Case XX question

S

steampunk

Joined
Feb 6, 2010
Messages
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Is it just me or has Case XX went down hill? Starting around 2005 or so, it also has been mentioned by others that I know. Just wondering if this is a common belief. Thanks in advanced for all comments.
 
If anything I think they're better than ever and some of their newer offerings ( especially the Tony Bose designs ) are fantastic.

I'm not crazy about the "tribute" knives or collectors series etc, but they have some great working knives.... check out the back pocket series.

If you want to try a less expensive knife, I just bought a slim line trapper in jigged brown synthetic scales for $30, it's a great knife for the price.
 
Case is still standing strong, making fantastic slip-joints for the money. Every folder I have made by Case has either no issues, or very minuscule problems (a little dull, blade rubbing).
 
Thanks so much for the responses. I have bought trappers, both mini and full size, and others all c.v. Just seems like my fathers 1970's cv is so much better quality.*
 
I own quite a few older Case knives, but only a dozen or so modern ones. The XXs ('40s through the early '60s), USAs (mid to late '60s) and early '70s dotted knives were the last I've seen that displayed a high level of consistent fit and finish quality. IMO, the quality began to drop in the late-'70s following their purchase by American Brands, Inc., and kept right on falling for the next twenty-odd years, with their lowest quality knives being produced under James Parker's ownership in the late '80s.

Things began to come around again when River associates, Inc. sold the company to its current owners, Zippo Mfg. Co. My experience with recent Case knives leads me to believe that they're working hard to put out a decent domestic product for a reasonable price, but there's still a little too much variation in quality for me to feel completely comfortable about buying them sight-unseen.

The annual Case/Bose Collaboration series are basically "mid-tech" (semi-custom) in terms of design, materials and F&F. They're quite a bit more expensive than the company's standard fair, but they're probably the highest quality traditional production knives available, though the occasional lemon still slips through QC. Case's customer service is exemplary, so if you have a problem, they'll make it right in short order.
 
For the most part, they are still the same company. In some manners, they went to hell after being bought. The "tru-sharp" steel isn't the same now as it used to be, and the new models just don't feel as sturdy or as well-built as the old ones. I'll take my mid-80's CV Case over most all of the current stuff.
After thinking, I am unsure if mine are mid 80's. I only know the year of one of them, because it is a Centennial. The others can't be newer, and are likely older. That's what you get with passed down knives.
 
The newer offerings by Case are signifcantly better than years prior, but the XX era still reign supreme as Case's best examples of their product.
Overall, considering the price of labor and materials in the US being higher than in their golden age and yet they are still in the same price point as the older models, I would say they are doing well given the times. The quality is great for the money and they are still proudly built in the USA, not to mention fit and finish have improved greatly in the last several years.
 
They did have a slump a few years back... but they're recovering quite well. Most of their current offerings are outstanding. Give 'em another shot! :)
 
Hey Guys
Is there somewhere that I can get info on the value of Case and other Pocket Knives from the web or Purchase?
Thanks
 
Your best bet is probably to surf "the popular auction site" and take note of recent sale patterns. Since the market fluctuates all the time, no printed book will be accurate for very long. Your knives are worth what people are willing to pay, and "the 'Bay" is a good place to get your highest values (it's become a seller's market, not a buyer's market... the days of scoring deals there are pretty much gone).
 
There was a recent guide to Case knives that was written by one our own BF members. I forget the name of it, but it is a good jumping on point, I couldn't say if the prices are spot on or not.
 
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