Stockman vs Cattle Knife; Two Classic Slipjoint Pocket Knife Patterns Contrasted

The Stockman and Cattle Knife are some of the most traditional and revered pocket knife patterns… but what are they? And what’s the difference?

GEC’s interpretations of the Cattle Knife (top) and a modified Stockman (bottom)

What are the Stockman and Cattle Knife patterns?

Both the Stockman and Cattle Knife patterns are types of traditional non-locking (now called “slipjoint”) pocket knives. They traditionally have three blades sharing two springs. They both historically were designed and used in agriculture, ranching, and animal husbandry. They’re both typically medium to large sized, compared to other traditional pocket knife patterns, ranging from 3.5″ to 4.25″ closed (with both smaller and larger outliers). So there’s a lot of similarity between the two patterns… so why do they have different names?

The Great Eastern Cutlery #35 Cattle Knife

What’s the difference between a Stockman and Cattle Knife?

The difference between a Stockman and a Cattle Knife comes down to two main things: the handle shape, and the main blade shape. Whereas a Stockman typically uses a serpentine frame (either with rounded or squared ends), a Cattle Knife most often uses an equal end cigar frame (and I’ve never seen one with anything but rounded ends). Also, while both patterns traditionally include sheepfoot and spay secondary blades, a Stockman normally has a clip point main blade and a spear point for the Cattle Knife.

The Rough Ryder RR2102, a square end Stockman with modern steel and construction

That all said, like most “rules” for traditional knife patterns, Stockman and Cattle Knives often bend or break these definitions. For example some include a different secondary blade configuration, like the Great Eastern Cutlery Dixie Stock Knife below with a wharncliffe and drop point. Some even include different tools, like a bottler opener or awl / punch. Some manufacturers have included a lock on the main blade. There are also some modern interpretations with screw construction. As with other traditional knife patterns, the Stockman and Cattle Knife have evolved in their long years on the market. The Stockman and Cattle Knife are two similar but distinct patterns, and two of the most loved!

The Great Eastern Cutlery #82 Dixie Stock Knife

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