Need Help Identifying a Rare 1984 Case XX 61953L CS Lever Lock Knife (6-Dot Tang Stamp)

[Echaniz1992]

Hello everyone,

I’m hoping some experienced Case collectors can help identify this knife.

Here are the details:
* Case XX USA
* 6-dot tang stamp (1984)
* Pattern: 61953L CS
* Chrome Stainless blade
* Blue jigged bone handles
* Locking blade operated by a lever engraved “TESTED XX”
* Closed length: approximately 4¼ inches
* Original Case shield
* Leather sheath is Harbour Mercantile, so it is not the original Case sheath.

I’ve searched for 61953L CS, but almost every result points to the modern RussLock introduced around 2000. Since this knife has a 6-dot tang stamp from 1984, it obviously predates the RussLock.

My questions are:
1. Is this an uncommon Case production model?
2. Was this pattern produced under another name before the RussLock?
3. Is the “TESTED XX” lever original to this knife?
4. Was this made for a distributor, a special factory order (SFO), or as a limited production run?
5. Does anyone have a Case catalog from 1984 showing this exact model?

I’d really appreciate any information or documentation. Thanks in advance for your help.

[QTCut5]

I’ve searched for 61953L CS, but almost every result points to the modern RussLock introduced around 2000. Since this knife has a 6-dot tang stamp from 1984, it obviously predates the RussLock.

That's a 2024 date code tang stamp, not 1984.

[Mumbleypeg]

The knife is a 2024 carbon steel (CS) knife. Pattern 61953L, Grey jigged bone. (The stamp has the “rounded S” denoting carbon steel, rather than the more common “lightning S” which means stainless steel).

Ken

[OLDE CUTLER]

And not in very good condition for a 2024 knife either.

[Modern Slip Joints]

Questions from new members who only found Case tang stamp dating charts that have not been up dated to include the current decade are common. So is the hope that their knife is rare. You got correct answers quickly here. Welcome to AAPK.