Case & Bill Ruple Collaboration

It just does not seem to be working with Ruple. I do not sense much enthusiasm, and the high prices certainly do not help. But I am a Bose man, so maybe I am missing something. Case invested so much into Tony. They should have done whatever it took to keep Reese on board for the sake of continuity.
 
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Yeah, the very high price and the weird axe-handle took me out of the market. It was a strange first release, IMO.
 
Leslie Tomville said:
It just does not seem to be working with Ruple. I do not sense much enthusiasm, and the high prices certainly do not help. But I am a Bose man, so maybe I am missing something. Case invested so much into Tony. They should have done whatever it took to keep Reese on board for the sake of continuity.
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I like to think Tony invested a lot into Case🙂. He did more than just supply them a pattern, a finished knife a set of parts for a second knife. When he started with Case 25 years ago, he brought a knowledge of history, of past patterns (he had a collection of vintage knives) and a deep well of technical expertise. Plus he was a “character” which made him a good spokesman, he gave Case a sense of pride as cutlers. IN ain’t TX 🙂
 
Leslie Tomville said:
It just does not seem to be working with Ruple. I do not sense much enthusiasm, and the high prices certainly do not help. But I am a Bose man, so maybe I am missing something. Case invested so much into Tony. They should have done whatever it took to keep Reese on board for the sake of continuity.
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Absolutely, it’s not the same, following a legend isn’t the easiest. I’d rather see Case give some other Bose patterns in the regular catalog (like the swayback gents and back pocket) a five hundred piece run in jigged bone. They would sell out in a flash.
 
I’m excited for the new Axe Handle release. I preordered the pocket worn mahogany bone. I look forward to seeing more of these releases.
From the Case website:

Case Knives is proud to introduce an all-new slip joint pattern, the Case Axe Handle®. While Case is known for releasing fresh handle materials, colors, jigs, and shields, it's rare that we unveil a completely new pattern — making this launch truly more significant. Co-designed with award-winning custom maker Bill Ruple, the Case Axe Handle earns its name from its distinctive profile. With this new pattern comes a new pattern stamp: BR'135. "BR" honors Ruple's influence, "1" signifies our first in-line collaboration with him, and "35" celebrates his 35 years of custom knife craftsmanship. Fittingly, 135 is also the number of years Case had been in business when work on this knife began. Its 4-inch handle makes it an ideal medium-size carry that feels natural in the hand, and the variety of available materials, colors, and blade steels ensures there's a perfect Axe Handle for every user. Throughout this catalog, you'll find the first nine variants launching this year, with more to come.

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Wharn said:
I’m excited for the new Axe Handle release. I preordered the pocket worn mahogany bone. I look forward to seeing more of these releases.
From the Case website:

Case Knives is proud to introduce an all-new slip joint pattern, the Case Axe Handle®. While Case is known for releasing fresh handle materials, colors, jigs, and shields, it's rare that we unveil a completely new pattern — making this launch truly more significant. Co-designed with award-winning custom maker Bill Ruple, the Case Axe Handle earns its name from its distinctive profile. With this new pattern comes a new pattern stamp: BR'135. "BR" honors Ruple's influence, "1" signifies our first in-line collaboration with him, and "35" celebrates his 35 years of custom knife craftsmanship. Fittingly, 135 is also the number of years Case had been in business when work on this knife began. Its 4-inch handle makes it an ideal medium-size carry that feels natural in the hand, and the variety of available materials, colors, and blade steels ensures there's a perfect Axe Handle for every user. Throughout this catalog, you'll find the first nine variants launching this year, with more to come.

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I ordered the one you have pictured and the 30th anniversary version. I think these will be a hit.
The original collab was great, but expensive

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I am going to wait until I see these showing up for folks. Case's quality control seems to have swung back into the "very poor" realm. I was at ACE last week and they'd just gotten a large delivery of Case knives in, and literally every one of them had dull blade tips (across all models, I've never seen it that bad before), and a lot of scales with hairline fitment issues mating up the bolsters. It was really disappointing.
 
Quiet said:
I am going to wait until I see these showing up for folks. Case's quality control seems to have swung back into the "very poor" realm. I was at ACE last week and they'd just gotten a large delivery of Case knives in, and literally every one of them had dull blade tips (across all models, I've never seen it that bad before), and a lot of scales with hairline fitment issues mating up the bolsters. It was really disappointing.
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Doesn't Case have a separate shop for (formerly Bose) collaboration knives? The quality of the Case Bose were exceptional. Regardless, based on a conversation I personally had with Bill Ruple, he wouldn't put his name on it, if it had subpar craftsmanship. Spend your hard earned dollars as you choose though obviously.
 
LastRodeo said:
Doesn't Case have a separate shop for (formerly Bose) collaboration knives? The quality of the Case Bose were exceptional. Regardless, based on a conversation I personally had with Bill Ruple, he wouldn't put his name on it, if it had subpar craftsmanship. Spend your hard earned dollars as you choose though obviously.
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I don't think so. I believe they most likely have a separate team for the Bose (and now Ruple) collaborations, as those knives are built to a higher standard and are as a result, much more expensive.
 
Quiet said:
I don't think so. I believe they most likely have a separate team for the Bose (and now Ruple) collaborations, as those knives are built to a higher standard and are as a result, much more expensive.
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Roger that. I misunderstood what these axe handle knives to be.
 
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