Thoughts on Tony Bose collaboration Case knives?

[Will Power]

Just want to return to the raised shield debate from some pages back. Thing is, there's raised shields and there's raised shields

Found the Norfolk to have very sharp edges to its particular shield and so toned them down with a strop, at no cost to the jigging either. My Ohta Custom has a raised Bar shield but the edges are radiused and not sharp or displeasing in the hand, or pocket. Formerly, GEC opted to inlet its shields in Stag knives to great effect and with much skill without grinding off areas of Stag, most of its Jigged Bone knives are similarly inlet at no detriment to the jigging and all are pinned. So, it is a production option.

The thing about the Collabs, and this is one of their great strengths, is that they are very varied and diverse in patterns which is I suppose, because Tony Bose was allowed to choose the patterns he favoured and admired in knives. It also means that it takes some time and thought by the knife collector to know which pattern suits them most, hence quite a few change hands as people settle on their taste. Yes, the range is vast: Singles, Two Blade Jacks, Two Blade at each end, Three blades, Lockbacks including multis. The one I really like, relate to and use is the Pruner a particular niche favourite of Tony Bose's I believe. Pruners are not very practical you say? Partly, but how this one feels in the hand is an extension of the hand itself. Additionally, I do love using it around the garden in Springtime, taking cuttings, making pointed sticks, opening bags and threatening the fruit trees with it On this example, the shield is raised (pinned of course) but its edges are not sharp and it is totally at home in this beautiful jigging. Twenty years since this one was released and the early ones are ATS-34. It pays homage to the Sheffield Pruners from the c19th that Tony Bose admired, the knife now pays homage to the man himself when carried and used.

Thanks, Will

 

[JD Bear]

I have a locking Lanny's clip and a cattle knife. The Lanny's clip is pretty good, but I would have been less than happy if I paid for it. I won that one from a knife store in the Smokey mountains. I also have a cattle knife in chestnut bone that is absolutely gorgeous. When I got it, I sent it to Case because one of the blades had play and the grinds were uneven. I got it back and the blade play was fixed but the grinds were not. I was told they couldn't be fixed and their master cutlers couldn't find an issue. I'm not a master cutler, but I know an uneven grind when I see it. I really like using the Lanny's clip, but the cattle knife never grew on me. So it sits, unused, in a drawer without the possibility for parole and it kinda makes me sad. Too nice of a knife to not get used, but such is life...

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Keep in mind that the Case Bose Collaborations are hand made knives. Case annointed a handful of it's best makers for the projects and the knives were assembled in a separate location under the eye of Tony Bose. They are not produced in their regular factory. Because they are hand made, no 2 are exactly the same. Some will be better than others. In my experience, some patterns (and even some years) are better than others. Rumor is that when they first started in 1999 and for the next several years, there were some QC issues that Case and Tony Bose worked to correct. Quality improved with time. The 2010 Arkansas Hunter was Blade magazine's Collaboration knife of the year.

Personally I find the collabs to be on par or supercede most custom traditional knife makers. Custom makers also have issues with fit & finish, especially in the $500 range.

For awhile, they were available on the secondary market for under retail, but that has changed. Nearly all sell for above retail with the exception of the most recent models.

Also.....a Tony Bose custom typically sold for around $2500, less for a single blade. It was only after his death that they jacked up the price to insanity - something I think the Old Dog would frown upon.

 

[kamagong]

Also.....a Tony Bose custom typically sold for around $2500, less for a single blade. It was only after his death that they jacked up the price to insanity - something I think the Old Dog would frown upon.

Spending $2500 on a pocket knife is insane. We may do our best to justify it, but making such a purchase is not a rational act.

The prices for the work of well-known artists and artisans always go up after their deaths. No more will ever be made. Demand goes up while the supply remains fixed.

 

[Matt_WY]

Just want to return to the raised shield debate from some pages back. Thing is, there's raised shields and there's raised shields

Found the Norfolk to have very sharp edges to its particular shield and so toned them down with a strop, at no cost to the jigging either. My Ohta Custom has a raised Bar shield but the edges are radiused and not sharp or displeasing in the hand, or pocket. Formerly, GEC opted to inlet its shields in Stag knives to great effect and with much skill without grinding off areas of Stag, most of its Jigged Bone knives are similarly inlet at no detriment to the jigging and all are pinned. So, it is a production option.

The thing about the Collabs, and this is one of their great strengths, is that they are very varied and diverse in patterns which is I suppose, because Tony Bose was allowed to choose the patterns he favoured and admired in knives. It also means that it takes some time and thought by the knife collector to know which pattern suits them most, hence quite a few change hands as people settle on their taste. Yes, the range is vast: Singles, Two Blade Jacks, Two Blade at each end, Three blades, Lockbacks including multis. The one I really like, relate to and use is the Pruner a particular niche favourite of Tony Bose's I believe. Pruners are not very practical you say? Partly, but how this one feels in the hand is an extension of the hand itself. Additionally, I do love using it around the garden in Springtime, taking cuttings, making pointed sticks, opening bags and threatening the fruit trees with it On this example, the shield is raised (pinned of course) but its edges are not sharp and it is totally at home in this beautiful jigging. Twenty years since this one was released and the early ones are ATS-34. It pays homage to the Sheffield Pruners from the c19th that Tony Bose admired, the knife now pays homage to the man himself when carried and used.

Thanks, Will

that's a beauty, talk about some fantastic jigging.

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Spending $2500 on a pocket knife is insane. We may do our best to justify it, but making such a purchase is not a rational act.

The prices for the work of well-known artists and artisans always go up after their deaths. No more will ever be made. Demand goes up while the supply remains fixed.

Not so insane when you can sell it now for $5000+

While I agree that spending $2500 for a knife to actually use may be insane, there are a few makers who's work is considered "collectable" and may hold or increase in value. But there are only a few, Tony being one of them.

There was a time when I could purchase a Bob Loveless hunter for $1500 in the 1990's. At the time, I also thought that price was insane. If only.........

 

[kamagong]

Tony wanted his knives to be used. So if you bought one of his and listened to him, you were certifiable. In a good way, and not saying it wouldn't be worth it, but spending that much is nuts.

Of course it all depends on one's discretionary income. And buying a Tony Bose knife makes much more sense to me than spending that same amount on Super Bowl tickets.

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Tony wanted his knives to be used. So if you bought one of his and listened to him, you were certifiable. In a good way, and not saying it wouldn't be worth it, but spending that much is nuts.

Of course it all depends on one's discretionary income. And buying a Tony Bose knife makes much more sense to me than spending that same amount on Super Bowel tickets.

I met Tony at the New York Custom knife show in 1999. I had paid an extra $50 to get into the show 1 hour early (that was a ticket option) just so I could run to Tony's table to get a knife. I got there a couple hours early and was third in line. When the doors opened, I took off and - as luck would have it - I was the first one at his table. My heart was pounding with the anticipation of my first Bose.

When I looked at his table, there were no knives. I looked at him like a child who just had his bike stolen.....

He said "dealers get first crack at them the night before the show". Damn!

We had a nice chat. He said if it were up to him he'd price his knives much more modestly as he really did want people to use them - but he detested the huge dealer markups so he figured he'd just charge the dealers more than his clients. Eventually, his prices just went up all over.
'
He felt terrible that he could not offer me a new knife from his table. So much so, he offered to sell me the knife in his pocket. I thanked him but told him I'm not gonna take his personal knife from his pocket.....I'll just continue to wait in lines and on his wait list.

He was one of the nicest people I ever met.

The show wasn't a total waste. Tony directed me to Gene Shadley's table. I bought my first 2 knives from Gene that day, with others to follow. We have been friends ever since.

Knife collecting is more about the people than the knives themselves. So many nice people in this business. We are lucky to have a great number of them right here on The Porch.

sorry for the rant. I'm feeling sentimental today......

 

[Magizm7]

Just want to return to the raised shield debate from some pages back. Thing is, there's raised shields and there's raised shields

Found the Norfolk to have very sharp edges to its particular shield and so toned them down with a strop, at no cost to the jigging either. My Ohta Custom has a raised Bar shield but the edges are radiused and not sharp or displeasing in the hand, or pocket. Formerly, GEC opted to inlet its shields in Stag knives to great effect and with much skill without grinding off areas of Stag, most of its Jigged Bone knives are similarly inlet at no detriment to the jigging and all are pinned. So, it is a production option.

The thing about the Collabs, and this is one of their great strengths, is that they are very varied and diverse in patterns which is I suppose, because Tony Bose was allowed to choose the patterns he favoured and admired in knives. It also means that it takes some time and thought by the knife collector to know which pattern suits them most, hence quite a few change hands as people settle on their taste. Yes, the range is vast: Singles, Two Blade Jacks, Two Blade at each end, Three blades, Lockbacks including multis. The one I really like, relate to and use is the Pruner a particular niche favourite of Tony Bose's I believe. Pruners are not very practical you say? Partly, but how this one feels in the hand is an extension of the hand itself. Additionally, I do love using it around the garden in Springtime, taking cuttings, making pointed sticks, opening bags and threatening the fruit trees with it On this example, the shield is raised (pinned of course) but its edges are not sharp and it is totally at home in this beautiful jigging. Twenty years since this one was released and the early ones are ATS-34. It pays homage to the Sheffield Pruners from the c19th that Tony Bose admired, the knife now pays homage to the man himself when carried and used.

Thanks, Will

Will, that is a beauty. As much as I do appreciate the more popular models, that one really speaks to me. My first memory of a pocket knife was an old stag Saynor pruner belonging to my grandfather. This is the modern equivalent. A nice piece to remember Tony by.

I met Tony at the New York Custom knife show in 1999. I had paid an extra $50 to get into the show 1 hour early (that was a ticket option) just so I could run to Tony's table to get a knife. I got there a couple hours early and was third in line. When the doors opened, I took off and - as luck would have it - I was the first one at his table. My heart was pounding with the anticipation of my first Bose.

When I looked at his table, there were no knives. I looked at him like a child who just had his bike stolen.....

He said "dealers get first crack at them the night before the show". Damn!

We had a nice chat. He said if it were up to him he'd price his knives much more modestly as he really did want people to use them - but he detested the huge dealer markups so he figured he'd just charge the dealers more than his clients. Eventually, his prices just went up all over.
'
He felt terrible that he could not offer me a new knife from his table. So much so, he offered to sell me the knife in his pocket. I thanked him but told him I'm not gonna take his personal knife from his pocket.....I'll just continue to wait in lines and on his wait list.

He was one of the nicest people I ever met.

The show wasn't a total waste. Tony directed me to Gene Shadley's table. I bought my first 2 knives from Gene that day, with others to follow. We have been friends ever since.

Knife collecting is more about the people than the knives themselves. So many nice people in this business. We are lucky to have a great number of them right here on The Porch.

sorry for the rant. I'm feeling sentimental today......

Ron, feeling your pain but good that you were able to meet him. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Will Power]

Matt_WY appreciate that, the jigging is remarkable to behold, and hold!

Thanks, Will

 

[joeradza]

Knife collecting is more about the people than the knives themselves. So many nice people in this business. We are lucky to have a great number of them right here on The Porch.

After selling off my collection, I still have memories , experiences and most of all the friends I've made in the hobby. Thanks for posting Ron.

 

[Will Power]

Magizm7 Thank you, I have a thing about Pruners , partly from gardening but I like the oddity and serpentine shape, kind of like a Sheepfoot gone kinky They're varied too, some of the old ones were very high quality and likely made to order for wealthy Horticulturalists using choice Stag, others more simple & crude but all workers. Tony Bose and I think his son, Reece, made Pruners and they look exquisite. The Collab is satisfying and inspiring for me.

Regards, Will

 

[waynorth]

Just want to return to the raised shield debate from some pages back. Thing is, there's raised shields and there's raised shields

Found the Norfolk to have very sharp edges to its particular shield and so toned them down with a strop, at no cost to the jigging either. My Ohta Custom has a raised Bar shield but the edges are radiused and not sharp or displeasing in the hand, or pocket. Formerly, GEC opted to inlet its shields in Stag knives to great effect and with much skill without grinding off areas of Stag, most of its Jigged Bone knives are similarly inlet at no detriment to the jigging and all are pinned. So, it is a production option.

The thing about the Collabs, and this is one of their great strengths, is that they are very varied and diverse in patterns which is I suppose, because Tony Bose was allowed to choose the patterns he favoured and admired in knives. It also means that it takes some time and thought by the knife collector to know which pattern suits them most, hence quite a few change hands as people settle on their taste. Yes, the range is vast: Singles, Two Blade Jacks, Two Blade at each end, Three blades, Lockbacks including multis. The one I really like, relate to and use is the Pruner a particular niche favourite of Tony Bose's I believe. Pruners are not very practical you say? Partly, but how this one feels in the hand is an extension of the hand itself. Additionally, I do love using it around the garden in Springtime, taking cuttings, making pointed sticks, opening bags and threatening the fruit trees with it On this example, the shield is raised (pinned of course) but its edges are not sharp and it is totally at home in this beautiful jigging. Twenty years since this one was released and the early ones are ATS-34. It pays homage to the Sheffield Pruners from the c19th that Tony Bose admired, the knife now pays homage to the man himself when carried and used.

Thanks, Will

What year is that beauty, Will??
2012, or 2022??

 

[Magizm7]

Magizm7 Thank you, I have a thing about Pruners , partly from gardening but I like the oddity and serpentine shape, kind of like a Sheepfoot gone kinky They're varied too, some of the old ones were very high quality and likely made to order for wealthy Horticulturalists using choice Stag, others more simple & crude but all workers. Tony Bose and I think his son, Reece, made Pruners and they look exquisite. The Collab is satisfying and inspiring for me.

Regards, Will

Agreed, the customs by Tony and Reece are top notch but I, like you, would be very satisfied with that collab.

 

[Markesharp]

I met Tony at the New York Custom knife show in 1999. I had paid an extra $50 to get into the show 1 hour early (that was a ticket option) just so I could run to Tony's table to get a knife. I got there a couple hours early and was third in line. When the doors opened, I took off and - as luck would have it - I was the first one at his table. My heart was pounding with the anticipation of my first Bose.

When I looked at his table, there were no knives. I looked at him like a child who just had his bike stolen.....

He said "dealers get first crack at them the night before the show". Damn!

We had a nice chat. He said if it were up to him he'd price his knives much more modestly as he really did want people to use them - but he detested the huge dealer markups so he figured he'd just charge the dealers more than his clients. Eventually, his prices just went up all over.
'
He felt terrible that he could not offer me a new knife from his table. So much so, he offered to sell me the knife in his pocket. I thanked him but told him I'm not gonna take his personal knife from his pocket.....I'll just continue to wait in lines and on his wait list.

He was one of the nicest people I ever met.

The show wasn't a total waste. Tony directed me to Gene Shadley's table. I bought my first 2 knives from Gene that day, with others to follow. We have been friends ever since.

Knife collecting is more about the people than the knives themselves. So many nice people in this business. We are lucky to have a great number of them right here on The Porch.

sorry for the rant. I'm feeling sentimental today......

Hi Ron. Thanks for sharing that with us. Tony was a great guy and gave me any pattern of his if I asked for one.
I gotta ask you what knife he had in his pocket?

 

[Will Power]

waynorth Thank you Charlie, it's an early one, 2002 Pruner in ATS-34. 1000 examples made.

Regards, Will

 

[kamagong]

waynorth Thank you Charlie, it's an early one, 2002 Pruner in ATS-34. 1000 examples made.

Regards, Will

I recall seeing an ad for that knife in BLADE. Had a subscription at the time. I distinctly remember thinking two things -- 1) "What a weird looking knife" and 2) "Who in the world is Tony Bose?"

 

[Pàdruig]

I received my Wharncliffe Trapper today. Overall, another fine knife and one I’m very happy to have acquired before they become more difficult to get in the future.

That said, it isn’t a flawless knife, with a couple of issues that immediately present themselves - one being purely aesthetic and the other a bit more serious, depending on one’s perspective. I wish the covers had better dye saturation and that the jigging was less centered on the shield area and better spread over the entirety of the slab. Again, purely aesthetic preference. The other issue is that neither blade is centered and the wharncliffe very much favors the pile side with the tip just about kissing the liner.

I’ve handled enough vintage, yet very well made slipjoints to know that blade centering or lack thereof wasn’t necessarily the singular benchmark of a well made and functional tool. It is because of this that I am usually not too bothered by centering issues unless there is rubbing - this one is close but not quite there.

There is no blade wobble and the action is significantly stouter than the Coffin Jack. The design in general is amazing - so much utility packed in such a tidy package and I rather enjoy the heft it brings. Once I tune up the edges, this is apt to become a fast favorite.

It still begs the question - is it worth the price tag? It cost considerably less than my Coffin Jack but it is still quadruple the price of a GEC bought at retail. Superior materials, details liked milled reliefs and bushings, and an iconic Tony Bose design all can serve to justify the weighty cost but in the end, this is but a very functional and strikingly good-looking cutting tool and it will be treated as such - as a result, it’s dollar value no longer really seems to matter.

 

[woodysone]

I received my Wharncliffe Trapper today. Overall, another fine knife and one I’m very happy to have acquired before they become more difficult to get in the future.

That said, it isn’t a flawless knife, with a couple of issues that immediately present themselves - one being purely aesthetic and the other a bit more serious, depending on one’s perspective. I wish the covers had better dye saturation and that the jigging was less centered on the shield area and better spread over the entirety of the slab. Again, purely aesthetic preference. The other issue is that neither blade is centered and the wharncliffe very much favors the pile side with the tip just about kissing the liner.

I’ve handled enough vintage, yet very well made slipjoints to know that blade centering or lack thereof wasn’t necessarily the singular benchmark of a well made and functional tool. It is because of this that I am usually not too bothered by centering issues unless there is rubbing - this one is close but not quite there.

There is no blade wobble and the action is significantly stouter than the Coffin Jack. The design in general is amazing - so much utility packed in such a tidy package and I rather enjoy the heft it brings. Once I tune up the edges, this is apt to become a fast favorite.

It still begs the question - is it worth the price tag? It cost considerably less than my Coffin Jack but it is still quadruple the price of a GEC bought at retail. Superior materials, details liked milled reliefs and bushings, and an iconic Tony Bose design all can serve to justify the weighty cost but in the end, this is but a very functional and strikingly good-looking cutting tool and it will be treated as such - as a result, it’s dollar value no longer really seems to matter.

Did you pick it up retail or secondary market? Is there any retailer that will inspect before sending a knife out? Sorry for the questions just getting ready to pull the trigger.

 

[Pàdruig]

Did you pick it up retail or secondary market? Is there any retailer that will inspect before sending a knife out? Sorry for the questions just getting ready to pull the trigger.

Answered your pm, my friend. No need to apologize, I’m more than happy to assist where I can.