Help ID my new to me Case, please?

[10Seventy9]

Ok, so I bought a Case 6333 small Stockman at the local pawn shop this afternoon. It has a red/white/blue US Flag shield, decorative bolsters on 3 of the 4 bolsters, and the left front one is marked "U.S.". Also, on the large blade, the number "098" is etched very lightly just above the Case logo. Can anyone give me a hand identifying which version of the Small Stockman that I have?

[Mumbleypeg]

As you've stated, it's a 6333 pattern, which is a so called small "stockman" partern too small to be effectively used as a stockman. As for the rest of its story I'd need to see the stamps on the blades, which will reveal the date code to tell when it was made.

Case has made probably hundreds of different "themes" over the past 20-30 years, plus customized Special Factory Orders (SFO) for large retailers like Shepherd Hills Cutlery, SMKW and others. Someone here might recognize what version you have but you might have to contact Case to find out (if they even know). Consumer-relations@caseknives.com, or look up the phone number on their web site www.caseknives.com.

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

[Steve Warden]

My guess is that the "098" is serial number 98 of x number of so many made.

[BIGHEAD]

That is one of the union knives from the civil war series sfo’s for SHC.

[10Seventy9]

As you've stated, it's a 6333 pattern, which is a so called small "stockman" partern too small to be effectively used as a stockman. As for the rest of its story I'd need to see the stamps on the blades, which will reveal the date code to tell when it was made.

Case has made probably hundreds of different "themes" over the past 20-30 years, plus customized Special Factory Orders (SFO) for large retailers like Shepherd Hills, SMKW and others. Someone here might recognize what version you have but you might have to contact Case to find out (if they even know). Consumer-relations@caseknives.com, or look up the phone number on their web site www.caseknives.com.

Welcome to AAPK.

Ken

I don't have great lighting at my desk, but here's a photo of the markings on the blade, it looks like there are 3 X's above the Case logo, and an X-dot-X-dot under the logo on the blade, and of course the number 098 above. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vy1Rr8GeQ1iQTApn9

[Steve Warden]

The Xs and dots, along with the font of the word Case, indicate the date. 2013 for this one.

Click "Research" at the top of the page and scroll down to the Case Pocket Knife Age link.

[Mumbleypeg]

I think the post by BIGHEAD after mine answered your question about the knife’s theme. To decipher the date code and determine when it was made, click on “Research” in the header at the top of this page, then scroll down to the section on W.R. Case Pocket knife age identification, and compare the stamps shown with your knife.

Ken

[10Seventy9]

Hey, I just want to thank all of you who responded, I found out more about this knife in the half an hour after the thread was approved and posted than I did in well over an hour trying to dig around the internet for information. I bought this intending to carry it, but it seems maybe it's collectible enough that I should just put it up for now and continue to carry my blue copperlock mini.... I'd hate to wear this one or break it if it's a collectible. Pawn shop only wanted 14 bucks for it, I couldn't bear to leave it for that little money, LOL.

[10Seventy9]

That is one of the union knives from the civil war series sfo’s for SHC.

Can I ask what or who SHC is? Thanks!

[Mumbleypeg]

That is one of the union knives from the civil war series sfo’s for SHC.

Can I ask what or who SHC is? Thanks!

Shepherd Hills Cutlery. www.caseXX.com. One of the largest dealers of Case knives in the world.

Ken

[10Seventy9]

That is one of the union knives from the civil war series sfo’s for SHC.

Can I ask what or who SHC is? Thanks!

Shepherd Hills Cutlery. www.caseXX.com. One of the largest dealers of Case knives in the world.

Ken

Thanks! I've carried my copperlock mini for 15 years, but haven't ever really been into the collector side of things at all. Bought my copperlock mini from the local hardware store.

[QTCut5]

Bought my copperlock mini from the local hardware store.

And that's exactly how it begins. Beware, you're perilously close to falling headlong down the knife collecting rabbit hole!!!

[EC_Snooker]

Bought my copperlock mini from the local hardware store.

And that's exactly how it begins. Beware, you're perilously close to falling headlong down the knife collecting rabbit hole!!!

He speaks truth.....

Ask me how I know.....

[TPK]

Welcome to the AAPK!
That's a beautiful little stockman you found. And at a great price too! Congrats!

[10Seventy9]

Ok, another question for the group here... I bought this because I love this particular knife, and I do realize that it's 1 of only 100 of this design, but I don't have the box or anything else that originally came with it, and I honestly bought it because I intended to carry it. Do y'all think this will be something that will jump to a high value down the line and should be put back and not used, or would you carry and use it? I'm kind of torn on what to do. I called the pawn shop back and they looked for the box for me (I repair band instruments for a living and I know the people there really well and trust their word... I buy a LOT of used instruments from them), but they did not have the box, so I know that hurts it's value down the road probably, too. Would you use this knife or put it back for safe keeping?

[TPK]

Ok, another question for the group here... I bought this because I love this particular knife, and I do realize that it's 1 of only 100 of this design, but I don't have the box or anything else that originally came with it, and I honestly bought it because I intended to carry it. Do y'all think this will be something that will jump to a high value down the line and should be put back and not used, or would you carry and use it? I'm kind of torn on what to do. I called the pawn shop back and they looked for the box for me (I repair band instruments for a living and I know the people there really well and trust their word... I buy a LOT of used instruments from them), but they did not have the box, so I know that hurts it's value down the road probably, too. Would you use this knife or put it back for safe keeping?

Well, IMO, I'd put it in my little show case for looks. But that's just me and opinions will probably differ on the subject. Knives as an "investment" is almost like playing the lottery. You might get lucky, you might not. I'm sure it's value will increase to some extent over the years. Question is..., how much? It's a beautiful little stockman and I'd say it's worth $50 or more right now if it's unused, unsharpened ect. so it could be worth a pretty penny 20 or 30 years down the road. But that's all just my opinion and I'm a relatively "new" knife enthusiasts.

If you think of selling it, I'd be interested.

[BIGHEAD]

The Grey Confederate line seem to bring more $$$ than those blue union side of the line. But if someone has the whole set but that one it could bring $$ for the collector to complete the set. That being said it is yours to do what you want with. But there are plenty of that pattern of regular production knives out there for sale if you just gotta carry that pattern. This is just MHO. YMMV.

[Mumbleypeg]

First I’ll say that collecting knives as an investment is a poor decision - in general their value just about keeps up with inflation. There are occasional exceptions for individual knives and circumstances. As Barry said the best scenario to make a profit from yours is to find someone with a hole in their collection which your knife fits, and they’re willing to spend more than usual to fill that hole. Finding that “someone” is a crapshoot.

It’s your decision. At this point it’s a single knife, not a collection. The 33 pattern is typically one of the least expensive knives in any set. You’ve “bought in” at a reasonably low entry cost, but how much it costs to turn it into a profit is TBD. Given the right circumstances you might make enough profit to buy lunch. Weigh that against how much satisfaction and usefulness you’ll get from carrying and using it.

Ken

[Dan In MI]

My approach to carrying or not is likely a little different. Some of my knives were purchased with the intent of being carried, while others will never be carried. Some are primarily for display, but see occasional pocket time. Occasional pocket time can include use or not (just taken out for light handling and admiration). My knife usage isn't demanding, so occasional carry and use are easier to justify.

As for the Union blue 6233, it's one I'd occasionally carry. Not because I'd worry about reducing its future worth, but because the 33 pattern would undershoot my sweet spot of three to four inches closed. As Ken said, knives tend to keep pace with inflation. My experience with anything that people collect (knives, toys, coins, and you name it) is that items targeted to collectors do just that. Most of them wind up preserved, thus keeping most of the initial supply intact.

It's your knife, so enjoy it as you see fit.