Case's new 154CM trapper

Case does not need to emulate GEC or Queen (they do quite well with collectors and users already), however, they would behoove themselves to set up a premium line. I hope that Reese continues the Bose collaboration line (long down the road of course), but Case has the ability to produce a couple patterns over the years using 154CM. I love 154CM and CPM154, great steels. While a premium steel for Case, 154CM is not a premium steel for many brands. Benchmade uses it on many of their models. Case seems to devote a lot of time to their CV line, their SS seemed to be somewhat neglected as far as fit and finish until recently. Releasing a few Bose collaborations in BG42/Damascus/154CM even any old stock ATS34 would be great. Then a premium line using standard patterns. Then their Bose regular collaborations and finally CV and SS knives.
 
For the record, I personally don't care about the fancy steel one way or the other. It's the satin finish and well-above-average fit/finish that does it for me. All for less than $90. I'll never shell out the cash for a Bose collaboration; just too rich for my blood. YMMV.

-- Mark
 
Have any of our preferred resellers or BF members ever done a Case SFO? That would probably be the best way to display the current small-but-enthusiastic demand for specific patterns in better/exotic steels. For instance the 2017 BF Knife -- a 154CM peanut.

Just thinking aloud.
 
I have several of the Case Bose collaboration knives and very happy to have them. It's pretty cool to have the knives EDM wire cut from Tony's pattern. The knives also have bushings and mill relieved liners as well as all stainless steel parts (even the shield).

The knives with "exotic steel" are just regular production knives and the quality should be similar to the regular production knives, not the Case Bose collaboration knives. I remember years ago folks on Bladeforums complained about it. Only the steel was different and it wasn't worth such a high premium.

But the knife enthusiast/collector market has changed some I think. It's definitely changed on Bladeforums Exchange. I think there's definitely a market for 154CM on regular production knives, especially at around $100.
 
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For comparison, these photos show the prototype parts for a Bose collaboration knife. Case takes the prototype and cuts the parts out by Wire EDM. The photos show the bushings fit on each blade as well as the mill relieved liners.

The Bose collaboration knives are a real treat for me.

I would love for a collaboration version of a sowbelly but it's unlikely because it's a regular production pattern. But an "exotic steel" version of the regular production sowbelly would be super cool.

If those knives from 2007 were still available, I'd definitely take a barlow and 47 stockman. Hopefully they'll make them again.

KnifeHead said:
This will likely be a huge hit due to it's size and utility. I don't know about the details yet of what handle materials will be offered, etc. All I know is what it's going to be. As the thread "evolves" I'm sure the other details will be filled in. This years collaboration, the Tony Bose 3 1/2" Wharncliffe Trapper.

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I would still love to see their seahorse whittler in a good steel... CV or 154cm, tool steel...a good steel for whittling

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
I don't think GEC or Queen are a worry for Case but the Chinese are starting to pose a threat. And Case would be wise to pay attention to them.
Boker has a couple Barlows in 440C, Taylor Brands has the 8OTB stockman in 9Cr18MoV, just to name a few. So there is a market for traditionals with a better steel than case uses.

I think it would be wise if case added a premium 154CM line.
 
I'm very surprised that there isn't a seahorse in CV...SupraT any info on that? Hmmm...might make an interesting search.
Neal
 
I don't know about CV but they made the "seahorse" with "exotic steel". Charlie (waynorth) has or had one. I don't recall if it was 154cm or ats-34.
 
supratentorial said:
For comparison, these photos show the prototype parts for a Bose collaboration knife. Case takes the prototype and cuts the parts out by Wire EDM. The photos show the bushings fit on each blade as well as the mill relieved liners.

The Bose collaboration knives are a real treat for me.

I would love for a collaboration version of a sowbelly but it's unlikely because it's a regular production pattern. But an "exotic steel" version of the regular production sowbelly would be super cool.

If those knives from 2007 were still available, I'd definitely take a barlow and 47 stockman. Hopefully they'll make them again.
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Was that knife ever released? I'm not a trapper fan but I'd buy that in a second.

Edit, just saw the prices. Um no.
 
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silenthunterstudios said:
Is there a "meet in the middle" steel? Is that the CV line right now?
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CV is not "middle" between Tru-Sharp and 154CM in my opinion. CV does hold an edge a bit better than Tru-Sharp. But IMO, not better than Buck 420HC.

154CM holds an edge noticeably better than 440C, and out-of-the-ballpark better than 440C.

I'm about a hair's breadth from pulling the trigger on one of those trappers. Not my favorite pattern, but oh so right in everything else.
 
supratentorial said:
For comparison, these photos show the prototype parts for a Bose collaboration knife. Case takes the prototype and cuts the parts out by Wire EDM. The photos show the bushings fit on each blade as well as the mill relieved liners.

The Bose collaboration knives are a real treat for me.

I would love for a collaboration version of a sowbelly but it's unlikely because it's a regular production pattern. But an "exotic steel" version of the regular production sowbelly would be super cool.

If those knives from 2007 were still available, I'd definitely take a barlow and 47 stockman. Hopefully they'll make them again.
Click to expand...

I recently got the Antique Bone version and i love it, the problem with buying online is you can not really tell how it feels in hand, my one quibble is i would love it more if it were a little lighter, maybe a quarter inch shorter or even better bare ended. But i shall continue to carry mine in a belt pouch, where it feels quite light !! Go figure.
 
I love the idea, but I'm going to wait for other patterns to pop up in this steel. It's strange, I feel like all the regular "super steels" should be readily accessible to Case and they could do some patters for better edge holding. I personally find several of their patterns just perfect for EDC'ing around no muss no fuss. Having a little better steel would justify buying the same pattern over again for me. I'd keep the ones with better steel and probbie giveaway the CV to some folks who I'd like to get into the hobby more.
 
I've got both the trapper and backpocket in 154cpm and amber bone. If anyone here is hesitant to pick one up let me assure you they are both fine knives and a good value.
 
I'm interested but going to pass. An amber bone CV trapper is what, around the mid $40's? If all I'm getting is the same F&F and a 154cm blade, a nearly $50 premium is not justified IMO.
 
Blue Sky said:
I'm interested but going to pass. An amber bone CV trapper is what, around the mid $40's? If all I'm getting is the same F&F and a 154cm blade, a nearly $50 premium is not justified IMO.
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Did you watch the video? From what I can tell, you get a higher quality F/F. For one thing the blades aren't all rounded off from tumbling.

-- Mark
 
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