Case Large Gunboat Canoe

Andrew Colglazier

Andrew Colglazier

Joined
Sep 14, 2006
Messages
4,409
The oversized model, I think in red bone.

Anybody have one? If so, how do you like it?

I like large folders, and I also like the utility of a spearpoint.

Thanks!

Andy
 
I have one in 6.5 Bonestag. Like it a lot, it handles pretty much everything I need a knife for in my daily life. It's fairly good size so it won't disappear in your pocket like other slips can but that doesn't bother me at all. I've edc'd Buck 110's for a while so the Gunboat is no big deal, I just slide it into my back pocket next to my wallet, no problem. I'd like to get one in CV someday, but really the SS has performed pretty well for the light duty I've put it through so far. Feels a little softer than Buck's 420hc on the stone imo. The spear point is handy in the kitchen, the Sheepsfoot handles the utility stuff and the Spey is handy when I need to use it in public and not spook anyone. Not much discussion about these in this forum and I'm not sure why. My only guess is that it's size has something to do with it, the trend seems to be toward smaller knives these days.

 
I've got one in blue Carrib. bone, but also a Case Classic with the non-stainless blades. Both are wonderful EDCs.

I know I'll catch flak for this but I think the Gunboat is much more robust than the large stockman (I know I don't carry either of mine anywhere near as often as the Gunboat).

I agree the Tru-sharp is a little soft, but it's still very finely grained. I say that as it can take a wicked edge, just needs a little more attention to keep it there. One advantage to this steel in an EDC this summer--having been so humid here in New England--no worries on corrosion.

As for a Gunboat in CV; other than the Classic (which was made by Bluegrass) I don't think Case currently issues one--we can hope. The Classic Gunboat is, in many ways, preferrable--with one major exception. The rise in the backspring (where the pivot passes through) slightly dings the spey blade. I eMailed Case, and they said they wouldn't touch it--I had to send it back to Bluegrass. If you find one of these on offer--and can check it out--it is really a beautiful piece of work.

I'll end my screed.

Best regards.
 
Actually, the Case Classic Gunboat was made by Case. Out of the 37 Classic patterns, Case did make 4 of them and Queen made the balance. Also, Case did a short run of of the Gunboat (6394) last year but, they were in stainless. They made 100 each in 5 different bone handle colors.
 
Perry, do you mind filling us in on which other patterns were produced by Case?

In your opinion, how did those models compare (by and large) to those made by Queen during the period?

(Not trying to put you on the spot, just curious as to your personal impressions.)
 
The patterns by Case were the Trapper (254), the Big Congress (488), the Saddlehorn (2100), and the Gunboat (394).

As far as quality goes, they all, Case & Queen, had good fit and finish. I personally like the Queen steel much beter than Case. Most of the knives are collected and not used so the steel wouldn't be as big of a factor if you're not going to use it. Form a collecting standpoint, all four Case patterns are very collectable, the 88 Congress is likely the most collectable Classic. On the Queen side, the 50 Elepahnt Toenail is likely the most collectable.
 
Thanks, Perry. That's some great info. :thumbup:
 
Perry:

Thanks for the correction. I was going by the response from Case customer service email. Based on what you've said, I think I'll try again.

Much appreciation.
 
The big gunboat 94 pattern is one of my favorite knives right after the 47 stockman. I carry one of the Case Classic stag gunboats and it performs outstanding just like youd expect from a Case. I do wish they had made a CV stag gunboat with NS liners instead of brass but I can live with a little green.
 
Thanks for the info, guys. I found one of these big folders at a local shop, and it caught my eye. I recently bought a Case Large Stockman in CV, but the Gunboat looks beefier and more robust.

An internet search turned up lots of listings but all sold out. Most places listed the knife for over $100; the shop where I saw the knife has it for less than $90 out the door.

I do wish it was in CV, but it's calling to me, nonetheless!

Andy
 
Very good information their Perry!. It seems I find myself delighted after your posts in this forum nearly every time as I learn a great deal from you, so thanks for that.. Great stuff from all the folks here too. As some of y'all may know already, I am a big fan of the 6.5 Bone Stag's ever since W.R. Case started producing them back in 2002 I think if memory serves, when I aquired my first 6.5 Trapper pattern. Soon after that I was purchasing a bevy of 6.5318 Stockman's to use and to give away as gifts.. Next, I had to have a 1 of 250 scrolled bolsters mint set of 10 patterns in the hardwood display delivered factory direct.. Yup, you might say I got the 6.5 BS bug..:rolleyes:

Andrew, grab that Gunboat at your favorite shop and I'll wager you will be quite pleased with her. If'n you do purchase that one, perhaps you would do us the service of showing it here with a review?!.

Best,

Anthony
 
I owned a Case Gunboat in the red bone/Case XX large script inlay for a few days, but I just couldn't get to liking it and swapped it off. The large spear point blade that many others happen to like, I found little use for. I wish Case would make some of the old 94 1/2 equal end pattern (equal ended jumbo stockman). Spaceport has some originals on his site, but I'd have to sell my house to buy one. :eek:
 
I kept one Case Classic Gunboat for my collection and have not used it. It is a tank of a folder. Fit and finish compares to XX era. (45-65) not the "ebay Case XX" era :D.
 
sunnyd said:
Andrew, grab that Gunboat at your favorite shop and I'll wager you will be quite pleased with her. If'n you do purchase that one, perhaps you would do us the service of showing it here with a review?!.

Best,

Anthony
Click to expand...

Anthony, I think I will do just that. While I wish this model was CV, it does meet most of my other criteria (large, robust, multibladed).

I like wharncliffe and spearpoint blades, this seems to fit the bill! The store only had one left.... maybe I'd better go get it tomorrow! :D

Andy
 
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