Case Yellow Trapper question

[shadowrider]

Hey folks,
I've never really been into American slipjoints, but recently the Case Trapper has sparked my interest.
Specifically, I like the model with yellow synthetic handle and I'm reading that's a good entry point into traditional folders.
I have been looking up loads of photos and, while there seems to be quite a variation to the shade of the yellow scales (or "covers", as I'm learning they're more traditionally called), most of them tend to be more of a light or creamy yellow. The color looks to me very much like aged bone. If you search for images of vintage bone handled sillverware, you'll see that the bone has usually taken up a light yellow color. In fact, I saw a picture of a Case Trapper from the 60s with smooth bone handles and they looked just like the synthetic ones. Of course it could be that those bone handles were dyed yellow as well from the beginning - I don't know.

Now, most vendors describe the yellow scale as a high-visibility color, useful if you drop your knife in mud and whatnot. I am wondering, though, if the yellow color was originally used for its resamblance to bone, rather than for its supposed high-visibility. Perhaps as a cheaper "bone imitation" alternative to genuine bone Trappers?
What do you folks think? I couldn't find any online information regarding this.

[SteveC]

Not sure what the original intent was but I would lean more to the synthetic bone/Ivory theory than hi visibility. There can be some variation to the color depending on the age of the knife.

Be sure to post some pics when you get one 

[PitCarver]

True, older smooth bone scales may take on a creamy yellow tint to the scales, but CASE makes Yellow comp scales that are YELLOW.

I like to find some that could be called "Stick of butter yellow".

[SteveC]

 

[ElevenBlade]

I was reading somewhere that around the time they were inventing the synthetic scale materials - Delrin and whatnot - they came up with a durable functional material that just happened to be yellow in color.  So they went with it. And the rest is history. 

[Aloha]

I dont have a clue but I really enjoy these type conversations.  I have a Case Sod Buster in yellow material.  It to my eye is not bad looking.  I'd imagine it was likely to resemble bone rather than HI Vis but again I haven't a clue. 

 

[nate j]

It's certainly true that (undyed) bone and ivory may take on a yellowish tint or patina with age.  Lighting in photos can be a bit tricky, but all the yellow composition knives I own or have seen in person are a fairly bright yellow, so I don't think they were intended to imitate ivory or bone (except maybe yellow-dyed bone, which is absolutely an option also).

In contrast, simulated ivory handles and grips tend to be off-white to slightly yellow in color.  Here are a few examples:
https://www.boonetrading.com/collections/simulated-ivory-pistol-grips
https://agrussell.com/knife/A-G-Russell-Drop-Forged-Chute-Knife-It-s-Not-Ivory--RU-TC975-NI
https://www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-bravo-1-cpm-154-antique-ivory-micarta/


As a practical matter, high visibility is a viable selling point of the yellow composition.  There is also nothing wrong with "because I like that color".  Personally, in actual use I prefer some texture vs. smooth scales, but YMMV.

[PitCarver]

I've got a question related to shadowriders initial question.

Where  are knife scales called scales and where are knife scales called covers?

I've never heard the term covers until fairly recent.

[SteveC]

From the AAPK glossary of knife terms   https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/content/miscellaneous-research-topics/knife-terms/

Cover: The material covering the liner between the bolsters.

Scales:  Any material used to make the handle.

Handle: The handle of a pocket knife serves several purposes.  It serves as a sheath, handle, and spring mechanism.  Materials used in constructing handles range from deer antler to bone, hardwoods, synthetics, and various metals.

[shadowrider]

Thanks for the great info, guys! I guess I will try to find one that is bright yellow, instead of cream. That will settle it and my brain won't go "Alert! Imitation material!". I mean, even the off-white toothpick in Swiss Army Knives slightly bother me as they make me think of imitation ivory (which was the original material those toothpicks were made of). 

As for the scales vs covers terminology, I recently watched a youtube videos called Traditional Knives 101, where they said that scales are usually called covers on American folders. Glad to know there's more of a difference to it.

[Spartan19]

Hey folks,
I've never really been into American slipjoints, but recently the Case Trapper has sparked my interest.
Specifically, I like the model with yellow synthetic handle and I'm reading that's a good entry point into traditional folders.
I have been looking up loads of photos and, while there seems to be quite a variation to the shade of the yellow scales (or "covers", as I'm learning they're more traditionally called), most of them tend to be more of a light or creamy yellow. The color looks to me very much like aged bone. If you search for images of vintage bone handled sillverware, you'll see that the bone has usually taken up a light yellow color. In fact, I saw a picture of a Case Trapper from the 60s with smooth bone handles and they looked just like the synthetic ones. Of course it could be that those bone handles were dyed yellow as well from the beginning - I don't know.

Now, most vendors describe the yellow scale as a high-visibility color, useful if you drop your knife in mud and whatnot. I am wondering, though, if the yellow color was originally used for its resamblance to bone, rather than for its supposed high-visibility. Perhaps as a cheaper "bone imitation" alternative to genuine bone Trappers?
What do you folks think? I couldn't find any online information regarding this.

The entry level yellow handle trappers are generally a yellow delrin material. A very good choice for a first case, I have cases with both yellow and black synthetic and they are very well made and dependable