Just been reading the latest info on Case knives from a company press release. It seems they will be making a new line of knives known as Tec X which is supposed to appeal to the younger crowd. One hand, easy open, metal handles, coated blades, made in China, etc... Seems this might be the beginning of the end for a great old American company. The new line will be marketed in the Spring of 2012. Kinda makes my belly hurt, like an ol' friend just died. There's just something about an old American made pocket knife, with real bone handles, jigged or smooth, carbon steel blades that are discolored because it has been used to peel apples , oranges, fish and deer. I'm sure some of you understand what I'm saying. Treefarmer
I read the article and don't see where they are gonna be made in China
Apparently you have to be a registered member of the Case Collectors Club to get the e-mail that has been circulated on several web sites concerning Case/China issue. What I read was a message from Case President Tom Arrowsmith by Lisa Boser-Miller,dated Wed. Nov. 9,2011, 4:15 pm stating "Information about the Tec X knives would be in the 2011 volume IV Edition of the Case Collector magazine coming out soon. In the 2nd paragraph it clearly states this assortment of 28 knives will be sourced from China." Maybe they will only be called Tec X knives and not attach the Case name to such an import. Still sounds like the beginning of the end, sad to say. Treefarmer
That sucks. I have always been a Case fan. Looks like they are trying to make this line of knives look like the Gerber's that are on every shelf in every store. Case has always marketed and distributed thru mom n pop hardware stores. Gerber promotes thru the chain stores. I guess its a dog eat dog world :chinese
Is Case the parent company that also owns Old Timer, Uncle Henry and Schrade? I can't remember. Either way, the Old Timers and Schrades that have been made in China for the last few years are complete garbage compared to the original. I guess the knife feels and handles about the same but the quality of the steel in the blades just ain't the same.
If you can get your hands on some of the last "American Made" Case knives, put them in a drawer for a bit. Take a glance at the prices for the American Made knife brands mentioned above on E-Bay...unreal.
