All About Pocket Knives

Is the CV steel Case is using today the same steel they were using in their older knives ( from the 60's -70's ) I like the CV steel better than the stainless. But the old steel just looks so much darker and seems to sharpen better. Mine from the 80's is turning darker but I don't believe it'll ever be as dark as the one made in the 60's. Thank You, Songsingingman

I much perfer CV over stainless, especially for a user. They were all polished and shiny when they left the factory. I think the darkening is more a function of age and environment since leaving the factory but that's just opinion based on observation. I think there are differences in consistency of fit and finish between older Case's from 60s or 70s to newer ones being made now (current EDC is a 2012 made 3318 stockman), but haven't noticed any difference in quality of holding an edge or sharpening. You can still get an excellent EDC from Case current production, but I hand select any new ones I buy. Opinions of others may vary.

Ken

I have been carrying my new Case large copperlock in as-ground stainless and am very impressed with the steel in that blade. Came razor sharp. I did a woodworking project and used it a lot for cleaning up fine cuts etc. and have opened a lot of cardboard boxes also, blade is still really sharp.

The folks at Case that I've spoken to say their CV is a modified 1095 and is the same formula they've used for as long as anyone can remember.