Case pocket knives quality

[newcollector]

Since I am a new collector in the pocket knife area, wanted to know what all you more experienced individuals think about the quality of Case knives today when compared to years gone by.

I have heard some incredible stories about Case knives...that they don't double heat treat their blades anymore, that they don't make their knives anymore, that the factory is shut down etc. In checking out Case's advertisements and web site and talking with a long time Case employee, these allegations are false.

In comparing my new knives to my ones from the 70's, my untrained eye does not notice a difference. They walk and talk the same. Is it my ignorance or is there a difference in quality that I don't know how to recognize?

What do you think? Since I cannot afford custom knives, I have purposely limited myself to production pocket knives. What is your opinion about Case?

------------------

 

[alex_111]

i like 'em. my only comparison between new & old, however, is with my dad's 70s trapper. compared with my knives, the only difference i can see is a slightly different bolster shape (his are slightly rounder). this could be that he has a "pocket worn" case, in which case this is normal.
i've found that they're sturdy and pretty, and i have not had qc problems.
many serious case collectors, however, are cynical of the new stuff. personally, i think it's the same type of thing that happens when a musician presents a new album. "i like the old beatles/santana/weezer/etc. album better!"
peace.
aleX.

------------------
"i flip you... i flip you for real..."

"come and get one in the yarbles, if you've got any yarbles."

[This message has been edited by alex_111 (edited 06-29-2001).]

 

[Raptor]

NewCollector,
Personally, I really like the current Case knives. If I had only one gripe it would be their use of "surgical steel", identity unknown. I would like to see them switch to something like ATS-34. I think that would probably raise the price a bit though. I guess that you can't have your cake & eat it too.

If your interested in more info on this subject then you could perform a search for "Case knives" here at BFC or you could go to Knifeforums.com to the W.R.Case & Sons Cutlery forum and check that out. There are a couple of threads there now that address your same concerns.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Welcome to BFC!!!!

--The Raptor--

 

[Michael Dye]

We have been a Case dealer for over 3 decades and have heard everything you posted plus much much more. We have a good following of Case collectors and initial price is the most attractive point in a new collectors mind. Stainless steel or CV, does not usually matter to the collector, but users seem to prefer the high carbon content of CV forgiving the tarnish that comes with that steel. Certain Case knives have appreciated very rapidly recently. We listed a full size MOP damascus Trapper for 185.00 last year that is currently listed with a fair market value of 500.00...better than the stock market. I am sending three discontinued yellow handle CV Case knives to a fellow down south monday,,he will have less than $100.00 in them and since they are all discontinued patterns will probably be able to double his money this fall...Case has the reputation as the most collectable line of knives of all time and I see no company even coming close to de-throning them. Regards, Mike www.newgraham.com

 

[littleknife]

Raptor, the "Tru-Sharp" Surgical Stainless Steel is 420. Nothing wrong with that, you see this in a lot of new folders. With proper heat treat it is acceptable everyday user steel. For a collector item it is as good if not better than the 440A.
By the way you are probably aware of the Case/Bose collaboration trappers in ATS-34. You can buy them for $300-350.
The reason I don't like the current Case knives (except the special edition, collaboration ones which are way too expensive) is that they are quite low quality for the price asked.
True, you can have nice and unique bone scales, but the fit and finish I have observed on Case knives is not good enough for the price asked. For similar products Queen Cutlery and their premium brands (Schatt & Morgan, Robeson) produce better quality knives, except the bone handle variety in which Case is a real winner. For high carbon steel (1095) user knives you may consider the Moore Maker Knives which are told to be produced by Queen too.
Schatt & Morgan and Robeson had recently an ATS-34 line however they are discontinued this year. You still can find them for $60-120. Maybe not as good collector investments as Case but much better knives IMHO.