Some Case knives that are worth collecting

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
Messages
4,453
I am interested in collecting a few notable Case knives. The problem is I have no idea what they are.

Can someone please give me a few clues as to the models that are worth buying and keeping. Thanks. :)
 
Any XX Cases are worth collecting.They just keep going up in value.(1940-1964)
The year "1970" 10 dots are really heating up.
Just buy from a reputable dealer and read the book.(Les Robertson's) Just some advice.
Also buy what you like.Very important.More important than anything else.IMO
Randy
 
I agre with Randy. The best knife investments I have made were XX eras when I was a kid. It is almost rediculous to see what some are going for now. More modern ones would be the Case Classics. (be careful on ebay here since many are using the word Classic in their descriptions.) These are made with carbon steel blades from 1990 to 1996. (Actually the first pattern was produced in 1989 if memory serves me.) For the most part they came in old style boxes (a few in tins) with the same box styles. You will find "Knife and Box Produced by Blue Grass Cutlery, Inc. under License from W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co".

Fit, finish, materials and blade steel are far superior to the regular Case line.

I have been watching Classics grow in value steadily since they were introduced.

There were three main styles box styles.
1. Dark Blue with Case (circle C) tested XX. An oval picture of one of the brothers is inside the C.

2. Light Blue (or sometimes green) With W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. (in a banner), Warranted Cutlery, A retuangular picture of one of the brothers, Pocket knives. (all the tins I have seen were in this style.)

3. Yellow and rust with a sunrise. Case Brothers Cutlery Co. in an arc at the top.

The knives have the date on the master blades. (no dots)
 
Why might you be interested in Case cutlery, of all the brands around ? Am I correct in assuming that you believe there is investment potential ? Which models do you have interest in ? My advice is to read as much as you can and try to view/handle some Case knives before you consider going into collecting this brand. I am reasonably close to you geographically and can help you out. Post a reply with your email address and we can chat directly.

Sazabi
 
Sazabi, the main reason why I am interested in Case is because it has such a rich and interesting history. The investment potential is of secondary importance.

You are right about reading more about it. Case knives are readily available in America. However, in Malaysia they are scarce. Buying them from the Internet is no fun. Normally when I am keen on a particular knife, I prefer to hold it in my hands, scrutinise it and play with it for a while before I decide.

If you have anything interesting to tell me, my email: mangsia@yahoo.com
 
golok, I am not sure if the following is of interest, but I shall post here and hope others will join in.

Firstly, if you are interested in "rich & interesting history" a few other companies to consider/learn about are : Remington, New York Knife Co., Cattaraugus Cutlery Co., Utica, Robeson Cutlery Co.,Camillus and Winchester, amongst others. Generally, the first 2 fetch the highest prices followed by Case.

Value is important as it is determined by demand and supply. If I am uncertain about a particular model or knife, price will determine how much it is in demand or hint at the quantities available. Many of these knives in near mint condition should stay as such and it is our responsibility as collectors not to use them and maintain their state so that we can "share" the pleasure of ownership with others later on. Naturally, appreciation in value implies that correct decisions were made in our earlier purchases and encourages us further whether we sell the knives or not.

My advice to you is to read as much as you can on Case knives (3 good books are Antique Knives by B. Voyles, Case Classics by J. Parker & B. Penley and one that I don't have is I think called 100 Years of Case Collecting), go to America and visit several shows to learn as much as you can. Not many sellers will let you handle their older, pristine mint knives, and knife etiquette suggests that you do not handle knives that you really are not that keen on. Operating the locks will usually cause blade rubs/scratches and frowns on the sellers' faces. Sellers will have to wipe off every knife you handle and you don't want to be unpopular that quickly! You can also increase your knowledge by studying Case knives sold on ebay (pls don't buy anything) over several months and chatting with the sellers. Price will indicate which models are hot currently.

Offhand, earlier stamps are better made (Tested, XX, XX USA, followed by 10-dots) and handles of Pearl and stag (green and red, also second-cut) are greatly in demand, followed by greenbone, bright redbone, dark redbone followed by the manmade materials. Blades & springs of hi-carbon steel fetch more than knives using stainless. Regarding what to collect, some go for models within a particular time period, some collect stag-handled or pearl-handled knives, some collect patterns like Trappers, Whittlers, Congress, Scout, etc. while some go for the extraordinary/rarer models (John Carver, Bill Boatman, dog grooming blades, fish knives, Hawkbakers muskrat, and other mysterious patterns). Easier to find and easier on the wallet are the models made after 10-dots (1970), commemoratives, Classics, SFOs, etc.

Recently, T. Bose collaborated with Case on a range (its still being continued) that is quite nice with blades made of ATS-34. You might like to look at some, but I do believe that their rate of appreciation over 10 years will be nothing like that compared with Testeds and XXs. Collectors want minty knives made to be used (which were not), not collected.

Two other points which I would like to mention are : Go for quality not quantity ; and beware - many fakes out there and knives that are not what they seem...

Whew!!!
Sazabi
 
Golok, I have a whole collection of modern Case knives I scored off my brother, leather case and all. They might not be worth much, may not go up in value, but I really enjoy looking at them and collecting them all the same. It is a relatively cheap and enjoyable hobby!

If you enjoy collecting peanut shells, do it!

I just love the feel of a good ole slipjoint at times.

Back to basics is sometimes best they say - I agree!
 
Back
Top