Case questions

sqoon

sqoon

Joined
Jan 1, 2010
Messages
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So I'm really looking into some Case knives for my first nice traditional purchase. I think I've settled on a canoe pattern.

I've been looking at a few. One of which is the 780. Red bone, stainless steel. Pocket worn.

The other is the 263. Amber bone, CV, and a nifty etching of a guy in a canoe that I kind of dig. Nowhere does it mention pocket worn. Is the hafting that Case does only done on these "pocket worn" knives? Or do they all go through the same process?

Basically, is the only difference between the 780 and the 263 the color and steel? Or is there something more to it?

There seems to be SO MANY variations of Case knives, that I'm finding it hard to know what is what. Sorry if my questions are a bit naive. I'm new to the slipjoint game.
 
I am kind of set in my ways, but I always find myself looking for a good used 70's Case knife, rather than a new one. It is my lunatic fringe, but I like the way they were made then, and there is plenty of life in the knife left for it to be a good deal. I cannot give you much info on the newer Case knives, but just my suggestion.

Your questions are more than welcomed, they are needed. I am sure some others are going to give you some good advice, better than mine next. I seem to like to hear myself type on my keyboard.:eek::o
 
The "pocket worn" only applies to the appearance of the jigging on the bone - note how the jigging is smoothed and rounded over - much like normal bone jigging gets after a few years of pocket wear. This is just a process that they apply to their bone to make it look and feel like that.

"Hafting" is really the whole fitting of bolsters to scales and rounding and shaping of the bolsters and scales to minimize bulk and maximize comfort in the hand, and such like -- the pocket worn aspect doesn't apply to that -- they do their hafting on all their knives. However, precisely how they do it depends in part on scale material -- so knives with bone or stag or pearl scales, for example, will each be hafted a bit differently in detail.
 
I agree with Chris, although recently I have bought some newies..I have also bought some mint 70's and 80's models..if you can score some 70's NIB ones...that would have a better ring to it rather than brand new?

This could open a big can of worms..as the new Case knives are awesome...I tend to think that if you had a neat 68 rs/ss Camaro..parked next to a brand new Chev Sedan....no contest!
Check out our Individual knives for sale column on a regular basis...you just missed out on a nice Case/Bose sowbelly for $60..now that is value for money!!
My opinion..and not realy worth too much, but wait around..the rest of the guys will come in, and by the end of this thread...you will be hooked! :)
 
I guess my main question is if there is a difference between a Case knife that is marketed as "Pocket worn" versus one that does not have such a designation? I understand what the hafting process entails, I just don't know if there is a different hafting process for different knives.
 
If both knives have bone scales, then the process should be the same -- "pocket worn" only applies to the style and appearance of the jigging on the bone. They might lean on the buffer on the "pocket worn" bone more to finish it, while on the amber peachseed bone they'd use a lighter touch at the buffer.
 
Kind of like a new stiff pair of Levi 501's versus the same pair that have been stonewashed. For those who like their knife handles broken in I guess.
 
Dwight may have to correct me here, but I don't think they make the Pocket Worn in CV steel. You may not be able to find both on the same knife.
 
Am I the only onee that thinks Case is crazy for not offering CV steel in one of the "pocket worn" series? I think they would go together like peas and carrots.

Paul
 
black mamba said:
Dwight may have to correct me here, but I don't think they make the Pocket Worn in CV steel. You may not be able to find both on the same knife.
Click to expand...

I don't remember any of the Pocket Worn series having CV steel. In recent years, CV knives have typically had amber peachseed, chestnut, or dark red bone (which is similar - but I don't think they've released a canoe pattern with that) - and occasionally some sort of stag.
 
I carry a Case Old Red Pocket Worn stockman and trapper and love the feel of them and wish they would offer it in CV. If you use your knife as a worry stone go for the PW. I am not fortunate enough to have seen or felt a 70’s or other old Case but am happy with the new stuff that this site got me hooked on. Only problem is it shows scratches and quickly became EDC.
Bob
 
Paul 883215 said:
Am I the only onee that thinks Case is crazy for not offering CV steel in one of the "pocket worn" series? I think they would go together like peas and carrots.

Paul
Click to expand...

Yup,

I usually buy CV when I buy a new Case. I love the way it looks polished or patina.
 
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