Thoughts on case metal handle pen knives

[markpreston]

I've been on a case binge lately and noticed several metal handled pen or gentleman knives for sale. Some have scissors. I have never seen one in person. Any thoughts overall comparing these to say the Eisenhower or other pen patterns? Walk and talk consistent? I need one " just because I guess". On a side note any thought on case scissors compared to victorinox? Thanks all.

[Mumbleypeg]

These are the same as any other knife made by Case. Same quality. They just have metal handle covers. Case has made these all the way back to the Tested era at least. There are two basic types.

One type includes those made primarily for veterinary use, to be capable of sterilization by putting the knife in boiling water. Haven’t seen any of those in production in a long time but you can occasionally find a Tested or XX version. They typically have a spay blade as one of the blades. The exception to that is the Fly Fishing knife - it had no spay blade. Case also made a M1051L lockback with metal handles more recently.

The other type, which is probably what you’ve seen since it includes scissors, is a “gentleman’s knife”. These are typically a smaller pattern such as a pen, often having scissors and a file blade, for grooming fingernails. The scissors on those I have seen are excellent. The metal handle covers are made to be engraved with initials or a name. You can find production of these from more recent times, into the 21st century IIRC.

Case with metal handle covers would make a great focus for a collection!

Ken

[bestgear]

Here's 3 for sale in my AAPK store:

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... overs-933-

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... overs-945-

https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... overs-946-

[markpreston]

Thanks mumbly peg. The scissor info is great. Best gear I will be hunting one with good snap as always! My thought process on these knives is to buy one as a quality everyday beater, one I can open boxes at work and occasionally get wet and not worry about putting it back in my pocket for a few hours. I often carry a pen knife for these task but I've managed to crack a MOP pen and a bone pen while in my pocket using my thigh as a "rest" for a heavy piece of granite while moving it off a CNC nmachine. So I'm going to give an all metal traditional a try.