- Joined
- Apr 20, 2018
- Messages
- 4,458
Hello Friends,
A year ago, I took the plunge and decided to post here on The Porch. As my motivation was uncertainty about slip joints and "old timey" knives, I'd pondered if and how I would enter the pool for some time. In the end, as I do with most things, I just dove in.
After many decades with locking blades and a pursuit of modern folders, I was looking for something new and I was finding it in something old. And you folks not only welcomed me in, but understood.
I remember in that first thread saying I'd never really liked bone handles. My ignorance was on full display, as what I was picturing were stag handles. I know, I know...I'm still generally not a fan, but I surely do like bone and at least now I'm aware of the difference!
This past year I was very fortunate to acquire a number of Case knives. Many I bought (some on good sales) and some were gifted to me. And I wanted to take some time to reflect on what the year has revealed to me.
First, some housekeeping...
#1: I chose Case for two reasons; cost and stainless steel availability. I realize stainless is an abomination to many out there, but it was and is important to me. I've been a knife guy for five decades but I don't baby them. Splash and go is important to me. Case's TruSharp has proven to be soft, but easy to sharpen and for my current, mostly sit-on-my-butt EDC requirements, it does just fine. My apples get cut, my packages get opened, all is well.
Cost gets subjective and can be justifiably argued, but for me, when all things are considered, I find these to be a fair value.
#2: I have not received a single Case knife that has had any kind of defect that would cause me to send one back. All mine are bought online, sight unseen, and all of them fulfill my expectations for knives in these price brackets. Yes, some have some issues but nothing I can't live with, especially on user knives.
#3: This will probably take me a couple-few days to finish. I already have a wall of text above and I don't want any one post to be too much so I'll probably post over a couple days. Posts will not necessarily be in any particular order.
#4: Thank you all for welcoming me and showing so many amazing knives that I never knew existed and for understanding where I was coming from.
Woosh...Okay then...
Let's start with two of my most perplexing samples: Large Stockman in Black Canvas and Medium Stockman in Corn Cob Blue Jigged Bone.
There is a lot to love here and I know many, many do, but alas, I do not. For me, these knives are so close, yet just not quite right.
The large Stockman actually carried pretty well in my pocket. A bit bulky but not obtrusive or uncomfortable (and I carry other things in the same pocket) and I love the main blade size. It's a beautiful knife. I actually prefer the aesthetics of the square bolsters to the round ones. Pocket-ability may favor the round ends. For me, this knife is close to perfection, but... The Sheepsfoot blade sits too proud for me and digs into my fingers when I grip the knife. If I open both the main and the Sheepsfoot the knife feels great in my hand! I feel like if that Sheepsfoot blade was on the opposite end, this knife would sing to me.
The medium Stockman is a super handy, little knife. And therein lies the problem for me - it's just a touch too small for my EDC desires. I will say, this knife has rather weak springs that any softer, and it would've went back. But the scales are outstanding! I love the jigging on these and wish it was more widely available. It's a great knife and has become something of a do-all utilitarian around the house. But again, just a touch too small for my everyday needs.
A year ago, I took the plunge and decided to post here on The Porch. As my motivation was uncertainty about slip joints and "old timey" knives, I'd pondered if and how I would enter the pool for some time. In the end, as I do with most things, I just dove in.
After many decades with locking blades and a pursuit of modern folders, I was looking for something new and I was finding it in something old. And you folks not only welcomed me in, but understood.
I remember in that first thread saying I'd never really liked bone handles. My ignorance was on full display, as what I was picturing were stag handles. I know, I know...I'm still generally not a fan, but I surely do like bone and at least now I'm aware of the difference!
This past year I was very fortunate to acquire a number of Case knives. Many I bought (some on good sales) and some were gifted to me. And I wanted to take some time to reflect on what the year has revealed to me.
First, some housekeeping...
#1: I chose Case for two reasons; cost and stainless steel availability. I realize stainless is an abomination to many out there, but it was and is important to me. I've been a knife guy for five decades but I don't baby them. Splash and go is important to me. Case's TruSharp has proven to be soft, but easy to sharpen and for my current, mostly sit-on-my-butt EDC requirements, it does just fine. My apples get cut, my packages get opened, all is well.
Cost gets subjective and can be justifiably argued, but for me, when all things are considered, I find these to be a fair value.
#2: I have not received a single Case knife that has had any kind of defect that would cause me to send one back. All mine are bought online, sight unseen, and all of them fulfill my expectations for knives in these price brackets. Yes, some have some issues but nothing I can't live with, especially on user knives.
#3: This will probably take me a couple-few days to finish. I already have a wall of text above and I don't want any one post to be too much so I'll probably post over a couple days. Posts will not necessarily be in any particular order.
#4: Thank you all for welcoming me and showing so many amazing knives that I never knew existed and for understanding where I was coming from.
Woosh...Okay then...
Let's start with two of my most perplexing samples: Large Stockman in Black Canvas and Medium Stockman in Corn Cob Blue Jigged Bone.
There is a lot to love here and I know many, many do, but alas, I do not. For me, these knives are so close, yet just not quite right.
The large Stockman actually carried pretty well in my pocket. A bit bulky but not obtrusive or uncomfortable (and I carry other things in the same pocket) and I love the main blade size. It's a beautiful knife. I actually prefer the aesthetics of the square bolsters to the round ones. Pocket-ability may favor the round ends. For me, this knife is close to perfection, but... The Sheepsfoot blade sits too proud for me and digs into my fingers when I grip the knife. If I open both the main and the Sheepsfoot the knife feels great in my hand! I feel like if that Sheepsfoot blade was on the opposite end, this knife would sing to me.
The medium Stockman is a super handy, little knife. And therein lies the problem for me - it's just a touch too small for my EDC desires. I will say, this knife has rather weak springs that any softer, and it would've went back. But the scales are outstanding! I love the jigging on these and wish it was more widely available. It's a great knife and has become something of a do-all utilitarian around the house. But again, just a touch too small for my everyday needs.
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it's not, it's simply the preference of the individual
): competitive price, no gaps, no play, even scale dye and thickness, beautifully finished pins-domed/flush, impressive W&T, spring flush in three, arrived sharp
