Case quality?

Easyrider

Easyrider

Joined
Jan 31, 2000
Messages
4,090
What is the quality of Case knives like? How do they compare to Buck or Schrade?
 
If you want a user, get a Buck or Schrade. If you do get a Case for a user, get one in Chrome Vanadium steel. Case's 420 stainless is somewhat lacking. Case's quality has improved recently. It still has a long way to go.

Paul
 
I collect Case peanuts and have quite a few other Case knives but I USE Kershaws to cut with or Old Hickory. Case makes a nice knife but there are many better cutters and slicers out there
 
My Case Large Stockman with CV steel and yellow Delrin handles is a very good working knife. My Copperlock Wharncliffe had some initial quality problems, but cleaned up nicely and worked out OK. And, I like my Baby Butterbean as a small knife, although it usually takes a back seat to the excellent small Spydercos.

You might want to get your knife at a retail place, rather than order over the Internet, so that you can check it out in person.
 
Off topic but i saw 420 mentioned...
i just purchased a Schatt & Morgan Barlow in 420HC off ebay.
How is their steel for a user?
 
I just wanted to chime in with my two cents worth,I have been collecting and using case knives for many years and over a period of 15 years I have only gotten one case knife that I had to return.Maybe I am just lucky,I don't know.I do wish they would upgrade their stainless steel,With that being said I don"t really think that the average person really needs the hardest steel available,and with a traditional knife you usually have multiple blades so when one gets dull close it and try another.ymmv.
 
I like the Case knivs but I have found that for users, I like the Buck or Schrade knives better. That being said, I do have a Case Marlin Spike that I like a lot but I had to grind the cutting edge to a new angle to get it to cut decently.

Rob
 
Case makes pretty knives...Buck and Schrade make users. (My own opinion from experience with all 3 brands.)
 
I've owned Queen,Schatt & Morgan and Case Knives.Never had a problem with any of them.Yes,some steels hold an edge better,are easier to sharpen.I think you'll find in most cases the complaints generate really from the lack of sharpening ability rather than steel choice.Not to insult anyone,but thats been my experience :p
 
buck tends to be a little better. As far as schrade, they have always beeen decent, but lower end. I have however owned, in the past one of the "everlasting" (schrade) sharp knives in greeen bone that was exceptional (they are not made anymore, except I believe they are still selling the comemmorative everlasting sharp knives right now at eknifeworks.com). Case's qaulity is not like it use to be. If you want a nice case knife, without having to pick through some to find one, buy one of their limited edition ones as the "fit and "finish tends to be a little more up to "par". With this said, you should look at what pattern you want and compare all three before buying.

Case in point. When the limited edition seahorse whittlers came out in the jade bone. I bought three all good qaulity. I saw some plain ones later, not as nice. When I bought the vintage bone seahorse the quality was not very good (to say the least). I had to really pick to find a decent one.
 
I believe their special editions or select knives may in fact be made by Queen Cutlery,which may explain the better fit and finish.
 
Easyrider,
As I've mentioned in other threads, my edc is a Case trapper with cv blades. Contrary to some posts the cv blades will hold an edge better than the stainless offerings from Buck, though rust can be a problem. The fit and finish is OK, but not great. The next user that I buy will be a Queen in D2. I won't own another Buck, unless they change their steel. By the way, I have no experience with any Buck offerings, other than slipjoint folders. Their other styles might be excellent.

Todd
 
I just picked up some case silver script cranberry cheeta's and I have to say Im quite impresssed!!!!
 
I've monitored Case knife quality very closely since the late 1990's and I've seen a tad bit of improvement in a couple of areas. I still prefer their knives from 1970 and before. My favorite two patterns are the two small stockmans 6333 and 6327 in bone. The are perhaps the most mutated from what they once were. The current models are thick and rarely walk and talk with poorly fitted blades. Of course this describes the majority of newer Case knives. I will admit I still buy one from time to time, but only when I can hand select from several.
 
Personally, I would buy a Bulldog slipjoint before I would a Case. With Bulldogs high carbon steel and built as good as if not better than a Case. My 2 cents.
Greg
 
I've always wanted a Case knife but I was never pleased with the quality.

About 2 months ago I was in our local Home Improvement store waiting in a long check line when I noticed from across the room, a mini trapper in the knife display case...it was very romantic! I stepped out of line to take a closer look.

It was the last one they had. It's prababy been in that display case for twenty years. I was impressed with how nicely it had been put together so I bought it.

It's been my EDC since that day.

Collecter
 
This wouldnt be needed if we could delete a post. I made an error and for some arcane reason I can't delete my post.
 
Originally posted by smokinbasser
This wouldnt be needed if we could delete a post. I made an error and for some arcane reason I can't delete my post.
Click to expand...


It has happened to me before also. Perhaps a moderator will pop in here and delete for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top