Question about Case

[Oregon Knife Guy]

So guys, I just picked up my first new case knife. I got a new in box trapper with yellow scales. The knife is really nice looking but seems like it is a little cheap feeling. If I tap the closed knife against my hand it has a little bit of a spring feel, it kind of rattles. It also does not have a good snap when I open or close. If I send it back in would it be worth it to see if it is a lower quality or is this what the new case knives are like?

 

[randomlooker]

I think it really depends on the model. In my very small (2 knife) sample size, I have one that I'm happy with (Swayback Jack in chestnut bone) and one that I'm not. The bad apple is a swell-center jack in the Standard series, which came with scratches on one of the scales. I sent it back, and the replacement that i just got has scratches on both scales. And a weird hole in one. And proud springs. It's probably going to go back for a refund. I'll buy more Cases, but only if I can see them beforehand.

 

[shecky]

I've had some variability in Case knives in the last several years, hit or miss. My favorite has a number of small flaws that if found on a gas station special, would be held as a prime example of how crappy Chinese/Pakistani knives are. But the same flaws are usually forgiven on a Case. These tend to be little problems that don't really affect performance. But if you're used to the precision of, say, a typical Victorinox, you may be annoyed by the handmade feel.

I can't account for the "springy feel". But sluggish blades might be fixed by cleaning the pivots with any type of light lube (WD40, or similar) by working the blades with the oils in the joints. You'll likely see some buffing gunk seep out. If cleaned well enough, you can rinse with soapy warm water. Lube the pivot if necessary. Probably will be with a Case. This procedure seems to help "fix" lazy springs on new Case knives.

 

[mdauben]

If I send it back in would it be worth it to see if it is a lower quality or is this what the new case knives are like?

I'd say it sounds like you have a defective knife. It happens. I would send it in to be fixed.

I think I have 15-20 new (2000-2010) Case knives and none of them rattle, and only one had what I considered a weak spring (or in slippie terms, it didn't walk-and-talk)