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"Gum Fuddy"!

Most likely have never heard the phrase, “Gum Fuddy.” Those familiar with vintage pocket knives, however, recognize this nickname given to some special Case knives made during a pivotal time in American history. Now W.R. Case & Sons has brought back these old favorites back with a “Rough Black” family of knives.

The story behind Case’s Rough Black pocket knives begins in the 1940’s with the advent of World War II, when many raw materials used to produce consumer goods were diverted to support the war effort. Materials traditionally used to make pocket knife handles were no exception. A race to market knives with new, never-before-seen materials ensued between competing knife manufacturers.

In that search, Case product developers came upon a hard black synthetic material which demonstrated high durability, strength and overall appeal. A special jigging pattern was applied to the material surface to create the unique “Rough Black” knife handle slabs. The knives that resulted became known as “Gum Fuddy” knives at Case, a nickname quickly adopted by the consumer market as sales of Rough Black knives grew.

Case phased out production of “Gum Fuddy” knives after the war, as traditional handle materials made their way back to market. The knives have since become highly sought after collection pieces.

Ok, what I like to know is, what is the new production Gum Fuddy/Rough Black made out of? Does anyone know? It's not delrin is it?

I like the Rough Black. I'd like to get a couple.....the Peanut at least.

4 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on November 2, 2012 at 16:49

Anyone know what the new Gum Fuddy/Rough Black is made out of?

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on November 2, 2012 at 20:00

No I have no idea what the material is today exactly but I would think its a match to other synthetic knives they make today. I read about the history some time ago and it always intrigued me. At the time the strength and toughness of the knife was synonymous with the USA's toughness in WWII.

Craig Henry said:

Anyone know what the new Gum Fuddy/Rough Black is made out of?

Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on November 2, 2012 at 21:21

The only thing that CASE refers to it as is "Black Jigged Synthetic". I've got one, in the Humpback Stockman frame.
Quite possibly the same material on the Sodbusters.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on November 2, 2012 at 23:43

I would imagine it's delrin, which is fine. I guess they can't actually say "delrin" since that's a DuPont trade mark. All of their delrin handled knives say "Synthetic".

I thought I read years ago that DuPont wanted to charge fees for the use of the name "delrin"?

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on November 6, 2012 at 1:40

If I start getting Case knives again I think I'll get one of the Peanuts in Gum Fuddy/Rough Black.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 24, 2012 at 18:55

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on December 25, 2012 at 0:35

That's a good video!! Thanks for posting it Jan! It makes me more excited about buying Case knives again! LOL!

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 25, 2012 at 7:07

It was indeed a nice find on Christmas Eve!

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on December 26, 2012 at 19:38

I'm still wondering if the new ones are delrin or or hard rubber like the originals? Not that it matters, I'm going to get a couple of the new ones anywho.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on January 22, 2013 at 19:08

I got my Peanut in "Gumfuddy"! I like it!