Special Case knife as present

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woodswanderer

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Aug 14, 2013
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I'm not a knife expert(though I always carry a pocketknife at least) and I hope someone can help me on which knife to get my dad as a birthday present. I want to go with a Case knife...I'm sure there are others out there that are better or fancier to some, but to me, you can't beat the name recognition of Case. I want this knife to be really special because I just recently met my dad(I'm 30). I am considering the Russlock, Copperlock, Trapperlock, and Trapper.
Do most people prefer a locking knife or not?
Do most people prefer a one hand opening knife or not?
Do most people prefer a colored handle or natural color? I know I don't want synthetic.
Do most people prefer CV or steel?
I am planning on getting the blade engraved and probably initials on the bolster, unless I go with scrolled bolster. I am looking at the site [a large company specializing in Case knives] for buying the knife and engraving it. If anyone knows of a better site with more color choices that would be awesome too.
Any thoughts about these knives, personal reviews, or recommendations of a Case I should look into are also great. I personally have a Russlock and I love it, but my husband doesn't like the looks of it, and thinks it is hard to open.
 
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Well you are posting in the Traditional forum so we really aren't "most people", we are those who tend to prefer older style, two-hand opening knives in traditional patterns and handle materials.

So for Case knives you've come to the right place, though there are certain models that we can't discuss here or they'll kick the thread over into the barbarity of the General knife forum. (Trapperlock)

I'll answer what I like, though.

- Prefer no lock, but it's not a strong preference. I also have and enjoy a Russlock, which I find very easy to operate.
- Prefer two-handed opening, again, with a few exceptions.
- I like a nice, dark, rich dyed and jigged bone. I prefers chestnuts, ambers, goldenrods, browns, dark reds, dark greens. I also love the look of the classic yellow Delrin, especially with CV steel. I don't care for wood and I don't think the extra cost of stag is worth it to me.
- I like both CV and Stainless. I know how to keep my knives clean and maintained and enjoy that aspect of the hobby, so rust is not a problem for me, and I can prevent or cultivate a patina on CV as suits my fancy. In general for someone less inclined to polish and baby their knives, I think the SS is a better option, and there are more handle options available.

Pattern-wise, all of those you mentioned are fine, though a bit on the larger size, except the Russlock.

If I might suggest, a 6347 Stockman or a 6207W Mini Trapper in the currently available Sawcut Antique Bone handle with SS blades are usually very nicely done up and are good useful patterns.
 
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Well, ok. How about thoughts on the others I am considering that fit the traditional criteria or trash talk about why I shouldn't even consider a Trapperlock.:D I just want something that my dad will see as a special present. I guess I can go to the other section though.
 
I think the Russlock is pretty darned cool, but... the protruding tang to flip her open, well, many may or may not like that. As for the Copperlock or maybe a mini copperlock... nice traditional and pretty classy knife that would likely give anybody a smile. The steel is a tough one. If he is likely to just carry it and use it one in a while for opening a box here or there, then the stainless will keep purty much easier. If you think he is going to really use it more, then the chrome vanadium carbon steel may be a better choice. I will try to put up a pic of a mini copperlock I have, and a russlock... both made using stainless steel... and both having bone handles (but finished differently... just to give you contrasting visuals. Also, if you have a [large sporting chain store in your area, they will likely have some case knives on display and for sale. The prices are only slightly more than deals online, and the advantage of being able to inspect them before buying, is worth the few extra dollars, IMO :-)
 
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woodswanderer said:
Well, ok. How about thoughts on the others I am considering that fit the traditional criteria or trash talk about why I shouldn't even consider a Trapperlock.:D I just want something that my dad will see as a special present. I guess I can go to the other section though.
Click to expand...

Sorry, sometimes it's hard to honestly answer someone's questions because of the rules here. I have two Trapperlocks and like them a lot, they are decent modern folders that look mostly like traditionals. I have three Russlocks. Only one of them has an action smooth enough for me to like to carry it.

See my other ideas in my edited first answer.
 
Welcome to the forums, glad you are here! You sound like a great son, wanting to get your dad something special and personal like a knife. Traditionals are knives that remind folks of the knives their fathers and grandfathers carried. They are classic and nostalgic.

To be useful, we need a bit more information. What does your father do, and how does he dress? Since traditionals ride down inside the pocket, rather than clipping to the pocket, size and weight matter. A large, heavy knife rides well in Carhartts or jeans, but you really do need a slender, lightweight knife in a business suit. Also, 2 or 3 blades ride easily in work pants, but 1 or 2 is more the order of the day in dress slacks. Do you have any intended uses in mind (hunting (what size game?), opening bottles, punching leather, or just a knife for general use?

Case and GEC make some amazing bone handles. Ebony is also a classic, traditional material.
 
Or a great daughter, though these days either gender may refer to a partner as a husband.
 
I think he would be using it casually, but carrying it daily. I'm not sure. For what it is worth, he is a machinist by trade. I think the mini Copperlock is too small....he lived in Texas for many years.:) I really don't want to go smaller than my Russlock. The [Large Sporting chain] is a good tip, although I did want to engrave it with a special message, which was why I was looking at the online site. Maybe people don't really want an engraved knife over a more interesting style/color.
 
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Here is a pic of both a mini copperlock and a russlock... being pictured together may give you a good size comparison. As for the handles... you can see that the right choice can make them both that much more classy and traditional. Anyhow... just my 2 cents :-)
 
It is simply a jigged bone, but in natural bone color.

Oh, and the mini copperlock is in jigged amber bone.
 
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Yep, I'm a daughter, but I'm a tomboy. My dad is 57. He wears jeans, dark t-shirt, cowboy boots in black or brown, belt buckle with a steer, cowboy hat, and handlebar mustache...if it helps. He is a mechanic who works on the machines that do machining.
 
All right, so a real working man. He'll definitely appreciate a good sized knife.

What's your budget?
 
I think around or under $100. Maybe $150 if it was really amazing. I'm going to try to get a peep of the knife he carries, but I don't want to give away my surprise.
 
Well heck, for $100 you can step up a notch and go for a Great Eastern Cutlery knife. Guaranteed to please someone who appreciates a nicely made knife.
 
Anyone have any thoughts on engraving...is it bad for a knife? Or would you prefer an unusual color/style over a more typical color/style that was engraved with a name or message?
 
woodswanderer said:
Yep, I'm a daughter, but I'm a tomboy. My dad is 57. He wears jeans, dark t-shirt, cowboy boots in black or brown, belt buckle with a steer, cowboy hat, and handlebar mustache...if it helps. He is a mechanic who works on the machines that do machining.
Click to expand...

Case Large Stockman fits this description.

Case Chestnut Bone (I think) 6375 CV
20130727_100046_zpsedd4db54.jpg


Case Sawcut Rancher 6375 CV
20130723_083023_zps54d70280.jpg


Both of the above are in CV which will rust if you don't take care of them. It will also patina as seen in the second picture. It can be polished out, but many of us like the old school look. Stainless won't really do either.

Another knife worth checking out is the GEC Workhorse Whittler.
 
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