Why are 1970 Case knives more valuable?

G

Gary G

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Mar 29, 2006
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I don't get why the 10-dot Case knives (1970) are so much more expensive than the next few years. Did the steel change? Was there a low production? Please advise.
 
I've asked the same question of some of the older collectors of Case! I hope they chime in here!
10dots were the first dotted knives; and, because the USA's were produced for 4 years ('65-'69) plus or minus, the 10dots are more rare, and consistently bring more money than those older knives!
Also, if you compare a lot of them, you will see the jigging and colors changed in the bone, and the general quality is different, esp. after the 7 an 8 dots. A lot of collectors shun Case after '72-'73, and of course a lot do after '70. Personally I find the early dotted knives pretty good, if you are picky.
 
waynorth said:
I've asked the same question of some of the older collectors of Case! I hope they chime in here!
10dots were the first dotted knives; and, because the USA's were produced for 4 years ('65-'69) plus or minus, the 10dots are more rare, and consistently bring more money than those older knives!
Also, if you compare a lot of them, you will see the jigging and colors changed in the bone, and the general quality is different, esp. after the 7 an 8 dots. A lot of collectors shun Case after '72-'73, and of course a lot do after '70. Personally I find the early dotted knives pretty good, if you are picky.
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Agreed, this was a major change in the id protocol and the 10 dots were the first incarnation of that change.
 
I think that the main reason is that it was the first year of the "dots" stamping, and for some reason its like the big deal that was made over the millenium, a number followed by zeros whether its 10 or 1000 just has something about it. I have heard that the 10 dot 1980 knives have also become much more valuable and collectible than late 70's or early 80's knives.

Another big reason for the 1970 knives is that 1970 was the last year for genuine stag as a handle material on "standard product" Case knives for many years. When stag was discontinued due to a stag embargo in mid 1970 it caused a mad scramble among dealers and collectors to buy up stag handle Case knives.
 
I haven't noticed that yet about the "lightning" 10dots, knifeaholic, I'll have to watch 'em. I've had some nice one-dot (79) appaloosa handled jacks.
 
it seems that anything older is perceived as being more valuable. I seem to remember that the fit and finish was a little better then and they all seemed to come shaving sharp. of course i may be effected by a little nostalgia myself. later,ahgar
 
I knew there was a stag embargo, but I did not know it began during 1970. That makes sense. And the interest in knives produced during the initial-year markings with the dot system are intuitively obvious. Thanks much, guys.
 
ahgar said:
it seems that anything older is perceived as being more valuable./QUOTE]

LOL, Ahgar, that is good news to a bunch of us! :D As I'm fond of saying, "I'm not getting older, I'm getting vintage!"
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