Case corelon handles

huntnfishin

huntnfishin

Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
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Hi all. I love the vintage case knives. I really do...but a newer model caught my eye with corelon scales in their pumpkin box pattern. Anyone try one of these? Is corelon like an acrylic material? Durable stuff?
Thanks bladeforums
 
Corleon is durable.
Back in the 1950's or 1960's to the 1980's, maybe early 1990's, Corleon was a very popular (and expensive) kitchen and bath counter material. As much or more-so than granite or Marble is today.

I belive you can still get kitchen and bath counters made of Corleon, for less than the rock counters.
 
Yes, the texture is just a bit grippy without being tacky.
Keep in mind that the actual pattern you will get is random - it will be the same mix of colors, but how they are mixed isn't going to be the same as the pictures.
I do have a few and like them.
 
I've got two, a peppermint one, and a butter rum or some such like that.. I honestly can't tell much difference between it and other acrylics, or acrylic polyester blends that are popular now for gun grips,knife scales, and pen turning. Kirinite is another one with a name, same basic material IMO, just a different brand name I'd bet.

Its definitely harder than delrin, doesn't mark anywhere near as easy.

Its not, IMO, like the mentioned counter top materials though, Corleon, and Corian. Those are denser and heavier, and they don't get as glassy smooth. The Corelon on my two knives are polished like glass. From my research, all are acrylic resin based, just different things added for structure/ color/ opacity.

Also, not that it matters fir form or function, but some folks like to know such things; the Corelon handles aren't put on by Case. At least they haven't been for past runs up until a few years ago. Not 100% sure about now. There isn't a quality difference, can't tell they're not factory done.

Case was building the knives sans covers, and they're sent out to a contractor that does limited numbered runs. They're not pinned on and shaped, but they're not exactly epoxied on either; The stuff is basically cast in place on the knife, then final finishing is done. Have read about modders trying to get the stuff off, you basically have to grind or blow torch it off... Its not going anywhere verry easily.
 
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I thought I read in an older thread that some have observed some shrinkage over time. The guy may have been named George. :-)

But look around. I had been considering one as well and retreated a bit when reading about small gaps opening.

,,,Mike in Canada
 
I’m becoming E5CA7787-F786-41E8-9AEE-8C3360317F11.jpeg a dyed in the wool vintage case nut. I just really like the look of the orange pumpkin boxes and well when I saw this knife I thought why not ? Anyone seen one of these in the flesh? Here is a dealer pic. Wish it was cv but you can’t have everything I guess. At least there is no shield to fall out. Prolly look a bit busy with one.
 
Found it in a Case Synthetic Handles thread from 2016. - Here ya go,,,,

I have had a couple Case corelon colorful acrylic sided trappers from the early 2000's ... the acrylic does display some very minor shrinkage over time. What I've seen is the acrylic sides shrink a tiny bit, so that the springs/liners are just slightly proud. It's minor, but enough that it annoys me. If I got a new knife like that with the acrylic slightly below the top edge of the brass liners, I would consider it poor fit and finish. i have a few delrin Case's from the 70's which held up great ... no signs of shrinkage at all with delrin.

,,,Mike in Canada
 
huntnfishin said:
Hi all. I love the vintage case knives. I really do...but a newer model caught my eye with corelon scales in their pumpkin box pattern. Anyone try one of these? Is corelon like an acrylic material? Durable stuff?
Thanks bladeforums
Click to expand...
Corelon is an Acrylic like you guessed. I understand it to be rather durable.
I own a few knives with Corelon handles, one being a Case. But they are collection pieces, therefore never personally tested as far as durability.
You should have no problems with using your new pick under normal conditions.
~Enjoy~
 
Just do it, Pat. If you don't like it, there's probably a kid in the neighborhood who doesn't know how much he needs a pocket knife in his life ;)
 
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