Old case patterns

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Evan.S.Merritt15

Joined
May 11, 2018
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61
so I’m a very young collector especially of case and/or Boker traditionals and my grandfather is where I get this from. I was at his house and found a book about cases and there values. THERE WERE SO MANY PATTERNS I’VE NEVER HEARD OF. Some of them looked pretty neat like something I would carry like the swell end jack what happened to all those old neat patterns?
 
My guess?
1) Case put them in "The Vault" to "drive up collector value".
2) They did not sell enough of the discontinued patterns to make a profit.

I have no idea why Case does not currently make a Barlow pattern, for instance.
 
There's a lot of those knives still out there. Case especially. You just have to look around.

The failure of companies like Case to make some of the older patterns is why companies like GEC manage to survive making small runs of those otherwise discontinued patterns. this is not a new problem. 30+ years ago Fight'n Rooster did the same thing; runs of 50-200 of old patterns in several variations. It was enough for them to have a 20 year run on that corner of the market. And it makes for interesting collecting as opposed to Case making 50 different versions of the same thing to the tune of 10,000 knives in a run.

Look at brands like Queen, Tuna Valley (made by Queen), Schatt & Morgan (also Queen), Canal Street, etc. They made a lot of knives. Even the Chinese are getting into the act with some neat variations of patterns. There's a lot out there to collect, and you can find those old patterns if you try.
 
Awesome to see another younger guy around here! No offense to the rest of you guys! :D I know what you guys are talking about though some of those old patterns are pretty cool like thr 11030SH one of my favorite patterns of all time a single bladed sheep‘s foot.
 
In the heyday of pocket knives (in the US), most manufacturers made many patterns and variations that are uncommon today. The need for some of them at that time was much higher than it is now, some patterns being very job specific.
 
I really wish they'd bring back the 02 barehead jack. Right in between a GEC #14 and 15 in size, sturdy clip and a decent sized pen blade and halfstops on both blades..

I'd pay GEC prices for one of those in CV with Blue Lagoon bone covers.
 
There are several patterns that I wish Case would bring back- the Barlow comes to mind but there are many others-but Case seems content to maintain the status quo at this time!
 
To give an idea of how many traditional knives used to sell, when I was at SMKW a few years ago they had framed certificates from Case hanging on their walls for being a major Case retailer. They had years when they sold over 600,000 Case knives in a year, multiple years in a row. That's 11 to 12 thousand Case knives a week! I was staggered.
 
I'm staggered too Jeff! Who are these people?? Hoarders are my chief suspect:D:D

Looking at some old CASE pattern books there are quire a few patterns that could generate interest, I'd love to see a Tadpole for instance or a Penknife with something other than yellow D scales eh? Half Whittler single-spring and a Swell End single blade would be appreciated.

I used to think it odd that CASE shuns the Barlow for over a decade but it could be they feel GEC have cornered that pattern for now. Conversely, GEC used to bring in obscure patterns the 13 and 92 spring to mind but not much lately, the 44 Buffalo being their first all new pattern for a while. That said, it should be borne in mind that CASE/Bose Collabs and Bose designed patterns have revived quite a few interesting and obscure examples. The Norfolk, Yukon, Coffin Jack, Pruner (mine is currently MIA and I'm giving up hope...:eek::poop:) and the Swayback Jack/Gent and Teardrop. Look and find!:thumbsup:

Thanks, Will
 
Will Power said:
I'm staggered too Jeff! Who are these people?? Hoarders are my chief suspect:D:D

Looking at some old CASE pattern books there are quire a few patterns that could generate interest, I'd love to see a Tadpole for instance or a Penknife with something other than yellow D scales eh? Half Whittler single-spring and a Swell End single blade would be appreciated.

I used to think it odd that CASE shuns the Barlow for over a decade but it could be they feel GEC have cornered that pattern for now. Conversely, GEC used to bring in obscure patterns the 13 and 92 spring to mind but not much lately, the 44 Buffalo being their first all new pattern for a while. That said, it should be borne in mind that CASE/Bose Collabs and Bose designed patterns have revived quite a few interesting and obscure examples. The Norfolk, Yukon, Coffin Jack, Pruner (mine is currently MIA and I'm giving up hope...:eek::poop:) and the Swayback Jack/Gent and Teardrop. Look and find!:thumbsup:

Thanks, Will
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I know you loved that Pruner, Will. Here's hoping you find it soon.
 
Thanks Rick. It was a short lived favourite, I can't find it anywhere, blame the stupid bike probably fell out:eek: Knew exercise is harmful..... It's a blow but it's only a possession and if I ever find it or get the money together for another, that'll be used too, incorrigible :D
 
Ernie1980 said:
There are several patterns that I wish Case would bring back- the Barlow comes to mind but there are many others-but Case seems content to maintain the status quo at this time!
Click to expand...

I'm with you Ernie1980 Ernie1980 I love Case Barlows in fact I've been watching The South American River Auction Site looking for a pre 1972 in really good condition.
 
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