Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Lucier on October 23, 2012 at 18:40

Definitely go for the Case/Bose Sway Back Jack but move up to the Deep Canyon Chestnut Bone TB62117SS (Item No. 15278).

Once you see it in person you will fall in love with this beauty. I have over 50 Case knives and the Deep Canyon Sway Back Jack is right up there with knives costing 3 times as much.

 

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on October 24, 2012 at 0:01

Thanks for the input James! 

But, if I get back into Case knives I want to TRY to stick to the CV/carbon steel knives. Though I DO like the Deep Canyon Bone.

Permalink Reply by Mike Berkovitch on October 24, 2012 at 0:50

Case knives are vary in design and quality, basically they are very good users and are very collectible. The two you mentioned are IMHO the better ones to EDC for small size knives, you can't go wrong with either one of them.

Mike

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on October 24, 2012 at 11:24

I have a hard time using knives that cost three-four times that of my other users, especially when the quality is about the same. (Case vs. Rough Rider).  Still Case has a reputation for holding or increasing value over time.  But as many will tell you, this is really for older Case knives.

I personally have decided to limit my Case knives to the medium sized (4 in) Toothpicks, Scout & Scout Jr. knives, and possible Russlocks as that is a knife only made by Case as far as I know.  

At one time, I thought about collecting just CV blades but I quickly realized that Case never seems to use the CV in the knife patterns I like!

With all that said, I've got about 10 case knives from post-1980.  All are well made with excellent fit and finish.  Once I get past the sticker price compared to a Rough Rider, I'm usually happy with the knife.  But to be honest, with the exception of the whole USA pride thing, I have a hard time accepting it is a better knife that some of the higher end Frost or SMKW house brands.

Permalink Reply by Dan Evans on October 24, 2012 at 11:59

Craig,

Check out the prices Case XX go for on e-bay.  I collect Case (put my latest, a grey CSA commemorative trapper in the safe last night after I polished it with Renaissance Wax).  I love their craftsmanship, the fact that they are American made, and the fact that they are simply beautiful.  

Will my collection appreciate in the years to come?  I don't really know, but I will guarantee you one thing.... the dollars I spend to add to my collection won't.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on October 24, 2012 at 16:49

I don't really care if my knives appreciate. But I've always liked Case knives, along with many others. 

I bought a lot of Rough Rider knives. And they're good. Worth generally at least twice their price. But I came to the conclusion that I like other knives......better, and if I want them, I'm just going to have to spend the extra money....there's just no way around it.

I'm spending big dollars on GEC knives. Around 8 to10 times as much as Rough Rider.  BUT, I'm 10 times as happy with them! And Like I said I've always liked Case and I feel the call back to them.

So, do I save money and only buy inexpensive knives, then get bored and dissatisfied, and maybe stop collecting? No, I think I'll just buy less knives and be happier!

My biggest regret is, I wish when I stopped collecting for several years, I didn't sell everything off. I wish I still had all those Schrade, Case, Camillus, Queen, etc, etc, knives!  

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on October 24, 2012 at 17:25

My biggest problem with USA made knives is with the exception of hunting and combat fixed blades, very few American companies  make knives in patterns I'm attracted to in any real quantity --that scouts, marlin spikes, and large toothpicks.  And when they do get around to making them, they cost an arm and a leg!

What is worse, the large toothpicks made by American companies don't look as nice as the ones made in China by Rough Rider, Schrade or Marbles and they tend to cost 5-6 times as much!

Still, like you Craig, I'm make a conscience effort to steer clear of global produced knives. I've set a goal of buying at least three American made knives for every China/Pakistan knife. I'm also looking at buying at least one non-global import for every three American knives.   Thus as my last purchase was a Rough Rider and a USA made knife  I need to buy at least one non Chinese or Pakistan or otherwise outsourced American knife  made  and two more American made knives before I buy my next Rough Rider. 

(It not like a need another knife)  Below is about 1/3 of my collection.   I'm running out of room.  Time for a a more selective system of purchasing.

Permalink Reply by Jim Lucier on October 24, 2012 at 19:21

Eventually most will drift back to Case knives. They have a build quality that you can actually feel. The Schrades, Bucks, Victorinoxs, Rough Riders, etc. are cheaper and will get the job done but in time, the Case will outlast and out perform them all. I have a few of each and even some overpriced Benchmades. Pick up a Case Backpocket, Sway Back Jack, Coffin Jack, Arkansas Hunter, or the new Lanny's Clip and you can feel the diference, even blindfolded. Its like comparing a Toyota to a Mercedes, you get what you pay for.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on October 27, 2012 at 17:09

Also looking at one of these...

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on October 30, 2012 at 16:36

I REALLY like that Deep Canyon Chestnut Bone! I wish they had them in CV. Still might get a Sway Back in it even though it's SS. After I get a Sway Back in CV Chestnut Bone.