Would I be a monster if I used this knife?

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May 26, 2011
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I have had a CASE XX era 087 jack for a little over two years now. I paid about the price I pay for a new GEC for it at an antique show. It's my ideal knife. A slightly larger than a peanut jack with gorgeous red bone that Case just doesn't seem to make anymore.

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When I bought it, I had every intention of carrying it. But after reading around on this and other forums, there was a consensus that I owed it to history to preserve the knife with its original polished blades. I looked around for a newer example, or an example in poorer condition, but believe it or not those examples were selling for more money than I paid for this gem, so I just couldn't do it.

And so it sits.

I take it out and look at it. And then I carry something else.

"What if I lose it?"

"What if I ruin it?"

Then part of my brain reminds me I'm going to die someday, and so--

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Am I doomed to be the curator in the world's smallest museum?
 
Seconded. I think you should use it, and enjoy it. Treat it well, but get the most out of it.
 
Carry it, enjoy it, and make it a part of your rotation. If you don't use it, eventually someone will.
 
I would use it, but that's me, I was gifted a nice shiny 1970 from Paul Hilborn ( thanks again Paul ) and I use it it's a great size knife

 
Use it.
If I had the money for a Ferrari and bought one, I wouldn't leave it in my garage. :D
 
I had the same debate with my Case XX baby copperhead.

She's ridden in my pocket for a few months now.
It's been pure joy to carry/use and show off.

Enjoy the beauty of a well made knife while you can.
You'll only regret it if you don't carry it.
 
I'd use it. Look at it this way you probably wouldnt use it hard since its a small knife and it'll fit easily in your watch pocket so it wont be banged up by keys and change and junk, and its not like your gonna go sharpening it on concrete or something. I'm sure it'll still be well cared for in your pocket.
 
As pretty as it looks, I think you will find more satisfaction in actually using it.
 
Enjoy it. Give it what it deserves, which is as much pocket time and use as you can. It's a beauty, but it's fully wasted in a box. In time rust and age will destroy it, even if it's 200 years from now. If you leave it in the box it's being denied what it was created to be!
 
Definitely carry and use it. It's a gorgeous knife and wasted sitting in the dark.
 
USE IT! Get it sweaty, get some patina on it if its CV. Just use it that is what it was intended for.
 
As much as I am for preserving the history of knives, that little beauty is not super rare. Use it with respect, and enjoy it!
Oil the joints, and it will be just as good when you pass it on to a grandchild, except it will have some human history imprinted on it.
If it was a Case made in Smethport, I'd put it in a safety deposit box and put $7,000 insurance on it!!
 
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