Dad's Old 6375 Needs Some Help

[TNCASEGUY]

Any suggestions appreciated. I have my dad's 1971 Case 6375 Large Stockman that he carried his whole working career that he passed down to me. I am looking to have it repaired if possible. It is very sentimental to me and not sure if I should repair it and carry it as well or just simply put it in my collection as a talking piece. It is missing a blade and one handle is damaged as seen in the photo's. I assume a complete overhaul is in order and I know that will change the look of the knife. Any suggestions on if it could be repaired to look similar or just leave as is? Thanks and I sure enjoy reading all the posts and learning new things from this site. Sorry, not the best pictures for sure.

[philco]

If that were mine, I'd leave it just the way it is. If I wanted a like new 6375 I'd just buy one. What makes this knife unique is its history. Refurbishing the knife would erase much of that history.

[TNCASEGUY]

I was thinking the same. Thanks for the reply.

[Steve Warden]

D) all of the above.
Set it someplace where you will see it often.

[Colonel26]

First of all, your dad had good taste in knives. The CASE 6375 is my first love when it comes to pocket knives.

Second, I agree with Phil. If you have it repaired it will erase your dad’s history. A blade could be found, but finding one that matches the year may be hard. Then there’s the issue of a new blade sticking out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the blades.

If it were me. I think I’d leave it like it is and pull it out occasionally and remember my dad. You can always look around and find a decent 9 dot user to carry yourself. That way you can pass down your dad’s 9 dot and your own 9 dot 6375 to the next generation.

[garddogg56]

Use it for special events
He may have wanted you too

[knifeaholic]

Another option would be to have the missing blade replaced with a used blade from a "donor" knife. Then the knife will at least be whole and functional, without losing its original well-worn character. No cleaning or handle repair, just a blade that matches the patina and wear. Just my $.02.

[herbva]

I think its strictly a matter of personal taste. I'm personally with Steve. I would just replace the missing blade with one of roughly the same vintage and amount of wear, and then just retire that old warrior to a resting place of honor in your mancave or other suitable viewing location.

[rea1eye]

I also agree with Steve. A blade replacement would not change the
character of the knife. Replacement would only fix a broken part.

Bob

[Reverand]

I agreed with what has been said. As far as the handle is concerned, I might patch it with Acraglass, or leave it as-is. I would not replace the handle, but that is just me.
Remember that the more you do to it, the less it becomes your Dad's knife.
I am glad that you have it, and I hope it brings you find memories every time you hold, carry, or use the knife!

[gordonjohn]

If my dad gave me that knife I would not do anything with it , I would put it on display and thi9nk of my dad every time I saw it. Just my thoughts.
,

[catspa]

As much as it’s already been said, y’all don’t need me to pile on. But, here I am, piling on anyway.

I have no knives from my long-deceased grandad, just a 2# cross pein hammer. It rides around on the dash of my work truck, reminding me of him all the time, and occasionally I’ll take it down and bash hell out of something with it.

Sounds goofy, but I feel it connects me to him.

Parker

[glennbad]

I would also replace the blade, to make it fully functional. But that is pretty much all I would do to it.

[Dinadan]

I think that having the knife repaired to full functionality is the best option. A blade from an old knife, and a new set of handles as much like the old ones as possible is the way I would go. Yes, that changes the knife, but it also makes it a lot more fun to look at and use and makes it as much yours as his.