Which case knife should I get?

spydercofan

spydercofan

Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Messages
437
Hey fellas! I'm looking to buy a case knife but im not sure which one to get. I'm looking for something not bigger than a vic tinker. Preferably with two blades. Thanks!
 
I love my Case Canoe in CV steel. Two blades. Within your size preference. Rides great in the pocket. My favorite Case by far.
 
A Case Medium Stockman in CV was the first thought off, while reading recommendation. But if you´d like it bigger you should try a Trapper or a Large Stockman.

About a Texas Jack, I know nothing. Don´t own such a knife.

Kind regards
Andi
 
I would buy 1 of every pattern and 2 of the ones you like.

Sway Back Jack, Canoe or medium Stockman are good bets.

jwh
 
Wharncliffe Mini Trapper or Mini Copperlock, although that's a single blade traditional lockback.
 
Thanks guys, I am really liking the Canoe and the Texas Jack. Can you tell me the blade lengths for the small and medium variations? Also, where is the best place to order these?
 
On the Small Texas Jack (62032) the clip blade measures 2 9/16" from bolster to tip; and 2 3/8" actual cutting edge. The (modified) pen blade is 1 3/4" bolster to tip; with a 1 1/2" cutting edge. Closed length is 3 7/16".

The Case nomenclature for these "jack" knives is somewhat confusing. I also have a 22087 that I think they call a Medium Jack knife. (Black synthetic handles, SS steel with "as ground" finish. Clip is 2 1/2 " bolster to tip; 2 1/4" cutting edge. The (regular) pen blade is 1 7/8" bolster ti tip; and 1 11/16" cutting edge. 3 3/16" closed length.

So ..... even though they call it a "Small" Texas Jack, it's larger than their "Medium" Jack. I guess they figure everything comes bigger in Texas. ;)

I don't have a Canoe.
 
I'd recommend the Pen Knife in yellow Delrin and Chrome Vanadium. Just a smidge bigger than a Peanut, with that elegant single back spring and two blades.

In-hand:
1a14c2e4.jpg



Compared to Peanut (top knife):
d24fa45b.jpg



Open:
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Compared to some other Case's: Peanut, Small Toothpick, Jr. Scout, Mini Copperlock, and Russlock:
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This pattern is pretty rare in their line-up, and I don't see why. It is a perfect size for a pocket knife.
 
Here's some comparison shots. From top down ..... Spyderco Dragonfly, Case Small Texas Jack 62032, Case Medium Jack 22087, Case Pen Knife 32087. I added the Spyderco for comparison due to your name. I added the Pen Knife due to Jeremy's post and because it's also a worthy contender.

Note the differences in the pen blades in the third shot.



comp1.jpgcomp2.jpgcomp3.jpg
 
coyote711 said:
Here's some comparison shots. From top down ..... Spyderco Dragonfly, Case Small Texas Jack 62032, Case Medium Jack 22087, Case Pen Knife 32087. I added the Spyderco for comparison due to your name. I added the Pen Knife due to Jeremy's post and because it's also a worthy contender.

Note the differences in the pen blades in the third shot.



View attachment 268988View attachment 268989View attachment 268990
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the pictures. I've been confused about Small and Medium Case Jacks for a while now. I'm still confused about their names-- in what world is a "small" smaller than a "medium"? But am grateful for the clarity.

Does anyone know the history behind the names? I'm guessing that the patterns traveled down two different roads and ended up in proximity (vs. being named at the same time), but it still seems odd.

~ P.
 
You're gonna get me to buy one of those 32087s yet, Jeremy -- fantastic pictures!

Thanks for another helpful set of comparison pictures Keith. Could I trouble you with one request? Could you show the three Case knives closed, sitting on back springs so we can see the width/thickness difference between them?
 
Here ya go, Doug. :D Left to right: Small Texas Jack 62032, Medium Jack 22087, Pen Knife 32087.

Including the tape measure didn't help as much as I thought it would, due to camera angle and my not getting them lined up on a mark good enough. The 62032 is 3/8" + a hair, 22087 is right at 3/8", and the 32087 is 5/16".

case width1.jpgcase width2.jpg
 
Thank you Keith, very helpful! That may be the final push I need to pick up a 32087.
 
As a fellow Spyderco fan (just picked up a Bob Lum Chinese Folder a couple weeks ago), I'll vote for either a Swayback Jack or a Texas Jack. I bet you like 'em both, they're great pocket friendly knives.
 
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