Looking for Some 6249 Copperhead History

[Ace Rimmer]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows when the 6349 pattern was last produced by Case. Steve Pfeiffer's book, which was published in 2006, mentions that the pattern had been reintroduced "in recent years," but doesn't say when it was discontinued. I just bought a 2001 Wharncliffe version (6249W) and I'm wondering how close that is to the end of production. Any information on recent Copperlock history (especially history of the Wharncliffe version) would be appreciated. (Even, "I've got one and it was made in 20xx" would help.)

It's probably kind of silly, but this year I've bought 1977 versions of the 62055 and 6232 jacks. Both of those are near the end of their production runs. (The '32 ended production in 1977 to be replaced by the '032, and the '055 pattern ended production on November 1, 1978.) I'm thinking that finding knives in discontinued patterns from the last year (or so) of their production runs might be an interesting side angle on collecting.

(Just to prevent any confusion, please note that the '55 pattern is now assigned to the seahorse whittler.)

 

[black mamba]

I've got this 6249 Copperhead in smooth white bone made in 2000.

 

[black mamba]

I also just sold this Copperlock made in 1998.

 

[Modoc ED]

You wanted some Copperlock history. Here's some Copperlock history. Shirely is no longer at Case.

Case Copperlock History (Introduced in 1997)
By Shirley Boser
When we started working on the design of the CopperLock, our Sales manager at that time, Dick Kearney, had requested Tom Hart, our designer, to design a single bladed lock trapper. Dick had request the handles be made of old red color bone with Roger's jig. Tom liked the flat blades with the long nail mark and a cut swedge and they both decided where to put the lock mechanism.
The first sample was great. Dick says "This was by far the nicest looking knife I had seen." He had more samples made, passing them around to get feedback. Since the back of the tang stuck up above the bolster about 3/8", it was suggested that it needed a larger bolster to prevent the knife from catching in the pocket. Hence, the Copperhead bolster was put on the pocket end of the next set of samples and was the design we went with.
The pattern numbers, 549, was given to the CopperLock, by yours truly as it was a combination of the 54 pattern and the 49 pattern.
The name CopperLock was determined when they went to the Copperhead bolster. Up to that point the knife had been referred to as the "Lockback Trapper".
I hope this answers your question.

 

[pmek5]

You wanted some Copperlock history. Here's some Copperlock history. Shirely is no longer at Case.

Case Copperlock History (Introduced in 1997)
By Shirley Boser
When we started working on the design of the CopperLock, our Sales manager at that time, Dick Kearney, had requested Tom Hart, our designer, to design a single bladed lock trapper. Dick had request the handles be made of old red color bone with Roger's jig. Tom liked the flat blades with the long nail mark and a cut swedge and they both decided where to put the lock mechanism.
The first sample was great. Dick says "This was by far the nicest looking knife I had seen." He had more samples made, passing them around to get feedback. Since the back of the tang stuck up above the bolster about 3/8", it was suggested that it needed a larger bolster to prevent the knife from catching in the pocket. Hence, the Copperhead bolster was put on the pocket end of the next set of samples and was the design we went with.
The pattern numbers, 549, was given to the CopperLock, by yours truly as it was a combination of the 54 pattern and the 49 pattern.
The name CopperLock was determined when they went to the Copperhead bolster. Up to that point the knife had been referred to as the "Lockback Trapper".
I hope this answers your question.

Wow, nice info. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a great knife.

 

[navaja]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows when the 6349 pattern was last produced by Case. Steve Pfeiffer's book, which was published in 2006, mentions that the pattern had been reintroduced "in recent years," but doesn't say when it was discontinued. I just bought a 2001 Wharncliffe version (6249W) and I'm wondering how close that is to the end of production. Any information on recent Copperlock history (especially history of the Wharncliffe version) would be appreciated. (Even, "I've got one and it was made in 20xx" would help.)

It's probably kind of silly, but this year I've bought 1977 versions of the 62055 and 6232 jacks. Both of those are near the end of their production runs. (The '32 ended production in 1977 to be replaced by the '032, and the '055 pattern ended production on November 1, 1978.) I'm thinking that finding knives in discontinued patterns from the last year (or so) of their production runs might be an interesting side angle on collecting.

(Just to prevent any confusion, please note that the '55 pattern is now assigned to the seahorse whittler.)

Am I mistaken in thinking that what you're really looking for is info on the Case Copperhead('49 pattern) and accidentally said Copperlock?

 

[knarfeng]

Am I mistaken in thinking that what you're really looking for is info on the Case Copperhead('49 pattern) and accidentally said Copperlock?

I was just going to point that out. The 6249 pattern is a copperhead.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CA6494/case-w-r-case-series-copperhead

The "copperhead" pattern was said to be so named because of it's resemblance to a copperhead snake. The advantage to the pattern is that the bulge covers the corner of the blade tang so that it does not catch on your pocket.

The "copperlock" was a new pattern, introduced in 1997

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Am I mistaken in thinking that what you're really looking for is info on the Case Copperhead('49 pattern) and accidentally said Copperlock?

I was just going to point that out. The 6249 pattern is a copperhead.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CA6494/case-w-r-case-series-copperhead

The "copperhead" pattern was said to be so named because of it's resemblance to a copperhead snake. The advantage to the pattern is that the bulge covers the corner of the blade tang so that it does not catch on your pocket.

The "copperlock" was a new pattern, introduced in 1997

Thanks for the correction, I have fixed the title. Yes, I messed up, and have done that before. I recall doing the same thing when I posted about my stag mini copperhead and called it a copperlock. I do know the difference and I don't know why I keep doing that! Thanks, also for the other comments so far.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

You wanted some Copperlock history. Here's some Copperlock history. Shirely is no longer at Case.

Thank you, very interesting. Unfortunately, as someone once wrote: "I realize you think you understand what you thought I said, but what you don't realize is that what I said is not what I meant." Darn, that copperlock is a beautiful pattern. I saw a picture of the Wharncliffe version in burnt indigo bone with a long pull and really wanted one. Unfortunately I had waited too long and there were none to be found, but I think my copperhead will be a nice substitute.

 

[neal70]

Awhile back, there was a very nice Copperlock up on the exchange in ATS-34, produced like the Bose collabs. Very good quality, not mine.
Thanks, Neal