Case Small Saddlehorn

[Comeuppance]

My undying love for clip point blades has me considering my very first Case knife - a single-blade Small Saddlehorn.

There aren't too many left out there, apparently, but they're relatively inexpensive (as they aren't quite "sold out" yet) and has a very lanny-clip-ish blade style.

While I love the clip point blade, I'm not super in love with the handle material - and there happens to be a two-blade version with pretty gorgeous materials:

That second blade, though! Blech! Harumph!

... I remain torn all the same. I'd love to hear any experiences you guys have with this pattern, and pictures are always welcome

 

[matus]

The one with the green handle and single blade is really lovely. Excellent blade shape.

 

[Comeuppance]

The one with the green handle and single blade is really lovely. Excellent blade shape.

I can only agree strongly!

Haha, oh wow. I just noticed that the dealer I was looking at ordering from online is actually in the same city as I am. I could actually go out and inspect it in person tomorrow (they're closed today, because Oklahoma )

 

[Comeuppance]

I just called and had the guy put both of the ones they have in stock on hold for me. Hopefully, at least one of the two is mechanically sound...! It's kind of a drive, but I'm up for a little adventure.

 

[RobertJ1]

Hopefully it goes well for you and you find a good one. That's a very nice knife.

 

[mrknife]

man my love for clip point blades makes me want one now too

 

[swaybacksteve]

It is an interesting frame....that saddlehorn. I 've kind of thought that the blade to frame proportions seem off in the pictures that I have seen. Yup the clip blade is very nice...but definitely one to actually handle first.
The barnwood cover on the second one is not the most handsome, when seen in person. I have a swaybackgent in damascus with the same cover and had to do a tea dye on it...Nice damascus, if at a good price.

 

[Comeuppance]

Well... I have to say I was kinda let down in person. They're not centered, one had some notable wobble, and both were dull as bricks. I was able to bounce both of the blades repeatedly on the back of my hand with nary a risk of injury. They're pretty and all, but they're poorly made by comparison to the GECs I've handled so far.

I bought both all the same, because they sell on the 'bay for something like $100 each, so I'll just sell them and put the money towards my Lanny Clip fund. Kinda super disappointed, though - what's the average expected quality control for Case knives? These were even a limited edition, and just really don't bolster my confidence in buying any other Case knives (granted, I've literally only handled these two).

It is an interesting frame....that saddlehorn. I 've kind of thought that the blade to frame proportions seem off in the pictures that I have seen. Yup the clip blade is very nice...but definitely one to actually handle first.
The barnwood cover on the second one is not the most handsome, when seen in person. I have a swaybackgent in damascus with the same cover and had to do a tea dye on it...Nice damascus, if at a good price.

They're very comfortable in the hand. The outward curved end rests naturally against the thenor, and the inner curve provides another natural resting spot for the proximal phalanxes of the ring, middle, and index finger, with the distal phalanx of one's thumb resting on the spine of the handle, with the thumb pad sitting about 1/2 on the bolster and 1/2 on the spine of the blade.

I didn't know what to call the part of your palm that is distinctly the base of one's thumb, so I used this picture for terms:

 

[Woodrow F Call]

That is really an interesting knife. Love the clip blade on it. How long is it?

 

[mike Berkovitch]

I love this pattern, here's one I carry quiet often. F&F is good, blades are centered. It had some rough edges on the bolster but I took care of it.

Mike

PS-this is not my photo, I bought it on the exchange from a forum member Supratentorial and this is his photo.

 

[Will Power]

Bonestag 6.5

 

[Comeuppance]

That is really an interesting knife. Love the clip blade on it. How long is it?

3.5" closed, and the blade is 2 5/8" IIRC

 

[supratentorial]

A lot of modern tactical knife converts seem to like single blades but a second blade can have lots of utility. Personally, I like a combination of two different types of blades... though I prefer one to be straight edge.

I've owned a few of these knives. Case makes the blade grinds fairly thick whereas thinner would be for slicing or skinning... I'd use a fixed blade instead of a pocket knife for skinning but that is the original purpose of the blade.

But the criticism of the factory edge is not surprising. I could say the same about every factory edge that I've ever gotten from GEC and Queen as well. One of the forum dealers even opens the blades by pushing on the exposed edges. Sharpening a new knife is something that I expect on any new traditional knife.

There are some available for well under $100. Here's one with particularly nice jigged bone and a classic shield...

 

[supratentorial]

I love this pattern, here's one I carry quiet often. F&F is good, blades are centered. It had some rough edges on the bolster but I took care of it.

Mike

PS-this is not my photo, I bought it on the exchange from a forum member Suprtentorial and this is hus photo.

This is definitely my favorite of the ones that I've owned. It was the last one that I sold. It was part of a Bose commemorative set. It's one of the old patterns that Tony brought back to life. Tony selected the shield and jigged bone and he has impeccable taste. You should look through examples of his custom knives as well---beautiful work.

 

[Tymowens]

They have a single blade one coming out in the new green apple bone. They have a 2 blade version in a burnt Amber bone that looks really nice.

 

[Zidfeldts]

I have had different results than the OP, I have had about 100 Case knives and with about 2 exceptions they were a lot sharper than any of the GECs that I own.

 

[Comeuppance]

A lot of modern tactical knife converts seem to like single blades but a second blade can have lots of utility. Personally, I like a combination of two different types of blades... though I prefer one to be straight edge.

Hey now, don't lump me in with the "tactical" crowd All of my knives are work knives, and I make no pretense towards having any kind of knife fighting skill or intention.

That said, it seems that a very large percentage of those that frequent this subforum prefer single-bladed knives. I have a few double-bladed knives, but the blades are inherently different from one another in shape and size. The saddlehorn's pair of blades just seems redundant - especially for my uses - and, as you stated, a straight edge secondary would be ideal.

While I was there, I was strongly temped by a damascus seahorse whittler. Onna these numbers:

...But my bank account doth protest, as I'm having a very difficult time unloading my excess knives here and on the 'bay. Looks like what I have currently is what I'm going to have for a little while. I still have to buy groceries, gas, pay rent, and have emergency money - no-playing-around-with-knives money for me

I've owned a few of these knives. Case makes the blade grinds fairly thick whereas thinner would be for slicing or skinning... I'd use a fixed blade instead of a pocket knife for skinning but that is the original purpose of the blade.

But the criticism of the factory edge is not surprising. I could say the same about every factory edge that I've ever gotten from GEC and Queen as well. One of the forum dealers even opens the blades by pushing on the exposed edges. Sharpening a new knife is something that I expect on any new traditional knife.

Most of the GECs that I have handled have shaved hair out of the tube. I could literally press these blades against my palm firmly without injury. I think, though, I'm working from the perspective of someone who has just recently gotten into traditional knives and the majority of the GECs available to me were made very recently - and I recall reading a comment or two here that they stepped up their sharpening game as of late.

All the same, I think I'll stick to buying Case knives from users here, where I can get an accurate description of the mechanical state. Sharpness is more of a gripe than an issue for me - I have stones, strops, etc. It's bothersome, though, to drop so much on a USA-made knife and find it lacking compared to budget imports in every aspect but aesthetics.

I haven't sworn off Case, but this was a poor first impression :nonchalance:

 

[supratentorial]

I didn't mean to imply anything about the way you use your knives. And I didn't mean to imply that you're a mall ninja. But you've started some topics about transitioning from modern tactical type knives to traditional type knives.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...d-niches-discovered-and-questions-that-remain!
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...the-first-time-Is-there-a-quot-XL-quot-GEC-25

And there are a LOT of guys new to traditional knives who start with a preference for single blades. It seems logical. Most modern knives have single blades. Everyone is different though.

For a real treat, check out the Bose Case collaboration knives. My Case/Bose muskrat and norfolk are my favorites from Case

 

[redsparrow]

I like the Case Saddlehorn mainly for it's wonderful ergonomic design. The two blade model suits me better than the single because the wider handle is the more comfortable of the two. The secondary blade could easily be converted into a nice 2" coping blade. If someone did convert the secondary to a straight blade they would have a very versatile tool made from what I have found to be an exceptionally well built knife. YMMV.

 

[supratentorial]

Not a bad idea for a mod, redsparrow. :thumbup: Your example of the pattern is a nice one. I don't remember seeing it previously.