Mixed Steel in Case Knives?

2manyknives · Aug 18, 2008

Case knives are not something that I know a lot about so please bear with me. I have about five or six case folders that I haven't looked at for a while and got them out today to give them a bit of a clean up.

One of them is a yellow handled trapper. One of the blades is marked with xx which I assume is stainless. The other is marked cv which I assume is Chrome Vanadium.

My question is does Case mix the steel on its folders like this or have I misinterpeted something?

red96ta · Aug 18, 2008

The XX refers to their double heat treat. Above that, they use a series of 'X's and '.'s to signify the year of manufacture. On one of the blades, you'll see the model number like 6254 and either SS (stainless), CV (carbon steel), or DAM (damascus).

Here's a site that will give you some additional info: http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/wr_case/about_case_knives/date_identification.php

2manyknives · Aug 18, 2008

red96ta - thanks for the info and link. I guess the knife is a standard cv - my mistake. Case is not something I have ever really looked into before - I just seem to have accummulated a few in various purchases and trades over the years. The trapper is a nice little knife and I might start using it for a while.

Ice Tigre · Aug 18, 2008

That being cleared up, I will add that there are some knives floating around that they have made with one CV blade and the other SS. Mostly as SFOs(Special factory orders) by dealers as limited runs, or to comemorate something;

for instance;
http://caseknifeoutlet.com/knifedetail.cfm?id=1879

http://caseknifeoutlet.com/knifedetail.cfm?id=1986

sunnyd · Aug 18, 2008

2manyknives,

Just wanted to add, that Case's CV is a very popular steel by the EDC crowd for its edge taking and edge holding ability(better than Tru-Sharp SS because of its Hi-Carbon content) and is a workhorse of a steel for cutt'n chores. It will take a little patina unlike Case's Tru-Sharp Stainless Steel and a wee more maintenance like any good Carbon Steel.

I would urge you after you get them cleaned and oiled and sharpened to give them a try and you will likely find out how these old traditional patterns will work fearlessly hard for you, just as it did for our Pa's, Grandpa's, and Great Grandpa's, and will grow on you at the same time.

OH, and Welcome to our little side of the forum..

Hang around, set a spell and get acquainted. Hope you enjoy your stay and come back often.

Best,

Anthony

RobbW · Aug 18, 2008

Ice Tigre said:
That being cleared up, I will add that there are some knives floating around that they have made with one CV blade and the other SS. http://

That's really interesting. I'd never seen those before. Kind of like the old pinto revolvers S&W used to put out--a mix of stainless and blued parts. Only in the case of S&W, they were just using up surplus parts, putting them together, and shipping them out the door for a premium! Not my style, but interesting nonetheless.:thumbup:

2manyknives · Aug 19, 2008

Sunnyd - thanks for the welcome. I will definitely give the Trapper a workout.

Here's a pic of the Case knives I have - as I said, they are fortuitous or concurrent purchases rather than deliberate ones. I also had a large Case Bowie but sold it off a while back.

The only one of the knives that has seen any use is the Mako. I acquired it when I purchased a box of old folders. The sheath was covered in mould and the knife was inside it wrapped in paper. It appeared as though it had never been used but was badly discoloured and had the roughest action I have ever experienced on a folder - you almost needed pliers to get it open. It cleaned up well and with some perseverence the action has been smoothed out. It takes an incredibly sharp edge. I'm not sure about the looks - it probably seemed pretty racy in the 70s. I do like the bold Case stamp on the rear bolster.

The other knives are a bone handled Copperlock, the Trapper in question, a bone/simulated stag 3 blade Stockman and a camper model with pliers and delrin scales.

thawk · Aug 19, 2008

http://www.pocketknifeworld.com/dat....html?osCsid=cde60d46c03a9ddd2987d0320a4f9b19

Good link to some excellent Case Knife information for collectors. Numbering, handle materials, patterns, blade types, etc.