My first (new) traditional(s). How did I do? advice needed.

M

MRaymond

Joined
Jan 27, 2012
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Hello all, I posted a thread in this forum a week or so ago about getting a traditional folder and decided I was on the lookout for a stockman. In particular, a stockman around the size of the case medium stockman. I went to a local sporting goods/camping chain store to see if they may have a buck 373 or something to try out so I could see if that was the pattern I wanted for sure. Lo and behold, they had about 25 different Case patterns in a display case. This was quite a surprise to me since they are not a vendor according to the Case website. Perhaps this is a new deal for the store but either way I was pleased to be able to put my hands on them and decide before I bought one. I ended up with a Case medium stockman with amber bone and CV. There were two bonuses to this trip. The first bonus is I also picked up a case sodbuster Jr. with CV and yellow delrin. The second bonus is when I got to the register, they BOTH cost me $58.00 total with tax! I am not sure if they were priced wrong or what but I didn't complain. I had to look at three sodbusters to find one that was centered and had good snap too it and two stockmans to find one I was satisfied with. Now I am the proud owner of two Case knives with perfect fit and finish! Thanks to all that commented in the previous thread to help me decide on a pattern, I am really looking forward to carrying and using these two.

For the advice that I need, I am wondering what the forums opinions are on putting a forced patina on these blades. My first thought is to just keep them dry and clean with the occasional oiling to keep the blades shiny but a nice patina wouldn't be all that bad, particularly on the sodbuster jr. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
 
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I love patina'd carbon steel, why not just let them patina, or force one and get it over with. I tried to keep my SBJ shiny untill one day I noticed rust spots forming on the pen blade, I forced a patina with vinegar and really like the outcome. My $0.02 of course.

The sodbuster Jr. can get scarry sharp, and it makes for an awesome steak knife.




Eric
 
It sounds like you got two really nice knives. Congratulations.

jwh
 
Well done I'd say too.
Local Case guy isn't on the dealer's sight either. Don't know what is up with that. Don't mind either, because I know he is here & get a deal every now and again. :)

God Bless,
 
Ya did good. :thumbup:

The Stockman is my favorite traditional pattern, and Case's CV is a great working steel. I have some knives I've patina'd myself, others I've just let the patina develop over time. If you'll be using the knife daily, the blades will start to develop a good tone pretty soon.

Got pics? ;)

~Chris
 
Where's your "local" store, again? ;)

Sounds like you did really well. Congrats!

~ P.
 
Yep, you did good. Case yellow synthetic and CV is as traditional as it gets. And, you picked two patterns that have to be at the front of everyone's thinking when they think of traditional folders. Congratulations on getting two really sweet pocket knives.

Ed J
 
Ya done good - two great knives! Congrats. It doesn't get much better than being able to handle knives before you buy them, and then to take 'em home with you instead of waiting for the postman to deliver them. :D

I think forced patina vs. natural patina vs. keeping 'em shined up is a personal choice - do whatever trips your trigger. You might try a forced one on the Sodbuster Jr. and see how you like it. If you don't like how it turns out just use some scouring powder or steel wool to remove it. No real harm done.
 
Apples, oranges, lemons, limes, Tomato's will all cause the patina to start.

If you want to get a quick patina going, you can take vinegar (I like the patina from balsamic vinegar). I will take a paper towel, and douse it, and wrap the blade in it.

Some times I get weird patterns. Toilet paper would probably work, and give a more even finish.

If the blade still has oil on it, those spots won't patina.

Most of mine, I just cut fruit a lot, and let it happen. Slicing hot meat will also cause patina.
 
Great choices. :thumbup:
Case's amber bone is really nice, but the thing that really sets these knives apart is the steel.
I like Case's CV steel, a lot. It's easy to get sharp and it holds a good edge, it also takes a really nice patina.

The Yellow Sodbuster JR. should be just as good as any other knife. The Sodbuster is a tough pattern and with the choice of Cv and Yellow, your set.
 
Thanks for all the kind words and advice. I think I am going to just let the patina develop on its own. Carrying the stockman today.
 
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