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How to Identify Case Knife Patterns

W.R. Case &Sons Cutlery Co. has manufactured hundreds of knives since the business began in 1889. With a collector's club and the continued release of new designs, Case holds a place in American culture. Part of the appeal is that each knife contains a distinct number to identify its pattern. This number also designates specific characteristics of the knife, including the type of steel used, material of the handle and number of blades in the knife. With this number and knowledge of its meaning, you can learn the story of your Case knife.

Instructions

- 1
  Open the knife so the tang (metal part that extends into the handle) of the master blade is visible. This needs to be extended to read the knife's pattern number. If your knife has a stationary blade, the pattern number will be visible.
- 2
  Look for and find the pattern number series on the tang. Case pattern numbers are stamped on the inside bottom of the tang near the handle. This number tells you exactly the type of knife you have.
- 3
  Read the numbers. Write them down, paying specific attention to the sequence. Some Case knives have only four digits, while others have five or more. Each number is significant because it relates to a specific component of the knife.
- 4
  Learn the characteristics that each number relates. According to the Case Co., the first number designates the material used for making the handle. The second number conveys the number of blades. The last two or more digits indicate the factory pattern number. For example, a knife with the stamped number 6347 has a jigged bone handle (6), three blades (3) and a 47 pattern.
  
  The All About Pocket Guide indicates that additional numbers and letters in the pattern number may signify other traits of the knife. One or two zeros before the first digit, for instance, have historically been used by Case to signify variations of existing patterns. Handle materials may also be designated by more than one digit. An example is appaloosa, which is represented as A6.
- 5
  Compare your knife's number pattern to a Case knife guide. This will help you discern the features of your knife. The All About Pocket Knives website provides an extensive list of handle materials, factory pattern numbers and blade abbreviations. These lists provide accurate identity information for many Case knives.
  
  According to All About Pocket Knives, additional significant letters often follow the pattern number. These letters are known as blade abbreviations that relate to other traits of the knife. The blade abbreviations HPSS, for example, indicate the knife has a sheepfoot blade and a spey blade (HP) and the blades and springs are made of stainless steel (SS).

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