Case Finn

[Psyop]

Here is an older Case fixed blade that my wife found and bought for me. I dont know much about it but I really like the handle. Anyone know much about this Case?

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I would think the name "Finn" comes from the blade shape, very much like a puukko.

 

[Morrow]

I "believe" this was part of a set released in the 1970s even though the Case XX USA and no dots tang stamp would appear to date it before that. I'm looking for a reference.

 

[jackknife]

The Finn, or the Little Finn, was in it's day the most popular knife you'd see in a deer or fishing camp. A very handy size, it had a die hard loyal following in the 1940's and 50's, and even into the 60's. Case had the name finn, but they were also made by Western, Kaybar and even Boker. Usual handles were stacked leather washers, but as your specimens shows, it was available from Case in upscale stag.

They were very, very nice little knives.

Carl.

 

[flylock]

I believe that the blue scroll dates it to 1978

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

The '5 FINN SSP' dates the knife somewhere from 1972-1982, and as mentioned above, the Blue Scroll was an embellishment seen on many mid-to-late '70s Case knives ('76 thru '78, more or less), all with the 'SSP' stainless blades (I have a 1977 '5347 HP SSP' with the Blue Scroll embellishment). The tang stamp on this knife ('CASE XX' over 'U.S.A.') has been used from 1965-1980 on fixed blades. Based on all this, I'd say late '70s is likely.

If I'm not mistaken, the 'SSP' mark indicates the edges of these Stainless Steel blades were Polished (on a buffing wheel), on knives marked as such. I have a couple knives of similar vintage and marking, and the edge area does have some extra shine to it.

 

[Sonnemann]

Very nice stag example. My uncle has one of the leather stacked handle versions in his tacklebox.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I saw one at a local junk mall a couple weeks ago, didn't know if the price was too high. Great look and a great feel. I am on a puukko kick right now, and should've picked it up.

 

[pinnah]

The Finn is an example of what is commonly referred to as a "Bird and Trout" knife, no?

Silent Hunter, I have the larger brother of the Finn, a 316-5, which has a 5" blade. Also have an ancient (Imperial owned?) Jowika (Ireland) 4" knife of this same basic style.

I've never owned a puukko and would love to seem them side by each. The 2 knives I have have a hollow grind. On my Case, it is quite pronounced. Also the blades are fairly narrow from edge to spine.

I think knives like the Mora have a flatter Scandanavian grind (aka saber grind) and may be a bit wider edge to spine.

My Case has a stacked leather handle and no etch like the OPs. The OP's knife is wonderful looking!!

 

[Psyop]

Thanks for all the comments. It is a nice knife the grip is very wide and fits my hand great witch is unusual for a smaller knife. I have very large hands. I do not have the original sheath for this knife. That being said would it be dumb for me to use this knife?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Thanks for all the comments. It is a nice knife the grip is very wide and fits my hand great witch is unusual for a smaller knife. I have very large hands. I do not have the original sheath for this knife. That being said would it be dumb for me to use this knife?

It's up to you, but I see no reason not to use it, if you feel inclined to do so. These knives are very nice collectables, but not so rare as to warrant any worries about using them.

You might be able to find a sheath for it, from Case. Might also find some on the 'auction site', too.

 

[jujigatame]

That's a nice one. Good find by your wife. A good sheath would round it out whether you chose to use it or not.

 

[Mack]

Thanks for all the comments. It is a nice knife the grip is very wide and fits my hand great witch is unusual for a smaller knife. I have very large hands. I do not have the original sheath for this knife. That being said would it be dumb for me to use this knife?

Use it as it was meant to be used. They are a fantastic little knife. :thumbup:

 

[thatotherguy]

They were made to be used, but on the other hand you may want to keep this one nice. Ka-Bar makes an imported version that's very functional, and Case still makes an American made one under the same name. Both have the stacked leather handles.
Nice stag, by the way!