early case knife

[Mr Sean]

I have an early case knife and would like to more about it. it was white and has yellowed with age the tang mark is a Case under lined with tested xx no numbers 1920 1940 I think. 2 3/4 long closed and 4 3/4 open with a drop point blade and a short rounded blade that opens the same side. I'm not interested in selling but maybe having it restored.

[KLJ77]

Mr. Sean,

Welcome to AAPK

You're not going to get many replies, if any at all, without providing photos. Photos showing the knife opened and closed, different angles, close up of the tang marks, etc., etc., would be conducive to the information you're looking for. There are many Case experts here who are willing to help, but just a description makes it hard to visualize. We all like photos.

Stick around and enjoy!

[treefarmer]

to AAPK, Mr Sean!
Looking forward to seeing your small Tested Case pocket knife! We need some pictures, just like KLJ77 said, "We like photos".
Treefarmer

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK. During most of their history Case made several small pocketknife patterns that could fit your description, so as others have said, identification will require some pictures of your knife. Based on your description my guess is the knife has imitation pearl handle covers, which were made from an early synthetic material called celluloid. Celluloid is notorious for shrinking and deteriorating as it ages. Here’s a link to tutorial on how to post pictures on AAPK. viewforum.php?f=98 Click on the link and scroll down the threads until you find the one applicable to your computer, phone or tablet.

Looking forward to seeing your knife. If it just needs new handle covers you could contact Case’s factory repair service www.caseknives.com to see if they can replace them. They have replaced the handle covers on several 100 year old Case knives (long ago discontinued patterns) for me, and their workmanship has been excellent. There are also some members here who can do probably do it.

Ken.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Yes, it is totally useless to make a post like this without clear close up pictures.

[Mr Sean]

I think its a peanut pocket knife. my grandfather ave it to me when I was a kid.

[Mr Sean]

[Mr Sean]

The question should be can a blind peanut post pictures to the forum

[treefarmer]

Mr Sean,
I ain't sure about the "blind peanut" part but the pictures are of a "Peanut" I believe. If it had a pattern number it would be a 3220 and Case collectors refer to that knife as a Peanut, a small dogleg jack knife.
It looks like your knife is beginning to or maybe has already started to have the handle material deteriorate. It is referred to as "outgassing" when the celluloid handle start to break down. It is recommended to remove those type handles to preserve the metal and have it rehandled especially if it is a keepsake . There are numerous mentions of "outgassing" on the forum, go to the search and have a look.
Others will no doubt comment on what is happening with your granddad's old knife.
Treefarmer

[Mumbleypeg]

The knife looks like a 3220 aka “Peanut” pattern. The master blade is called a “clip” blade, the secondary should be a “pen” blade. The handles are yellow celluloid. Case repair should have no problem replacing them with the current yellow synthetic handle material, which is Delrin. Delrin was invented by Dupont and has been used for knife handle covers since the 1960’s. It’s very stable. Your knife having no shield simplifies that even more.

All the same, check with Case repair to be sure - I have absolutely no authority to speak on their behalf! If you decide to go that route be sure to tell them the knife has sentimental value. Otherwise they might just send you a new knife.

Ken

[KLJ77]

Nice little knife you have, Mr. Sean. It's a keeper for sentimental value at the least, something you can be proud of if it belonged to your father or grandfather. If you choose to send it to Case for handle replacement, please be sure to post 'after' photos of your new handles. We'd love to see them.

Thanx for posting the pics.

[treefarmer]

Mr Sean,
I just noticed we haven’t mentioned there are several knife mechanics on AAPK that might be able to help you with your knife.
Treefarmer

[Mr Sean]

does Case sharpen and clean or will they just replace the sides. I think its a good knife and needs a good restoration.

[Mumbleypeg]

Case repair can sharpen and clean it if you tell them what you want. Frankly if it was my knife I’d be careful not to “clean” it too much. For example buffing the blades will make them shine but can also remove the sharpness of the stamp and the crispness of the edges (nail nicks, back/spine of the blades for example).

It’s your knife so do with it as you please. Just be sure you know what you’re asking for.

Ken