Northwoods Hawthorne vs Case XX Slimline

Joined
Nov 17, 2011
Messages
174
Been considering purchasing a Northwoods Hawthorne, my question is does anyone happen to own one and how does it compare to tbe Case?
 
I just happen to own both. I purchased the Case Slimline Trapper first and the soon followed up with the Hawthorne (clip point blade) because I was looking for better build quality/materials in the same pattern.

The Case slimline's handles are slightly slimmer (for lack of better work) than the Hawthorne due to the covers on the Hawthorne being slightly thicker and more contoured. One should note that I own the yella delrin handled/CV bladed slimline. The other bone handled versions may or may not be wider. The handle on the Hawthorne is slightly shorter than the Case, making for a higher blade:handle ratio on the Hawthorne.

The blade lengths are the same as far as I'm concerned but the blade stock is substantially thicker on Hawthorne. In my opinion, the Case cuts better due to the thinner, hollow ground blade stock versus the Hawthorne's thicker, sabre ground blade. The hawthorne is no slouch though and still outcuts pretty much all of my modern folders.

Another point of note is that the Hawthorne has a half stop whereas the Case does not.

In terms of build quality there's no real comparison. The hawthorne blows the case out of the water. The action is MUCH smoother and the blue camel bone covers are polished beautifully. Also the blade is centred perfectly on the Hawthorne, whereas my Case has a significant amount of rub.

I wish I could post some pictures comparing them both but I just gave my mother the Case yesterday because she liked it so much. It now resides in her purse.

Just a suggestion: If you've never owned a slim jack before then perhaps pick up the Case to see if you like the pattern. They can be had for a song and you can always decide to pick up a Hawthorne later.

Tyler
 
Last edited:
You cant go wrong with the Case slimline. I just picked this one up on the bay real cheap and its a great knife and am not sure why I haven't tried one before. Its really been great for kitchen duties.
uploadfromtaptalk1407686579157.jpg
 
The CASE has a lot of honest qualities and is a superb thin slicer, nor are they expensive. I find the Barehead versions best.

Wouldn't think it's really fair to compare the two knives as the Northwoods is a lot more costly, I have some hesitation about the sabre blades as they could be somewhat thick. Build quality and choice of handles is likely to be superior, probably heavier too, this may be a factor as the CASE feels very nice and light in the pocket.

You could/should..consider a Queen Utility Knife in D2 as well, that's their version of the Slimline Trapper and it's a very good knife indeed. Bone or wood scales and some worthwhile old versions around too.

We look forward to your pictures.

IMG_0859.jpg
 
Last edited:
Back
Top