form as the folding hunter. but what I find in our current world is that the Buck 110 is the Grandfather of the current so called tactical knife world.. truely the most important modern knife design of all time!

[@RJsKnives]

Great video! Nice to trace the evolution of the pattern. Really interesting. Everyone is still trying to beat the 110!

[@viking7560]

My first folding hunter. I don’t know what happened to it (probably traded). I’ve used a Uncle Henry folding hunter for several years and have gutted several deer with it.

[@dp505knives]

I like the Folding Hunter, but I carry Case's pocket hunter far more often than a large 5" knife. Thanks for sharing all your Folding hunters.

[@KnifeDetector]

Greetings Tobias!! I love folding hunter knives, both the single and two blade. Great video! Thanks!!

[@deanP.]

Thanks Tobias. I enjoyed this video. Interesting little history on the folding hunter.

[@longslide]

My grandfather carried an old Queen steel ,,, large folding 2 blade hunter in winterbottom stag . On every hunting trip we ever went on (hundreds) . I still have it ,, and still carry it on every hunting trip with my children. And ,, hopefully itll carry on and on.

[@JoseGonzalez-yx6vm]

Very interesting things to learn about the folding hunter name, thank you Tobias, great video.

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

I have a few of the knives you showed and like them. Nice to know their shared DNA 👍

[@Tracy81258]

Greetings and salutations to you too my friend! While I have a 110, I prefer my Case with a drop point blade. Much less fragile tip.

[@slick_slicers]

The Folding Hunter marks the extremes of my traditional knife collection. I’ve full size ones by Winchester and Rough Rider and baby pocket hunters from Case. It’s a great pattern. The Winchester is my favourite though, mainly because it’s huge!

[@jeroenvoss6231]

I very much appreciate the indepth stories on knife patterns. This was another great one, thank you very much Tobias.

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Great video. Great information. Thanks. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@CandidZulu]

Thanks, interesting discussion! I have a Schrade 225OT with a clip point blade and a saw. Lovely knife, carbon steel!

[@jimrowland6089]

I really like all the bigger patterns. They don't carry in the pocket as nice as a smaller knife but they look great.

[@carlangstrom3025]

Thanks again. Great information.

[@alpine1600s]

"Folding Hunter" is what we used to call the only guy who didn't get a deer that day.🤣

[@lanedexter6303]

Interesting history, Tobias!👍 So many people think of the Buck 110 as “the beginning.” You called it “the culmination.” BTW I bought a Marble’s Safety Hunter because I liked the swing guard, and that folding metal extension to cover the folded blade reminds me of my old Imperial folding “machete with sheath type A-1.” Don’t know if I’ll ever use that Marble’s, but it looks good on the wall.😄

[@checkmatekingtwothisiswhit7685]

Frost make a perfect size (4”) 2 blade folding hunter. Thanks Tobias

[@mangojack1]

Much enjoyed, The GEC beaver tail has to be one of my all time faves of Yours, great looking knife! Thanks Tobias 👍

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I really love that Beaver Tail shield and GEC really makes a terrific Coke Bottle!

[@davidkurle5418]

I liked seeing all the different versions of what can be referred to as a "folding hunter". The Case is one of my favorites for hunting birds, and I also have used the skinning blade for cleaning fish in a pinch. Worked pretty good on some eating-size largemouth! As for deer, the 110 is my go-to. I like the locking blade if I have to reach into places where I can't see. I've even got a drop point version that makes field dressing a little easier. Great video, buddy!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad you liked it and glad to hear from someone who uses the knives for their intended purpose!

[@guycalgary7800]

I am a big fan of the BUCK 110 simply because its a locking blade , i dont want to be elbow deep in an elk and have the blade close on my fingers.

[@littletom892]

Really enjoyed the video

[@skcamerican]

I have a medium hunter, RR519, and it’s awesome. Not too big, not a mini, stronger than a copperhead. Wish somebody would make more of those. I like the looks of the clasp knife, but it’s too dang big. Don’t find the Buck appealing. The beaver tails are cool. Always a pleasure spending time with your collection!

[@gunner5050]

Wow! This was a very informative video. I am a history buff and am always looking for these types of videos. I have recently rekindled my interest in folding knives and will review your videos for more information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It is greatly appreciated.

[@jessetembo1979]

Great video! Those NAHC folding hunters were at one time very common and very cheap. Might still be. Ocoee River had a huge line of those two bladed hunters available in about seven or eight different handle patterns. Its a good style that can be found at a budget minded price. My only complaint is the lack of a locking mechanism, which is my personal preference for work/hunting knives. As such, I never use these as often as my Buck 110 or the many copy cat versions I own. Speaking of Marbles, I do believe they have a line of these knives (single blade) with elaborate outdoorsy artwork on the blades. Pretty sure I've seen bass, turkey, and deer themed ones.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

Marbles makes 4 Clasp knives, Eagle, Turkey, Deer, & Bass. They are decent Clasp knives & come in a cigar type box.

[@GenWivern2]

Very interesting Tobias, thank you. I've always thought of the Buck lockbacks as a sort of culmination - now I know of what. 🙂

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I wonder if the folks at Buck realized how impactful the 110 would be? From what I understand , the 110 might have pulled Buck back from the brink of bankruptcy.

[@deniskozlowski9370]

Great video. Thanks for the history lesson on this pattern. I always assumed that the folding hunters were a creation of the post WW2 era. You learn something new every day.

[@jimmyj4811]

Jolly good video!

[@propblast82nd]

Enjoying your video so much, had to see it twice 😊

[@stevelewis1721]

Thanks for an informative and entertaining review of what is probably my favorite knive pattern.

[@dgm2006]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought you were going to talk about copperheads.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

the knife you're holding @ 5:07, the shefield copy from hammer brand, i have an original but its a fixed blade with nickel silver guard and pommel with mother of pearl scales they're only around 3/4 inch wide and maybe 2 inches long. its an I*XL from 1860s and its called the hunters companion its not a clip point its a spear point if you could call it that

[@piperkennard1039]

Another outstanding video, brother 👍

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Tobias, I have a mystery 2 bladed folding hunter. I picked it up from a pawn shop for 5 bucks. It's handle is about 4 and a bit inches and it's blades are just about 31/2 inches One clip blade, one skinning blade. On the clip blade is etched ' Forester ' with a trademark symbol after it. Also on the skinning blade base is a stamp saying Hi-Stainless, Japan. Looks like it has similar wood scales like a Buck 110, but the bolsters are solid brass and rather angular. The back booster is similar to a powder horn, but with angular straight lines. It reminds me of knives I've seen from the 70's for some reason. Looked all over the interwebs and quite frankly can't find a bit of info on it. Anyways, my claim to fame for an interesting mystery folder. 🙂

[@patricegarnierlobo25111967]

NICE VIDEO

[@westbsa7424]

[@MrPsiman]

I think SAK has a Hunter in the large size but I'm not a fan of the large SAK size since they came out in the late 80's. To me they just aren't SAK's. Kind of falling in love with the 84mm size the more I carry them and especially the Alox versions. My 84mm Voyageur may be my favorite SAK but ridiculous what they sell for now. $300 to $500

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

They have a single blade Pro-Hunter that competes with the Buck 110 and the 111 mm Hunter . I have both and like both but they are really big for everyday carry. The 84mm are definitely more pocket friendly. $300-$500 for a SAK. Who would've thought!?

[@luisrider7475]

Loved this so much. So cool to see those examples of an evolving idea all in one sitting. Is there a specific model from a specific company thought of as THE "bird and trout" knife? I've seen that term used before and seems to me it would fill a similar roll.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

If you're talking about the fixed blades it might be the Queen #85. But several other companies were making almost the same knife. It would be hard to trace down who made it first. It would even be tricky to find out who called it a Bird & Trout first as it is not trademarked. The B&T is also called a Small Hunter and a half dozen other nicknames.

[@luisrider7475]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Tobias, your wealth of knowledge on the subject is astounding. Ty so much for sharing it with us. After seeing this ran into a handmade schrade clasp knife made in 2009, green swirl covers. Couldn't walk away from it having just seen this video lol. Ty again.

[@michaelk487]

I just bought a Remington folding Hunter oneblade

[@johnelder4273]

The modern day, lightweight, Buck Folding Lockback Hunters (the Buck light, the Buck Slim, the Buck Slim Pro) are some great utilitarian work knives. Not pretty, like the slim bone handled folding hunters, but some great user knives. Inexpensive, easy to sharpen, etc..but just kind of ugly. I always carry one for chores and a second, more attractive, traditional knife for show or just nostalgia. I'm not about to abuse my sentimental favorites when a Buck "workhorse/beater" knife will do. Bucks actually look better as they age and get beat up. Not so for my pretty knives.

[@ethanbox2010]

Tobias, maybe you could answer a super-specific knife question for me. Did Case ever release a CV version on the 6165-L, or were they strictly made in stainless?

[@bobreynolds744]

Thumbs up.

[@Jack-ic1kb]

Anyone have a link to the hammer brand?

[@desertratedc9596]

Hmm, I need to add a large swell center/coke bottle to my collection

[@tomritter493]

I carry one everyday 2,bkaxe hunter

[@CRIS.V1891]

You're joking right ? "The Buck 110 is basically the grandfather of every single bladed modern folder, and they all can be tracked back to It." If you are talking about you în America yes maybe, but you surely can't be talking about the Europe to. Because your famous Buck is a teenager, compared with other European pocket knifes brands.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I’m talking about modern folders such as Benchmade, Spydercos, the Gerber Gators and Easy outs, the numerous so-call Tacticals. I believe I linked to it at the end of the video. Obvious, almost every knife in North America can be traced back to knives originally designed in Europe. I’ve pointed that out in numerous episodes in the past.

[@CRIS.V1891]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Ok it was a misunderstanding on my part. And about you pointing that out in the past, I totally forgotten about it. I have lots on my mind lately.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@@CRIS.V1891 , no worries. I can see I could be misunderstood. The thing is, there is absolutely nothing new about the Buck 110. Back locks were around for a couple centuries at least. Same with clip blades. What made the Buck 110 such a success was some improvements on the lock making it more reliable and a really good marketing campaign! And what made the modern folder was Sal Glesser trying to find and easy way to open a lockback knife one handed. (And not having it a switchblade.)

[@CRIS.V1891]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I totally agree with you, then again you have to remember we can't reinvent the wheel. Maybe just make it a little better, and with the advance of technology we could replace it entirely. So maybe in the future we could use lightknifes, as in lightsabers. But that would be a sad day for me if I would still be alive, because I'm a old school guy. But then again I would be just a old guy then. 😉

[@rickyhurtt5568]

I have to disagree. The only folding hunter is the knife you showed first. Schrade made one, case made one and Queen also. More companies made the same pattern. Don't really matter but I can't picture the gdad Barlow being considered a folding hunter. Nice knives and thanks for the video

[@coaltrain4423]

Doggone…!We know what a folding hunter is!Come on!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You’d be surprised at just how many people don’t know what a folding hunter is and were unaware of what knives are marketed as Folding Hunter. Many of these videos are for people new to knife collecting.

[@davidstalter6006]

The Buck 110 is a GOD... Case was also one of the best players in the game ... Not no more... New Case are crap... Even Buck is being made in China 😩🤢🤮

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

While I disagree with your opinion of Case, I will admit that there are some Case patterns I steer clear of. As for Buck and their China line. If that is what it takes to also keep them competitive and allow them to keep the bulk of their production in the US, then I'm all for it. We've had too many US knife manufacturer go the way the dinosaur.