Case Stockman S35vn

Gimmick, something different to foment sales. Just like the rest of the colors, designs, seasonal, different branches of the military, the holes have a purpose, yup. Just like the new and improved formula, new presentation, propaganda. Scagel, so what? When GEC adds them it’ll be the next hype toward more exclusive pricing.
 
jakemex said:
Gimmick, something different to foment sales. Just like the rest of the colors, designs, seasonal, different branches of the military, the holes have a purpose, yup. Just like the new and improved formula, new presentation, propaganda. Scagel, so what? When GEC adds them it’ll be the next hype toward more exclusive pricing.
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I see your point. I just think that an upgrade from TruSharp to S35VN is more than a gimmick. The holes may not have any purpose other than aesthetics, but I think the upgraded steel is significantly more than a gimmick. Just my opinion of course. 😊
 
jstrange said:
I don't mind the holes at all and really like the Trapper. The Stockman looks good, but I prefer the larger model. Are these a dealer exclusive? Where might one find a Trapper?
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If you were a member here, we could msg you and tell you.
there was a TV western series on HBO IIRC, notorious for how many times they used the "F" word... it was named after a gold rush city in South Dakota.
There is a knife store with the same name..... they have 'em.

How's that for beating around the proverbial bush?
 
bigfish64 said:
I see your point. I just think that an upgrade from TruSharp to S35VN is more than a gimmick. The holes may not have any purpose other than aesthetics, but I think the upgraded steel is significantly more than a gimmick. Just my opinion of course. 😊
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Great, that’s true, anyway, I just don’t need another Case knife. I have had TruSharp and CV that was impossible to sharpen and every knife is a crapshoot as far as fit and finish these days. I’ll pass on the “new and improved” models. I love the Case knives I own, most of them are great. I have used them since I was a kid. I have a 48 year old slimline trapper that’s beat and bruised after 40 years of use that I would still carry but for sentimental reasons.
 
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jakemex said:
Great, that’s true, anyway, I just don’t need another Case knife. I have had TruSharp and CV that was impossible to sharpen and every knife is a crapshoot as far as fit and finish these days. I’ll pass on the “new and improved” models. I love the Case knives I own, most of them are great. I have used them since I was a kid. I have a 48 year old slimline trapper that’s beat and bruised after 40 years of use that I would still carry but for sentimental reasons.
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If you aren't planning to buy a new Case knife then I don't think you are their target audience with the new steel and holes in the blade.

Case using some new "super steels" and making a line of modern knives is going to attract people to their company that would have never considered buying a Case before.
 
hornetguy said:
well.... as long as you realize, it's just a gimmick..... 🤣
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Most of their collectibles are. This is a stepped up gimmick to get some bigger earnings. No REGULAR PRODUCTION Case knife lately is worth the markup as I mentioned. Buy em if ya like em!

Edited to refine the specific knives to which I’m referring.
 
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Does anyone know what Rc they are running the S35VN? This has real potential if they get the heat treat right. I like the 6318 pattern, but if they are running it at 55 Rc it’s not worth the higher price.
 
jakemex said:
Most of their collectibles are. This is a stepped up gimmick to get some bigger earnings. No Case knife lately is worth the markup as I mentioned. Buy em if ya like em!
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Bose-Case knives are worth the price I paid and I bought them new. I use every one and use sandpaper to get out bolster scratches. I've liked every Case I've bought except for the long toothpick, to flat.

You seem a wee bit sour, have a drink 🥃 😁
 
jakemex said:
Most of their collectibles are. This is a stepped up gimmick to get some bigger earnings. No Case knife lately is worth the markup as I mentioned. Buy em if ya like em!
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I agree that Case makes a lot of "collectibles"... many are in the "cheesy" category in my estimation, but there are thousands of people that buy them just to collect them... sort of like beany-babies.... never intend to use them.
I buy Case knives to use, and 99% of the ones I own are very nicely made, and they make good working tools.
Personally, I prefer the carbon/CV steel blades, because they develop character with use. I can also see the value of a good premium stainless knife. I have some knives in VG-10, and the Sandvik steels, and they make very nice tools, as well.
Your statement that Case is doing this to make "bigger earnings" is, I'm certain, correct. That is what they are in business to do... be successful. I don't hold that against them in the least....
 
What's wrong with gimmicks, exactly?
hornetguy said:
I agree that Case makes a lot of "collectibles"... many are in the "cheesy" category in my estimation, but there are thousands of people that buy them just to collect them... sort of like beany-babies.... never intend to use them.
I buy Case knives to use, and 99% of the ones I own are very nicely made, and they make good working tools.
Personally, I prefer the carbon/CV steel blades, because they develop character with use. I can also see the value of a good premium stainless knife. I have some knives in VG-10, and the Sandvik steels, and they make very nice tools, as well.
Your statement that Case is doing this to make "bigger earnings" is, I'm certain, correct. That is what they are in business to do... be successful. I don't hold that against them in the least....
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Also, even for folks who do use their knives (albeit very light and occasional work in my case), the variety is pretty neat. That's one thing I like about traditional knives, tons of variation in material and finish. With most modern folders it's one of a handful of synthetics in one of a handful of colors, sometimes with generic grip patterns. With traditional knives you get a similar range of synthetics although I'd argue generally more color variety, plus many more natural options dyed or otherwise, plus all of the jigging patterns, the shields, the bolsters, etc.

Anyone collecting knives rather than trying 100 and keeping a handful that fit specific niches is in it partly for aesthetic and tactile variety. Some being into it more than others shouldn't be disrespected imo.

If the gimmickry takes focus away from quality then it would be an issue, but I'm not sure it's necessarily zero sum or in Case's case causally related. I don't know much about their business practices in that regard. Has the # of "gimmicky options" over time been quantified and compared to QC over time?

If they have to do it to remain in business at all in the price range, though, I'm glad for it. If Case knives were the price of GEC knives, even if they were equal quality, I wouldn't buy them. I like having more selection.

Plus they do have the super high standard options. Those Eureka jacks look crazy, just way out of my price range. Probably even higher if not for the gimmicky options that sell.
 
Example: Zippo shield and tang stamp. “On this Christmas 2022 edition trapper in Christmas candy corelon. Don’t pass this one up!” ROFL. (Sarcasm)
 
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I was really tempted by this, and finally broke down and ordered one. A bit luke warm on arrival, but it's gone in the pocket and we'll give it a fair chance to grow on me. I prefer the 47 frame to the 18, but didn't have an 18 without a punch, so thought what the heck. I'm hoping they put this steel out in other frames - A 47 or Sowbelly would be a no hesitation purchase :)

Figure if we don't buy them in the initial runs, Case has no motivation to put out other runs.

Overall I'm happy with the knife, but do have a couple issues with it - though none I can't live with. The knife uses fine, and I'm pretty happy with a modern steel in a traditional pattern.

On to the knife. The bone is great, but could have taken the dye a bit better. But I'll take well hafted over pretty :)

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Bit of a gap along the secondaries' spring, and the action was pretty gritty at first. With an oil flush and opening/closing a bunch last night and today, the actions' smoothed out a bit. I can ignore the gap as long as it functions.

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The next two are bigger issues for me, but as mentioned, not a deal breaker.

The spey hits the liner when closed. Doesn't hit the edge, but I do have to be deliberate when closing to ensure it does close all the way.

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And lastly, all of the blades have quite the recurve going on. Think they were a little overzealous there.

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I'm trying not to sound too negative because I really do like the knife. I just think they could have done a bit better for the money. I know they can consistently provide better F/F for less on their regular runs. With the justifiable upcharge for the steel upgrade, it would have been nice to come with a bit more care and attention putting it together.

I will keep the knife, and I do plan to carry it. It came decently sharp, and I find myself enjoying the holes - Can easily pinch the sheepsfoot open, and very easy to fish the other blades up.

Now give us a 47 please ;)
 
Crazy Canuck Crazy Canuck Interesting, you're not sounding too negative but correctly objective. I would agree that because it costs more and has pretensions to grandeur it should be finished to more exacting standards. But with CASE, the more you pay is no guarantee of this at all.
 
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