[Slipjoint] - Ordered these, any good ?

Joined
Jan 31, 2002
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30
Well, after my thread last week I've just placed an order for my 1st slipjoints.

I had a good look round, and was initially after a stag handled sj, but i didnt have much luck, but instead found the following 2 that appealed to me.

1/. CA263 CASE (62131) Canoe, Brown Bone Handle, Chrome Vanadium Blades
http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?CA263

2/. CA284 CASE Baby Butterbean (62132ss), Natural Bone handles
http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?CA284

As I mentioned before I'm a complete slipjoint newbie, so was just wondering if anyone can offer any feedback on the choices I've made.

Are they decent ?

What are Case like on the whole, I dont remember them being mentioned in my thread last week ?

What do I need to know in terms of maintenance of a slipjoint ? The Chrome Vanadium model especially (know nothing about this steel).

Will they sharpen up ok on a Sharpmaker ? (30 or 40 angle ?)

And finally, bone of what exactly ? :p

Any comments appreciated.

Cheers
 
Yep, they are decent knives. I have a few Case knives, and find them to be good solid folders, and very reasonably priced. The fit and finish is not always perfect, but functionally they are great.

The CV blades will rust. I use flitz metal polish on mine, and that seems to protect them just fine. CV blades will dis-color if you use the knife, and many times there is nothing you can do to stop it. Actually that is one of the things that many people like about carbon steel blades. Its called a patina, and adds charecter to knife as it gets older and you use it. Rememer though, there is a difference between that and rust. Watch for rust, and maintain your blades. Rust is bad, watch for it and clean it at the first signs. Patina on the other hand is the discoloration, and will not hurt your blades at all so dont worry about that.

They will sharpen fine on the sharpmaker. Most of the time when I get a Case knife, it is only sort of sharp, so dont be surprised if you have to sharpen it out of the box. No big deal, although I think they oughta work on that.

I could be wrong, but I believe the bone is from the shin bone of a cow. Somebody set me straight if im wrong.

Enjoy your knives, they are good ones that should serve you well.
 
Thanks for the reply, alot of useful information there :)

Now I have the agonising wait for them to arrive :D

Cheers
 
My most used knife is my Case medium stockman with CV. I find it to be a very good compromise between edge holding and ease of sharpening. The bone scales (cow bone I believe)are nice and the overall fit and finish is good. I think you made a good choice.
 
I agree, I first started collecting Case knives almost 40 years ago and still pick up new models now and then when I see a pattern that interests me.
 
The is no such thing as a bad canoe in my book! :) Great looking slipjoints.
 
I got a blue bone baby butterbean not long ago. I really like it, but it is very small. Seems to be nice and will work good, I only use it for show, and carry only for dress up and light duty, fingernails and stuff. I hear the Chrome Vanadium is most folks choice for a user. I said it before and I will say again, I am glad to see more interest in these knives. You will not find the same variety anywhere else. Slipjoints rock!
 
I find that the Mini-copperlocks are very serviceable. Fit well in slacks and have the added locking mechanism that allows you to feel comfortable using it around the office even in someone elses hand. $35.00 1 1/2 oz.
 
You have chosen a very good company. If you are pleased with the styles you mentioned then I would think you would be happy with Case knives. I was very happy with the two that I owned.
 
Originally posted by Buzzbait
The is no such thing as a bad canoe in my book! :) Great looking slipjoints.

True, they're definately the style I'm leaning most towards.
After seeing your Bulldog in the review forum I had a look around to try and find one for myself, unfortunately the only place I found that had a Stag Bulldog Canoe that I really like, doesn't ship to the UK :(

http://eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/index.html

Was only $29 as well, arghhhh
 
Now that's irony for you. It's easier to find a European made knife in America, than it is in Europe. That's just not right.
 
You should talk to knifeworks about that knife you want - they're very helpful and will ship to the UK.

I too have been thinking about a case knife - in my case a doctor's knife or toothpick. Can anyone tell me a little more about the surgical steel they use in those regarding maintenance?

Thanks
 
I was told by a Case employee that "TruSharp surgical steel" is 420. I think it must be 420HC though. Stainless, very good for collector knives, sufficient for general use.
 
Sometimes you read some negative stuff about Case quality on these forums but I'm very happy with my Case yellow-handled large stockman. It isn't in a league with my Winchester wharncliffe whittler but it's terrific quality for the measly $30 I paid for it. It's a real user and that's what I like about it.

Next I'm gonna get their medium stockman in amber bone (CV) with the punch blade - and a medium yellow handled stockman just in case the amber bone is too nice to really use hard.:D
 
My first quality knife was a Case Peanut, and I still have it. It has CV blades and they do discolor. I received that knife when I was six years old, and I don't remember a spot of rust on it. Either I was a "good" child, or it doesn't rust too easily.

Now, my father only carries a Case Farmer pattern. It's sometimes called a Barehead Trapper, and has one long clip blade. It is TruSharp steel. It doesn't rust or gain a patina over years of use. It does sharpen up nicely, and seems to hold an edge fairly well. I know my father uses his daily on mundane chores, and it never gets truly dull. I sharpen and lube it about once a month for him, since I can't stand to see him use a dull knife.

Overall, I like Case knives. I've been around them my whole life with my Grandpa's using them, as well as my dad. I can't say that I've ever used one much, but I know they do hold up over the years.
 
As everyone says… both great knives. For the money Case are great have some of thre neatest handles and they are easy to sharpen. All makes for a great user knife! I love the Copperlocks too the mini is great as dress/office knife while the full size is actually a pretty sturdy knife.
The slipjoint posse seems to be growing on the forum. There are a lot of great knives out there. My EDC is a Kissing Crane Stockman and it rules!! Also check out the Double Duty/Double Cross by Kershaw, I know Buzzbait is a big fan and they really are cool!
 
I would LOVE to own either of these knives. I sharpened a warnclif blade on my new case and it is the sharpest blade I own.

Just be extra careful if you are used to locking blades. It may fold when you are using the tip of the knife for something.
 
][rIdIum, good choice of knife patterns. I shy away from the chrome vandium Case blades because I had one to rust in a drawer after it had been oiled. There was nothing I could with it. The Case SS is pretty good. I have never had a rusting problem using it, and it will take a pretty good edge.

On another note, have you ladies and gents seen the new release Case Seahorse Whittler. That is one awesome looking slipjoint. That wharncliff blade that is riding in it is just awesome looking.
Big D1
 
The Chrome Vanadium is definately something I'm not used to so i'll have to wait and see how I get on with it. Any other tips on maintenance would be great.

Big D1 do you have a link to those new Case models you mentioned ?
 
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