In praise of the Case Sway Back Jack & Gentleman

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Rather than start a new thread, I thought I'd add to this one. The CV models are no longer in production, but some may be found here and there at various dealers. I found one such dealer a few weeks ago.

I have to say this knife has the finest level of fit and finish of any Case knife of recent manufacture that I've seen.
►The springs are flat, not only in the open and closed position for each blade, but also at the half stop for each blade.
►Speaking of springs, a lot of my Case knives have springs with a rounded surface. I've always figured they did it on purpose to give themselves a bit more leeway with a spring which isn't quite lined up with the frame. You don't feel the step as much when the spring has a curved surface. But the springs on this knife are not rounded. They are flat. And they still exactly meet the frame of the knife as noted above.
►Some folks have commented that Case over-polishes its blades, giving the corners and edges an overly rounded feel. It isn't a bother to me, but I have noticed it. But not on this knife. They are rounded just a bit. This makes the fit-up of the blade to the spring in the opened position more precise. It gives a finished, but crisp feel to the knife.
►I'm not a big one to gush over covers and jigging. But I have notices that the jigging on most Case knives is a minimalist kind of thing. Kind of rounded and not crisp. The jigging on this knife is very crisp. Seems to be deeper as well.

I paid a bit more than half again as much for this knife as I have normally paid for a new Case. Still about 1/3 less than I would expect to pay for a GEC. This knife has the fit and feel of a GEC. Everything just so. I am very impressed with it.

I hope that the response to this model was sufficient that Case will create more models at this level. A very fine knife at a very affordable level.

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Gave my Chestnut SBJ away, then they go and discontinue a rightly popular model:eek:

As Frank points out, quality of assembly is very high indeed on this knife, no gaps or play, no rub, and a very nice continuation spring gives it a tightly finished feel. I still have the Bermuda Green stainless version which I like and a Dam version in creme brulee bone.

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I managed to find a CV swayback the other day and bought it. I have heard so many good things about the fit & finish on this particular model, I wanted to see for myself. Should have it early next week. I got the jig bone. But, that stag bone looks fantastic.
 
Frank, you are right on the mark with your description and praise of the SBJ. I like the CV model so much that I have this one for EDC and several more new ones in reserve.

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I really like this jigging, and the chestnut bone is my favorite Case color, well, maybe the old red bone, or maybe.......


 
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This is very cool. Damascus single blade? Is the handle the chestnut or something else?

I like the feel of these and the single blades do it for me.
 
Thanks Randy. Yes, single blade and very trim indeed, Barnboard Jigged Bone, Burnt Cream/creme brulee. I like this handle option as I think a lighter colour goes well with Damascus.

Regards, Will
 
I agree with your summation, Frank. I think Case does a bang up job on the SBJs/SBGs.

I've got 4 or 5 of them and they are all excellent. Here's one I particularly like.
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