Hobbies And Interests
Origins
The first Case knives were handcrafted by the four Case brothers, who sold them along a wagon trail in upstate New York.
Patterns
Case produces folding pocket knives, hunting and other fixed-blade knives. Each model of knife is called a "pattern," and has a colorful name like "Sod Buster," "The Hobo" and the "John Wayne Commemorative."
Production
Case knives are handcrafted in 160 manufacturing steps. The handles are crafted from all natural materials like stag horn, leather and exotic hard woods, and occasionally, plastic. Case uses five steel types for its blades, from surgical-grade to high-carbon, corrosion-resistant grades, as of 2009.
Transition
The company has changed hands several times since 1889, and is now owned by the Zippo Manufacturing Company (of lighter fame) as of 2009. Zippo has left the Case traditions and manufacturing processes untouched.
Collectors
The Case Collectors Club formed in 1881, and has at least 18,000 members. The club urges starting collectors to focus on a given pattern; a particular handle material; or on a theme, like military-issue knives.