Gum Fuddy?

sqoon

sqoon

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Jan 1, 2010
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I've been looking at the Rough Black, or Gum Fuddy knives Case makes. They claim that this material dates back to WWII when natural materials became scarce, although I can't think what bone was being used for. Nevertheless, does anyone have any pics of what the original Gum Fuddy knives looked like and how these new iterations differ? While we're at it, any feedback or pics on the Rough Black knives would be great. I find that Case's stock images are usually not very true to life, and lets face it, who doesn't like looking at pictures of knives?
 
This is from Case's own site ( http://www.wrcase.com/pressroom/art...-Knives-Inspire-Rough-Black-Series/Page1.html ):
"The story behind Case’s Rough Black pocket knives begins in the 1940’s with the advent of World War II, when many raw materials used to produce consumer goods were diverted to support the war effort. Materials traditionally used to make pocket knife handles were no exception. A race to market knives with new, never-before-seen materials ensued between competing knife manufacturers.

In that search, Case product developers came upon a hard black synthetic material which demonstrated high durability, strength and overall appeal. A special jigging pattern was applied to the material surface to create the unique “Rough Black” knife handle slabs. The knives that resulted became known as “Gum Fuddy” knives at Case, a nickname quickly adopted by the consumer market as sales of Rough Black knives grew.

Case phased out production of “Gum Fuddy” knives after the war, as traditional handle materials made their way back to market. The knives have since become highly sought after collection pieces.
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I'm not sure what 'raw materials' or 'traditional handle materials' were replaced, by the Gum Fuddy material. Don't know if that included bone, specifically, or if they were referring to other synthetics/wood/etc., that might've been re-directed to support the war effort.
 
I don't know anything about the history of Gum Fuddy nor do I have any pics of it but I do have this Humpback Stockman in Rough Black.

If you look closely you can see that the jigging pattern on mine is the same on both sides. Not a bad thing, just wanted to point it out.

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If you take a look at the 'auction site' for 'Rough Black' Case knives from the 1940 - 1964 era (also called the 'XX era'), you might see some examples of the original Gum Fuddy knives (or, at least some more likely to be). There are quite a few of them listed at any given time. Here's an example pic of a 1940-'64 'Rough Black' Peanut (6220) from a completed (finished) auction listing:

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Hmmm. It's the exact same on both sides. Interesting. I wonder if it's actually jigged or just pressed/molded
 
thatotherguy said:
Hmmm. It's the exact same on both sides. Interesting. I wonder if it's actually jigged or just pressed/molded
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I would almost bet that it came from a mold, but if that is the case, you would think that they would mold in the spot for the shield, and while they were at it, make the other side look different. I still like it.
 
Another bit of trivia regarding the original Gum Fuddy material, it was also known as 'Plastag' and was rubber-based, apparently. Might be a perceptible difference in feel, between the 'rubber' original and a modern equivalent. The guide I'm referring to, also notes that the original Gum Fuddy had no set jigging pattern. So, at least back then, jigging was apparently tooled in, not molded.
 
I sure do like the looks of that older stuff. I like mine just fine but it seems that Case maybe could have done a more accurate re-creation of the original. Maybe they could have added some subtle differences so the old and new could be easily recognized. I never realized how much mine looks like plastic (which I'm sure it is in some form) compared to the older stuff.
 
I don't have a camera so I can't show, but I have 2 peanuts in the rough black and at least on these, the patterns are different on each side and the pattern on both knives is different. I actually expected them to be pressed and be the same but they aren't.
 
Paradiggum said:
I don't have a camera so I can't show, but I have 2 peanuts in the rough black and at least on these, the patterns are different on each side and the pattern on both knives is different. I actually expected them to be pressed and be the same but they aren't.
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Thanks for the info, Paradiggum. Makes me wonder just what the folks at Case are up to.:confused::)
 
I don't know. But I'm really happy with both knives. I would think it would be easier to have a mold for the handles. I also have a brown synthetic that's different yet. Not even the same thickness on the slabs. You'd think having a mold for any of the synthetics that are made that way would be easiest. Maybe they aren't molded. At any rate, all are good knives and I'm not complaining. :)
 
Rick, I have the exact knife and I mean EXACT:thumbup: The very same pattern on your scales is on mine. Sorry for the poor pictures but you'll see what I mean:)

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Paul
 
Hey thanks, Paul! That's the first pic I've seen of a Humpback with the same jigging pattern as mine. I suspected they were out there but yours is the first I've seen. Looks like yours is the same on both sides too. Thanks for the pic!

Did you file down the cutout for the spey blade?
 
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