Time is Running Out!

Time is Running Out!
Orders for the 2009 Annual Club Knives must be received by July 24th
CASE COLLECTOR
THE
Junior Member Knife
Small Texas Toothpick
(620096 SS)
Tom Arrowsmith, President and CEO
Lisa Boser-Miller, Editor
Andrew Norcross, Creative Director
Case Associates
Contributions are welcomed and may be mailed
to The Case Collectors Club. Any mailing or deliveries of letters and questions to the editor shall
constitute permission to be published in full, or
any portion, unless informed otherwise in the correspondence. Items will be published at the discretion of the editorial staff. We reserve the right
to edit any material. Please do not send valuable
or one-of-a-kind items. Clearly indicate if photos
and other materials should be returned and every
effort will be made to do so. We assume no
responsibility for loss or damage thereto.
The Case Collector is published quarterly by
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.
PO Box 4000, 50 Owens Way
Bradford, PA 16701
(800) 523-6350
www.wrcase.com
E-mail: casecollectorsclub@wrcase.com
fax: (814) 368-1736
Printed in the U.S.A.
Regular Member Knife
Medium Texas Jack (62032 SS)
Order Now!
The ACK Promotion
ends on July 24th.
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is pleased to feature
three great patterns that will carry the Case Collectors Club
oval shield: The Small Texas Toothpick (620096 SS) is the
Junior Member Knife, the Medium Texas Jack (62032 SS) is
the Regular Member Knife, and the Sway Back Jack
(TB62117 SS) is the Life Member Knife. Each knife features
Rogers Jigged Dark Red Bone handles and Case “Long Tail
C” serialization on the bolster. New this year, both of the
mirror polished Tru-Sharp™ surgical steel blades are
embellished with the Case Collectors Club artwork.
Packaged in a collectable tin, these knives are only available to Case Collectors Club members through
July 24, 2009.
If you are thinking of upgrading your Club
membership, now is the time to do so. You can
take advantage of the Life member benefit of
buying all three knives and having them serial numbered with your Life membership
number!
Can’t find your order form? No problem,
just give us a call at (800) 523-6350 or drop
us a line at casecollectorsclub@wrcase.com.
Life Member Knife
Sway Back Jack
(TB62117 SS)
IN THIS ISSUE
Going Above and Beyond....................................3
Case/Bose Norfolk..............................................4
The Spring Promotional Products Catalog........5
New Case Patterns.............................................6
A Tinkering for Case Knives..............................7
The Secrets to the Missions of WWII.................8
History of Case Knife Patterns.........................11
Consumer Event Tours and Knives..................12
Junior Collectors..............................................15
This quarterly magazine is just one benefit of
being in The Case Collectors Club. If you are
not yet a member and are interested in
receiving more information about the Club,
please call us at (800) 523-6350.
The Perfect Season to Say Thank You
The 2008 Club Member Survey was mailed out last December. A big THANK
YOU goes out to many Club members who took the time to share some valuable feedback. One of the questions asked Club members to describe their Dream
Club Knife. After reading through a few hundred surveys, it was apparent that Club
members have some unique ideas when it comes to designing Case knives. We quickly
realized that this was an opportunity staring us in the face. So, we formed a team to review
all entries. Who knows, maybe one of these ideas generated by you, or a fellow Club
member, could be featured in an upcoming Case Promotional Products Catalog or be
selected as a future Club Promotion knife. From now until August, we are going
to be calling a few lucky Club members, making each aware that “dreams do
come true!” Keep your fingers crossed, keep dreaming, and keep believing.
Look for more details in the next issue of The Case Collector.
Going Above and Beyond
Case adds a little sunshine to cloudy days
A
re you tired of hearing about the economy? If you answered “yes” to this question, then you are not alone! The folks at
Case believe in hard work, traditions, and good ‘ole
American values. While it is true that things aren’t
great, we also know some things are just what you
make of them. So, you have two options after listening to the news and/or reading about the doom and
gloom. You can do nothing, or get out there and
“Learn to Dance in the Rain.”
I’m preparing to do some dancing, so I’ve
slipped on my boots and buttoned up my raincoat.
While weathering the big storm together, we still
need to enjoy things that we love to do…like collecting Case knives. The reality remains that many of
us may not be able to buy as many knives as in the
past. So, I think now would be the perfect time to say
thank you to our wonderful Club members by introducing a few unique knife offers. Over the next few
months, your Club is going to go above and beyond
as we give Club members several opportunities to
win Case knives. Here is how you can participate.
If you are a Regular or Life Member, enclosed in
the mailing envelope, along with this magazine, is
one (1) or two (2) special postcards. Each of our
Charter Members received two postcards, while
Regular and Life Members who joined after 1981
just received one.
The first promotion will be during the month of
June. Charter Members ONLY can fill out the designated postcard, stick a stamp on the front, and mail
it in. Charter Member postcards need to be returned
between June 1st - 30th. We’ll put all the cards in a
bin, and on July 1st, we’ll pick one winner who will
win a Case prototype knife.
In the same fashion, we encourage Regular and
Life Members to send in the designated postcard
between August 1st - 31st. Charter Members are
either Regular or Life Members, so each can once
again participate. Shortly thereafter, on September
1st, we’ll pick two more winners who will each
receive a Case prototype knife! The rules must be followed exactly (don’t send them in early or late). A
few of these exclusive prototype knives are pictured
on the right.
We haven’t forgotten about our Junior
Members. An exclusive promotion for Juniors will be
announced in the next issue of The Case Collector.
Are you “Dancing in the Rain” yet? If not, the
Referral Rewards Promotion should get your feet
moving. We are once again going to reward you for
helping us share the passion of Case knife collecting
with family and friends. From now until July 31st,
we will keep track of each new paid member who
joins the CCC and mentions your name. The more
people you get to join the Club, the greater chance
you’ll have to WIN a Case prototype knife. The best
part is that there will be three lucky winners. The
Club member who refers the greatest number of new
members will automatically win, the member who
recruits the greatest number of Life members
will automatically win (in the event of a tie,
a random drawing will take place for both
of these winners), and the third winner
will be randomly drawn from all the
Referral Reward participants. It’s easy to
get started. Enclosed is a sheet containing three membership cards. We
encourage you to immediately print
your name and membership number
Pocket Worn® Corn Cob Jigged
on the “referred by” line of each
Green Bone Modified Muskrat
•-XX- proto stamp on tang
application (please only list one
•1996 dated blades
name). Next, share the benefits of
the Club with family, friends, and
colleagues and encourage them
to join. I will personally call the
three winners after August 5th.
Need more applications?
Just give us a call at (800) 5236350. You can also visit the Case
website at www.wrcase.com, select Case Collectors
Club, and click the Join tab. There you will find an
application that others can print, fill out, and quickly return with payment. Once again, to be in the
drawing, your name and member number must
appear on the form.
The world’s largest knife collecting association
is growing every day and we appreciate your support
and commitment to help grow the
Case family of collectors. The
rewards mentioned above are
ways that we can share our
appreciation for the strong
commitment that you always
show us. We thank you for your
dedication to Case, and your continued support
CCC Genuine Mother-of-Pearl Peanut
of local Authorized Dealers who sell our products.
•MJD PROTO stamp on inside liner
Please join us in spreading the message of hope
•CCC shield •2003 dated blades
echoed in our Making a Case for America program. Keep buying Case!
Here’s to “Dancing in the Rain”,
Lisa Boser-Miller
Editor and Manager of the CCC
CCC Smooth Green Bone Barlow
•PROTO stamp on tang
•CCC oval shield •1996 dated blade
THE CASE COLLECTOR
3
By John Sullivan
#07169 Ebony Wood
(TB722009 154-CM)
154-CM is a high performance American-made stainless alloy known for its
sharpness and edge holding ability. It is manufactured with very few impurities, combining three principal elements;
Carbon,
chromium, and molybdenum. Added levels of carbon and chromium enhance
the steel’s hardness and
rust resistance qualities.
Re-sharpening can require
extra effort.
#07167 Peach Seed
Jigged Antique Bone
(TB622009 154-CM)
#07168 Peach Seed
Jigged Chestnut Bone
(TB622009 154-CM)
4
2009•VOLUME II
W
hen the Case/Tony Bose Arkansas
Hunter took the Blade Magazine Knife
Collaboration of the Year® honors at
the 2008 Blade Show and Cutlery Fair in Atlanta,
GA, the pressure was on. What do you do for an
encore? The 2009 Case/Bose Custom Collaboration
had to be something special. For inspiration, Tony
looked back to the Old World, to Sheffield, England
– a historic place for cutlery, home to some of the
finest craftsmen the world had ever known. There he
found the Norfolk. You might remember that one of
those craftsmen was Charles Platts, who learned the
cutlery trade in Sheffield before emigrating to
America in the 1860’s. He shared that knowledge
with his sons, including Harvey Platts, who would
later partner with Russ Case to form W.R. Case &
Sons Cutlery Co.
The original Norfolk was produced by Joseph
Rogers & Sons – a special display knife built for The
#07171 – Abalone
(TB822009 154-CM)
#07170 Genuine
Mother-of-Pearl
(TB822009 154-CM)
Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace.
Displayed open, it was over 2 1/2 feet tall, had 75
blades, and took two years to build. “The company
had a showroom at #6 Norfolk Street, so they
named this knife design the Norfolk,” notes Tony. For
normal use, the company offered that same Norfolk
handle shape in many styles, sizes, and blade configurations.
“One of the things I like most about this knife is
that there’s not a straight line to it” adds Tony. Plus
the Norfolk has a feature called “sunken joints.” That
means the back of the blade tang, or “run up,” doesn’t stick up above the handle when the knife is
closed, making the knife feel much better in your
hand. At 3 3/4” closed, the Case/Bose Norfolk will
fit nicely into your pocket. The blade combination is
a Wharncliffe and Short Clip. Tony thought the little
Clip would be much more useful than a Pen blade
that would often be found in this sort of knife.
The Case/Bose Norfolk (TB’2009 154-CM)
is the eleventh knife in this award winning
series. As with previous models, Case worked
with Tony Bose to produce a factory-made
knife that nearly duplicates the custom knife
Bose makes in his workshop. The Wharncliffe
and Short Clip blades feature dramatic swedge
work, and are made from 154-CM, a high performance stainless alloy preferred by Bose as
well as discerning knife enthusiasts. The stainless liners are milled to improve blade fall, and
the traditional Badge shield is pinned to the
scale. With a waiting list years long, the
chances of owning a Tony Bose original custom
knife are slim at best. The Case/Bose Norfolk is
certainly the next best thing.
Production will be limited to a total of
1,000 pieces - 300 in Peach Seed Jigged
Antique Bone, 300 in Peach Seed Jigged
Chestnut Bone, 200 in Ebony Wood, 100 in
Genuine Mother-of-Pearl, and 100 in Abalone.
How do you follow a winner? With the
Norfolk, Case and Tony Bose certainly have the
answer!
S
pring has arrived! Yes even Bradford, Pennsylvania, home of the
Case factory, has finally managed to shake free from winter’s
grip. Warming temperatures, flowers
starting to bloom, and a little
daylight left when heading home
after work - this is a great time of
year. Turn the pages of the 2009
Spring Promotional Products
Catalog, and you’ll see that it is a
great time for Case Collectors as
well.
Three new Case patterns make
their debut:
the Desk Knife,
Humpback Whittler, and Humpback
Stockman. In Genuine Mother-ofPearl or Tested Red Bone, with a 154CM blade, the Desk Knife will be a
great addition to any home or office.
Fans of traditional Case-style are sure
to appreciate both the Whittler and
Stockman versions of the Humpback.
The
Case/Tony
Bose
Custom
Collaboration for 2009, a Norfolk, is also
highlighted in the book. These new
knives are covered in more detail on
Pages 4 and 6 in this issue of The Case
Collector.
Red Stag is back for 2009 with eight knives, including the popular
Cheetah Cub® and Seahorse Whittler. While Blue Lagoon marks the 24th
release in the long-running Case XX Limited Edition Series. The Small Texas
Toothpick, Canoe, and Whittler feature Thomas Damascus blades paired with
Genuine Stag handles. Rogers Jigged Dark Molasses Bone makes a great handle material for the assortment honoring our company namesake, William
Russell Case®, and there’s a John Deere Trademark Series in Smooth Yellow
Bone.
Springtime is when ice cream stands open for the season, and that
makes it the perfect time to salute the Holstein. Eight knives with Smooth
Natural Bone handles embellished to resemble the cow’s hide make their
debut. After all, there’s nothing more wholesome than a glass of milk…and a
Case knife! It’s a great look, and follows nicely along with the Zebra, Bengal
Tiger, Leopard, and Giraffe knives offered by Case in previous years.
A Case knife makes the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
Perhaps an addition to your family – a boy or girl, son or daughter, grandson
or granddaughter, the Case Polka Dot’s will certainly hit the spot. And even
if the stork didn’t make a delivery, they’re just fun. Baby Butterbean fans take
note that the Pink Polka Dot version won’t be around for long since the
Butterbean is headed for the Case XX Vault on July 1st! For the Holidays,
there are Authorized Dealer Exclusive Halloween, Thanksgiving, and
Christmas knives, each with a limited production of 350 pieces.
Commemorative offerings in the Spring Promotional Products Catalog
include Mint Sets for Case XX Limited Edition Series XXIV in Blue Lagoon and
the Standard® Knife Company in Heritage Jigged Natural Bone. The 2009
Dealer Knife incorporates a historical timeline in the impressive shadow box,
with a Gunboat Canoe as the centerpiece. Students of Case history will also
note that 2009 is the 80th Anniversary of the Russell Boulevard Plant – an
event we recognize with a special Trapper in Jigged Antique Bone. The popular Trapper is also used in two Ducks Unlimited® Sets, a “Real American
Cash” knife, Green and Yellow with center bolster for John Deere, and is
paired with Zippo Lighters for John Wayne™ and Dale Earnhardt, Jr®.
Last, and certainly not least, the Making a Case for America campaign is
still going strong at Case – with a new Mini-Blackhorn® and “Steers & Stripes”
Brooks & Dunn Trapper added to the line. Spring is finally here, so clean out
the garage, check the oil in the lawnmower, and most of all…celebrate!
#05524 Genuine Stag
Humpback Stockman (53046 SS)
#09446 Red Stag
Cheetah Cub® (R511 1/2L SS)
#11572 Blue Lagoon Bone
Sway Back Jack (TB62117 SS)
#06092 Genuine Stag
Damascus Whittler (5383WH DAM)
#08947 Holstein Cow
Large Folding Hunter (6265 SS)
#08800 Polka Dot
Baby Butterbean
(62132 SS)
#03126 80th Anniversary of
the Russell Boulevard Plant
Trapper Commemorative
THE CASE COLLECTOR
5
New Case Patterns
Splash into 2009
H
ow does Case come up with an idea for
a new knife? Well, with 120 years of
knifemaking heritage, we often look to
the past for inspiration. This time, the search stopped
at the antique display in the front entrance to the factory. Collectors Club Members who have visited the
facility know this spot is where the factory tour begins.
Case is proud to introduce the Humpback, an extremely practical working knife, with an antique look, and a
vintage style that collectors will appreciate.
To make sure the new version looked just right,
Case Design Engineer Scott Freer used the “Tested Era”
Humpback from the office display as his model, confirming proper blade profiles and handle shape. With
the “look” established, Scott then went to work with
his computer design and modeling programs, to
reengineer the knife from the ground up. A Stockman
design is always a challenge, notes Scott. “You have to
make room for the blades to close properly into the
handle. The type of grind used and the shape of the
swedge work on each blade make a big difference.”
The Humpback is being introduced in both
Stockman and Whittler versions. The Stockman is
being offered first in Genuine Stag and Pocket Worn®
Harvest Orange Bone, featuring Spear, Sheepfoot, and
Spey blades on a two-backspring frame. The Whittler,
in Barnboard Jigged Burnt White Bone and Black G-10,
features Spear, Spey, and Pen blades on three backsprings, as is traditional for this configuration. Any
way you look at it, the Humpback is sure to make a big
splash.
Longtime Case collectors and non knife-users alike
will appreciate another Case model making its’ debut.
When mail and packages are piling up on the desk, a
traditional letter opener just won’t do. The new Case
Desk Knife (17-3) however, is up to the task. The flat
taper ground Wharncliffe blade is made from 154-CM,
a high performance stainless alloy, so cutting through
all of that tape won’t be a problem. The curved shape
of the handle fits comfortably in the hand, making it a
whole lot easier to get through all of those bills,
statements, invitations, and sweepstake entries. At
6” overall, the Desk Knife comes complete with a
fitted leather sheath, so it won’t get lost in the
desktop shuffle. First versions of the Desk Knife
will feature handles in Tested Red Bone and
Genuine Mother-of-Pearl. The perfect desk accessory
for any home or office, we think the Case Desk Knife is
an exceptional gift idea for any special occasion.
New Case knives are going into production and
there is no more gratifying time than this. Designs have
been tweaked, tooling built, fixtures ready, packaging
ordered, everything is a go for the launch. It’s a nervous time too, kind of like when the kids head off to
school. Everyone at Case is excited about the
Humpback and Desk Knife. We hope you will be too.
6
2009•VOLUME II
By John Sullivan
This floor model
display in the
front office at
Case holds the
knife that provided the inspiration
for our new
Humback pattern.
#05524 Genuine Stag
Humpback Stockman
(53046 SS)
#05698 Humpback Whittler
Barnboard Jigged Burnt
White Bone
(63046WH SS)
#20101 Tested Red Bone
Desk Knife
(617-3 154CM)
A Tinkering for Case Knives
L
ife Member Charlie Montgomery (cmontgomery on the Case Knife Forum) was born
in Sublett, Kentucky and moved to Chelsea,
Michigan at age five. Chelsea is in the southeastern part
of the state. Charlie has many great memories of growing up there and spending time with his family. His Dad
always carried a 3-bladed Small Stockman and can be
credited with giving Charlie his first knife in 1963. It
was not a Case knife, but it meant the world to Charlie.
Family get-togethers were always fun as his Dad and
several uncles would trade pocketknives. Charlie’s Dad
said to him at an early age, “If you don’t want to trade
your knife, then keep it in your pocket. Otherwise, it’s
fair game.” Charlie participated in only one trade. The
knife was a Marlin Spike dating back to the Case XX
USA Era (1965-69) that he found lying along the side of
the road. He traded it with one of his uncles. It sounded like a wise decision back then, but now that he has a
learned a thing or two about collecting, he wishes he
still owned it. In Charlie’s words, “that was enough to
teach me a lesson.”
During his high school years, Charlie took a job at
Chelsea Hardware. It just so happens that while at
work, he walked past a Case knife display. After many
trips to and from, Charlie became curious, so he
stopped to see what was inside. In 1970, he purchased
his first Case knife out of that display paying about $15.
It was a ten dot “Tested XX Razor Edge” Delrin Slimline
Trapper (62048 SSP). “There was no turning back after
I held the knife in my hand,” shared Charlie.
Charlie works as a Machine Maintenance
Supervisor at Malloy, Inc. He has 40 years of seniority
and enjoys the challenges that he encounters each day.
Charlie loves “tinkering” with items and working on
projects. He is intrigued with taking things apart and
learning how things work. Sounds like the perfect fit for
his chosen field of work.
Searching for the perfect pattern to collect, he
found that Case offered a product that was a cut above.
He likes the fit, finish, and bone handle colors offered
by Case. His knife collection is quite unique in that he
buys both new and used pocketknives. When asked
what intrigues him about used knives, he commented,
“I like to look at how the knife is worn over time, and
speculate how big of
a pal the knife was to
the owner. I bet if the
knife could talk,
there would be many
stories.” New Case
knives seem to be his
primary focus today.
Among his collection
sits
SlimLock®,
and
RussLock®,
CopperLock® knives,
as well as Annual
Club Knives offered
through the Case
Collectors Club. He
owns
over
100
Charlie anxiously awaits to see if knives and is proud
he was the highest bidder at a
to brag that he has all
of
the SlimLocks
recent Case Consumer Event.
By Lisa Boser-Miller
(over 25) that Case
has manufactured.
As Charlie’s collection grew, so too
was his need to
store his collectables locked tight in
a safe. It is no surprise that he carries one of the
most
beautiful
knives ever crafted
by W.R. Case &
Sons,
the
SlimLock.
Charlie
felt
confident that the
CCC would help
teach him about Charlie and Susan pose for a quick photo with their Cocker Spaniels
collecting knives Daisey May and Sophie, who are proudly wearing Case bandanas.
and he immediately joined as a Life Member in 2001. He is glad that he
made this decision. He enjoys knowing what knives are
being shipped to Authorized Dealers, learning about
Case history, seeing firsthand how Case knives are made
by touring the Case factory, and making new friends.
When Case introduced the Case Knife Forum, he realized that other folks from Michigan also collect Case
knives. He thanks Case for paving the way to create
some great friendships. Someone else
who is important to Charlie is also
becoming quite the knife expert, his
fiancé Susan Bareis (SuzyQ on the
Case Knife Forum). Charlie shared that
“she has a very good eye for knives.”
He wanted her to feel welcomed and
just as much a part of the CCC, so he
signed her up as a Life Member.
Charlie and his friends enjoy traveling together to at least two
Consumer Event Shows each Summer.
“Visiting different Authorized Dealers
and building relationships with some
has been a lot of fun and has been
The first Case knife that
rewarding,” comments Charlie. “There is always exciteCharlie purchased was this
ment in the air with the possibility that there may be
knives sitting on a shelf that I may not know about.”
Delrin Slimline Trapper
Besides collecting knives, Charlie also enjoys
(62048 SSP).
spending time with Susan and their two Cocker
Spaniels, scuba diving, gadgets, working with his
hands, exploring how things work, and photography.
One of his amazing images is the December feature in
the 2009 Case Calendar. Charlie always carries his cell
phone with him to every knife show. Downloaded into
this little hand-held piece of technology is information
on each Case knife pattern, as well as a listing of each
knife in his collection with photos. Now there’s an idea
for us all!
A special thanks to Charlie Montgomery for sharing his
story and many Case Consumer Event photos with fellow
collectors. He graciously posts many great images capturing excitement at each Case tour stop. We look forward to
seeing more this Summer!
THE CASE COLLECTOR
7
The Secrets to the Missions of WWII
By Lisa Boser-Miller
Throughout its history, W.R. Case & Sons
Cutlery has had a
tradition of supporting the United States
Military leading to
some of the most
valuable collectables
having a connection
with
past
war
efforts.
8
W
orld War II (WWII) was the most
widespread war in history. It was a
global military conflict which involved
a majority of the world's nations,
including all of the great powers. Over seventy million people lost their lives during WWII, making it
the deadliest conflict in human history. The war
involved the mobilization of over 100 million military personnel while the major participants placed
their complete economic, industrial, and scientific
capabilities at the service of the war effort. Case was
no exception.
W.R. Case & Sons was called upon at least 26
times to make various items for the government in
support of WWII. Case was not alone. Many other
cutlery manufacturers also helped with the cause.
During these times, regular production of pocketknives was stopped as workers dedicated time in
support of war efforts through the production of military-use knives. One of the most interesting pieces
of memorabilia in the Case archives is a letter from
J. Russell Case addressed to all Case dealers. It was
written during WWII and asked for the dealers’
patience as Case had dedicated all of its manufacturing to the war effort and would have nothing to
ship for sale at retail. This was the situation for two
years during the war.
A wide variety of military knives were manufactured for the war during the 1940’s under government specifications. Case’s contribution to the war
effort ranged from single and multi-bladed folding
knives to fighting and survival knives. Case was the
largest supplier of straight razors being sold under
the Case, Genco, and a few other brand names.
Case served their country during WWII not only
with large combat knives, but with multiple use
knives such as the Electrician’s Knife and the
Campers Knife. Since these knives served so many
purposes, they made an excellent pocketknife for all
those serving in the military. Besides knives and
razors, Case also developed a line of kitchenware to
support those at war.
Military knives were in such high demand that
the “Save a Life with a Knife” campaign was
launched. This program asked folks who owned
sturdy hunting knives, with blades at least four-inches long, to donate them for the soldiers to use.
Most pocketknives made for the armed services
bore no special purpose. Various branches of the
service just preferred different patterns. Many of the
fixed blade sheath knives noted had no specific notoriety other than being used in survival packages and
for general utility purposes. Following is a list of
many unique knives produced by W.R. Case & Sons
during WWII. Searching through the Case archives,
we have included any information that was found,
presented to the best of our knowledge. If you can
share additional facts, please give a call and do so.
The featured knives are also on display at the
Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, PA. A few knives
manufactured by Case during WWII (such as the V42 Stiletto and the M-3 Trench Knife) have unusual
stories behind them. These special knives are featured on Page 11.
Throughout its history, W.R. Case & Sons has
had a tradition of supporting the United States
Military leading to some of the most valuable collectables having a connection with past war efforts.
Maybe a few of these are tucked away at your home,
just waiting to be discovered.
GENERAL UTILITY KNIFE (62031)
LINEMAN’S KNIFE (TL29)
GENERAL UTILITY KNIFE (6445R)
•Pictured in a 1930’s catalog
•Pattern was incorrectly listed in Case
records as a 6216 (3 3/8” length)
•Jigged Bone Barehead handle
•Spear (with long pull) and Pen blade
•Quantity made is unknown
•3 3/4” closed
•Manufactured for the Signal Corps
•Knife resembles the 031 pattern
similar to the 12031 LR
•Believe that the pattern was re-named
031 after the war
•Wooden Barehead handle with bail and Case shield
•Carries a Spear & Electrician’s blade
•Approximate quantity made is 130,000
•3 3/4” closed
•Manufactured for all branches of the services
•Jigged Bone handle with bail
•Carries Punch and Spear blades, Screw Driver,
and Can Opener with thumb stud
•Quantity made is unknown
2009•VOLUME II
GENERAL UTILITY KNIFE (6231)
UTILITY KNIFE WITH CAN OPENER
UTILITY KNIFE
•Pictured in a late 1930’s catalog
•Knife resembles the 620035 (a variation
of the 35 pattern) but differs in length
•Jigged Bone handle
•Spear and Pen blades
•Quantity made is unknown
•3 3/4” closed
•Pattern number unknown
•Red Plastic handle with bail
•Carries Spear and Pen blades,
Screw Driver, and Can Opener
•Quantity made is unknown
•3 3/4” closed
•Pattern number unknown (resembles ’91 Whittler)
•Jigged Bone Handle
•Carries Spear, Spey, and Sheepfoot blades
•Spear blade has a long pull
•Quantity made is unknown
•4 1/4” closed
NAVY SURVIVAL KNIFE (6299)
UTILITY KNIFE (1117)
PLUMBER’S KNIFE
•Included as part of an emergency survival kit
•Smaller blade was used as a can opener
•Jigged Bone handle
•Carries Sheepfoot and Pen with
thumb stud blades
•Approximate quantity made is 10,000
•4 1/8” closed
•Assume this to be the pattern number
•Walnut handle with bail
•Sheepfoot blade design was a special
order for the service
•Quantity made is unknown
•4” closed
•Jigged Bone handle
•Carries Coping and Pen blades
•Approximate quantity made for the
government was 550
EXPERIMENTAL BUDDING KNIFE
•Pattern number unknown (believed to be 2109B) •Quantity made is unknown
•Resembles the ’87 pattern made in the late 30’s and early 40’s but differs in length
•Carries Spey (folds) and Budding (fixed) blades
•Black Plastic Handle
•3 1/4” closed
STRAIGHT RAZOR
•Case razors were produced under several brand names
•Image above is called “Next”
•Approximate quantity made is in the thousands
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXPERIMENTAL BUDDING KNIFE
•Pattern number unknown •Quantity made is unknown
•Used for experimental work on South American rubber plantations
•Carries Spey and Budding blades (both fixed)
•Wooden Handle •Length is 8 1/4”
THE CASE COLLECTOR
9
UTILITY KNIFE (325-6)
•Leather washer handle •Black plastic butt
•6” Chrome plated blade with a wide blood groove
•Stainless Steel guard
•Approximate quantity made is 12,000
UTILITY KNIFE (322-5)
•Included as part of an emergency survival kit
•Leather washer handle •Bright Aluminum butt
•5” blade with a wide blood groove •Brass guard
•Approximate quantity made is 5,500
COMBAT / UTILITY KNIFE (325-5)
•Smaller version of the 325-6 Utility Knife
•Leather washer handle •Black plastic butt
•5” Chrome plated blade with thin blood groove
•Stainless Steel guard •Quantity made is unknown
COMBINATION COMBAT / UTILITY KNIFE
•Pattern number unknown
•Leather washer handle
•Bright steel butt •5” Parkerized blade
•Quantity made is unknown
SURVIVAL KNIFE
•Included as part of an emergency survival kit
•Pattern number unknown •5” blade with no blood groove
•Leather washer handle, fitted over an aluminum tang
•Brass butt is threaded for a brass screw on cap
holding a compass on the inside
•Handle is hollow and was used for storage of survival goods
•Nickel silver guard
UTILITY KNIFE (325-6)
•Used by the ski troops •Leather washer handle
•6” Chrome plated blade with a thin blood groove
•Brushed Aluminum guard •Black plastic butt
•Quantity made is unknown
M4 OR SHORT BAYONET
•Only bayonet manufactured by Case
•Leather washer handle
•Steel butt
•7” Parkerized blade with a double edged
FIGHTING KNIFE (337-6Q)
•Manufactured for the Quartermaster Corps
•Heavy steel checked butt for use as a hammer
•6” bright polished blade with thin blood groove
•Stainless Steel guard •Quantity made is unknown
•“337-6Q” is stamped on back of blade
•Leather washer handle
10
2009•VOLUME II
Case is a family-owned company
and we don’t have a big budget. But we
do have big dreams, the same as every
hardworking American. We’re challenging our citizens to rethink where
they shop, because the livelihoods of
the most trusted local merchants in
our towns across the country are at
stake. We’re asking collectors to take a
stand and join us in Making a Case for
America.
Making a Case for America is a
movement to support and pay tribute
to small-town independent businesses,
small-town values and the spirit of all
things “Made in America.” It’s about
focusing attention and pledging support for local products manufactured
in small-town U.S.A., and giving back
to the “mom and pop” stores that were
once the centerpiece of downtown
America. The American Dream is alive
and well in small towns across our
nation, where hard-working men and
women take pride in a job well done
and value family and friends above all
else.
Small towns keep people together,
and we’re going to do our part to
restore that tradition for hard-working
Americans. The folks at W.R. Case &
Sons Cutlery Company are proud to
help spread the word and unite the
nation in celebration of America’s
hometown spirit. We’re doing just that
by traveling across America’s highways
and byways to meet loyal Case
Collectors
through
scheduled
Consumer Tours and Events. See the
page 14 for a complete listing of scheduled event details. The limited production tour knives are as follows:
12
2009•VOLUME II
Making a Case for America
Tour Knife
The Large Stockman (6375 SS) features
Smooth Chestnut Bone handles laser
embellished with the “Making a Case for
America” logo. Twenty-Five (25) of these
are available at each Making a Case for
America Tour stop.
President’s Tour Knife
Tom Arrowsmith, President and CEO of W.R.
Case & Sons Cutlery Company, has selected
the new Humpback Stockman (63046 SS) as
the President’s Knife for 2009. The
Smooth Old Red Bone handles are laser
engraved with “President’s Knife” artwork, and the Spear Pocket blade carries Mr. Arrowsmith’s signature. A
total of 300 knives will be available
at four Presidents Tour stops this
year.
Tony Bose’s Tour Knife
Case Custom Collaborator Tony Bose
will be making four stops on the
Making a Case for America Tour. To
celebrate the continued success of
this award-winning partnership,
W.R. Case & Sons proudly offers
the Saddlehorn (TB62110 SS) as
Tony’s knife for 2009. Peach Seed
Jigged Antique Bone handles feature the traditional Badge shield. The
blades are Tru-Sharp™ surgical
steel, with Tony’s signature on the
master blade. Only 250 knives will be
available, with a select quantity offered
at each stop.
Collector’s Tour Knife
Historian’s Tour Knife
Shirley Boser retired as the Case Historian at the
end of 2008, but she will still be joining us at four
stops in 2009. For her “Farewell Tour”, Shirley
selected the TrapperLock (6154L SS). The
Smooth Antique Bone handles are embellished
with “Historian’s Tour” artwork, and the Clip
blade features Shirley’s signature. Total production will be limited to 250 pieces, with a select
quantity available at each stop. The knives at
each stop will also carry unique artwork. Be sure
to take the time to see Shirley, learn some about
the incredible history of Case, and congratulate
her as she starts this new phase of her life.
Artisan’s Tour Knife
Dedicated, carrying on the tradition of knifemaking
handed down for generations, there’s no better
example of the hard-working American than the
Case Artisan. We celebrate their efforts with the
Seahorse Whittler (6355WH SS), featuring Smooth
Bermuda Green Bone handles, fluted nickel silver
bolsters and Tru-Sharp™ surgical steel blades.
Production is limited to 250 knives, with 50 available at five Artisan Tour stops. The knives available at each stop will carry unique artwork.
W.R. Case & Sons is truly blessed to have so
many loyal collectors. That’s why we wanted
the chance to say thank you again, with the
return of the Case Collector’s Appreciation
Tour. Lisa Boser-Miller, Manager of the Case
Collectors Club will be making four stops this
year, and her knife, a Medium Jack (62087
SS) is sure to be a favorite. The Smooth
Chestnut Bone handles are engraved with
“Collector’s Tour” artwork, and the Clip blade
features Lisa’s signature. Total production
will be 200 pieces, and the artwork will vary
at each of the stops.
Chairman of the Board’s Tour Knife
Tribute to America Tour Knife
Chairman of the Board Greg Booth is making one stop on the 2009 Making a
Case for America Tour. The Chairman’s Knife, a Canoe (62131 SS), features
Tru-Sharp™ surgical steel blades and fluted nickel silver bolsters. The
Smooth Mediterranean Blue Bone handle is engraved with “Chairman’s
Knife” artwork, and the Spear blade is embellished with Mr. Booth’s signature. Production is limited to 100 knives.
The American Dream is indeed alive and well. That’s something you can see with
this “Tribute to America” Knife, a Smooth Old Red Bone handled Mini CopperLock
(61749L SS). A total of 200 knives will be produced this year. Ed Jessup, Case
Vice President of Marketing & Sales will be visiting three stops this year with the
Tribute to America Knife.
June 13 (9 am – 1 pm)
Jacksboro, TN
Hazel’s Hairstyles & Stuff
(423) 566-3441
Artisans Tour
July 25 (9 am – 1 pm)
Holly Springs, MS
Booker Hardware
(877) 552-9822
Tony Bose Tour
June 13 (9 am – 1 pm)
Wesson, MS
Wesson Ace Hardware
(866) 720-2636
Collector Appreciation Tour
July 25 (9 am – 1 pm)
Huntington, WV
General Building Supply
(800) 926-6024
Collector Appreciation Tour
June 20 (9 am – 2 pm)
Sevierville, TN
Smoky Mountain Knife Works
(800) 251-9306
President, Chairman of the
Board, Tony Bose, Historian, &
Tribute to America Tours
August 1 (9 am – 1 pm)
Branson, MO
Shepherd Hills Cutlery
(800) 727-4643
President Tour
June 27 (9 am – 1 pm)
Weatherford, TX
Teskey’s Saddle Shop
(888) 955-2955
Tony Bose Tour
June 27 (9 am – 1 pm)
Eddyville, KY
Shepherd Hills Cutlery
(800) 727-4643
Celebrating American
Made Event
July 11 (9 am – 1 pm)
Greenwood, DE
Willey Knives
(302) 349-4070
Celebrating American
Made Event
August 8 (9 am – 1 pm)
Buffalo Shoals, NC
Buffalo Shoals Hardware
(828) 464-0817
Artisans Tour
August 22 (9 am – 1 pm)
Mt. Washington, KY
Bluegrass Mountain Knives
(888) 538-4232
Collector Appreciation Tour
August 29 (9 am – 1 pm)
Mackinaw City, MI
Coffman Hardware
(888) 730-2267
Historian Tour
September 12 (9 am – 4 pm)
Lebanon, MO
Shepherd Hills Cutlery
Celebration
(800) 727-4643
Case sponsored
event featuring
President Tom Arrowsmith
(There will not be an event
knife at this stop)
September 19 (9 am – 1 pm)
Birch Run, MI
Brass World
(877) 564-3399
Artisans Tour
September 26 (9 am – 1 pm)
Radcliff, KY
Red Hill Cutlery
(800) 378-7120
Historian and Tribute to
America Tours
September 26 (9 am – 1 pm)
Flowery Branch, GA
Oakwood Ace Hardware
(770) 287-0010
Celebrating American
Made Event
October 3 (9 am – 1 pm)
Parrish, AL
Case Knife Outlet
(800) 479-4393
Artisans Tour
Celebrating American Made Event Knives
New this year, a few Case Authorized Dealers will be hosting events in which Case
personalities will not be attending. In honor of these exclusive events, two knives
will be introduced. The Trapper (6254 SS) and Medium Stockman (6318 SS) feature Smooth Natural Bone handles laser engraved with special “Case American
Made” artwork. A limited number of each knife will be available at each stop.
These events are identified with a flag icon above. Unless noted in the schedule,
there will not be any additional tour knives featured at these stops.
14
2009•VOLUME II
October 17 (9 am – 1 pm)
Ballground, GA
Lawson’s Home Center
(800) 828-7690
Historian Tour
October 24 (9 am – 1 pm)
Troy, NC
Montgomery Farm & Garden
(877) 758-0798
Tribute to America Tour &
Celebrating American
Made Event
October 31 (9 am – 1 pm)
Spurger, TX
Texas Knives & Collectibles
(800) 434-6205
Artisans Tour
November 7 (9 am -1 pm)
Richmond, KY
Bluegrass Ace Hardware
(859) 623-2380
Tony Bose Tour
November 14 (9 am – 1 pm)
Land O Lakes, FL
Harvey’s Hardware
(888) 355-9064
President Tour
NOTICE: Times and
dates are subject to
change
Use the code below to read
a special announcement
from Case. Here is how to
do so. Solve the math
problems by using the grid.
Then use the key to find the
let ter that matches each answer.
Write the let ter on the blank provided. Once
completed, you ’ ll know that Case is going to reward our
Junior members later this year. Stay tuned for more details.
KEY: a=7
GRID
A B
2 4
C D
6 5
e=8
W___tch
i=10
o=9
th___ n___xt
A+D
A+C
A+C
sp___c___ ___l
A+C
B+C
A+D
A+C
f___r
B+D
B+C
J___n___ ___r
B+C
B+C
B+D
B+C
___f
B+D
Th___
B+D
___nf___rm___t___ ___n
B+D
C+D
y=6
___d___t___ ___n
A+C
C___ll___ct___r
B+D
u=11
B+D
A+D
B+C B+D
M___mb___rs
A+C
A+C
A+D
___n
___
B+D
A+D
___nl___
B+D
C___s___
A+C
A+B
A+C
dr___w___ng.
A+D
B+C
A Birthday to Remember
Your very own knife
Amy and Tim Schultz were proud to
join their daughter Hannah while
celebrating her 12th birthday at the
Case factory.
The Junior Member Knife for 2009 is a
Rogers Jigged Dark Red Bone Small Texas
Toothpick (620096 SS). Don’t forget to
place your order by July 24th!
ANSWER KEY FOR PUZZLE: Watch the next
edition of The Case Collector for information on a
special Junior Members only drawing.
Junior Club Members look forward to turning the
magic age of 12, as they are then allowed to tour the
Case factory. Hannah Schultz (Hazel Park, MI) was
anticipating her big birthday for several months. Her
Dad, Tim, let us in on the secret and folks from Case
were ready and waiting to celebrate when she arrived
last February to take a tour. Hannah has been collecting Case knives since May of 2006. Her favorite color
is purple and she enjoys collecting the Peanut, Tiny
Trapper, and Tiny Muskrat patterns. Hannah studies in
the 6th grade at Macomb Christian Schools in Warren,
MI where she is a Great Lakes Scholar, math
Olympiad, and past spelling bee champ. Besides learning about Case knives, she enjoys playing the piano,
participating in the sports of volleyball and basketball,
fishing, and learning about classic cars (her favorite
being a 1961 Chevrolet Corvair “770”). She went on
her first Michigan firearms deer hunt last year and is
looking forward to hunting this year. Tim credits Larry
Montgomery at Case XX Cutlery in Birch Run, MI for
introducing them to the Case Collectors Club. We were
thrilled to share in Hannah’s special birthday celebration. Now, she’s counting the days until she turns 16
and can drive her family to Bradford!
THE CASE COLLECTOR
15