CASE XX 223-6 fixed blade..the deerslayer's competitor?

[Frotier76]

Has anyone on here had the privilege of owning a Case 223-6 fixed blade skinner? It's an oldie but goodie made by Case knives from the 1960 to 1980's I acquired several years ago. It's not full tang construction like my cherished 15OT Deerslayer but it's carbon steel and I'm surprised it's never been brought back out of retirement or remained as popular as some of the Buck or Schrade USA blades.Far too gorgeous and comfortable feeling of a hunting knife to overlook.

 

[Franciscomv]

That's a really nice knife you've got there (pics would be great!).

It's a real shame that Case stopped making carbon steel fixed blades. They've got some nice designs but I don't like their choice of stainless. Right now the only Case fixed blade I own is the desk knife (154CM blade).

 

[Frotier76]

Thank you for the compliment...it is a very nice piece!I'd love to make it a hiking blade but it's not a thick enough blade.Great thumb jimping though,great edge geometry on it's concave grind.The handle is either made from delrin or some resin.I agree though Case's fixed blades were very overlooked.I think I liked Old Timer's 1095 more because it was easier to put a patina on it than it was Case's 0176-6C carbon steel...that little bit of chromium for tamed it to an extent from oxidating.

 

[Frotier76]

Well Cases's Tru-Sharp steel (420HC) you'll get better results from Buck since they can harden it more but it is generally a soft steel and half the carbon content of Cases's 0176-6C steel.If anything though I miss Buck using their 425M stainless,wasn't high performance but sharpens up good like 420HC and was up to the task more with cardboard or rope.