Case quality vs year made

[mdsmith]

Ok, I know that title is confusing, but I didn't know how else to word it. I don't have a lot of experience with Case knifes, especially older ones. I'm looking to purchase a Case canoe in carbon steel. There are two that I'm looking at in particular, both with bone handles, and both in CV steel. On was made in 1993, and one in 1976. The older one is about 50% more than the newer. Both fall into an exceptable price range. My question is, is that older one going to be built better? I ask because I hear a lot about the build quality of the "older Cases". Thanks.

 

[thejamppa]

the built quality isn't really that much difference weather its 1976's or 2009 I say since there's human factory in it... Each Case is unique. I shouldn't be worried too much about quality. Case makes quality and if something is not right, they'll make it right. Buy the one that fancies you more.

 

[Morrow]

the built quality isn't really that much difference I say since there's human factory in it...

I'll have to disagree with you. The Case knives I have from 1940-1979 by comparison have better fit and finish than later knives from Case. Many of the Case knives from the 1980s I had (they are mostly gone now) I found lacking in terms of quality. Recent releases from Case like the chestnut bone CV swayback remind me very much of quality shown in the older Case knives. YMMV and of course my opinion is based on my personal experiences.

 

[pipedreams308]

I'd pay the premium on the '76 -unless I was able to inspect them both and found the '93 better built. But, I'd lay odds the the '76 is a better made pocketknife.

 

[thejamppa]

I'll have to disagree with you. The Case knives I have from 1940-1979 by comparison have better fit and finish than later knives from Case. Many of the Case knives from the 1980s I had (they are mostly gone now) I found lacking in terms of quality. Recent releases from Case like the chestnut bone CV swayback remind me very much of quality shown in the older Case knives. YMMV and of course my opinion is based on my personal experiences.

That might be. I personally would pay premium for 40's and 50's knives. For 76's perhaps not that much. And you're more experienced with these matters so I rather believe you than myself when it comes Case knives older than I am

 

[samid]

My first post in this forum - so hi everybody,

While I myself cannot comment on the thread subject - I recently saw a youtube video where the author talks about just this topic - hope you find it interesting.

 

[black mamba]

From many, many threads on this subject here on BFC, I'd say the older one SHOULD (but not for sure) have slightly better fit & finish, but SHOULD also have a little softer steel, but not enough to really notice. Get the one you like the best.

 

[knifeaholic]

One thing to consider is that in 1985 Case changed the design of the Canoe going from one backspring to two backsprings. That means that post-9185 knives have thinner blade stock as compared to the older ones.

Thinner blades may make better slicers while thicker may be better for heavy cutting.

 

[Will Power]

Before '80 and after '00 seem to show very reliable quality from what I've seen. The last couple of decades of the last century were not so fine for their knives.