Collecting Case Knives, Pt. 1 of 4.

This four part series was inspired by a viewer's question; "Why buy a Case when a Rough Ryder is just as good?" What should've been a simple 5 or 10 minute answer took me off on a tangent of what is value, what is a collector's item, why are you buying a particular knife and finally how do you go about collecting knives by brand.
Collecting Case Knives
Part 1 of 4 • Collecting Case Knives...
Part 2 of 4: • Collecting Case Knives...
Part 3 of 4: • Collecting Case Knives...
Part 4 of 4: • Collecting Case Knives...

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Collecting Case Knives Part 1 of 4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6XdhnmQiq-BkMk Part 2 of 4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2iTd2B5otN4aZI Part 3 of 4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ_XlmaOjsyZm7M Part 4 of 4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3m5laubr9OVZpo

[@guycalgary7800]

Case , Buck, and swiss army seem to be those knives i dont intentionally collect or go looking for , but they definitely make up the majority of my collection.

[@jeroenvoss6231]

I don't know how it is in the USA these days, but here in the Netherlands Case stands for American Quality knives. Well made and to last a lifetime. Rough Riders well they are not made in the USA so there goes most of the value, no matter if they have the same quality. Since the 1930's here in Europe America is the promised land and all the good stuff was made there, like farming equipment, tractor's, tools and also knives. German knives where famous for quality but ofcourse WWII changed that and American products and so also the knives where more apreciated, because you liberated us, as Germans where the bad guys so nothing good could come out there. We still are thankfull for that and at least in western Europe America stands for quality and loyalty. Thank you for part one Tobias.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thank you for the kind words. Now for America and Americans to start living up to those expectations!

[@jeroenvoss6231]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Oh i have much faith in the American people, They will succeed in that.Give the government a chance and maybe that will get better also. But the people i regard highly.

[@holtonbower5626]

For me it boils down to supporting the American worker 🇺🇸 I love Case and carry one every day my favorite is probably the large stockman but the Copperhead is also awesome hopefully they bring back the scout/ camper patterns soon thanks for the video

[@danielt.3152]

I agree and honestly the quality is SUPERIOR to many other brands

[@jonathanscott5932]

@@danielt.3152maybe pre zippo buy out, the fit and finish just isn’t as good as it used to be

[@woolmanoutdoors6225]

Funny was just getting ready to go for a hike in the Alberta Rockies and decided to check out your channel while we wait for the rain to pass. Here I am watching the video with a Case large stockman in my pocket and a Case XX Changer on my belt, the RR’s are in the drawer. I guess I carry and use Case knives everyday but collect RR because I can collect more patterns for the money, roughly 3 or 4 to 1. Thanks for the video Tobias looking forward to part 2.

[@guycalgary7800]

Wait, your not stampede'n ? Lol

[@woolmanoutdoors6225]

@@guycalgary7800 No, never cared too much for Rodeo, went to a bull riding competition once and cheered for the bulls, got dirty looks from the riders families.

[@guycalgary7800]

@@woolmanoutdoors6225 times have changed , half the crowd cheers for the bulls now lol

[@haveaknifeday6253]

Great perspective. You should always buy what you like and if it goes up in value, that’s a bonus. If you want to invest there is always the stock market or precious metals.

[@lcurtsinger4313]

Right on the money with your explanation of how things work in the knife world

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

It's always good to examine why you are buying knives. My collection of knives is not for investment purposes. It's simply because I like traditional knives, & I don't have a lot of money to throw at them. For me to collect, they have to be available, and affordable. I have one Case, 3 GEC's, and I don't know how many Rough Ryder's, but it's over 100. I like a variety of patterns, not something released from a vault for one year, or released by GEC only to never get a chance to buy one at retail price.

[@jgbullen]

I got my GI care package yesterday and the RR 2181 in Denim micarta with Warncliffe blade is worth the whole box.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

@@jgbullen is that the carbon classic 2 whittler? I have the yellow version.

[@jgbullen]

@@WilliamsKnifeLife They call it Work Knife Denim Micarta with 7Cr17 MoV 3.9 blade.RR2181 $16.99

[@dp505knives]

I remember you saying a 401 K is a better investment,, as compared to knives.. I totally agree with that, I also know the joy I get from my collection is unique for me and someday someone else will probably sell them on ebay

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Absolutely. Your knife collection will always make a lousy retirement plan.

[@maximilianrpm2927]

"... if you think part 1 is subjective, part 2 will be more subjective". 👍👍👍

[@jameskerlin6081]

Great points concerning collectable items vs collector's items. In my knife journey, I've gotten some good deals and I've paid way too much, no one has ever called me an astute businessman. But I buy what I like and don't worry too much about investment return or future value. If you see a knife and it gives you that loving feeling, ( and you can afford it, ) get it and be happy!

[@Eliel7230]

Hey ! - I resemble that ! 😀

[@skcamerican]

I don’t want to play the collector game. I don’t want to want what everybody else wants. I don’t want to turn knives into an investment. I just want a big bowl of cool knives to use and admire and play with. Nothing too precious! So it’s RRs for me! Though I do like an old, worn knife that somebody carried for years.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I actually did an early video that said put your retirement money in a 401K. I know there are people love the buy/sell/trade. Like you, I’m not one of them.

[@skcamerican]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I used to do the estate sale to eBay thing, and that was fine. But I didn’t traffic in stuff I loved. It was just business - fun business with the thrill of the hunt and rewards for cleverness - but still business. Knives are personal. I’ve no idea why.

[@jamesstraub4981]

Good stuff, great series. Looking forward to the remaining vids.

[@swamp.stomper]

I like where this series is going

[@gizmocarr3093]

When I decided to collect pocket knives for my own enjoyment; I wasn’t looking to become rich, or making profits. I use tools all my life and none were collectables to me. However; there were good ones and some were worthless; that is being kind to say the least. The best thing about worthless ones you don’t like; make great gifts to the; can I barrow your tool pests. Collecting Case knives costs more; collecting Rough Rider knives costs about six times less. Collecting rare Case knives cost ten times or more according to my calculations. Rough Rider makes models Case doesn’t and some cost more than the most current ones. Case has made knives since 1889 in America and holds the title of a long running history of making knives. Rough Rider makes copies and has just a short history in knife making. Originals cost more than copies regardless of materials and finish. A 10% increase of $100 dollars is more than a 10% increase of $10 dollars. If you invest wisely in both Case and Rough Ride you just make more per-knife with Case. However; I collect knives not to sell them; so far. I buy knives that appeal to my taste. Making profits is not important to me. Beauty, Historic importance, rare models and ones I just want to add to my collection that fit my budget is what I like. Case has resisted being gobbled up by foreign influences makes them worth the price.🥇🗡👏🐱

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

By my estimation, a current production Case is about 3 to 4 times the price of a Rough Ryder. And both companies are leaning more and more in the “collectibles” which is understandable. No different that modern folders with Sprint Runs and other types of limited runs! In the the best advise is always buy what you want. I think part two is a little more focused on the the viewers question.., “why buy a Case when a Rough Ryder is just as good or better?”

[@janetowens7288]

What Gizmo Carr said.

[@gizmocarr3093]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I agree that is likely an accurate estimate however; if you are buying unique and older desirable models they just cost more to own. Often they cost a lot more even buying discontinued Rough Riders models. I lost a number of bids on Rough Riders that went for double or more of their original selling price.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@@gizmocarr3093 this is true but we need to compare apple to apples. And technically, in the case of some of these older hard to find Rough Riders, they might actually be a better long term investment. By this I mean some of these Rough Riders from 10 or so years ago have easily quadrupled in price on the secondary market. (a $12-S15 knife going for $50-$60!). By comparison some post 2000 Case knives that were more collectible than collector's items may have doubled in value. (a $60 knife going for $100-$120). I have seen a few Case knives that have quadrupled in value as well. But again, you need to place a more initial capital in the Case knife so it is a bigger gamble. I put my retirement fund in a retirement plan. As for my knife collecting, that's more like lottery tickets... only I get to have more fun with a knife than a lottery ticket! Case and Rough Ryders make for a great comparison on the philosophy of marketing collectible knives. Really appreciate your insight on the topic Gizmo (I'm not about to say how much I over spent for that Stoneworx Leg knife I bought simply so I could complete the series!)

[@RJsKnives]

Thank you, Tobias for sharing your insight on collecting. I have not collected for investment purposes. I consider myself a bad collector because I like to use my knives. The ones I am saving as perfect or NIB mean something to me but most likely no one else. I buy more Rough Ryder because I can try out a pattern and decide if I want to buy a higher end maker’s pattern later. Looking forward to seeing part 2!

[@theedcden5515]

Great series Tobias, thanks!

[@Zen_Ali_123]

Love that jr scout and both of the baby copperhead. Some great finds there.

[@andrewnawarycz3026]

I've seen with Case that some knives they make are back in the vault and not seen again especially not giving the pattern enough traction with the public to buy it, maybe for example the sunfish/elephant toe or large/xl toothpick or the coke bottle frame hunter. All patterns that the public would snap up!!! Liked the episode and look forward to the next 👍

[@WVKnifeEnthusiast]

I think this is a great series Tobias! So much discussion in the knife world about Case all the time. Looking forward to parts 2,3, and 4!

[@brandonzimmermann]

absolutely gorgeous collection. hope to have as many pretty Case knives in mine someday

[@BigRedEDC]

This is going to be a great series! Thanks Tobias!!!

[@SNCA-bd7iq]

It's your money ! Buy what you like and have fun doing it ! It is really that simple.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Agreed! But when a a person me why buy a Case when a Rough Ryder is just as good I thought it was a question worthy of answering. Ultimately it comes down to buying what you like. But if you want to know reasons why I think someone buys a Case over a Rough Ryder or vice versa… I’ll be getting to that in part 2.

[@SNCA-bd7iq]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I will be interested to see what reasoning you provide. Thank you for your videos.

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

Just fascinating mate,really 😉atb paddy 🙏

[@danielt.3152]

I started collecting Case knives in early 2000, the quality is amazing. I highly recommend the Case XX Changer buck knife its one of my favorites and I used it deer hunting. I will say this about Case Knives they hold their value or slightly increase for the most part. The surgical steel is very good at holding an edge, prevents corrosion and is very sharp.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I totally agree! I know they do better with some patterns or handle materials than others but overall, they're great.

[@GlockNinja]

Your videos are always educational and I always learn something new. Thanks for the video.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[@rickkerans8485]

I used to stop by a case store but was never impressed with any but a couple of knives and they were more than I was willing to spend. That also was before I got back into the hobby. Enjoyed the video. Of course once was back in the hobby the store was gone.

[@terrillschneider3778]

This series was a great highlight for me I had been watching your videos for years but had never subscribed However this led me to take that next step Thanks and Happy Easter

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks for subscribing. I have a few more Case knife reviews coming up soon. Sorry to be getting back to you so late.

[@fossilimprint2954]

No need to hurry things up, I for one appreciate you setting the stage.

[@eviljesus1482]

I like a lot of knives, but I love me a good Case. And they are all good lol. Grabbed another medium Stockman and a black and large white checkered micarta Cheetah at a local shop. Now for a blue jigged cheetah...

[@johnhannon8372]

👍

[@danielcluley870]

That Marine Corps knife looks amazing!

[@myimorata7678]

Hey TG. Great video. I hope that learning collectors listen to each word because you are spot on. I only add this: just because you value something, doesn't mean it's "valuable" in the market. You've already said as much, of course; I only chimed in to sound at least as smart as you. Peace brother!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'm sure you are probably smarter and wiser than I. The only thing I really know for sure is my mouth fits a size 9 shoe because of put my foot in it so many times. I also know that on more than one occasion I've paid way more for a knife simply because I really wanted it and the seller knew it!

[@KnifeDetector]

Great topic buddy!! I think there are some Rough Ryder knives that are just as good as some Case knives. Now that being said, some Case knives have flaws, and some RR knives come with flaws too. Sometimes I choose to buy a used Case knife that I am enamored with, instead of a new RR knife that is similar, and sometimes I decide to buy an affordable, new, RR knife that is very similar to a Case knife really want because it is easier to afford, and I just don't want to wait until I have enough to buy the Case. I buy what I like, but, in the end, it's nice to know I have the luxury of having a choice - God Bless America :) Thanks Amigo!!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I have over 270 RoughRyders and almost 50 Case knives. No doubt the cost as well as availability are driving forces. For instance, i can afford to buy just about every Rough Ryder mini-canoe I can find. Imagine trying to buy every Case Butterbean I can find. I’d have to take out a second mortgage.

[@KnifeDetector]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Lol!! I know what you mean.

[@RandysWSG]

The are fantastic!

[@dhenson8442]

I've always been told, that anything made to be collectible, isn't. Another great video.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I think that is sound advice, at least in principle. Obviously, there will be exceptions, but most “collectibles” rely on short term excitement or popularity. You know something is a collectors item when people start making copies of it so people can have a copy of it!

[@garethbaus5471]

I don't have surplus income for knives(or anything) at the moment, otherwise I would buy a copperhead it is a nice looking pattern.

[@whatposterman1222]

Just found grandpas old case in with tools. I believe it to be from maybe 20s or 30s? Based on his age. I need help, even with reading glasses I think I case a XX but I don’t know much about knifes. I do know antiques and patina and not to clean antiques if I don’t know what I’m doing. Ergo where I need help. It is so packed full of dust and grime and rusty blades, do you brush one out with old toothbrush and can I use hot soapy water and paper towel it and then seal in baggie with some rice to further pull out moisture? It looks to have 3 pins holding the frame together. It has very light yellow or very aged white, plastic handles. Maybe it’s celluloid I don’t know. 2 long slim blades. Like a 4” blade and a 4.5” blade. Once I get it clean, and I don’t wanna mess up, I can read stuff off the blades. I think molasses will help pull rust off?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

After use clean it with hot soapy water, hit is with canned air or or an air compressor. Then hit it with some WD40. The WD in WD40 stands for water displacement. It does a great job of pushing the water out of the nooks and crannies. Another way to remove rust is to put the knife in a water with a piece of aluminum foil. I know that sounds weird but it does work. There are also several chemical rust removers out there but I have never used them.

[@armandogy]

hola, primeramente le saludo y lo felicito por su canal, es Ud. una persona con mucha sabiduría hablando de navajas. quiero preguntarle si aun se fabrica el primer modelo que muestra en este video, ando buscando esta marca por que considero que es gran calidad por ser hecha en EE.UU., ando buscando con una hoja, destapador, abrelatas y punzón. valoraría mucho su apoyo.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Hola, estoy usando el traductor de Google, así que no estoy seguro de cómo resultará esto. En primer lugar, gracias por las amables palabras. Realmente aprecio que hayas disfrutado el canal. Desafortunadamente, Case ya no fabrica el cuchillo por el que pregunta. Hi, I'm using google translator so I'm not sure how this will turn out. First, thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate that you enjoyed the channel Unfortunately, the knife you are asking about is no longer made by Case.

[@madtownangler]

My parents had a girl who played organ in their church who collected beanie babies and sold them and paid for a semester of college. She was taking beanie babies as part of her pay when she did weddings and funerals too. I remember the first all star baseball game at the Colorado Rockies stadium they were giving away beanie babies to people who had tickets. Someone got robbed who was handing them out, outside the stadium.

[@otroblogdemarcelo]

I have bad luck with my Case Stockman, it develop blade play... and try to repair it from Argentina is a nightmare both for Case and I. Pitty! Cheers

[@user-ig6nu4oo5p]

I only have 3 rough ryders and about 5 case knives and i feel that the 2 regular rr are ok for the money but not as good as case even with all the f&f problems that case knives have.The one rr reserve that i have is as good as and maybe even a little better than most of my case knives but it also cost more than the regular rough ryder.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The Reserved are three to four times that of a regular Rough Ryder. I think they have been around for too short of a time to see if they are a good value at that price. I’ve seen people attempting to compare them to GEC. That’s just silly talk to me.

[@backwoods7671]

How do i know what i have in terms of a case knife?

[@manichounds]

A year later a GEC that was 250 bucks is now offered at 500.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I've seen people asking S1,300 for GEC. They're not getting but they are asking it. At the same time, I've also seen GEC go for ridiculous prices a month after they are sold out at most retailers. It's crazy. I've also seen Case knives and even Rough Ryders go for crazy prices. It only takes one or two people who just have to have that one knife for a bidding war to get out of hand!

[@pd3665]

Which would you rather have...1 Case Or 6 Rough Riders? If you take the price point out of the equation, then the answer should be simple. For me, Case offers some very good American made knives and 100+ years of "brand equity". I personally prefer the older (pre 90s) Case knives even though I occasionally pick up the newer ones as well. I do have a lot of RRs - mostly for their variety in patterns. I appreciate where RR is trying to go with their Reserve line. As far as "brand equity" comparison is concerned, we can have a more fair & balanced discussion once RR brand survives another 50 or 75 years in the business.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I will be getting into this part of the equation (somewhat) in part 2.

[@convoyjack3310]

The one thing i dont like about collectors is that they bring up the price on things like the Case XX which are mostly wall hangers with pretty basic steels

[@sofakingphat8087]

I called Case to purchase a brand new hammerhead. When I spoke with the sales person on the phone she quoted me a price at $140. I could buy a brand new one at Blade HQ for $108 at the time. She was really rude and reacted like I was really pestering her and she didn’t really want to do her job. I have Heard the quality has gone way down in the last few years. I know for sure that the customer service is really poor. Perhaps they are a correlation.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Any time you try to purchase an item direct they will offer it to you at full blown retail. That's a fact of life. As for customer service, I had but customer service from all sorts of companies. It is never excusable but I never base my entire experience on any company with one interaction. I've heard from numerous folks that the quality control has dropped dramatically yet I've little personal experience to back it up...Well there was a Mini-Canoe and a Canoe I bought last year but the knives were made a few years back. 2018 was not a good year for me with Canoes. But I've had numerous Case knives made since 2010 that have been excellent, including two that were made in 2021. But yeah, no excuse for rude customer service. I get it, everybody has a bad day and everyone is overwhelmed now and then but that one experience can cost a customer for life if it is their one only encounter.

[@sofakingphat8087]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias that has been my experience as well. I totally agree with you. I did get some great customer service from KA BAR last year when I was looking for help finding a old version of a knife. The customer service person told me they didn’t have a replacement but she found one for me on eBay. She sent the link to my email and I purchased the knife at a great price. It was exactly what I was looking four. I have purchased other knives from that very same company more often than I have Case for that very same reason. I guess retaining a customer is more important sometimes.

[@latetodagame1892]

RR are just as good?

[@cesarortigoza3460]

Case whith "C " of Colt.😊😊

[@fbomb2077]

I have a decent assortment of Case knives. Never heard of Roughrider. That was my HS mascot Roosevelt Rough Riders Honolulu,Hawaiii. I have a bunch of case knives,maybe 15-20 id like to get rid of. Trade or sell. I had an opportunity to buy this womans husbands weapons. Got about 45 knived @ $7.50 each. Sig Sauer p226, Bond Arms Texas Defender,NAA Mini 22 revolver. A d knives. I dont really like Case knives. Id love to have a spyderco, Benchmade, or micro tech. Sell. Or trade. I have some Case knives that are worth $100-$150. The Texas Toothpick Case knives is my favorite.

[@miked1969ful]

Here is the bottom Case knives have been around longer than roughrider wasn't even in existence so with that being said they deserve that respect now if rough Rider had started back when case started then you could make argument but they weren't so you can't and that's the truth of the matter

[@aribbonatatime]

As far as fit and finish they are basically the same in my experience or even rough ryder may be better 🤷‍♂️ I have 1 of each knife.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Having bought close to 100 Case knives and well over 300 Rough Ryders, I'm going to give Case higher marks in every area, including Quality Control. The one area, where Rough Ryder truly excels, is if you buy the knife directly from SMKW. If there is an issue with your RR, replacement is fast and they don't require you to send back the bad knife. If you have problems with a Case knife, you're best off dealing with the retailer and not sending it back to Case. Case has good customer service, but it is going to take a while. Also, Rough Ryders are a 1/3 the price. If you lose or break the Rough Ryder it isn't going to be as painful to your wallet.

[@lewisgreenway5065]

Rough Rider knives are easy to but in UK, Case not so much and expensive with a poor reputation, if someone buys a Rough Rider and it's not the best fit and finish they will keep it, of course if it's really bad it will get returned, I won't take the chance of spending a lot of money to buy a Case and end up with a lemon. Who needs all the hassle of returning knife for replacement or refund.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I think the bad reputation that Case has been getting is somewhat unfounded. I have even added to it. I would definitely be wary if I were not in the USA. I’ve had about a dozen Rough Ryder that were awful and twice that many that had problems. I’ve had two Case knives that were bad. One was repaired and returned. One was just sent back and refunded (my choice). I think I address some of what you’re talking about in part 2.

[@lewisgreenway5065]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I have got most of my information from watching dealers who stopped stocking Case knives because of QC problems, but look forward to your next installment.

[@markjg2275]

After I watched reviews on KZbin about Case poor quality gaps on the backspring and after my own purchase of a Case knife with a gap on top I will never buy another Case knife again . These gaps are common on many Case knives and bad blade centering on many of them I know some people do not care about the gaps but I do on a knife that costs $55.00 to $100.00 is not acceptable . Case knives may look nice in the photos to sell but the quality does not match , Case needs to cut production and increase quality not just mass produce for profit. If the Queen and Rough Rider knives made in China have nice tight flush fit so can Case but they have not improved or do anything about this problem . I can say Case is USA junk , My Boker Solingen Germany Tree brand classic trapper in C75 carbon is GEC quality at $63.00 there are other makers even at low prices better build quality to consider over Case knives.

[@joshuadrummer3234]

Amazing collection sir! Thanks for sharing!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad you enjoyed the show. Thanks for dropping by!