- Joined
- Dec 1, 2016
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It has been awhile since I have created a new thread here but since I have just received what I deem to be a rather noteworthy knife, I thought it prudent to share my thoughts in a thread separate from all the others where it might be appropriate to post.
As the title says, this is in regards to the Case Sowbelly, a pattern that has captured my interest for awhile now and though I initially was holding out for a Black Box Winchester example, I caved and went with the Case at the prodding of some of our fine members here. Though I have a couple of older Cases (1960-70s vintage) and find them to be terrific knives, I am most certainly not much of a fan of most of their current offerings. Garishly dyed bones, lackluster woods, and anemic actions all contribute to my relative disenchantment with Case in general. So you might understand my trepidation when it came to ordering a relatively modern Case knife.
Not wanting anything fancy and hearing good things about their CV steel, I ordered the knife you see pictured below:
A Case Sowbelly (3 blade) in Yellow Delrin and CV Steel.
I had initially thought I was ordering a single blade variant but I got my wires crossed somewhere and ended up purchasing this Stockman configuration with a Clip main and Sheepfoot & Spey secondaries. According to the seller, it is of a 2012 "vintage". I have not verified this but I see no reason to distrust the claim.
It can sometimes be rather difficult to articulate the thoughts and feelings one might experience upon the initial contact with a new knife. In the past, I have been filled with elation, disappointment, and sometimes even disgust. In this particular instance, involving this new Case, once I opened up the package, removed the knife from its box and wrappings, I was immediately struck with a sense of wonder.
Now bear in mind my misgivings with Case knives and the fact that most of my experiences have been less than ideal. I was fully expecting to like the pattern but not the knife. On the contrary, I am in love with both. With the exception of a couple of minor nit-picks, I would put this knife up against any of my GECs and it would make the cut (no pun intended) and then some.
I will go over some of my immediate impressions, go into finer points regarding pros and cons, and then follow it all up with a bunch of pictures.
Immediate impressions:
I am expecting something from a very kind member here and it should arrive any day now and I will update this thread in regards to some thoughts on that when the time comes.
In the meantime, I hope I didn't boor you all, this turned into a rather lengthy post. Onto the pictures!
As the title says, this is in regards to the Case Sowbelly, a pattern that has captured my interest for awhile now and though I initially was holding out for a Black Box Winchester example, I caved and went with the Case at the prodding of some of our fine members here. Though I have a couple of older Cases (1960-70s vintage) and find them to be terrific knives, I am most certainly not much of a fan of most of their current offerings. Garishly dyed bones, lackluster woods, and anemic actions all contribute to my relative disenchantment with Case in general. So you might understand my trepidation when it came to ordering a relatively modern Case knife.
Not wanting anything fancy and hearing good things about their CV steel, I ordered the knife you see pictured below:
A Case Sowbelly (3 blade) in Yellow Delrin and CV Steel.
I had initially thought I was ordering a single blade variant but I got my wires crossed somewhere and ended up purchasing this Stockman configuration with a Clip main and Sheepfoot & Spey secondaries. According to the seller, it is of a 2012 "vintage". I have not verified this but I see no reason to distrust the claim.
It can sometimes be rather difficult to articulate the thoughts and feelings one might experience upon the initial contact with a new knife. In the past, I have been filled with elation, disappointment, and sometimes even disgust. In this particular instance, involving this new Case, once I opened up the package, removed the knife from its box and wrappings, I was immediately struck with a sense of wonder.
Now bear in mind my misgivings with Case knives and the fact that most of my experiences have been less than ideal. I was fully expecting to like the pattern but not the knife. On the contrary, I am in love with both. With the exception of a couple of minor nit-picks, I would put this knife up against any of my GECs and it would make the cut (no pun intended) and then some.
I will go over some of my immediate impressions, go into finer points regarding pros and cons, and then follow it all up with a bunch of pictures.
Immediate impressions:
- As stated before, I was rather surprised with this knife. The attraction to the pattern notwithstanding, I became enamored at how well constructed this knife is. Fit and finish, action, and overall feel is almost too good to be true. Very, very pleased with this knife. Yellow is not my color and Delrin is not my favorite cover material but it is such a classic look for Case, one that is synonymous with its history alongside its glorious Red Bone, it really does not even occur to me that it is a material and color that I do not gravitate to.
- One of the first things that stood out to me is the impeccable fit and finish on this knife. The springs and liners are tight, no gaps in the slightest. GEC has a propensity towards sunken pins, particularly on their smooth covers. This Case does not suffer in the slightest from that unfortunate malady and it is simply a pleasure to have in the hand, whether you are working with it or simply using it as a worry/fidget stone.
- The blades are nested together very tidily, no rubbing against liners or other blades. Seems to employ a rather efficient use of the available space in the blade well. No blade wobble on any of the blades or in either direction. No visible "rounding of the tips" that seem to be prevalent in Case blades either.
- Walk & Talk/Action: This is the biggest surprise of them all. The pulls on the main and Sheepfoot would rate around a 6-7 with the Spey being ever so slightly less. Pretty much perfect in my book. All three blades open smoothly, snapping into the open position with audible force and closing in a manner that is even more authoritative and satisfactory. Where is that notoriously anemic Case action?! Nowhere to be found on this guy...
- With the notion that this is more of their "working" line, I am thrilled with the level of polish and refinement that this knife possesses. Truly remarkable.
- The only flaw that I see in the overall f&f is the transition between covers and bolsters. I can catch a nail at the bolster corners. Not even remotely close to being an issue but it was notable enough to mention it.
- The Sheepfoot blade rides rather high (which might be a symptom of the pattern) and can dig into your fingers when employing the main blade in any sort of rigorous cutting. I tend to primarily use a pinch grip on my slip joints so this has minimal impact on me but if I were to engage in any serious carving, it may prove to give me more than a little discomfort.
- Blades could use some additional honing. Factory edges are less than ideal.
I am expecting something from a very kind member here and it should arrive any day now and I will update this thread in regards to some thoughts on that when the time comes.
In the meantime, I hope I didn't boor you all, this turned into a rather lengthy post. Onto the pictures!
not really as I love boats, ships and fishing
