I honestly prefer the knife/fork combos.  The spoon is what makes it feel more bulky to me

If I get that one maybe my wife won't see me snacking...lol

Hello Pete I also am a Life member of the CCC. You can't beat the Case family of people. Oh they make some nice knives too.

Another life member here, Peter.  May I also add that Gerald Hines brought me to iKC.  Thanks Gerald, this is a superb bunch.

Anyway, another advantage to Life Membership in the CCC is that when each year they produce the Annual knives - one for Junior Members, one for Regular Members, and one for Life Members, Life Members have the opportunity to purchase all three, and a display case to hold all three.

It is pretty much the only time you can purchase directly from W.R. Case.  However, each quarter they raffle off a knife you can purchase directly.  The problem is that your name has to be drawn.  I think they produce 500 of these quarterly knives, and there are a couple thousand members.  All members have a shot at the quarterly knives, and once you join, you automatically get notice of these quarterly knives, as well as the annual knives information (everybody can purchase the annual knife or knives, if you are a Life Member - no raffle).

Also, every other year W.R. Case has an event for the members at the factory in Bradford.  2014 is the next event, but I am not sure there will be one because the information has not been sent, yet (late, as I recall).  I called a couple weeks ago and was told that the final decision has not been made.

A little history:  Zippo now owns W.R. Case, and in case you didn't know, Zippo is also manufactured in Bradford.  It used to be that Zippo held a fest or event for Zippo collectors every other year, so if you collected both, you could go to Bradford every year to meet and greet.  Zippo stopped having events somewhere around 2009.  The U.S. anti-smoking campaign and more restrictive smoking laws must have cut into their business.  Plus, disposable lighters have hurt them.  Not sure how much that effects what W.R. Case does, but if half of your business was hurting, you might be tempted to draw off profits from the half that was doing well.  Let's hope there will be an event next July (always July - and it always seems to rain for part of the 3-day event).  You can take a factory tour at the event, too.  All the stuff you need to know will be sent in a packet - if they hold the event.  Case collectors are a very friendly group.  You'll make friends at the annual event.

You also get a free knife (Peanut) for joining the club.

Oh, I forgot to mention that W.R. Case produces an Event Knife you can purchase, and pick up at the event if you attend.  It'll all be in the packet of information about the event.

Just went to Walmarts to pick up a ozark Hobo knife and they had them priced at $3.88 so I picked up 2 one to use and one to put in my collection as new in box.

Tom, just as long as you understand, that 20 years from now, when you adjust for inflation, that new NIB Ozark Trail will probably still be worth about $4.00.   I'm guessing the Case Hobo will fare better as it ages.

That said, I've been using my Walmart Ozark Trail for a couple years now.  What of the metal scales is a tad loose (could be fixed with a drop of super glue) but otherwise I'm happy with it.   I've dropped on a concrete floor more times than I can count so it does seem to do the trick.  The full size fork and spoon are great!

I think when it comes time to renew my dues I'm going to become a Life Member too. The more Case knives I get, the more I love them! LOL! 

Paul, maybe you're more the Khaki/Tan/Gray type? LOL!

New for the Carhartt line.......

Course Black G-10 (four patterns)

New SHC exclusive - Brass Script Cabernet Bone. I'm not sure if I like the brass with the Cabernet color. 

Yea Craig you need to get your life membership

Craig, What would you recommend for a good Case Fixed Blade??

or Randall or anyone - I would be interested in suggestions.

The only Case fixed blade I have right now is the CA385/365-5 SS, and I love it! Very traditional looking.

I tried darkened the handles to try to make it look like the older knives that darken up with age.

Here's one dealer's selection to look over - 

http://www.southerntackle.com/products.asp?cat=1400

Ken...

I get this question all the time.  First you have to determine what this knife will be used for.  For hunting a Case Ridge Back.  For survival or zombie killing then the Pro-Tech Brend 1 Combat; http://www.protechknives.com/knives/knives.asp. For a less expensive fix blade but serious use, I would contact Larry Pridgen and have him make a Kandahar (Navy Seal and I designed this knife) out of a good carbon steel.  (pridgencustomknives@gmail.com) www.pridgencustomknives.com.  I hope this helps.  Any questions just let me know.

Thanks guys, I am looking for a good traditional looking fixed blade to carry in the woods. I am going to SMKW soon and was wondering what to look for.

From time to time, I've thought about getting these. Have to figure how I can fit them into my knife funds one month. LOL!

Craig, I like that first one, what would it cost, what is its name??

Howard, I had to buy my Peanut new member knife.

Ken, the first one is genuine jigged Buffalo Horn BH23-5 SS Blades: 5"

$81.92 here - http://www.southerntackle.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CA17915

OOPS, sorry that's the 5" bladed one. The one I posted is this one- http://www.southerntackle.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CA17910&cat=1400

6" blade BH81-6

Its sure a beauty, kinda pricey, but good on the wish list. Thanks Craig.

The more I look at those Buffalo Horn Hunters the more I want one! LOL!

Yes, you really got me wanting one now also. LOL

Of course you could always get one of these. LOL!

I am really liking that Buffalo Horn. Right now I have a one track mind.

I love my Buffalo Horn Trapper......sooo, I KNOW I'd like the Buffalo Horn Hunter!

Though.....the more I look at this little Drop Point.......I might have to get one of these.

That's a nice one Craig, especially that stacked leather.

I'm with Billy on that it's easier as a Life Member, it's a no brainer! I switched when it was still $100.00 for Life Member, shortly after I joined. Tried to tell a friend to swicth but he didn't think he'd live long enough to get his moneys worth, he's still here and going strong!

OK Billy, Condor knives, I'll check them out. Thanks.

Craig,

Maybe you should do the math on Life Membership, that is, assuming you ain't no spring chicken.  As I recall, the break-even point was 10 years.  Ifin you figger you got 10 good years left, go for it.  Hahahaha

Charles,

You are probably correct about having to buy your Member Knife.  The mind isn't what it used to be, and I got another Peanut for Life Membership which I thought they gave me, but I coulda paid for that one too.

Howard, I don't think my mind ever was what it used to be! LOL  But i did have to buy my member knife.  I don't know about the life member knife.  As far as I know it could come with life membership.

At 67 I have to wonder if life membership would pay for me.  If the break even point is ten years or so, that would put me near eighty.

$20 a year for regular membership. 7 1/2 years. I think I can make it for 7 1/2 years. Though some days I don't feel like it. LOL! Life Member it is. Should I wait until my dues are due? April. Or should I become a Lifer early?

Paul; 

"That's a nice one Craig, especially that stacked leather."

You know, as much as I like Buffalo Horn.......I'm leaning towards the leather. Hmmm.......

Craig, one of each would be nice. I like them both to, but If I can only have one I think I will choose the Buffalo Horn.

I've been debating becoming a Lifer myself.   Hard to say what I'll do.

Craig I wouldnt wait, I say do it now. Then you'll be a Lifer this year and....we can let you in on all the things we couldn't tell you and the handshake, we can show you the handshake before you even get the printed instructions from Case on how to do it!

I can tell you one secret though, don't tell anyone else though , just between me and you. Hold your right hand up and form an 'L' with your thumb and forefinger , now raise it up HIGH and rest it against your forehead, TADA!  The Life member salute!! ROTFL

Hey, my lips are sealed! I think I might go ahead and do it when I get my money next month. A Christmas present to myself. It's the least I can do since I was told they are sending me some free Case stickers! LOL!

Dangit Max You weren't suppose to tell.

 Ha Ha ha LOL

Craig,

I just checked, they still have some 2013 Annual knives for sale, but it looks like the display case is sold out.  http://www.wrcase.com/collectors_club/club_store/club_store.php .  If you join now you can get one or all three knives.

It's tough to come up with the extra with Christmas so close. But I'll see how things go. Everyone in the family will understand if they don't get anything....right?

Hey Max, I was going to get an extra Case ceramic coffee mug.....southerntackle.com is sold out!  But I found them here - http://www.jaysknives.com/case_4.htm and here - http://www.lumber2.com/Case-9078-Coffee-Mug-p/ca9078.htm