Case Chrome Vanadium

[jands40]

Hey Guys
I just got a Case EZ 49 in chrome vanadium that I am considering as an EDC. My question is just how good is the chrome vanadium steel as compared to other carbon steels. I appreciate any opinions. Thanks.
Jerry

[Gunsmoke47]

Hey Jerry, one of my EDC's is a Case stockman with CV blades. It's great as far as ease of sharpening, and the edge retention is just as good. They will pepper up pretty easy but all carbons will. The CV blades are not suppose to be as bad for rust as the other carbon steels, but I can't tell that much difference. For an EDC, I personally don't care that much about the corrosion factor but that's just me. Kelley

[Hukk]

Basically, I've read that CV is a modified 1095 steel, with a bit of chrome and Vanadium added. Good Steel!

[sunburst]

Personally CV is my favorite and I try to never leave home without it...

[jands40]

Thanks all, you've told me what I wanted to hear. Case knives are not my favorites but I do like the 49 copperhead pattern and this is the first one I have owned in CV. I have a copperlock sheath that fits it just perfect, so I may carry it some, although I have been spoiled by the Spyderco and Benchmade smaller knives for EDC. Thanks again.
Jerry

[John F.]

Howdy, I understand where you're coming from, re: modern Spyderco's and Benchmades. My experience runs the reverse of yours -- I started with older Case knives (1940-65 half-whittler, 1965-70 stockman and others) as EDC knives for years and years, then went to Benchmades. I had a mini-AFCK that I liked a lot, and like a fool, sold it. Been carrying a Benchmade/Elishiwitz Sentinel for over 10 years, but am getting tired of its heavy, cleaver-like blade -- I miss the razor-sharp, thin Case knives that are easy to sharpen to a scary edge and do fine work really well. For the last couple of years, have carried both the BM and a small traditional pocketknife, and that works well -- bigger knife for heavy jobs and smaller knife for finer work.

In my experience, the carbon steel Case knives will take on a smooth, dark patina with honest use in about a year or so, and they don't corrode/rust after that unless abused (e.g., getting sea water on them and not oiling them or etc.) They just stay the same after they develop their patina, and life goes on. I haven't found them problematic at all.

I have a feeling that the Case may grow on you as you get more used to its' ease of sharpening and super-keen edge. Personally, I'm moving away from the BM's now and back to Case -- returning to my roots, as it were. Hope you will enjoy your new knife!
John

[jands40]

Thanks John. Makes me feel better and better about the Case CV steel. I have owned and carried traditional slipjoint folders for most of my life. I think I first traded knives in 1st grade. In those days in the country schools I guess all the boys had a pocketknife and nobody was too worried about it. The BM and Spyderco knives are relatively new to me. I carry a Spyderco Dragonfly, Cold Steel meedium voyager, or BM mini griptilian. All are handy and light.
I really have favored the German knives, particularly Older Bulldog Brand because of the quality workmanship. Never used or carried one. I do have an older Kissing Crane stockman that belonged to one of the old guys who sat around the courthouse yard and whittled, spat tobacco, and talked local politics, the weather, or their rheumatiz. This knife was put nearly flat on the sharpening stone and thinned and probably stropped. I don't have a knife that will come close to it for whittling. Thanks for your response.
Jerry