CASE HELP . . TESTED FRAME ???

[jmam7516]

OK folks here goes me showing my ignorance. I have bought, sold and collected pocket knives for some time now. I have heard the term TESTED FRAME over the years but have just come to the realization that I actually do not know what it means. Can someone give me a "CASE XX FOR DUMMIES" explanation? Thanks in advance, John

[MrBlister]

Tested frames were mostly NO longer or shorter but the bolsters were smaller .. (generally)
NOTE the 2nd trapper down on left has a bit smaller bolsters than others in the line as it is TESTED
NOTE: the 8th rat down the pile on right has smaller bolters as it is a TESTED
sometimes as years changed the newer blades were installed in the older frames. .
Hence some called Tested frames ..
And if ya'd REALLY like to git some TX dust in yer chili . .. . Heres a dose
of a PRE 55 XX Rat scales being a touch longer than POST XX RAT 55's ....see last pic
Hope this helps a lil . .. . HET ya fella HET !!!!!!!!

[jmam7516]

Thank you MrBlister, great looking group of knives. I think I understand a bit now, though I see I need to educate myself more on the differences in the same patterns as they transitioned from era to era. I apprrciate you taking the time to chime in and sharing the photos and the links.

[RalphAlsip]

MrB's beautiful Muskrat with the Tested frame also demonstrates a Tested shield as evidenced by the typeface used in forming the word "Case". The primary cue is the shape of the letter "C".