Case Mini Copperlock Joins the "Formerly Humped Club"

[AFAustin]

A while back I posted about a trio of Case lockbacks I'm fond of: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1367077-I-rest-my-Case-(lockbacks-that-is!) I didn't have a Mini Copperlock to include because, as I mentioned there, I'd had one once-upon-a-time but it didn't move me and I ended up selling it. Several gents posted pics of their Mini CLs in my thread, though, and this got me re-thinking them. It wasn't long before a pretty little smooth chestnut bone model found its way to my doorstep and I wondered why I hadn't taken to it the first time around---this is a cool little knife! It's very slim and quite lightweight at 1.8 oz., but is a full 3 5/8" closed. The large front copperhead style bolster makes for multiple comfortable grips---the forefinger can rest on the back slope of the bolster, right on it, or on the front slope---and all feel good.

Mine locks up solid---zero blade play/wobble. The blade is not centered when closed but doesn't rub so I can accept that peccadillo.

My Mini CL blade is of Case's Tru-Sharp 420HC stainless steel. I know that Tru-Sharp seldom gets rave reviews and on this forum Case's CV seems more popular. Let me be in the minority, then, and say that I really like Tru-Sharp and can get some of my very best edges with it. I don't use my knives hard, so maybe it would come up short as far as edge retention, but for easily taking a very fine edge, I find it quite good indeed. In the case of the Mini CL, this is enhanced by the thin blade, especially the portion north of the nail nick. This aspect impressed me on my full sized Copperlock, but the Mini's blade is even thinner. Great little slicer!

Let me also say a word here about value. With a little looking and a little luck, a nice Mini Copperlock can be had for around $40. In fact, I managed to snare this one for a little less. IMHO, this is a true bargain for a great looking, great sized, great performing EDC knife.

OK. I've sung the praises of this little knife, but now let me finally get to the true deal maker for me---dumping the hump. I have a bad habit of messing with a classic style and this is just another example, I guess. But the Copperlock "hump" really bothers me---I just don't like how it seems to stick out like a sore thumb and detract from the otherwise clean and smooth Copperlock lines. I have "de-humped" my full size CL, and --- I obviously just don't like humps---have done the same with another classic, my chestnut bone Peanut. So, my Mini CL recently spent some quality time with my Work Sharp Ken Onion and lost its hump. I love my new svelte Mini CL, but I realize that not all may agree.

I welcome any and all comments and pics regarding Copperlocks, Mini Copperlocks, and the pros and cons of "de-humping".

Thanks for reading and looking.

Andrew


Mini CL thin blade:

Full size CL and Mini CL---thin & thinner:

Mini CL "Before" (i.e., stock):

"After" (de-humped):

Mini CL joins the "Formerly Humped Club":

 

[Railsplitter]

I like the de-humped look, Andrew but I liked the stock look too.

I can't help but applaud your efforts. I've observed many of your modifications over the years (it seems that you modify most of your knives to your liking) and I've been impressed with all of them. I only wish I had the skills to do the same.

Nice work as always! :thumbup:

 

[Ernie1980]

I have gotten into a habit of modifying blades lately, and seem to do it most often on clip point shapes. I think you improved it:thumbup:

 

[black mamba]

Good job on the reshape, looks much smoother for the pocket. It's always fun to make them your own.

 

[NMpops]

Looks great, now I have some work to do!

 

[SonnyJim]

Wow, it's amazing how much that simple mod changes the look of that blade. Great job:thumbup:

~Jim

 

[Ratbert]

Those look great and I applaud your skill. I am envious of those that can work metal and modify / build knives.

I can't imagine myself taking a file or stone to a new knife as I know I would destroy it.

 

[AFAustin]

Thanks, gents. I appreciate all the kind words, especially since they are from experienced and knowledgeable knife guys.

Andrew

 

[gonebad395]

Very nice is there a link to how you do it

 

[AFAustin]

Very nice is there a link to how you do it

Thanks, Keith. Sorry, no video but it's a pretty simple matter. I used my Work Sharp KO but other grinders would of course do the trick, and I don't think even doing it by hand with a good wet and dry sandpaper progression would be that hard given the relatively small amount of metal you're removing. I also did a little bit of finishing work with my Micro Mesh pads. I probably spent the most amount of time at the very end, trying to even up how I rounded over the top a bit---so that the lines (and reflected light) were consistent on each side.

Andrew