All About Pocket Knives

Hi,

I recently purchased this pre-1920 Case knife (please see photos). The tang is stamped Case's Bradford PA and on the back it is stamped Tested XX 6116 1/2 I . I can't find any information on what the "I" stands for. All my guides show the 6116 and 6116 1/2 but nothing with a letter after that. "I" is the designation for Imitation Ivory handles but as far as I know, Case never stamped that on the tang of their knives. Can anyone tell me what this letter means?

Thanks,

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

I believe the I in this case indicates that the knife has iron liners. I have seen the I used on other occasions to indicate ivory or imitation ivory handles. In these cases the I normally preceeds the pattern number. That has been my experience anyways...

Bryan

Hi Bryan,

Thanks for the information. This knife does have iron liners and I believe the bolsters are iron also. I don't believe the handles have ever been replaced which is why I have a hard time accepting the "I" could be for imitation ivory handles. The jigging and color of the handles are old world craftsmanship, not like the newer stuff. But I guess you never know. There are some pretty crafty people out there ruining perfectly good knives.

Thanks for everything,

Jeff