Case or Old Timer

wingriderz · #1 03-23-2017, 02:13 PM

For those that carry those. I am looking for a small one blade folder . To keep in front pocket for Edc light duty packages envolpes . Is case worth the extra cost ?

Mule Packer · #2 03-23-2017, 02:37 PM

To answer your question...it depends.

Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.

If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.

In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.

Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.

Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.

Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.

Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.

Some of my Case pocket knives.

HARDWARE · #3 03-23-2017, 02:48 PM

i have a case sodbuster junior in vanadium and yellow delrin. its been a good knife. i think theyre maybe 10 bucks at lowes

tx40d · #4 03-23-2017, 02:53 PM

I bought a three-blade old timer a long time ago, I generally cut rope, boxes, open letters. Its held up ok, it has some rust but keeps a sharp blade. That said, I prefer a lockback folding knife to keep the blade from closing on me.

hope that helps,
Tx40d

wingriderz · #5 03-23-2017, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mule Packer

To answer your question...it depends.

Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.

If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.

In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.

Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.

Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.

Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.

Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.

Some of my Case pocket knives.

Thanks nice collection . Its just to keep me from using my main EDC knife out of boxes string envlopes.

gonerydin · #6 03-23-2017, 03:06 PM

A side note: Taylor Brands owns Schrade. Smith & Wesson holding company recently paid $85 million to purchase Taylor Brands.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

wingriderz · #7 03-23-2017, 03:37 PM

I have found Tractor Supply to have a good stock of Cases and reasonable prices.

crazyphil · #8 03-23-2017, 03:44 PM

I have a Schrade and a Case. (photos in Gunleather forum titled Maker
Marks and History.) I don't know the price differential, but in my opinion
the Case is a much better quality knife.

rwt1405 · #9 03-23-2017, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mule Packer

To answer your question...it depends.

Here's a little history, then I'll let you be the judge.

If we're talking Case knives made in the 1960's and Schrade knives (maker of Old Timer) made in the 1960's, I'd say it was "a pair of sixes." You know, six of one, half-a-dozen of the other. Both were well-made, quality knives.

In the 1970's, however, Case knives changed ownership and the quality started going down hill until 1993 when Case was purchased by Zippo lighters.

Zippo brought a bunch of the old Case metallurgists out of retirement and told them that they wanted to start making quality knives again, which they have been successfully doing now for the past twenty-four years. Their knives are made of quality steel, whether you opt to go with their Chrome Vanadium blade (high carbon) or their stainless blade. Either one will give you good service.

Schrade, on the other hand, started importing various parts from China beginning in the 1990's. They were then either sold or taken over by the Taylor company in 2004 and all knives from then on were made in China. Some say the quality suffered. I tend to agree.

Now, this is just my opinion, so take it with the proverbial "grain of salt," but given the choice between the two, I'd definitely go with Case. Better steel and American made.

Of course, if you're just going to use it to open envelopes or cut string, you can get by with just about anything from using your teeth to a pair of fingernail clippers.

^^^^ What he said!

Said much better then I could have Mule Packer.

Wishbone · #10 03-23-2017, 04:23 PM

Case all day long.

growr · #11 03-23-2017, 04:54 PM

As long as it is stamped Made in USA you can't go wrong with either...I have a number of each maker. That all changes when it is not stamped at all or China.

One of my all time favorites has been the Old Timer 30T folder.....sharpens easily and holds an edge for a VERY long time.

Randy

L Pete · #12 03-23-2017, 05:26 PM

I've never been crazy about Old Timers, but Uncle Henrys were really good knives fifty years ago. I carried a medium Stockman Uncle Henry for years, and I considered it the perfect pocket knife. Then, I lost it, and was heart broken. I carried many different knives since, but lately I've been carrying a Case medium Stockman, and I'm very happy with it. I was never a real fan of Case knives until I started using them about 15 or 20 years ago. Now days, I'd buy a Case, in a minute, and not worry any longer. I'm not real sure about Schrade, like I was about the old Schrade-Waldens of years past.

wingriderz · #13 03-23-2017, 06:08 PM

I have Swiss Army officers model in that pocket now. Its a great knife and keeps me from reaching in other pocket for my lockblade. I am looking to go with signal blade and a lil less bluk. You all sold me on rhe Case. I have seen the Texas Tooth pick model . Thoughts please or any other models ?

Gardner11 · #14 03-23-2017, 06:41 PM

The mini trapper is a good choice for a smaller knife and if you want a one hand opener go with the Russlock . All current Case models are well built .

Richard Simmons · #15 03-23-2017, 06:59 PM

Case sodbuster is a good choice as is a GEC Bullnose which I'm carrying this week. Also a Buck 503 Prince (locking blade), 55 (also locking) or a Buck 302 Solitare would be well worth your consideration.

HARDWARE · #16 03-23-2017, 07:34 PM

I also have and recommend the GEC bullnose. ..love that vintage orange delrin

HARDWARE · #17 03-23-2017, 07:58 PM

Here's the bullnose. A classic pattern

Richard Simmons · #18 03-23-2017, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HARDWARE

Here's the bullnose. A classic pattern

Very nice! I've also got the matching Bull Buster.

garddogg56 · #19 03-23-2017, 08:29 PM

For me as an EDC work knife the made in USA Oldtimer with 1095 steel and delrin scales is a far tougher knife BUT as a Sunday knife or prettier knife Case all the way

Left are 125ot+34ot.. rgt are 1970 vin carbon steel blades with bone scales Cases.both steels sharpen easy and hold an edge well.

kwselke · #20 03-23-2017, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Simmons

Case sodbuster is a good choice as is a GEC Bullnose which I'm carrying this week. Also a Buck 503 Prince (locking blade), 55 (also locking) or a Buck 302 Solitare would be well worth your consideration.

I carried Buck 503 Prince models for many years and liked them, I just kept losing them. I think I carried similar Buck models called Squire and Knight. Same basic knife, just different sizes. I loved them all, but for whatever reason they would turn up lost and never find their way home.

If you are simply looking for a low cost (under $25) folder Schrade/Old Timer, lower end Case, and low end Bucks, as well as many other brands will serve you well until they are lost or broken. Pick a model that you like, then use it, your preferences in knife design will be refined that way.

I have a bunch of cheap knives around that see frequent use, even though I have "better" more expensive knives available too. I do not need to use a $70 knife to peel a grapefruit when a $6 model works fine and is at hand.

les.b · #21 03-23-2017, 09:04 PM

You won't go wrong following Mule Packers advice. I have knives from both companies, and as long as you can find one of the old, made in the US Schrades, either an Uncle Henry or Old Timer, or one of the Cases that he describes, you will not go wrong. I always carry a pocket knife, and have a pretty good accumulation of them, which I rotate through.

One thing that is generally true: "you get what you pay for". I know that there are some nice bargains out there, and I have found a few myself (used to stop at Smokey Mountain Knife Works when driving from here to Florida).

But good quality knives are usually not cheap.

Best Regards, Les

k22fan · #22 03-23-2017, 09:19 PM

Apparently you have settled on a Case. That's a sound choice. How small do you want to go? My guess is that your Swiss Army Knife Officer's model is the same length as my medium size Camper, 3.6" closed. Mule Packer's picture contains three 2 5/8" closed Tiny Trappers, pattern 62154, and in the lower right corner, one 3 1/2" closed Mini-Trapper, pattern 62107. Both are available with only one clip blade. Lowering the second number in the pattern numbers to 1 gives you their pattern numbers. Case makes a large variety of tiny, small and medium pocket knives. If I knew how small you want I'd suggest others.

A blade lock has been suggested. While blade locks are popular, if the knife is used as a tool rather than a weapon, locks are frivolous. We would not even ask Mule Packer if his Trappers are closing on his fingers. You would have to do something very stupid for that to happen. A lot of single blade folders are made with blade locks but the smaller the knife the more awkward it is to unlatch them.

Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) knives have also been suggested. While they are great quality pocket knives, comparing knives with the same features, GEC made pocket knives are the most expensive new knives. While they are still hard to justify Queens are a more affordable step up from Case.

Also, the suggested Case Sod Busters are fat for single blades. Their plastic sides are thick to make up for the lack of metal bolsters. They were designed to provide a blade made from good steel at a low price.

Richard Simmons · #23 03-23-2017, 09:48 PM

I've got a yellow Queen Country Cousin and it's a great little blade in D2.

Texas Star · #24 03-23-2017, 09:52 PM

The original Schrade is out of business. Closed about 2004. Taylor (?) bought the name and makes current "Schrade" knives in China.

Of the original knives, I never liked the Old Timer. It just had brush finish polish on the blades, and the non-stainless blades rust easily. The Uncle Henry line used stainless and had a better overall finish. Staglon (Delrin) scales.

Case knives are better finished. I have one Case, a medium stockman with red bone scales. Nice knife, but I hardly ever carry it.

I use mainly Swiss Army knives. I think they're excellent value and every time I carry a stockman or trapper pattern, I need some tool that I'd have if I'd carried a SAK.

I think you need a Case Sodbuster or similar knife made by Carl Schlieper (Eye Brand) in Solingen, Germany. Look for them at bigger gun and knife shows. I think they made both plain and stainless blades.

I open most envelopes with a synthetic material letter opener. It has saw teeth for ripping tougher envelopes. For really tough packages, I use a Spyderco with half-serrated blade.

shouldazagged · #25 03-23-2017, 10:02 PM

I've oowned both and liked both, but am partial to the all-U.S.A.-built Schrades, specifically the Old Timers. The Uncle Henry line are good knives with 440A steel; but the 1095 of the Old Timers, which they knew how to heat treat, took an excellent edge, held it well, and was easy to resharpen. The sawn Delrin scales gave a nice grip with wet hands. The knives were solidly built and durable.

I haven't been impressed at all with the Taylor "Schrades" from China. Some if not all of the Old Timers are now stainless steel.

The older Schrades, the last time I looked, were bringing pretty nice money on eBay. People remember their virtues.

k22fan · #26 03-23-2017, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Simmons

I've got a yellow Queen Country Cousin and it's a great little blade in D2.

For those who are not familiar with them, Queen's County Cousin looks identical to Case's smaller, 3 5/8" closed, Sod Buster but is usually made out of more prestigious steel. Older ones have 440C blades. If the original poster had asked for a hard to sharpen blade that will hold an edge a long time fitted in an inexpensive handle then the Country Cousin would have fit the bill. However, what he asked for was a thin knife. Thinness is not a virtue of the Sod Buster style.

Richard Simmons · #27 03-24-2017, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

For those who are not familiar with them, Queen's County Cousin looks identical to Case's smaller, 3 5/8" closed, Sod Buster but is usually made out of more prestigious steel. Older ones have 440C blades. If the original poster had asked for a hard to sharpen blade that will hold an edge a long time fitted in an inexpensive handle then the Country Cousin would have fit the bill. However, what he asked for was a thin knife. Thinness is not a virtue of the Sod Buster style.

Actually he asked for a "small" knife and one with less "bulk" than his Swiss Army knife. Lighten up a little.

glenwolde · #28 03-24-2017, 08:15 AM

I've carried a Schrade Old Timer that my wife gave me as a gift in 1982. It's a steel blade 1940T single blade with a liner lock. Not fancy but it's served me well for a very long time.

Now as they've said above, maybe the knives today are not of the same quality. They have plenty of US made vintage Schrades on eBay, but that might end up costing you more than a new Case depending on condition.

I'm kind of leaning towards Case for new production.

VTG Old Timer U.S.A. Pocket Knife 1940t 194Ot Schrade USA Nice Old Knife | eBay

wingriderz · #29 03-24-2017, 08:22 AM

Great advice thanks to all. Now just have to save my allowance lol. Wife will ask me why do I need another knife lol

Marshwheeling · #30 03-24-2017, 08:45 AM

For a small single blade folder made in the USA, I don't know how you could beat a Case Sodbuster Jr. My preference would be yellow delrin with a CV blade. I have never seen one new for ten bucks; if you ever do, grab it. Otherwise expect to pay over $20, still not expensive. Other patterns will cost more. Case quality is generally pretty good, often excellent, and is the most accessible USA-made brand.

I have one Chinese-made Old Timer, about fifteen years old. The quality is not great, and at $20 I probably paid too much, but the bar for EDC tasks is pretty low, and it is still more than up to it.

For a backup pocket knife, though, you will get more bang for your buck from Rough Rider. They make very nice knives, quality often on a par with Case, to sell for $7-20.

wingriderz · #31 03-24-2017, 09:15 AM

I like the Case Blue Bone mini

Drm50 · #32 03-24-2017, 11:30 AM

As far as new knives go, Schrade is now junk. Case knives with
their Surgical Steel blades are nothing like the old Case carbon
steel blades. Case still markets some models with carbon steel
blades. I don't like to carry a big knife and I am hard on them.
I loose them all the time. For the last several years I have been
buying the small, one bladers with liner lock. Have had Buck
Gerber and Case. The little Case Black Thorne seems to be the
best of them. Even though it is SS, it holds a edge and isn't hard
to sharpen.
You have to watch even the major brands, they have lines made
in China that are not worth the box they come in.

wingriderz · #33 03-24-2017, 11:52 AM

Yes Drm 50 I noticed that Sog has jumped into some China lines too.In folding lock blades. And dont get me started about junk knives Smith -Wesson is puting out.

gwpercle · #34 03-24-2017, 11:59 AM

I vote CASE.
My daddy always bought and carried Case pocket knives , said you should always have a clean handkerchief and sharp Case knife in you pocket when you left the house. Wish I had a dime for every Case he and I have owned over all those years. I'm looking at the very last one he owned now, handles worn smooth and blades sharpened down to nearly nothing. He wore them out with use , I usually lost mine and had to buy another !
I have always found the design , materials and workmanship to be better in the Case brand . The Old Timers go in the tackle box so if lost over the side , no big deal.
Gary

35Rem · #35 03-24-2017, 12:23 PM

Case copperlock

britbike1 · #36 03-24-2017, 12:43 PM

Have you ever handled a QueenSteel #11? Great balance and good steel, made in the USA. I bought mine in Frisco in '65 in the navy and have carried it or another #11 eversince. Still have my original one. They also made one in the Schatt and Morgan line that is really nice.

gonerydin · #37 03-24-2017, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingriderz

Yes Drm 50 I noticed that Sog has jumped into some China lines too.In folding lock blades. And dont get me started about junk knives Smith -Wesson is puting out.

Fact check: There many good knives coming out of China now as well as some ****. Kizer and WE knives for example are excellent. And "made in America" does not necessarily guarantee quality.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

k22fan · #38 03-24-2017, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 35Rem

Case copperlock

I was wondering if a Mini-CopperLock would be just right for the original poster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Simmons

[...] Lighten up a little.

I apologize.

35Rem · #39 03-24-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

I was wondering if a Mini-CopperLock would be just right for the original poster.

It very well may be. The full size is very slim, being a single blade, and carried very easily in tr pocket. Even slacks. The larger blade offer more utility. From opening an envelope to skinning a deer it works very well, for me. Carried it daily since 2004

L Pete · #40 03-24-2017, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

I was wondering if a Mini-CopperLock would be just right for the original poster.

I apologize.

I started to say that yesterday in my first post. The Mini-Copperlocks are beautiful and functional knives. I have one, and never carry it, as I'm just a medium Stockman kind of guy. I like more than one blade on my everyday knife. If one blade gets dull, you can use another and continue cutting.

35Rem · #41 03-24-2017, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L Pete

I started to say that yesterday in my first post. The Mini-Copperlocks are beautiful and functional knives. I have one, and never carry it, as I'm just a medium Stockman kind of guy. I like more than one blade on my everyday knife. If one blade gets dull, you can use another and continue cutting.

I'm attracted to the Muskrat pattern for that very reason, but I don't own one. Yet.

Racer X · #42 03-24-2017, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonerydin

Fact check: There many good knives coming out of China now as well as some ****. Kizer and WE knives for example are excellent. And "made in America" does not necessarily guarantee quality.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The quality is solely dependent on the importer's specs, and what they are willing to pay the manufacturer. Finding a good VALUE is the problem.

Marshwheeling · #43 03-24-2017, 04:31 PM

Although you have expressed a preference for a single blade, I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest a peanut. A peanut is a small jack knife, about 2.75" long, closed, with a clip blade and smaller pen, opening at the same end. Pictured here are two from Case, one Frost and one Rough Rider. The peanut is possibly the ultimate in unobtrusive pocket carry, yet it is easily up to 95% of what you might call upon an EDC knife to do.

The peanut is a very popular pattern, with an almost cult-like following and some very articulate adherents.

These pics are just a tad larger than life size, maybe by an eighth of an inch. The one I carry most is the Case yellow delrin with a CV carbon steel blade.

k22fan · #44 03-24-2017, 05:37 PM

I'm going to try to coax you back in closer to this thread's trunk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshwheeling

Although you have expressed a preference for a single blade, I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest a peanut. A peanut is a small jack knife, about 2.75" long, closed, with a clip blade and smaller pen, opening at the same end. [...]

In my opinion, [my junior high English teachers admonished me to NEVER write that, but I'm lightening up] a Peanut is any knife assembled with handle components stamped out with Peanut dies. Case has made Peanuts with 1, 2, 4 and 5 blades. A nick name for 5 blade Peanuts is Big Nut. The 4 blade Peanut was made as a Collectors' oddity for Indiana Knife Collectors' Club. It omitted the Big Nut's scissors. When Case replaces the pen blade with a long spey blade 1/2 is added to the pattern number and Case names it a TrapperNut. Bear & Sons offers Razor Nuts that have a long razor blade in place of the pen blade. Getting safely in close to the tree trunk, one blade Peanuts are common. For a second or third knife I routinely carry a Bear one blade Peanut in the bottom of a pocket that already has too much junk in it without a knife. It was $7 at an Ace Hardware's going out of business sale. After I'm confident that I'm not going to loose It I'll upgrade.

Case's discontinued Pocket Hunter was another classy tiny knife that was also offered with a single clip point blade.

HARDWARE · #45 03-24-2017, 05:47 PM

I like the case tiny toothpick pattern as well.

Drm50 · #46 03-24-2017, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britbike1

Have you ever handled a QueenSteel #11? Great balance and good steel, made in the USA. I bought mine in Frisco in '65 in the navy and have carried it or another #11 eversince. Still have my original one. They also made one in the Schatt and Morgan line that is really nice.

Queen use to make similar knife in utility grade. It had alumilum
handles. Sold in two sizes, Big Chief and Little Chief. Vanadium
steel blades. They would hold a shaving edge. They were slim
and light. I use to buy them in a box of 10 or 12. The beer joint
I use to frequent, owner was a Queen freak and he had the big
glass Queen display on the back bar. He always cut me a good deal on Queens. They even had a set of steak knives with the
Faux Stag handles & same quality blades. I bought my sister a
set for Christmas one year.

wingriderz · #47 03-25-2017, 08:47 AM

Well it looks like I will be looking at alot of Case models lol. It also looks like one is never enough lol. I have looked at alot of them on line too. We have one very large hardware store here that has a very large display. Thats what first got my attention to start looking.

dben002 · #48 03-25-2017, 09:12 AM

wingriderz · #49 03-25-2017, 12:12 PM

Well I decided on Case Model its going to be theTiny Trapper model. I see them at the Ace Hardware in town. This store has a huge display case of case knifes. I cant decide on the Navy Blue color or the pearl white fisher of men model.Bolth are $ 59.99 is that a reasonable price ?

kwselke · #50 03-25-2017, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingriderz

Well I decided on Case Model its going to be theTiny Trapper model. I see them at the Ace Hardware in town. This store has a huge display case of case knifes. I cant decide on the Navy Blue color or the pearl white fisher of men model.Bolth are $ 59.99 is that a reasonable price ?

Here is what they go for on Amazon.

Amazon