I want to purchase my first case knife.

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Apr 12, 2012
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I've always liked them, but I've never pulled the trigger on one. So I thought maybe you guys could recommend something for me. Here are my criteria:
1. I want one with jigged bone handles, preferably a really deep color.
2. I want the handle to be long enough to have a full 4 finger grip.
3. Largest blade being at least 2.5 inches.
4. price between $50 and $70.

I'm also not sure whether to choose chrome vanadium or stainless steel blades.
 
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What is the closed length that you prefer? ...I'm guessing around 4" based on requirement #2 but it depends on hand size.

Do you want a single blade or multi-blade?

What blade profile(s) do you want? examples: http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/blades_steel/

What is the intended use?

Is oiling and maintaining a carbon blade a problem? It will form a patina if used to cut food and some say it leaves a taste on food. Do you prefer low maintenance stainless?
 
Around 3.5 to 4 inches closed would be just fine. I would prefer 1 or 2 blades, but I'm fine with 3 or 4. As far as blade profiles I like wharncliffes and clip blades. The intended use is just light everyday things like opening boxes, mail, and cutting up food on occasion. And maintenance is no problem at all.
 
I recommend the Case Stockman with awl/punch.
Not expensive, rides well in pocket, and the punch is a very versatile and handy tool.
 
Case makes few knives with both Wharncliffe and clip blades. The Norfolk is out of your price range. A few years ago (still available from some dealers) they did make 3.5" and 4 1/8" trappers with clip and Wharncliffe blades. They were mostly stainless blades with unusually bright bone handles that probably won't satisfy your requirement #1. They also made some of the 3/5" Wharncliffe trappers with stag handles and damascus blades but that is out of your price range.

I'd recommend the 6347 pattern if a sheepfoot is OK in place of the Wharncliffe.
 
Pocket worn peanut. They seem to be very consistent with the QC for the peanut, along with the swayback jack.
 
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