Question re a Knife-Hatchet Combo

[deo-pa]

This is the knife in a Case Knife-Hatchet Combo I saw. The hatchet blade is stamped "CASE'S / TESTED XX" and the combo sheath seems right (it has Case snaps and the 1935 patent date) but the knife blade is unmarked. Shouldn't the knife blade have the "CASE'S / TESTED XX" stamp? Thanks,

Dennis

[Mr. Chips]

Mine has the word " Case" stamped on the pile side of the blade, where it is only visible if the blade is removed from the handle. Totally concealed if the blade is in the using position.

The hatchet on mine is stamped "Case's Tested XX

[deo-pa]

Thanks Mr. C! I'll have to go back and see if the blade is marked like yours.

Hatchet is hardly used but knife and sheath have seen some serious use. A bit of blade play in the knife configuration; is that typical or should they lock solid? Asking prices for these seem to vary a lot on ebay. Seller is seeking $350.

Dennis

[Mumbleypeg]

The knife blade should lock up solid in the handle. Be sure it's being inserted correctly. It will go in and lock backwards, and if backwards it won't be solid.

Ken

[deo-pa]

Thanks Ken, I'll double check if it is attached correctly.

You may be right because this photo below which I grabbed off the web shows the blade's spine facing the lock mechanism while my original photo shows the blade's edge facing the lock mechanism. Maybe if someone has theirs handy they can tell me which way is correct. The one I saw was a "CASE'S TESTED XX" but I would assume the mechanism is the same regardless of the era it was made.

Dennis

[Mumbleypeg]

I think there's an older post here somewhere about that subject (may have been from knifeaholic). Mine aren't easy to access at present but if no one else enlightens us, as soon as I get some time I'll get them out and check.

The very earliest models used a different mechanism. They had a shorter locking "arm" or lever. I've never seen one of them in person, only in pictures. IIRC hardman (Gary) has one at least. He posted some pics of it on the Case Collectors Club forum a while back.

Ken

[stagman]

Mine locks up tight as a drum...really got too give it
a push/pull to lock the blade in place..and...
Knife blade is stamped Case XX USA
Below is a pic

Stag
Http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/stagman

[deo-pa]

Which way does your blade go in Stagman? When it's assembled does the blade edge face the lock mechanism or does the blade spine face the lock mechanism?

Dennis

[stagman]

Just the way it sets, hook on and pull up

[Mumbleypeg]

So the one pictured in the OP is bass-ackwards.

Ken

[stagman]

Just the way it sets means blade edge faces lock

[deo-pa]

Sorry Stagman but I'm confused. Is the 1st photo below correct (edge of blade is on the same side as the lock) or is the 2nd photo correct (spine of blade is on the same side as the lock)?

[stagman]

Top photo is the way mine sets in handle

[btrwtr]

The picture on top is correct. The bottom pic shows the blade in backwards. These were all hand fitted but it is quite possible to put either the hatchet head or blade in backwards. The set isn't nearly as strong if pieces are put in backwards. In my experience these hand fitted pieces will not easily interchange and fit correctly if placed in a non-original set. Since these in used condition may have undergone some harsh use it isn't unusual to have play in the pieces. These were also made in different thicknesses of the metal parts, some sets being significantly thinner. It is not at all unusual to find sets that have both XX and Tested stamped parts.

[deo-pa]

Dang Wayne that's quite the collection and they all seem to be in superb condition! I've developed an interest in owning one; would you care to offer an expected price range to land a Case combo in similar condition to yours? I'm trying to get a sense of the validity of the $350 being asked for the one in the OP.

Thanks to you and stagman for clarifying how the blade attaches.

Dennis

[btrwtr]

Dang Wayne that's quite the collection and they all seem to be in superb condition! I've developed an interest in owning one; would you care to offer an expected price range to land a Case combo in similar condition to yours? I'm trying to get a sense of the validity of the $350 being asked for the one in the OP.

Thanks to you and stagman for clarifying how the blade attaches.

Dennis

There are lots of variables in handle material, several different locking mechanisms as well as sheaths. The green bone and stag sets tend to bring more followed by the celluloids and wood versions. Deluxe flared ax heads that would be found on the stag, celluloid or wood handle sets will normally bring more. All of these sets were chrome plated and I have seen a number with the chrome finishes all but gone in an attempt to make the set look shiny and new. Sets with all the chrome intact are hard to find. All said if you can find a complete set in any handle material with a good sheath, finish intact in the $400 range I don't think you would be out of line.

[berkmach]

I knwo this is an old thread... but... I just bought a large lot of guns and knives, swords recently and in the lot is this Case XX Knife/Hatchet Combo. See attached pictures. What can you tell me about it? What is the handle material? It's never been sharpened and doesn't look like it ever was on a belt. Pretty much mint looking to me.

[btrwtr]

Handle is a green Onyx celluloid material. Your set looks to be in fine condition. Can't tell for sure but it looks like all of the chrome plating is intact. The sheath is a newer model so I would guess the set dates to the 1950's. Your set would be pattern # 961.

[Aintright]

The picture on top is correct. The bottom pic shows the blade in backwards. These were all hand fitted but it is quite possible to put either the hatchet head or blade in backwards. The set isn't nearly as strong if pieces are put in backwards. In my experience these hand fitted pieces will not easily interchange and fit correctly if placed in a non-original set. Since these in used condition may have undergone some harsh use it isn't unusual to have play in the pieces. These were also made in different thicknesses of the metal parts, some sets being significantly thinner. It is not at all unusual to find sets that have both XX and Tested stamped parts.

WOW
I have never seen that many hatchets those are awesome. i have 1 I feel extremely luck to have gotten it