Case workman series

[CityFinn]

So I got a question about the "workman" series of Case knives.
I got two of them - the Medium Jack and new in my collection - the Stockman M (red american workman).
Both are stiff, robust and not mirror polished (I kinda like that).
When I compare those two to my Mini Trapper (also Case) I find that they are looks to be tougher then Trapper.
I know that the name suggests that it is made for work but it gave me thoughts about non-workman series. Are they not robust enough or are they "weaker"?
Does anyone knows what exactly is the difference between workman and non-workman?

 

[jwh720]

I may be mistaken but the major differences I see are tru sharp steel and derlin handles which are more along the lines of a no nonsense function over beauty working mans knife. I would doubt case would change the stiffness of the springs or thickness of the liners.

I do agree i like the satin blades on case knives vs the polished.

Edit to add my mistake they are trusharp not cv

 

[chevyrulez1]

Basically from what I can tell it is just synthetic scales instead of bone or exotic materials because it is inexpensive and durable, and just left at the post grind finish and skipped the polishing step on the blade. This finish is used in some of their other low priced knives like the Case Caliber, etc. the main thought is it is an inexpensive no frills user knife, instead of being a collectible. Not made to sit in a display case but to use and abuse. They may seem more robust due to less material being removed in the polishing /finishing process, but they may use a different blade stock, not sure about that one.

 

[Modoc ED]

The Workman series knives are "as ground", with a non polished satin blade and a usually utilitarian cover.

This one has a CV blade.



This one has a SS blade and an etch.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

So far as durability or usability goes, there's no difference at all.

The more 'workmanlike' appearance of the Workman knives perhaps allows a little less worry about scuffs & scrapes, which would stand out on the polished blades and more fancy covers of bone, stag, etc., in most of Case's standard-line knives. The 'as ground' finish on the Workman blades is pretty good at concealing fingerprints, blade rub marks and other minor scratches. I've noticed this also in Buck's similar folders, like the 301 I carry.

 

[Modoc ED]

Here's a blue one. SS

 

[JohnDF]

Basically from what I can tell it is just synthetic scales instead of bone or exotic materials because it is inexpensive and durable, and just left at the post grind finish and skipped the polishing step on the blade. This finish is used in some of their other low priced knives like the Case Caliber, etc. the main thought is it is an inexpensive no frills user knife, instead of being a collectible. Not made to sit in a display case but to use and abuse. They may seem more robust due to less material being removed in the polishing /finishing process, but they may use a different blade stock, not sure about that one.

So far as durability or usability goes, there's no difference at all.

The more 'workmanlike' appearance of the Workman knives perhaps allows a little less worry about scuffs & scrapes, which would stand out on the polished blades and more fancy covers of bone, stag, etc., in most of Case's standard-line knives. The 'as ground' finish on the Workman blades is pretty good at concealing fingerprints, blade rub marks and other minor scratches. I've noticed this also in Buck's similar folders, like the 301 I carry.

There's your proper answers.
They are the exact same knives as their counterparts, but the Workman knives have a cheaper (rougher) blade finish and (usually) plastic handles... so you don't feel as bad about abusing them.

 

[CityFinn]

Thank You very much!
So it's just a "feeling" and not the real deal in robust.
I do not abuse my knives but also not treat them like toys so it's good to know those things.
Mine are in ss not in cv but that doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

There's your proper answers.
They are the exact same knives as their counterparts, but the Workman knives have a cheaper (rougher) blade finish and (usually) plastic handles... so you don't feel as bad about abusing them.

I used to carry a Queen Country Cousin in their version of 'delrin' synthetic in my back pocket alongside my wallet. With both that knife and also a Buck 307 I occasionally carried the same way, the knives got yanked out of my pocket when I pulled out my wallet. The Queen came out when I was at Costco one day, walking into the store. It dropped onto a concrete floor from roughly 3 ft. height, then got kicked by my own foot as I walked, skittering another 20 ft. or so across the concrete. A nice lady saw what happened and picked it up for me. When she handed it to me, I was inspired by the durability of the synthetic covers on that knife - didn't see any cracks, dings or new scuffs on it. That inspires some worry-free confidence in carrying such a knife. I thanked her, somewhat embarrassed by it all. And she said to me, "It's OK. My husband has done exactly the same thing!" That made me smile - always nice to meet someone who can relate.

 

[CityFinn]

It's funny how the bigger closed Stockman is slighty smaller while open.
L to R: Medium Jack, Mini Trapper, Stockman.

 

[JM2]

I’ve always considered those yeller handled case knives to be working mans knives. The only difference really is the as ground blades. That doesn’t make them tougher but cuts cost slightly. I like the as ground finish, not that I don’t like polished. But I don’t particularly like plastic scales.

I have 1 working series knife, that’s the 6265 folding hunter with wood scales.