Newbie Lesson #1 : Mini Review

[KCkc]

Hi,
I just got my Case Genuine India Stag 1st Run Mini Toothpick (2 blades) #520096 SS on the pen blade.

Cool knife and I love the clip and pen blades.
I intend to use the pen knife for general little tasks, and the long clip blade for food needs ; )

It has "~Genuine India Stag~" stylistically screened on the longer clip blade. It has "C 1st Run" engraved on the bolster.

After 2 wipes on the clip blade with Tuf-Cloth, the screened words are fast disappearing. I never intended to savor and store the knife in a display. I intended to use it just like any knife (apologies to knife collectors of this one).

I am rather disappointed that the printing rubs off so fast. At first I thought the words were etched on the blade or at least stay longer than 2 wipes.

When compared to the 1970s Case Med Stockman, this clip blade may have a half-stop and the clip blade is not as smooth in its opening. The pen blade is much better in opening and closing.

It came with a lot of blackish dust embedded in the liner. I was surprise that Case did not take the time to clean off the debris (Possibly from the scale mounting of finishing process).

Oh well, a lesson learned -- no more modern Case since I can get a much nicer vintage MIB for around the same price.

Thanks for reading.

 

[longbeachguy]

Congrats on the new knife. I buy mainly older Cases though I've had pretty good luck with the new ones I've bought, mainly for gifts and such. I've heard it said, and I agree that new manufacture Cases in general are very good quality knives, but the rule of thumb is to buy them in person so you can verify the quality, since it's somewhat hit and miss. I'm with you though -- why buy new when you can still get a vintage one, with CV steel, for a comparable price?

Any chance you can post a pic of the knife?

Regards,

Jim

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

I've gotten a handful or so of newer Cases over the past several months. I've noticed a difference between early 2000 and the 2005/6 knives, with the latest ones being the better ones.

The black dust, left over from the final polishings I guess, seems to be present in varying degrees on other new knives of various brands I've gotten as well, especially in the joints. A little oil and wiping them down as the stuff works its way out seems to get rid of a lot of it and help with the action. I have some Boker stag slippies that after giving them a mineral bath soak for the handles, oozed black a over the next day or so.. The actions now are much better and smoother.

I agree the blade printing should have lasted longer. I have the opposite problem on a knife. I wanted to take the printing off a Precise Silver Eagle fixed blade and that stuff is on there! You can feel the raised lettering with your fingertip. Short of using an abrasive it is staying for now. So if they can do that, why couldn't Case.

Congrats on the new knife. Sounds like a beauty otherwise. I had been eyeing a beautiful looking stag 3" toothpick on ebay, but let it pass as I had a couple of other things I was wanting more. I''ll echo the post a pic request.

Amos

 

[KCkc]

Here you go :
The disappearing screen printed script (as confirmed under a 20x loupe) with raised ink on blade.

The old 1970s med stockman and the stag toothpick:

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

Shame about the blade print, but the knife itself is sure a looker. Personally, I like the look of a clean blade. Both of those are fine looking knives though.