Anyone know when "Gum Fuddy" was first Used?

[rugmar]

Does anyone know what year or approximate time frame that Case first used "gum fuddy" as a handle material? I ask because I recently acquired a 25 pattern knife with tested blade stamp and gum fuddy handle scales. The knife has a shield that looks to me like it's from the XX era. It's my understanding that Case used some open "C" shields late in the tested era but I thought those had what's called a "tall" S. Is this a tall "S" Shield? I'm just trying to narrow down when this little fellow was made.

Thanks for your help!

[New_Windsor_NY]

Does anyone know what year or approximate time frame that Case first used "gum fuddy" as a handle material? I ask because I recently acquired a 25 pattern knife with tested blade stamp and gum fuddy handle scales. The knife has a shield that looks to me like it's from the XX era. It's my understanding that Case used some open "C" shields late in the tested era but I thought those had what's called a "tall" S. Is this a tall "S" Shield? I'm just trying to narrow down when this little fellow was made.
Thanks for your help!

I don't "collect" Case knives, but I found this on-line. I'm sure someone will be by and "correct" this submission.

"Gum Fuddy"!
Posted by Craig Henry on October 31, 2012 at 16:19 in Case FansBack to Case Fans Discussions.

Most likely have never heard the phrase, “Gum Fuddy.” Those familiar with vintage pocket knives, however, recognize this nickname given to some special Case knives made during a pivotal time in American history. Now W.R. Case & Sons has brought back these old favorites back with a “Rough Black” family of knives. The story behind Case’s Rough Black pocket knives begins in the 1940’s with the advent of World War II, when many raw materials used to produce consumer goods were diverted to support the war effort. Materials traditionally used to make pocket knife handles were no exception. A race to market knives with new, never-before-seen materials ensued between competing knife manufacturers. In that search, Case product developers came upon a hard black synthetic material which demonstrated high durability, strength and overall appeal. A special jigging pattern was applied to the material surface to create the unique “Rough Black” knife handle slabs. The knives that resulted became known as “Gum Fuddy” knives at Case, a nickname quickly adopted by the consumer market as sales of Rough Black knives grew. Case phased out production of “Gum Fuddy” knives after the war, as traditional handle materials made their way back to market. The knives have since become highly sought after collection pieces.

[rugmar]

Thanks for that info. Very interesting.

I thought the rough black was introduced around the time of WWII. But this knife, according to it's blade stamp and other commonly available info was made prior to WWII so that's what I'm questioning. I guess even though the US was not involved at that point, materials were getting scares?

[Mumbleypeg]

Some sources indicate “Gum Fuddy” was used during WWII due to bone being scarce. While that may be true (or not) here are a couple of things to consider.

First of all I’m of the opinion the Tested XX stamp was used through WWII and possibly for a while afterward. I doubt the accuracy of sources that say Case ceased the Tested XX stamp in 1940. Among other things, I’ll submit as evidence a knife Case made for the U,S, Navy during WWII, which bears the Tested XX stamp. Doesn’t seem possible if they stopped using that stamp in 1940.

Second, I had the pleasure of acquaintance with former Case president Bob Farquharson, who started working at Case in the early 1950’s, and moved to Texas after retiring from Case. One day I showed him a Case with “rough black” handle covers. He laughed and said “Gum Fuddy! That’s what the Case employees called it. They hated that stuff!” It was apparently still in use when he started at Case.

So in summary I believe Gum Fuddy was in use several years after WWII. Legitimate examples of Gum Fuddy can be found having the Case XX stamp. It was re-introduced for a period of time a few years ago. The pictures you’ve posted are out of focus so it’s difficult to determine what shield it has. Can you post a better picture of the shield?

BTW here’s a link to a YouTube video featuring an interview with Bob Farquharson before he passed. He was a real gentleman and a pleasure to talk with. In the video he talks about Gum Fuddy and other interesting things related to Case history.

Ken

[TPK]

That's a very cool & interesting video Ken! I see it's an older post but thanks for sharing it. It was very enjoyable to watch.

[313 Mike]

Very interesting video thanks for posting.
Here is a "gum fuddy" rough black knife I have in my collection. Absolutely solid knife with zero wobble, firm half stops, and snaps like a gator.