Case Mini CopperLock?

P

PWork

Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
3,164
I've kinda had a "thing" for the mini CopperLock since it first came out. I'm not real thrilled with Case, but I really like this design. I think if Case had brought this design out 25 years ago, it would now be considered a classic. What's everyone's opinions of the CopperLock?

Paul
 
I don't have the Mini, but I do have the Copperlock Wharncliffe with 3" blade. I had problems with the lock when I first got it, but after some cleaning suggestions from forum members, it worked out fine. I like the blade shape and size, and the CV steel is ok. The handle is also very comfortable. A nice package for the price.
 
The Copperlock was the knife that got me into slipjoints. I was hooked on tacticals but decided I needed a dress knife so I opted for a mini Copperlock and never looked back. Truly a handsome little knife. I have a couple of the minis and three Copperlocks and they are a great knife, comfortable in the hand and the pocket. Like you say Case's fit and finish and steel aren't so great but the design is great.
 
I have a Case mini copperlock with yellow handle and the Chrome Vanadium blade, and it is one of the sharpest knives I own. The difference between Case's CV steel and their el cheapo stainless is tremendous. The CV rocks, while their stainless sucks. I love the design of the Copperlock; both large and small. My small Copperlock cost me $24 with a leather sheath. It's a lotta knife for the money.
 
Copperlocks (and Canoes) are a great design. When closed, the up curve in the bolster covers the backsquare of the blade (tang) so that the right angle doesnt snag your pocket and wear out the cloth. When open, the bolster forms a bit of a finger guard. Great design. Surprised that its not more popular with custom makers. Here are two very nice ones from Bill Ruple and Tony Huffman:
 
I don't have any of the mini-copperlocks, but I do have two full-sized ones. Great design, really comfortable in the hand. I like it for the same reason I like the Buck 112 better than the 110.

Danbo is right about the steel, although my stainless one does seem to hold an edge pretty well for a Case. I do I baby it a little, though. Also, these (and all) Cases would be better if they had (everyone knows what I'm gonna say :D ) pointy tips!
 
I have a Chestnut bone and an Amber bone in the mini Copperlock. I carry the Amber bone some. I like it for its fit and feel in the hand and the slim, rounded ends that ride well in the pocket.
 
I have (well, wife has) a natural bone mini and a Wharncliff blade Silver Script that SC_Rebel is mutating for me. Like the good doctor above, I wanted a dress-up knife, quite pleased so far.
 
Well, I picked up a Mini Copperlock tonight (white jigged bone/SS). I love the way it feels in the hand. Blade is centered with no blade play in any direction. Lock up is very secure. Fit and finish are quite good.
As is normal with Case, the tip was somewhat round and rode slightly above the liner when closed. It had the absolute worst burr I've ever seen on an edge. Some work on the edge, point, and kick now have it where it should have been out of the box.
Overall I'm happy with the knife. It's a great design. Hopefully Case will someday wake up and ship knives worthy of the great old name.

Paul
 
I started collecting the CopperLock about June 2002 and now have 190 large CopperLocks and 52 Mini CopperLocks.
Needless to say that I am fond of them and have thoroughly enjoyed collecting and going to the shows.
 
I have a full size Copperlock in Autumn Bone. It's a beautiful looking knife but it's much more suited to collecting than use as an EDC. Even so, I'd probably own more if they didn't have rounded tips (that really bugs me).
 
I carried and used my mini Copperlock off and on for a month or so. The more I used it, the less I liked it.:grumpy:

Paul
 
fasteddie,
Those look like copperheads and not the aforementioned copperlock. Is the copperlock just a copperhead without the wharncliffe and with a lock?
Matt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top