Yeller feller fit and finish.

V

Voltron

Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
565
I have a Yellow handled CV Case Medium Stockman, and don't carry it too much. There is a pretty big gap between the spring and the liner on one side, and the springs on one end are all sticking out, making the knife look lop-sided down there if I lay it flat. I leave it in a drawer because I'm not sure if it is a reliable user. However, I've looked at pictures on here and elsewhere of these knives, and other yeller CV Case knives, and have noticed scales that don't match up perfectly, gaps in the spines, and other inconsistencies. So, my question is, are these yeller fellers more work knives then anything else? In other words, Are these inconsistencies pretty common with this line of knife, and will it have any affect on the actual use? Were they made a bit rough because they were intended to be used hard?
I'm just wondering because I really want to carry it, but I won't if it is going to fall apart on me.
 
The yellow Case knives I've handled all seem a little different from the regular production jigged bone & other types. I have a CV Wharncliffe Copperlock, and there is a crack near a scale pin and a thinned area (over-polished.) Blade steel quality appears to be right up there with Case standards, but there is definitely a step down in fit & finish, at least in my particular knife.

I don't think it will fall apart on you, but if you're concerned about the details you posted about, I'd call Case. They'll fix it for you.

I know a couple of guys here who use only Case yellow & SchradeUSA Old Timer type patterns. Considering what their knives look like after a year of use :eek: I don't think a gap or spring or scale sitting a little proud of the surface matters to them. (One guy grinds a notch into the sheepfoot to use as a hook puller when fishing.)

thx - cpr
 
I could be wrong but I think in general the yeller ones really aren't much different in quality. At least the ones that I've owned. I've had a couple that both had pin cracks on the center pin :confused:

Could be you just got one of the few that don't measure up to the usual Case quality. While not always perfect, they are usually perrty good....
The blades should be the exact same blades as used for knives with other scale materials.

I went and pulled out my yeller Case mini trapper and stockman (both from the mid 80's) and double checked them. The mid 80's was not exactly when Case was doing their finest work all the time either IMO.
Springs are flush and polished nicely, scales fit great, blades are tight and smooth, no pin show on the bolsters, nice even grind on the blades and the m/t has very crisp half-stops :D

It may or may not make any difference after some hard use, but yours sounds like the quality is lacking enough that I would send it back..
Give them a call. They are great to deal with
 
If you find the knife unacceptable , send it back. Case will make it good. I only own two yellow handle Case's and F|F are really good. I would guess yours is an exception. I would rather spend the money to send it back than keep a knife I don't trust.
 
Voltron said:
I have a Yellow handled CV Case Medium Stockman, and don't carry it too much. There is a pretty big gap between the spring and the liner on one side, and the springs on one end are all sticking out, making the knife look lop-sided down there if I lay it flat. I leave it in a drawer because I'm not sure if it is a reliable user.
Click to expand...

When was yours made? Here's a good link to help you determine that.
 
mnblade makes a good point on the date. If it was made in the very late 80's through the early 90's I would expect flaws and lazy blades since most that I have from that era exhibit those traits. I think that was a low period for Case as far as quality and have noticed that current production is heads above what I saw back then.
 
I have a yellow CV large trapper that has no snap. The blades have to be pushed back into the handle. When open there is good pressure by the backsprings, so I don't fear it will close on me, just not lively when closing the blades. Otherwise it has good fit and finish. The lazy springs don't bother me too much, but my other Cases have very good snap.

Andy
 
I have a yellow CV medium stockman that is newer production (within the past 3 years) and is on par with my other Case knives in terms of fit and finish. I carry and use it with confidence. In April I picked up a yellow CV Peanut to go with my derlin ss Peanut and it is just fine as well. The finish on the yellow 'nut exceeds the finish on the derlin 'nut for sure but the fit is near perfect on both. Let Case make it right for you and enjoy using the knife.
 
I have 2 Yellow CASE knives, Slimline Trapper and Pen-Knife. Frankly, I can't see any lower quality in these compared to bone models. I like both of these knives a lot and regard them as well made work knives with a simple elegance. Both of them are made this century in the last 4 years, so it could well be that improved quality control has come to bear.

I have one brown handle Slimline Trapper and this DOES seem a wee bit rougher in execution, but nothing bad like gaps or oppressive blade play. The blade is satin, but this appeals to many. I'm waiting for a Slimline trapper in G-10, my first such CASE model and will be interested to compare these as well.
 
I have 11 Case CV yellerhandles that were all bought between 2005 and now. They are ALL excellent.
Probably another 12-15 Case knives that are not Yellerhandles. They are all about the same in quality. I do handle every one of them before I buy, but these days I rarely find problems.
 
I was in a store yesterday looking at some knives. The Cases I saw had such poorly fitted shields that I didn't even ask to look at them. Case used to be somewhat of a standard, IMO. It's a shame.
 
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