Case Medium Jack: Then and Now

[SubSpace]

I apologize for my photography skills (or lack thereof) but I thought some of you might be interested in the subtle differences in the Case 087 Medium Jack from the XX era and one from today.

This is not one of those "they don't know how to make knives anymore" threads. The modern example I have has great walk and talk, no gaps, and perfectly aligned blades. But there are differences worth noting.

Note that the blade stock on the new Case is thicker than on the XX era example.

There is a cutout for the nail mark on the XX handle.

No such cutout on the modern example.

Blade grinds then and now...

Pen blades.

Brass liners on the new Case.

Nickel silver on the old XX.

The XX is slimmer. Rounder. Not better, since that is subjective. But for me, slimmer is preferable in a jack.

I think this pattern is my favorite that Case makes/made. There are no modern CV examples save the pen version, which is only available in yellow delrin at this time. I wish Case made a modern CV example. I think it would be perfect for those who find the Peanut a bit too small.

Thanks for looking.

Andrew

 

[akadave2]

I have noticed on my old Case knives that they are slimmer than their modern cousins on the whole.

 

[puukkoman]

I really enjoyed your post. Great comparison shots, and you've perfectly illustrated why I don't purchase current-production Case knives. Compared to the ones made 20 - 30 years ago, the newer ones just feel... square, blocky, built out of flat slabs, with no "je ne sais quoi."

 

[jwren]

Nice comparison. :thumbup:
I agree - a modern version in CV would be great.

 

[NAB]

[/QUOTE]I think this pattern is my favorite that Case makes/made. There are no modern CV examples save the pen version, which is only available in yellow delrin at this time. I wish Case made a modern CV example. I think it would be perfect for those who find the Peanut a bit too small. [/QUOTE]

I couldn't agree more

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Nice comparison.

 

[jc57]

Some differences are because your new model is the 22087 Delrin-handled from the "Working" group, which includes "as ground" blades rather than polished blades.

Case did make the 62087 Medium Jack style until recently, and you can still get the stag handled 52087 currently in the Medium Jack style. I've got a 62087 Jack from around 2008, a 62087 Pen from a few years earlier, and a new 32087 Pen in Yellow CV.

I agree that it's a great size and hopefully as they rotate their handle styles and patterns that the 62087 will return to regular production.

Another good "a little bigger than a peanut" was the Small Swell Center a.k.a Small Coke Bottle, the '25 1/2 pattern. I've got a couple of the 6225 1/2s as well and they are about ideal for small-knife carry. Would have met the new TSA requirements, too, if they hadn't balked.

 

[AFAustin]

Great comparison. Thanks for putting this up.

I have one of the "new" models and it is a very nice knife, especially considering the modest price. But I do admire the slimmer profile and elegant look of the older model.

Andrew

 

[Sonnemann]

Love this pattern, I have an older one too in slightly worse condition (and also the modern stockman on the same frame.) Nice comparison.

 

[Halfneck]

That black Delrin Jack is a twin to the one I have been carrying a lot lately. Personally I love the thicker handle. Of course I'd love it more if it was CV steel and had the nail nick cut-out like the older version.