Case Canoe Spring Question

Magus

Magus

Joined
Sep 10, 2010
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Anyone know off hand around what year Case went from the single spring design to the dual spring design on the Canoe pattern?

Still learning a lot as I go here on traditional style knives, but what would be the pros or the cons of a single vs. dual spring system with a Canoe style knife?
 
Partly aesthetics, the single spring is obviously sleeker and slimmer in the pocket. It can be difficult to get the blades to nest well due to limited space, so I think a single spring challenges the maker to do an excellent job. This may cause production difficulties...

Some people argue that having two springs gives you back-up if one breaks (they don't very often)and you can get thicker or sturdier blades on the knife-at a possible cost to slicing ability.

As you can infer, I'm a keen fan of single springs particularly on Muskrats and Canoes, Pens too!
 
For all the same reasons that willgoy listed, plus I just like the feel of a thicker knife, I prefer the two-spring versions. Purely personal preference.
 
Thanks for the input guys, that clears a few things up for me.

Been a big day for me with Case purchases along the canoe pattern. I really like the canoe pattern and more specifically I like the ones with the Native American in the canoe on the blade. And I'm asking myself "what's wrong with me?" Because normally I hate any kind of etching on a blade. But for some reason, I just really like seeing my friend in his canoe on the blade...can't explain it. :D

I've gone modern production and old school today. Bought one new production Amber Bone CV Canoe with the etched blade. But the ones I really like are the really old ones with the red bone. Found two of them today that were made in my birth year of 75' so I hopped on them both! One is in new condition, the other is a little worn and torn. Both have my Native American friend on them. They're both beautiful in their own right and I got them both at a fairly reasonable price. Very excited about those two.

Will post pics when I get them all.
 
I can tell you that my 70's Canoe has one single spring for both opposing blades. My 80's canoe has two springs, one for each blade.
Why the change? My guess is that it is easier to assemble with a changing workforce gradually losing the older, more skilled craftsman and outside competition.
Check out the change in Case patterns of the 70's compared to more recent knives, such as the 06236 (pen) and 62109X ( mini copperhead) and 62052 ( half congress) and you will see other modifications in liners and springs to assemble the knives easier, and without the labor intensive "fitting" previously required.

Ray
 
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I like the Native American on there too! I personally like to be called American Indian but it doesn't matter as long as you don't call me late for dinner! My Native American has just about disappeared due to the patina! Either way Case makes a great canoe!
 
Magus said:
Anyone know off hand around what year Case went from the single spring design to the dual spring design on the Canoe pattern?

Still learning a lot as I go here on traditional style knives, but what would be the pros or the cons of a single vs. dual spring system with a Canoe style knife?
Click to expand...


Mid 1985
 
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