Case quality control?

J

jakeman

Joined
Apr 24, 2010
Messages
7
I always thought if you bought a case knife made in the USA it was a quality Knife! The first Case I bought was a mini copper lock and the fit and finish was just ok. Today I received my second, a swayback gent and it has significant blade play and will be going back. I know it was only $43.00 but that is unacceptable. This may be my last Case. Anyone else noticing this?

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk
 
Yeah I've bought a couple I haven't been 100% happy about ... mainly blades rubbing other blades or something like that but I sharpen them soon as I buy one so it don't matter to me ... but I agree they could do better


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
No problems with my recent Case purchases. 8 or 10 in the last year. Better than my GEC forum knife.

--Larry
 
I use to like Case until they "lost" my great grandfathers knife, which had the 25cent tang stamp, then replaced it with a new one!
 
Well maybe it's just my bad luck? Still does not give me much confidence the next one will be good.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk
 
The last couple years it's been a crapshoot- I got a few that were fine ad a couple I think were made the Monday after the Super Bowl:eek:
 
Can be hit or miss. I haven't bought any new Case knives in the past couple of years, literally almost to the day. Most of the ones I own (probably 80+) are in the good to excellent category. Some are in the average to below average, and a few qualify as "disappointing." None have been bad enough to send in.

I have come to believe that I must have a broader tolerance for quality than some here do because I sometimes see posts or pictures of people complaining about things that I either wouldn't notice or wouldn't mind if I did notice. Significant blade play I would notice and probably send back in like you did.
 
I just got a pocket worn Teardrop and the fit and finish is pretty much perfect. A few of my Case knives have a little blade play, but so do a couple my GEC knives and I'm fine with a little play.
 
I haven't had much issue with Case with the exception of their dye process. They can't make scales look like the advertised pieces if their lives depended on it. The closest I've seen has been on the new Walnut Rogers Jigged Bone. The Checkered and Jigged Chestnut, the Old Red Bone, and the Barnboard Crimson are all horrible when compared to the advertised picture on websites. I think their main problem is that they reduced the dying time, probably in order to increase production totals. Reds are pink, chestnuts are orange, etc.
 
Exactly! I'd bet this has cost Case plenty of lost sales.

Wurrwulf said:
I haven't had much issue with Case with the exception of their dye process. They can't make scales look like the advertised pieces if their lives depended on it. The closest I've seen has been on the new Walnut Rogers Jigged Bone. The Checkered and Jigged Chestnut, the Old Red Bone, and the Barnboard Crimson are all horrible when compared to the advertised picture on websites. I think their main problem is that they reduced the dying time, probably in order to increase production totals. Reds are pink, chestnuts are orange, etc.
Click to expand...
 
The ones I got go in the pocket and get used. None were perfect but I don't need them to be.
 
All the patterns I've tried have been solid. Good heat treat, excellent edc's and affordable.

Outside of Spyderco, Case has become my go to EDC brand.
 
I've had mostly good luck with Case but there have been a few issues. You picked a couple of very good patterns and I'm sorry to hear that the second one has blade play.

Case does make a good knife, generally speaking. I recommend giving them at least one more chance unless you just don't have it in you.

Maybe make your next Case purchase from The Exchange here on the forum. That way you can contact the seller and they can describe the condition of the knife in detail before you buy. You can ask specific questions and feel more confident about the purchase. You can do this with some dealers too if you find one willing to inspect the knife.

I realize that you shouldn't really have to do that. It's just a suggestion. I own several Case knives that are very well made and I'm very fond of them. A well made Case knife is a pleasure to own and use. I would hate to see you miss out on that.

Consider giving them another chance.
 
My results recently are mixed. I bought a pocket worn teardrop that is very good. Has a blonde streak on the bone, but otherwise very good. I bought a Tony Bose Cattle Knife that is excellent. I agree, the bone is lighter than in photos, but I like the color. On the other hand, I bought my son a Copperlock in abalone as a gift. On his, the lock sticks up a mili or two in the locked position. This is a $200+ knife. Should not be that way!!!

I grew up with Case. They seem to go up and down with the years. It's a crapshoot, IMO.
 
I've bought about a dozen or so Case knives in the last couple of years.
I have found all to be worth what I paid for them. They mostly don't have a GEC level of fit and finish, but they don't cost near as much, either.

I have not bought any which had blade play. I'd send yours back.
 
I got this SwayBack Gent recently and it has no issues that I Can see. Blade is centered with no play. It's everything I hoped it would be.

DSC_0587_zpsashl6zcu.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
It has been hit or miss with the Case knives I have received. The blue sodbuster jr I received recently, it has some blade play as well as grind marks on the butt of the handle on the scales and back spring. If it wasn't for it being a user I would be more upset that a knife left the factory like that. Their new trapper with the cap lifter was well made on the other hand. As far as dye jobs go, I've seen some like they barely let the scale sit in the dye with as much white you could see.
 
1 ADAM12 said:
I use to like Case until they "lost" my great grandfathers knife, which had the 25cent tang stamp, then replaced it with a new one!
Click to expand...

Man i would have lost it on them probably would have have burned their place down! That is crazy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top