Medium Stockman vs Medium Stockman

F

Flint Hills

Joined
Feb 25, 2013
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I really love my yellow delrin medium stockman. It is the 3 5/8" model with CV. I've been wanting to pick up a new medium stockman in either Amber bone or Chestnut bone in CV, also both 3 5/8". I would like to get one with the pen blade in place of the spey, though. I know they also make these in 3 1/4" or 3 1/2" but I think I'd prefer to stick with the 3 5/8".

My question is: Are the other blades also different on the models that include the pen? In pictures online, the main blade (of the pen bladed model) has the nail nick closer to the pivot than the models with the spey blade...

I'm just curious, is the main blade and/or sheepsfoot shorter on the pen blade model than the regular spey bladed model?

If anyone had both and could post pictures I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
I am also considering a Chestnut bone CV medium stockman and have wondered the same thing about the blade lengths / shapes of this pen version versus other 3 5/8" stockmans. I'll be interested in seeing the responses to your question.
 
Might be useful if you stated which Case Models you are looking at. IIRC Case makes a couple of "medium" stockman designs, each with its own model number.

Sent you an email, Flint.
 
Sounds like you have the 3318 model and are looking at the 63032 models. I have both. The sheepfoot blades are identical between the two. The main clip blade on the 032 is a regular clip while the 18's is a California clip.
 
Modern 6318 SS & 63032 CV.

image1167.jpg


Case_63032_CV_2011_.JPG
 
jc57 said:
Sounds like you have the 3318 model and are looking at the 63032 models. I have both. The sheepfoot blades are identical between the two. The main clip blade on the 032 is a regular clip while the 18's is a California clip.
Click to expand...

Yep, you're right, I have the 3318 and want the 63032. Other than the different blades and squared bolsters, are they the same size and weight?
 
Flint Hills said:
Yep, you're right, I have the 3318 and want the 63032. Other than the different blades and squared bolsters, are they the same size and weight?
Click to expand...

63032 is one of my favorite patterns, that and the 62032 Jack version. The differences between the '18 and '032 are slight, but not insignificant. Meaning that if you look at them closely, you'll notice the differences. But in use not so much.

Here are the three differences:
Bolsters - squared off on the '032, rounded on the '18. The joints on the '18 are also slightly more sunk than on the '032.
Clip blade - the '032 has a more typical clip blade, the '18 has a slimmer profile California clip (like on a Muskrat)
Spey vs. Pen - the '032 third blade is a pen blade. The '18 is a spey.

My overall opinion is that the 032 has a bit better functionality for me, just due to preferences for the shape of the clip and the pen over the spey. The '18 carries a bit less noticeably due to the rounded bolsters and semi-sunk joints. In day to day use I find them essentially interchangeable.
 
Old Hunter, thanks for the beautiful pics, which allow for an excellent comparison.

I'm a Case fan and though somehow I've managed to not have a stockman so far, I know it will happen. But I've a problem---I like the rounded bolsters but I prefer a pen to a (short) spey. What's a boy to do? Oh well, I imagine I can turn that spey into a nice pen if need be.

Truth is, my problem with stockmen is the high riding sheepsfoot, which digs into the palm for much discomfort. So, is there room enough to file down the sheepie's kick to sink it a good bit?

Thanks,

Andrew
 
AFAustin said:
Truth is, my problem with stockmen is the high riding sheepsfoot, which digs into the palm for much discomfort. So, is there room enough to file down the sheepie's kick to sink it a good bit?

Thanks,

Andrew
Click to expand...

There's room. The one on the right has it's kick filed down the one on the left is normal.

EC4C2004-5B69-4F45-B472-3065E5C6D977-6115-000002DA805DE603_zps75e1a7ea.jpg
 
You are welcome Andrew; I carry the Old Red Pocketworn 6318SS more than any other pocketknife I own - simply never noticed an issue with the Sheepfoot pressing into my palm - BUT, it looks like prime77 has solved the issue for you. OH
 
Old Hunter said:
You are welcome Andrew; I carry the Old Red Pocketworn 6318SS more than any other pocketknife I own - simply never noticed an issue with the Sheepfoot pressing into my palm - BUT, it looks like prime77 has solved the issue for you. OH
Click to expand...
I also fail to understand how the sheepsfoot could dig into one's palm, especially considering how it's on the opposite side of the handle... the backsprings are in contact with the palm of the hand, not the other blades.
But, you'll find that most pocket knives with a sheepsfoot have ample room inside the handle to allow for dropping the blade a bit, and the Case stockmen (of all sizes) are no exception. Just be careful not to drop it too much, so that you can still reach the nail nick well enough.
 
puukkoman said:
I also fail to understand how the sheepsfoot could dig into one's palm, especially considering how it's on the opposite side of the handle... the backsprings are in contact with the palm of the hand, not the other blades.
Click to expand...

Quite right. I should've said "digging into my fingers". I must've been thinking of that other of my bugaboos---the keyrings on SAKs, which are indeed palm abusers (and which I've happily ground off many times)! :o

Andrew
 
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It'll cost a bit more, and take some looking, but find yourself a vintage 6318HE or 6332.

The 6332 is the predecessor to the 63032. The main obvious difference is that the 6332 has half-stops on all blades, which give it a premium feel. Also, the nail nick on the sheepsfoot blade is better positioned than on the 63032, and the pen blade doesn't snag and catch on it like it does on the 63032.

There are two variations of the 6318HE (HE denoting the pen blade instead of the spay). The later '708's and early '80s 6318HE is the same as the modern production 6318s. Great blades, slightly beefy compared to a 6332/63032, and 3 5/8" closed. But if you get one from the early '70's and '60's, these make for one sleek and sexy EDC. It's a tad shorter closed at 3½", but the blades are the same length. It's also slimmer, and the bolsters are tapered. On paper, the differences seem minor, but one comparing one next to each other in hand, the earlier 6318s are much more pocket friendly. Not that the later 6318s are huge or bulky - they're quite pocketable as well - it's just that the earlier ones are so much nicer to carry. Oh yea, they also have full nickel silver construction instead of yellow brass.

But if you're only looking to spend $40-50, the 63032 still makes a great EDC. The nail nick thing bugs me, since it catches, and of course scratches, but if you find a good example with no wobble, that might not matter as much. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the other medium CV stockman, the 6344 unless you're actually looking for small stockman. At 3¼ closed, it's the length that other companies call a small stockman (Case's "small" stockman is Peanut sized), and is much smaller than the 32 or 18 pattern knives. The 44 is still a nice little knife, but it is a little knife. Great if that's what you're looking for, but it's to be equated with other "medium" stockmans.
 
Aaron, very good comparison of the new/older Case medium stockman offerings - well done and quite helpful. OH
 
Good post Planterz.
I have never realized it, but my old 6318HP (1965-1969) is much more pocket and user friendly than my newer 6318s.
The sheepsfoot on the newer 6318 protrudes much further, and the frame is larger.
I think the older 6318 smokes the newer models in every way and would be worth the extra $ and effort in finding one.
 
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