Opinions on aCase pocket knife as an EDC?

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AC_23

Joined
Apr 17, 2000
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I've found a case pocket knife that I like the looks of to carry as an EDC a work. I believe it is the mini trapper. However, I've heard that new case knives don't have very good blade steel and either won't hold an edge or are hard to sharpen.

I really like the looks of this knife but I don't want something I can't use. Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Clay
 
I happen to like Case knives and would carry one at work, but because I like them, I prefer to carry an Old Timer(less expensive to replace). To be honest, I've never had to sharpen any of my Case knives so I can't comment on that aspect.:(
 
I have several Case knives that some how end up in the right front pocket and or behind glass. :D

I've never had a problem with fit, finish, edge sharpness, or edge retension. :D

There was one point, several years ago, where Case had some quality control problems and it was almost a 50-50 crap shoot as to what you received. But, what I've seen and heard. . .those problems have been fixed.

I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker. . .and have never had a problem restoring any "slip-joint" knives to their original hair-poppin' sharp edge. In fact, IMO, slip-joints are the easiest knives to sharpen. :D

Do you know what type of blade steel is on this particular knife ?
 
Case's stainless (420HC) doesn't seem to have the greatest heat treat. Edge holding isn't real good. Their carbon (crome vanadium) steel holds a decent edge. Fit and finish have greatly improved in recent years, but could still be better. Bottom line, if you like the knife, get it. My personal favorite Case is the mini Copperlock.

Paul
 
I've had several Case knives as "working" knives in the past 35 years, which would bridge most quality control issues. Probably had 20 or so.

They make pretty knives which are great for looking at. They don't hold an edge for squat. They ain't working knives, just play pretties. I gave all of mine away.

Camillus may not be as pretty, but will work a Case into the ground.

Thomas
 
Thanks for all the help. I will probably go ahead and pick one up. I work in an office setting so I won't be cutting line or rope with it, just envelopes.

GigOne, I'm curious why would a slip-joint be easier to sharpen than a lock blade?

Thanks,
Clay
 
Clay,
I carry a large Case trapper with the carbon steel blades ( they are marked with a CV, for chromiun vanadium, in the ricassso). It holds an edge as good as the Old Timer it replaced, and does great at small cutting chores. It will rust real easy, though, if you don't keep a light coat of oil on it. I agree with Paul, the stainless just won't hold an edge. It took a while for mine to develop that dark patina, but it doesn't rust quite as bad, now that it has. I probably spent too much time polishing and oiling it for the patina to develop fast. Just my $.02. :)

Todd
 
I have carried many of them and am very happy. In fact I had a seahorse whittler with me at work yesterday.
 
Try a Case Canoe in CV.Thats what I carried before I found the real knives.It holds a edge Ok and is very easy to sharpen.I mean you can get a straight razor edge on it in no time,I have done it but it is not good to do it and try to use it because the edge will roll.It was fun to take a hair and hold it in one hand and swipe it with the blade and hear it pop.
 
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