The Enzo Trapper is a very popular bushcraft knife. It features top-notch materials and a design that is really quite streamlined compared to much of the competition. The knife retails at around $100, so interested parties may want to try one out before they decide whether they want to buy it.
Specs
Benchmade Bushcrafter Sibert Buck TOPS CSAR-T Cold Steel Survival Rescue Knife Enzo Trapper ESEE 5 Fallkniven F1 Swedish Military Grohmann #4 Survival KaBar Becker BK2 Companion Mora Bushcraft Black Ontario Blackbird SK5 Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Spyderco Bushcraft G10 TOPS Brothers of Bushcraft Fieldcraft
This is a 8 ¼” long knife with a 3 ¾” long blade. This makes the blade a bit shorter than many bushcraft knives, but there’s plenty to steel work with and, for some purposes, the shorter blade will prove more agile and suitable than a 4-inch or longer blade. It’s large enough for small game and for handling most tasks. Chopping potential is obviously limited, but this blade has a very refined look to it that doesn’t really suggest that chopping tasks were ever considered in the design. The blade has a slight drop point. The blade is made out of D2 tool steel. This steel doesn’t show up quite as commonly in bushcraft blades as does 10-series steel, and it’s a bit different than those steels in significant regards.
D2 is a semi-stainless steel. It’s a lot tougher than most stainless steels, which is definitely an advantage for bushcraft knives, given that they take a lot of abuse sometimes. It’s not quite on par with other steels, however, D2 may not be quite as tough as some of the other steels out there, but that doesn’t mean that it’s weak by a long shot. D2 has great characteristics for wear resistance and, even though it’s not quite up to the levels of a true stainless steel in this regard, it is very resistant to staining. Its’ easier to maintain than other steels because of this, for some users. D2 also takes an edge quite well and gets very sharp. It’s a good steel for bushcraft applications and, if you’re looking for something a bit tougher and more stain-resistant than 10-series steels, it’s worth trying. It might be just the thing you’ve been after. Be aware that there are some models that are made of O1 steel. This is an excellent steel, as well. It’s not stain resistant like D2, but is renowned for taking and holding a very keen edge. Either is a good choice, but make sure you know what you’re buying. The O1 steel models are advertised as having a Rockwell hardness rating of 69. The Enzo trapper comes with green micarta scale handles. This is a great material for grip and it’s also very durable. The knife does not have a lanyard hole and that might be a drawback for some users. The handle has a very nice belly to it that offers excellent grip and control, however.
What is the Enzo Trapper Good For?
This is definitely a knife for the bushcraft enthusiast. The price point alone says as much. Beyond that, the type of user who is likely to appreciate the Enzo Trapper is the one who uses their knife for a lot of very detailed work but who also needs it to be tough when called for. This knife does a good job of blending both qualities.
The drop point blade is very precise and D2 steel can take a sharp enough edge to take advantage of that very fine design. Dressing game would be easy enough with this knife, as would cutting into tough wood. The blade material may be non-traditional for a bushcraft knife, but it definitely has some advantages to it. With proper maintenance—remember that it’s semi-stainless in D2, not truly stainless—this knife could definitely last a lifetime and then some. This is a good knife for someone who is serious about the outdoors and who needs a tool that is designed to keep up with them. It’s not an inexpensive knife, so getting to hold one in your hand before you buy it is a good idea.
Enzo
Enzo is a Finnish company that has a great reputation for knives. The Trapper is one of their most popular models and has remained so for a years.
http://www.bucorp.com/files/aisi_d2.pdf
http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml http://www.workwearcanada.com/products/detail.cfm?product=272
Here is what people are saying about the Enzo Trapper
Great materials! D2 is my favorite steel for a knife. The workmanship exceeds many custom knifes in my collection at a fraction of the custom price. I am planning to buy their folders as well.
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