Will Newer Case Changer Blades Work With Older?

[RevolverGuy]

I recently acquired this Case Changer. It's from 1987 and only came with the one blade and sheath. I was never familiar with this model but really like the design and balance of the knife. I wanted to add a set of other blades but was told that Case retooled after 1990 and the modern Changer blades will not work with mine. Is this correct? Does anyone have an older and newer Changer they can test blades with? Am I stuck with trying to find vintage blades? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[Mumbleypeg]

Someone here may know. But I would contact Case and ask them. Send an email consumer-relations@wrcase.com.

Ken

[Modern Slip Joints]

First year production Changers used thinner blade stock so the thicker tangs of more recent Changer blades will not fit. I own both a first year and newer Changers so I'm certain of that. However, I haven't looked at them for a while so I'm unsure of the dates. If my rusty memory is any good your 1987 is first year production. IIRC the change to thicker blade stock was made in 1988 or 1989.

Early thin clip blades are easily spotted buy their long tang with a prominent semi-circular cut out for placing a finger out in front of the handle. The thin saws can be identified in pictures because they have one or two less teeth but they are not so obvious. I think you'd have to ask the seller to measure a fillet blade's tang thickness.

[RevolverGuy]

Thanks guys. I called Case customer support and spoke with a woman there who confirmed that the newer Case Changer blades are not sized for the vintage ones. She mentioned that they did retool and had mine been made after 1989, they would fit. Also I was searching online and looking at pictures of newer Changer blades to compare to mine. It looks like that area where the blade pivot and lock notch are now have a slightly different shape. I guess I'm just going to have to keep it as is... or maybe by chance I'll come across someone selling parts.

If anyone wants to know Case did tell me that replacement blades were $15 each, which is a real bargain.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Some pics of my Case XXChanger. It appears that the area around the locking notch is shaped somewhat different than the one you pictured. Blade thickness on mine is .110". My 4 blades have date codes from 1995-96.