Significance of Item Number?

[QTCut5]

In what way is knowing the Item Number of a Case knife helpful to a collector? This may seem like a strange question from a guy with hundreds of Case knives...but, I've never paid much attention to the Item Numbers (I already understand how to decipher the Pattern Number on the tang stamp).
Is there a reason for the Item Number other than for cataloging purposes and price guides? What information is revealed about a particular knife by the Item Number? For example, does it contain the specific color of a bone handle, or perhaps the specific type of jigging? Is there a complete and comprehensive list of all Item Numbers (either for free or purchase), or is that the sort of thing only available to licensed dealers?

~Q~

PS...I already posted this same question on the General Knife Q & A forum and was told to use the "Research" feature at the top of the page...which I have. And while there is plenty of description and explanation about Pattern Numbers, I couldn't find anything about Item Numbers

[Mumbleypeg]

Beats me. When Case introduced these item numbers I wondered at the time why Case decided they needed a unique number (item number) for a unique number (pattern number) Decided it had to do with all the various colors of bone, etc. they started introducing several years back, to appeal to some collectors of newer knives. I'm sure it confused their computer inventory system so they had to devise a new scheme. If there is a rational code behind it I haven't spent any effort trying to decipher it.

Ken

[Old Hunter]

I have noticed the item numbers too, very prominently marked and displayed on the label, but bearing no relationship to the pattern number (which are very small on the label, some can't be read at all). OH

[jerryd6818]

Note the item number is also part of the UPC number (bar code). That should help it make more sense.

[QTCut5]

OK, so I just got this knife on eBay that said it came with the original box. The pattern number on the knife matched the box label, but I had a question about the description which claimed it was "Caribbean Blue Smooth Bone" All my other Case knives with Caribbean Blue scales are jigged, not smooth. So, I sent an email to Case (consumer relations) with the item number. I just got a note back from them explaining exactly what the knife was (smooth bone, caribbean blue), when it was made (which I already knew from the tang stamp) and that it was an exclusive SFO for Shepherd Hills Cutlery. So, I guess the item numbers do reveal a lot of info...as long as you have access to the database to research them.

Cheers & Aloha,

~Q~

[knifeaholic]

I answered this one elsewhere.