Couldn't say I'm really happy with this Case XX Canoe...

S

scud99

Joined
Jan 13, 2014
Messages
43
Recently got one Case XX canoe with stag scales and worked bolsters. I suppose this is limited edition.

The fitting and finishing on metal parts are just flawless,opens/closes smoothly without any blade play.

However,the scales upset me a bit.

On one side the stag has slightly deformed and a shallow ding could be seen. I think this was not some damage from collision, but shrinkage during processing stag material.

On the other side, the thickness of stag scale seems insufficient,as can be seen in the fotos.

Actually, I can tell the stag material is of good quality,and scales feel comfortable when holding in hand.

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Do you think this is normal or acceptable?
I am not familiar with Case XX,and I'm not sure if the standard of Case Cutlery allows this, or it is just my bad luck?
 
I am not usually very picky but I would return it for a better finished version.
The difference in the thickness of the scales is too much to be happy with IMO.
 
That doesn't seem too bad, although if it bugs you, definitely exchange it.

This sort of variation is one of the reasons I find it hard to get too excited about stag, in general.
 
If you aren't happy, see if you can exchange it. Stag often just won't perfectly match on a production knife. It's kind of the nature of stag. I like to look at stag before I buy.
 
Mark side cover is usually of nicer quality than the pile side, by tradition. Looks like a real nice knife to me especially with those fancy bolsters!
 
Stag can have wildly different shaped scales, this is just the nature of that particular cover material. This one isn't half as bad as some of the ones I've seen. Personally I don't care for stag for that very reason, but others love it. This is a nice looking knife, but if it bothers you then only you can decide if you want to keep it or not.
 
I can't see the ding you're talking about but I see a bit of a gap between the stag and the bolster on the thin side.
Any shrinkage would have occurred before finishing surely?
Personally I like the look of it and would keep it in favour of going through the rigmarole of swapping it for something that may not be any better. As mentioned by the others if you are not happy then send it back for a replacement.
cheers.
 
I wouldn't be happy with it personally but that's stag for ya. It looks real nice looking at it from the side, not so much from the top/bottom.
 
Seems to me the differential is far greater than needs to be.

I'd look to replace it.
 
I can't see the ding, but personally I like a thicker pile side handle than mark side. It fills my hand better in use (I'm right handed).
 
I would send it back. There appears to be a gap between the stag and liner on the mark side. That is a deal breaker......but that's just me.
 
Other than the gap I like it. My one stag small stockman is very uneven and different on each side. Adds character and looks like two different knives. It's also a final production "rare find". This of course is all just my opinion and other's preferences will vary.
 
Natural materials have flaws, handmade items with flaws and coins minted with flaws etc all have a varied value to the owner and beholder. If you don't like the knife send it back. Case is except for the higher priced models just a working knife. BLEH is always just BLEH no matter what the brand is.
 
I don't see any dings or damage to the stag covers, from your photos. And... is that actually a gap between the brass scale and the stag cover, or is it just a trick of the light? I can't tell.

That knife wouldn't bother me, personally. Stag is usually a little bit different from one side to the other, and as long as it's not too drastic, it's ok by me. That one looks just fine. With natural materials, ya gotta understand that "perfection" is unrealistic.
 
That is some of the nicest stag I've seen that's come from Case in the last few years. No it isn't even from side to side but the figuring on both sides is very good. As to the itty bitty gap between the liner and cover, it is acceptable to me and may in fact relax and close over time as the knife is exposed to various environmental conditions. Everyone likes to compare all things knives to GEC and I'm telling you that gaps such as the one on your knife are common on GEC knives too. The knife pictured is a keeper.
 
The stag looks OK to me.

If you managed to get a Case knife with no blade wobble, a clean snap, and without jagged coarse blade edges... you might just want to hang onto it. I can see though in your fourth picture that the stag appears to be bending away, creating a gap between the stag and the liners.
 
Thank you for your advice,folks.

I've decided to keep this unique masterpiece...

I am currently in Europe, changing a new one will cost a whole lot(Shipping+taxation).

The gap between scale and liner on the logo side does exist, but it's so tiny that I don't mind at all.

I have already collected several knives with stag scales,including a hunter, a stockman, a multi-tool, a gentleman's folder.I know stag scales are natural material and no identical stag scales exist in the world, however, on this canoe the difference between 2 scales is more obvious.

Actually, I am planning to carry and play with it often,not locking it inside a display box and admiring its beauty. The scales and bolsters feels rather soothing and relaxing,
 
Glad to hear you're keeping it. That's a nice looking knife. I'm sure it will grow on you more and more over time also. Enjoy!
 
scud99 said:
Actually, I am planning to carry and play with it often,not locking it inside a display box and admiring its beauty. The scales and bolsters feels rather soothing and relaxing,
Click to expand...
Glad to hear it! :thumbup:
And that will help it age nicely, as well.
 
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