What steel type does GEC use for backsprings?

[Obsessed with Edges]

I was going to raise this point - ref Case's modern production knives having stainless springs. I noticed this very quickly with my Peanut. The springs are def NOT steel, as my blades are taking on a quick patina but the springs are as-new looking.

When did Case switch to SS for the springs on their CV models?

Not sure when they switched. I'd seen some mention of it in the Trad forum in the relatively recent past (and I think Case even confirmed it), and have noticed a complete lack of patina or spotting on the springs of my own CV knives (6375 CV stockman, 6220 CV Peanut; both of recent vintage), whereas the CV blades themselves haven't been able to hide from that.

Since Case produces many patterns simultaneously in both CV and stainless, it makes sense that they'd simplify things for themselves and use stainless springs across their entire line. Carbon steel springs would just be an additional headache for their Returns/Warranty handling, when some of them would inevitably be returned for rust-related complaints. There's not much practicality in doing otherwise, as the stainless springs will do everything they need to do (remain springy, durable and corrosion-free). There's really no 'advantage' in carbon steel springs over stainless, aside from aesthetic/nostalgic purposes, and potentially a lot more maintenance worries.

Here's a quote found on the AAPK site, from Steve Pfeiffer (BF's own 'knifeaholic'; he goes by the same handle there), author of a book on collecting Case knives:

"No but they have done it the other way around - Case's standard for a number of years has been to make all knives with SS springs, whether the blades are CV or SS. I do not know when they started that but it was probably the 90's.

As far as I know Case never made knives with SS blades and carbon steel springs. Even the earliest Case SS knives from the 1930's era had SS springs.

Other knife companies (Camillus, Schrade) used to use carbon steel springs in their SS bladed knives, as far as I know.

_________________
Steve Pfeiffer, author of Collecting Case Knives: Identification and Price Guide released October 1, 2009."

Note he also mentions the older Camillus SS-bladed knives with carbon springs, ala the Camillus-made Bucks I mentioned earlier.


David

 

[arizonaranchman]

Thanks David, great info. SS springs def give an advantage in avoiding corrosion over the long term, esp between the spring and liners, inside the blade channel where it's more difficult to clean and maintain, etc.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Thanks David, great info. SS springs def give an advantage in avoiding corrosion over the long term, esp between the spring and liners, inside the blade channel where it's more difficult to clean and maintain, etc.

That's the ONLY thing I'm not too fond of, in my Schrade USA 8OT. I absolutely love the 1095 blades, but the springs are somewhat challenging to keep in decent-looking shape.


David