Case copperlock, toothpick and Hobo - advice needed

I am not too fond of Case knives but maybe I can give it a try if it is worth of.
I am looking for these patterns as everyday USERS.
If you have any experience with these knives as users (and not only as a display or collector items) please share your opinion.
I know there are a lot of better makers but please give me advice about these Case knife patterns:
Copperlock: both large and small
medium Texas toothpick
Hobo
Thank you in advance.
littleknife
 
Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,488
Best advice I can give you is to stay away from Case if you plan to use it.
Check out Schrade/Old Timer, Henckels, Eye Brand, Bulldog, Hen & Rooster, Queen, and Schatt & Morgan for traditional pattern users. Most of these knives can be had with non SS blades which is what you need in a user. Prices of these brands are almost identical to Case specially if you find them in synthetic handles. I just picked up a beautiful Henckels 2 blade trapper with white bone handle scales on Ebay for around $30. Absolutely beautiful, and the fit/finish is miles above my Case Trapper. The Case's are nice looking, but that's the best I can say about them. BTW, my Amber Bone Trapper is FS; check out the FS Forum.
Also, if you want to spend a little more, check out Mooremaker knives:
http://catalog.mooremaker.com/browseGroup.cfm?item_group_id=29383
Lenny
 
Well, I just bought a Case Small Texas Jack as a user. Stay away from the "Tru-Sharp SS". For a user the CV (Chrome Vanadium) steel is much better. I believe all the Amber Bone models use the CV steel, but I am not sure which others do. You might want to check out the Case forum at www.knifeforums.com . Also, for really good prices on Case (as well as great service) check out Bayou Lafourche Knife Works
at www.knifeworks.com .


[This message has been edited by det (edited 04-19-2001).]
 
I've had a jigged bone Case Hobo with the stainless blade and fork for two years now. I really don't know what the other gentlemen are talking about. I have used this thing extensively and I even carried it for over a year using it for my lunches at work every day. I have also used it on camping trips and it is a great knife/tool and holds an edge well. I'm not at all a big Case guy but I love this thing and recommend it whole heartedly!
 
If you want to try Case knives, then do so and rest assured you are getting a fine quality knife. Case knives are not the best knives out there, but they are nice and worth your consideration. I have had and used both stainless and carbon blades from Case. The carbon steel takes a nice edge and holds it well, however when discoloration does begin, it is very hard to prevent further discoloration. That is not really a bad thing though as it tends to give charecter to the knife. Just watch for obvious rust and pitting. The stainless blades sharpen up well. They do not hold an edge as well, but they are easy enough to touch up.

You can get Schrade old timer and uncle henry for a bit less than Case. Both brands are well built and should serve you well, although Case has a bit more refinement in looks...no other real advantage I can see.

Check all the brands out that you are considering, and dont dismiss one brand just because somebody says so.



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I have owned a Russlock now for about six months. I love it and have had no problem keeping it sharp or with it not performing up to snuff.

I also have a large Coperlock that I used to take hiking (Spyderco man now). Great knife!! Locks well, light wieght, and even though it is SS it holds a really good edge.

I will agree though that a Schatt and Morgan is a superior knife. If you can find one cheap, buy it.

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Xeophyte
"nuff said"
 
yes, chrome vanadium blades are the way to go, and all the yellow-handled models have them.
i have a case chestnut-bone trapper as a user right now, and it's basically the knife after which the hobo was patterned. (same knife just with a spey blade instead of a fork, and doesn't come apart.) it's a nice little knife, and the blades hold a fine edge nicely. sturdy and well-built. so i'd recommend the hobo, since it's the same pattern.
the copperlock has got to be my favorite case knife, because it's a very pretty shape, and it locks! i'd recommend it even over a trapper (other favorite).

aleX.


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sharp blades are friendlier than sharp tongues.
 
I own both the CaseXX Copperlock (large) and the Hobo both with vintage stag scales.

I haven't had the opportunity yet to use my Hobo so I won't submit any opinions of that.

The Copperlock, however, has been used quite a bit. It arrived very sharp. So sharp, infact that it surprised me. Unfortunately, for the sake of this discussion, I haven't used it enough to warrant sharpening. So what does this say for "TrueSharp SS"??
confused.gif
I'm not really sure. I'm not a big fan of their stainless either. I would love to see Case move up to a well known, well used and respected SS such as ATS-34, for example.

So back to the Copperlock. I think that this has to be my favorite pattern that Case offers. I can't explain it but this knife has just a great feel in the hand as well as being very asthetically pleasing.

If I was looking for a nice traditional pocket knife (that locks too) then this would make a good pick. It should perform very good for years to come if not beat on or used too heavy.

--The Raptor--
 
I work in a factory installing electrical components on fire engines. Since 1997, I've had a stainless Copperlock in one pocket and a Benchmade Ascent with ATS-34 in the other. I grab one with whichever hand is free, so they get used equally. The work I do is not heavy duty, mostly stripping jackets of many different types of cable, cutting plastic loom, opening boxes, etc. I hope nobody gets mad, but I don't notice much, if any, difference in edge holding between the two knives. I touch them both up about once or twice a week.
 
The Case knives are a very good value when you compare price vs. qaulity vs. usability.

Obviously the Carbon blades will hold an edge a little longer than the SS ones, but in reality, we are talking about a slim margin.

They are well put together, will serve most users very well as EDC knives(note that they are not meant to be HARD use knives), and are readily available.

Don't hesitate to try one out. The company wouldn't have survived for the past 100 years if they weren't a quality knife at an affordable price.

I personally collect(and use)Large Copperlocks and Hobos, and if anyone has any NIB ones they want to get rid of, let me know, if its something I don't have, maybe we can strike a deal.

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C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
Gentlemen, thank you all for the replies. Well, I was aware of the superiority of some makers eg. Moore Maker or Schatt & Morgan. (I especially like the very elegant form of the clip blades on the Moore Maker knives). They usually cost at least twice as much than the CaseXX knives. On the other hand I had some bad experience with Case knives (lousy fit and finish, blade play, uneven grind), but I have never handled the above mentioned patterns. Maybe they are better than e.g. the trappers or medium stockmans I have experience with.
The TruSharp stainless steel Case uses is 420 (or modified 420) steel and it is honestly heat treated. If you don't need a scalpel, it is more than adequate for most of the everyday uses. Of course the 'Chrome Vanadium' steel holds a better edge and it is easier to sharpen. But my main concern was not with the blade steel but with the overall stability of the knife. How well will it take the abuse of regular light wittling? (no hardwood and no woodcarving)
Will the scales come out soon?
I read somewhere that the legendary old Case quality is no more maintained, the knives are intented to look nice but are not strong enough for users. My limited experience seems to support this, but I may be wrong.
However the not too high prices and the nice look are tempting, that is why I am asking about your experience.
 
The scales are not going to come out. I've used these knives for 25 years and have never seen that. Sturdiness is not the problem, only fit and finish. I bought a stag handled Copperlock in 1997. Used it in my factory job every day since. Not extremely hard use, but not just cutting fruit. I just compared the blade play with two brand new ones. There is a VERY slight amount. I've never thought to check this before, and I'm surprised at how little it is. For a $40-$50 knife to whittle with, sturdiness is not an issue, blade steel is a very minor issue. Finish varies from knife to knife, so try to handle the one you buy. If you're buying on the internet, try to get one made in 2000. Rumor is Case has tried to address the finish issue in the last few years.
 
Wirebender, thank you very much for the information. I'll give it a try, I am considering to buy a copperlock.
 
I have a Case trapper and muskrat that I carry and use often. They have damascus blades and they perform just fine as pocket knives. I have a ss barlow that I use from time to time and it works just fine. I have a hard time understanding why people think Case knives are only suitable for collecting. My experience is quite different. I suspect is has more to do with current fashion in knives more so that the knives themselves.

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Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
 
I have carried daily a yellow handles Copper Lock for a couple of years now. Quality is fine for a user, and the CV blade is easy to sharpen and holds an edge fairly well. I had to put mine on the stone a few times when new to get it really sharp and every once in a while go back to the stone, a grey Arkansas stone is plenty agressive, but the trick is to STEEL the edge almost daily, it will cut and cut and cut. Frankly I love the pattern but its a little thin for a heavy user. I would like one with liners thicker, and the scales a little thicker for a total overall increase in thickness of 3/32-1/8" with a corresponding thicker blade. Still I dont think you have to worry about breaking the knife, just dont do any thing outrageous with it. The CV steel is fine, but could be a little harder; all in all a very good pattern and decent knife. Dont forget though a REAL user will be worn out eventually. thats why those Old Timers are so attractive.
 
My first two knives were Case sheath knives, which I got when I was just a pint-sized tyke. That was ages ago, and I used and abused them, and they're still kickin'. There are better and worse knives. Case is generally OK.

As far as the Hobo is concerned, KaBar has a model also called the Hobo, and it is a three piece set, with a knife, fork and a spoon. You may want to check it out, if the idea of the Hobo strikes your fancy. You can see it here:

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?KA1300



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Champions make improvements as fast as losers make excuses.
 
I just wanted to add to what Champion said.

While it is true that Case's Hobo has only a knife & fork currently. This may soon change as they have announced that they have designed a Hobo with a spoon also. This is currently not available to purchase and is being introduced as the CCC Regular Member's knife this year. Hopefully it will see it's way into production in the future.

--The Raptor--
 
Been carrying Case for 50+ years.Cannot go wrong with Case.
They have had their ups and downs,but overall
great knives.

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have a"knife"day
 
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