Case Texas Jack in amber bone cv a small review

S

Steeltoe

Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
156
I have had this knife for a while, I bought it at the same time as I got a peanut since I was looking for a small sheeple friendly knife to EDC.


EDC 8 may 2012 by jonas_evertsson, on Flickr

Since I changed work a few months ago it has been carried a lot, I enjoy the two blades, the longer clip and the shorter pen they make an excellent combo for different lighter EDC cutting tasks. I have used the blades to do some food prep, cut tape, clean fingernails, sharpen pencils, open parcels and packages, cut straps for the paper to printers and copying machines.


EDC 120511 pic 1 by jonas_evertsson, on Flickr

Tha knife is 1,5 cm or roughly 1/2 inch longer than a peanut but it is still not a large or heavy knife. I find that the step up in size from the peanut suits me better the knife still dissapears in my pockets every now and then. It is light enough so that I will not notice it and it is small enough so that it is not noticed. Since I work in an office usually in buisness casual or a suit I can not really carry a large knife, even if I at times have slipped a Case Back Pocket in the pocket of my suit.


EDC 120529 by jonas_evertsson, on Flickr

If you would like a traditional folder to EDC but you think that the peanut is just too small I would recomend this pattern. I do feel that it is a solid knife, nice fit and finish that will get a nice patina on both blade and handle. It feels solid enough so that I would bring it for small outings and walkabouts as well. It does not have a half stop on either of the blades so if this is a must you might think twice about getting one.


EDC 120607 by jonas_evertsson, on Flickr

The CV steel gets razor sharp and will shave hair of my arm without any problems, it seems to keep a decent edge and a few licks of a ceramic rod or strop will get it back. The blades develops a nice patina over time and I enjoy the feeling of the bone handles.
 
Nice pics and write up! It's one of my favorites as well. If I might ask, what's the other knife in the picture with the corks?
 
That very same model is probably my most carried traditional. It's actually the last Case knife that I have left. I gave away or sold all the rest. I'm actually tempted to pick up another one, just so I'll have a new one for later down the road.
 
Thanks for the nice review and pics! I had a chance to handle the Texas Jack a while back, and one thing I really liked was the pen blade. The larger-than-typical-pen size, along with the semi-wharnie shape, was different and attractive, and it looked like it would be a very useful secondary blade.

Andrew
 
I have a 1974 delrin 6244 that I found in an antique shop for about $30. Watch out, it is what started my collection obsession. In fact, I may have to switch out my pocket with that one. It has been awhile since I carried it, and it does everything you need it to do.

Sweet lookin' knife.
 
I agree, the CASE TJ is a compact knife with a lot of decency about it. Not too big or small and the modified pen-blade needs to be offered on other knives, it's so handy! My tru sharp version in Olive Bone is actually better made than my cv Amber Bone version, but Amber Bone ages so well and that's a great draw.

I too admire that French knife, are they very expensive? Tack för din tid!

Regards, Will
 
Thanks
The French Knife - Garonnais was not very expensive if you check out the youtube clip there is a link to were you can get them.
On mine the grind is not perfect but I guess a short while on the Lansky that I just got will help me correct that. The parts that are well ground are extremly sharp.
In general I find that the sharpening/ grinding the bevel on a belly seems to be one of the hardest for knifemakers to keep at a good quality.
 
willgoy said:
I agree, the CASE TJ is a compact knife with a lot of decency about it. Not too big or small and the modified pen-blade needs to be offered on other knives, it's so handy! My tru sharp version in Olive Bone is actually better made than my cv Amber Bone version, but Amber Bone ages so well and that's a great draw.
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Could you please elaborate on "better made"?

Thanks!

~ P.
 
I have the pen razor sharp with a good strop. It gets more use than the clip for simple daily tasks. Feels great in the hand overall too.
 
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pertinux said:
Could you please elaborate on "better made"?

Thanks!

~ P.
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The Tru Sharp version has much better line up between the tangs and spring and therefore its blades open out straight. The CV shows a lot of 'droop' in both of its blades and some blade play. The Tru Sharp has none. It could be newer machinery for the Olive Bone Tru sharp that gives this superior fit? Not sure.

Regards, Will
 
willgoy said:
The Tru Sharp version has much better line up between the tangs and spring and therefore its blades open out straight. The CV shows a lot of 'droop' in both of its blades and some blade play. The Tru Sharp has none. It could be newer machinery for the Olive Bone Tru sharp that gives this superior fit? Not sure.

Regards, Will
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Ah, okay! I love the look of well-used CV against amber bone, but your observations once again point toward seeing a (Case) knife in person before buying whenever possible.

Thanks!

~ P.
 
Yes I do agree about the desirability of cv offset by Amber Bone, it's a treat! There's nothing 'wrong' as such with the cv version I have but the stainless is the better finished.

Thanks, Will
 
willgoy said:
Yes I do agree about the desirability of cv offset by Amber Bone, it's a treat! There's nothing 'wrong' as such with the cv version I have but the stainless is the better finished.

Thanks, Will
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Interesting. I was able to compare a couple today, and both (one stainless, one CV) seemed to be of good finish. On the other hand, the Medium Jack's main (clip) blade had an off-looking slant to it when open, both the black Delrin and the stag. Ooops. I do appreciate your description, however; I'm still learning what to look for, when evaluating pretty pretties. (They almost all look wondrously good at first glance, under the lights.)

~ P.
 
I liked the review. The Texas Jack is an excellent pattern for one who desires something a hair bigger than a peanut IMO. It's a great general use utilitarian pattern as far as I'm concerned.
 
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