New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collectors

The W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company has a very rich history that began in 1889 when William Russell (“W.R.”), Jean, John, and Andrew Case began fashioning their knives and selling them along a wagon trail in upstate New York. The company has produced countless treasures and it continues to do so as one of the most collected brands in the world.
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Lobo55
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New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collectors

Post by Lobo55 »

Hello and thanks for allowing me to join the forum. I have been interested in knives since my father bought me my first knife over 47 years ago when I was about 10 years old at a gun show. He bought me a swedish barrel knife for my first knife and I have since developed a fondness for Case knives. I have decided to get serious about collecting Case knives and would like some suggestions from long time Case collectors on focusing my collection. I am thinking I would like to stick to the stag handled knives and have a small modest collection, including my dads Case XX Trapper that he always carried in his pocket.
I like the gunstock patterns also but I have picked up various patterns over the years and would like to narrow down my collection. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated i.e. should I stick to one or two patterns or try collecting as many patterns in stag handled material as possible? Any particular years I should avoid or focus on? Any other suggestions you may offer would be appreciated. I have attached a couple of pictures of what I have acquired. Thanks in advance-Lobo...
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Shearer
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by Shearer »

Welcome to AAPK.
The case collectors will be along soon.

Grant
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jerryd6818
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by jerryd6818 »

Welcome to AAPK. Glad to have you aboard.

The fella who (literally) wrote the book on Case knives, Steve Pfeiffer aka knifeaholic, is a member of AAPK and a regular on the forum. From what I've heard from Case collectors (I'm not one of them) his book is the one to have.

As to your question about patterns to collect, the answer to that is universal no matter what brand you collect, collect what you like. If you collect what you enjoy, the collecting is more likely to last longer and be more satisfying. Good luck and when it turns from a collection into an addiction don't say I didn't warn you. :lol:
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"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by msteele6 »

Pretty hard to improve on that advice, however, I would just add that even though Case made quite a few stag handled knives over the years compared to other makers, if you focus on the older knives, say, '70's and older, it's going to be a pretty expensive pursuit. Worth it, in my opinion, but pretty expensive nevertheless.

I personally prefer the older knives because they weren't made to be collected but used and to me that makes the hunt that much more satisfying when it's successful.

JMO
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by jerryd6818 »

Before you jump into the old Case pool, you'd best be well informed on what you're looking for. Fakes are not unusual and you need to know what you're looking at. As my mother would say, "A word to the wise is sufficient."
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by XX Case XX »

Lobo:

Welcome to AAPK. ::welcome::

I'd like to say some things if I may;

1. I can't give any better advise than Jerry did. Collect what you like and have fun with it. If searching and collecting isn't fun anymore, there's no need to continue.

For me, in order to find the answer to your question about what and how to collect, I think you have to ask yourself what the "end game" is for you. What I mean is, what do you want your collection to be?

Do you want a "mish -mash" of different things or do you want there to be some purpose or reason to your collection? I'd like to think that a knowledgeable person could take one look at my collection, and within a few minutes tell exactly what I was thinking based on what I had. Once you know the answer to that question you'll know exactly what to buy.

When you ask a question on this site, check back on it even if it's been a several days. Some people can't get to a computer right away but they will still have and answer or opinion many days after. Sometimes it's that one post that you almost missed that can change everything for you.

Good luck on your collection and definitely check out Steve Pfeiffer's books on Case Knives. The information in those is invaluable. And check out the stores here on the AAPK site. Lots of good stuff here.

__________

Mike
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by rea1eye »

If you really like stag knives and a particular pattern is secondary to your interest in collecting,
then collect a variety of stag knives.

If you really like one particular pattern, and the stag material is secondary to your interest
in collecting, then collect a particular pattern. (Me)

It took me awhile to to figure it out. I like all my knives even though some are not my
favorite pattern.

Good luck. I hope knife collecting becomes a satisfying hobby for you.

Bob, Case Collector
Lobo55
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by Lobo55 »

Thanks for the welcome and very valuable suggestions from all who responded. It really helps to get your experience and perspectives on collecting. I have Steve Pfeiffers book and am looking forward to picking up his second edition soon. Many thanks again! Lobo
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by zp4ja »

Welcome Lobo55!

Here how I do it but to each his own. All I can say it has worked well for me and I did not have to change focus after I had accumulated lots of knives and had to liquidate them because I did not think it through beforehand. As I said to each his own. All advice that has been given so far is good for sure. That said, I collect only CASE and am looking to downsize my collection slowly with only the occasional knife purchase (1 in the last 20 months) because I am picky about what I add and usually it is a knife that is several hundreds of dollars). Plus I am spending more money on my gun collection now.

Not necessarily in order of importance...

1. Research what you want to do thoroughly before you start your collection direction.
2. DO NOT carry collection knives! Have some EDCs (Every Day Carries) set aside and carry those.
3. Once you put a mint or near mint examples collection knife in your pocket it is now an EDC, not part of the collection. Value is diminished significantly when doing so. That is how I do it but again, to each his own.
4. Buy a beater (or several) of gently used oldie which does not cost a lot to satisfy your carry hunger.
5. Buy the best quality IE: mint or near mint examples you can find. Hold out for a good mint or near mint example over a beater. IE: "Turtle versus the Rabbit race". Be the Turtle!
6. By a $250 dollar knife rather than 10 knives at $25 bucks each. For the most part you get what you pay for. IE: "Quality over Quantity". See # 5 again!
7. Stick with mid 80's and EARLIER when buying CASE knives. The newer ones are less expensive as MSteele stated but they also are of much lesser quality. IE: The old solid car built with steel and old technology that works darn well versus a new car that is like driving a tin can with wheels. Trust me, you will definitely notice the difference.
8. Be real picky about the stag knives you buy (and bone or any other handle material for that matter). I call it "Stag Signature" as no two are the same much like a human fingerprint. Some guys like thin stag, some like fat stag, some like gnarly stag. I prefer the gnarly stag myself with deep groves and character.
9. Don't overlook the CASE Classics line of knives. We have a forum here on this site.
10. WATCH OUT FOR COUNTERFEITS! Easiest way to turn a collector off. Avoiding this heartache takes research, study and asking questions versus impulse buying.
11. Focus on a sub collection within CASE knives like for example, stag handled knives as you said. It is very satisfying to fill out a sub collection or collection. IE: all stags ever made in that pattern, all stags made in the year 1970', etc for example. This step is my main focus personally right now. One knife pattern in stag in 77'. CASE 5111-1/2LSSP Blue Scroll Engraved and Serialized" They made only 1000 in 1977' which is a low run for that time. I own six currently of 1000. My goal is to at least own 1% of all made, 10 knives. Who knows, when I have ten examples my next goal maybe to own 100 of the thousand produced. But I also realize the additional 90 knives will cost me between $18,000 to $22,500 (at an average cost of of $200 to $250 per example) so I factor that into my decision to pursue that goal or not. Just the way my brain thinks when I have a goal.
12.
13. What works for others may not work for you.
14. Etc, etc, etc. Possibly more from me to follow.

As to #11, if you decide to pursue stag handled CASE knives like in you example in your OP, you also need to keep in mind the following if your are real particular about the type of "Stag Signature" you like. If you don't care about that than all CASE years will do. If you do care about, then consider the following...

For the most part with some exception (like most things CASE). Obviously, the older you go as far as era the more money it will cost you...

TESTED Era- Thin stag with more smooth, thin handles. Not gnarly in other words. Some red stag is also available but rare.
XX Era- Thin stag with more smooth, thin handles. Some gnarly exist. Some red stag is also available but rare.
CASE XX USA- Fewer thin stag with more smooth, thin handles. Some gnarly exist. Starts to get thicker in handle fatness.
CASE XX USA 1970' thru 1979'- Thin stag with more smooth, thin handles pretty much non existent. Lots of predominantly gnarly exist. Handle circumference is consider fat. My personal favorite time frame for "Stag Signature". May not be your preference but it is mine. Excellent quality knives in addition to beautiful handles. Stag embargo in that time frame so a lot of stag patterns discontinued in 1970' or 1971' but exist they are beauties for darn sure.
Just some info if you choose to pursue CASE stag knives for instance.

I own a bunch but I do do post 80' stuff or research any of that now. So I can't speak intelligently to post 1980' CASE stuff besides for some exceptions.

Just how I do it but as I said, to each his own, others mileage may vary.

Jerry
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by Dragline »

I'm confused as Heck now after reading that last post. Be the Turtle and only buy Counterfeit? ::shrug::

Think I will stay with collecting Butter Knives

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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by jerryd6818 »

Dragline wrote:I'm confused at Heck now after reading that last post. Be the Turtle and only buy Counterfeit? ::shrug::

Think I will stay with collecting Butter Knives

Joe
Thanks Joe. I needed a chuckle. I think collecting Case separates the collectors from the accumulators (before I get blasted, yes I know there are serious collectors of other brands)
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This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by zp4ja »

Dragline wrote:I'm confused at Heck now after reading that last post. Be the Turtle and only buy Counterfeit? ::shrug::

Think I will stay with collecting Butter Knives

Joe
Joe,

That is your offering to the post?

My assumption is that was a attempt at humor. Actually that reply took a good bit of my personal time to share that. Trying to offer a different viewpoint/opinion as he requested. I have a sense of humor like the next guy but not when someone is soliciting an honest opinion and response as the OP question. It is pretty clear what I am offering. Sorry all those big words and analogies threw you for a loop.

Who wins the race, the Turtle or the Rabbit? In other words, don't be in a rush and take it slow. But I am sure you understood exactly what I mean't just fine the first time.

Jerry
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by Dragline »

Just having a little fun Jerry.
I know Case collectors are serious about their knives. No harm done I hope ::nod::

Joe
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by zp4ja »

Hey Joe,

No residual hard feelings at all. I mean that. Just when I spend hard personal time on a reply that involves that level of detail like for example the last paragraph ( and rest of all my suggestions based on OP question) where I spend the time t outline in GREAT detail stag handle types by era I prefer someone to not poke my beehive with a stick or they will get stung. I just am still young but quite old school by nature and that is not your fault.
Place for seriousness when someone is serious and place for humor and I am all for that. trust me, I let loose harder than the next guy when it comes to that! Just don't show that side when someone make the effort as I did. Sorry, maybe I need to lighten up or change my ways but just the way I am, right or wrong at this point. I do the best I can to help when I can but I do enjoy a laugh or two at the proper time like anyone else. Please accept my apologies and let's call it done and over with.

If you ever met me and I have many friends I have gained here on AAPK that I have never met face to face, I am sure we would get along just fine and laugh/joke about over dinner and a beer if you are into that and we were in same area.

To OP Lobo55, sorry to bring any drama to your post. My fault partially and certainly not the norm here.

Regards, Jerry
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by Lobo55 »

Thanks for the insight Jerry,
I really related to the thoughts you have on collecting. Like people, there are a variety of ways to collect. I have a love for knives and completely understand where your coming from. I also collect old Bear archery recurve bows and have several models. I try to collect one from every year they made in that model manufactured in Grayling Michigan from 1950 to 1976. I have close to 130 bows now and only have a few more to go.
I appreciated Mike's having a reason for what I want my collection to represent, and Bob's suggestion regarding a variety around the Stag handles.
I especially like your suggestion regarding buying quality and spending a little more for one rather than paying less for a bunch of knives.
So I really value all of you guys providing me some insight into why and how to collect.
At this point for myself, I like the fact that Case knives represent quality and the premium workmanship put into these beautiful knives. I'm kind of an old school type of guy and my interest started in the 60's and my fondest memories are from the 70's. So I am leaning towards sticking with mint gnarly stag handled knives of various patterns, both folders and fixed blades from 1965-1969 and 1970-1979.
Thanks again guys I will keep you all posted on my progress. I am attaching a couple of pics of my Bear archery recurve bows collection for your enjoyment.. Best of luck to all in your collecting endeavors.
Lobo
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by RalphAlsip »

Lobo, I am ignorant about bows and bow makers, but yours look to be made out of very fine natural materials with exquisite craftsmanship. Very nice ::tu::

Back to knives... The 10 dot 1970 knives, in my opinion, represent a nice combination of quality, collectibility, and a narrow focus area. Bulldog 5172's from the 60's have nice stag. There have been a lot of those for sale recently and consequently some good prices on very nice examples.
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by zp4ja »

Anytime I can help just ask Lobo. Great bows Lobo! WOW!

And real meticulous layout! Same as I would do if I collected bows. Obvious by level on desk in foreground. Sure a tape measure is close by too. reminds me of me Dad and myself, I like it!

I may be young (by some's standards) but I am "old school" as you said.

Thanks for sharing that!

Jerry
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by wlf »

Welcome.
Go to as many shows as possible,look at as many knives as possible. No substitute for experience and hands on looking,as you probably know from collecting recurves.

Soon you will be able to say that knife doesn't look right,and it probably isn't.

If collecting for value,only buy the best,if you have a focus on something particular and knowledge of that is paramount,buy what you can get. You can always upgrade ,if a better example comes along.About all shiny old knives have been cleaned,shiny sells.The surface of the blade and swedging has been altered.You can't tell if it was crocus(mirror finish) or satin finish blades.

Buying the best insures future value ,because collectors will always pay for those.There are just not many around.
I buy roosters combs and farmers..........................................................jack knives [/b]

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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by terryl308 »

:D I guess I'll put my 2 cents worth in, and try to keep it simple. Do your research (buy books!) and buy the best you can afford. A lot of good advise in the previous posts. Oh, and have fun, ::handshake:: TERRY
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by jmh58 »

Since I cant really add any thing that has not already been posted.. I have been collecting knives for 40+ yrs.. Half that has been CASE.. I started out on pattern collecting.. P-Nuts, then Tiny Toothpicks, then 18 stockmans.. Kinda got overwhelmed as there are a ton of each of those patterns out there.. As time went on tastes changed.. Now a days its 2 blade jacks (old 55, 92s,35 1/2) and so on.. And I do buy what catches my fancy too.. Variety is ok to me!! But no more safe queens as I got a ton of those.. Try to find clean users.. The only thing that I will stress is to know what you are looking at and buy from good people as there are a TON of fakes and some of them are really good!! Oh Yeah.. And have FUN!!! ::ds:: John :D
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by danno50 »

No more collecting advice to add, you have already received a lot of good advice from some very dedicated Case collectors. But, great collection of beautiful bows. I hunted with a recurve for years and have always enjoyed shooting them, even if they don't throw an arrow as fast or far as the new modern bows.
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by gsmith7158 »

Wow lobo that's a fantastic collection of bows. I hope that you have another room for your knives because once that bug bites you watch out. I have only been collecting Case knives for about ten months now and have already filled the shelf space in a 12x8 foot wall unit. I've been eying my wifes curio case upstairs for some more space but that could be risky. Anyway Jerry's advice was great. I would stick to pre 1982 knives as they are harder to find in near mint to mint condition and much more expensive than the newer knives. That gives you pause to think about a purchase when you're paying $100 to $500 per knife plus each purchase is one that you remember and in my case that's a good limiter on how fast your collection grows. I hope you enjoy and don't forget to check the counterfiet forum and other research tools on this website. They are immensely helpful..
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Re: New to forum - suggestions from long time Case collector

Post by Lobo55 »

Thanks for the additional suggestions gentlemen. I have already picked up a few more knives since my original post, have checked out the counterfeit forum also. I am learning a lot thanks to your help thanks again and for the nice comments on my bow collection.
Gsmith-yes, between bows, guns and now knives I may have to hijack one of my other rooms...

Best to all-lobo
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