CASE Knives Are the Best Production Knives Made in the USA

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The Best Manly Christmas Gift for the Season

For the last seventeen years, I have been writing about knives and other cutting devices. I enjoy writing about a product which has given me much joy. Of all of the knives I reviewed and have written about, the most fun and enjoyable for me, is the pocket knife. As a child I was given my first pocket knife by my Dad. As I grew up, I watched my Dad, Granddad, Uncles and other male family members use a standard old pocket knife for everyday tasks. My Dad worked in the oil fields, as did my Grandfather and Uncle. My Grandfather and Uncle also, worked a farm and dairy at the same time. I have many fond memories of hanging out with them as they went about their day working on the farm.

The man I am today, is due to these men in my life. My morality, my work ethic and respect for others was seeded into my psyche by them. So, it would stand to reason, I too would value a good pocket knife. My first knife was a three bladed stockman. My Dad found it while driving to an oil lease. I carried this everywhere I went, including school. As a first grader at recess we would go out onto the playground and play cowboys and Indians. I was always the Indian. On occasion, we would play mumblety-peg with our pocket knives. Yes, we carried pocket knives in the first grade. This was normal and an accepted practice. Later on when I was about 12, my Grandfather gave me my first Case pocket knife.

When I was old enough to start bailing hay, I was fourteen, I carried a Case two bladed trapper. The knife I was given by my Dad was lost in a tornado. When I started working making my own money, I went to a local hardware and bought the Case two bladed trapper. The reason was all the men in my life carried Case knives. They also drove GM vehicles, shot Winchester guns and ammo and hunted. I did as well and to this day I carry a Case knife, drive GM vehicles, have Winchester guns and love the Winchester ammo.

Case has come a long way from the times when I had my first two bladed trapper. They have taken the route to maintain their line of excellent slip-joint folders and venture into assisted opening pocket knives. They also have partnered with Daniel Winkler a great American knife designer and manufacture. I have three Navy Seal friends who have carried Daniel Winkler knives into combat. The Case-Winkler line of fixed bladed knives are the best made anywhere on this planet.

In the realm of assisted opening pocket knives, Case has stepped forward with their own version. They make several versions of a single bladed assisted opening models such as the Mid-Folding Hunter. For the purpose of this article and video, I am testing their single bladed trapper which has the assisted opening function. I personally have two of which I purchased. I love this knife and carry it most days for non-duty work.

Angel Wings

The smooth natural bone double bladed trapper with the stained-glass Angel Wings, is just beautiful. A great knife for a Brother Christian or lady who likes to have a high quality pocket knife in her purse. As in all four samples sent me, the slip-lock blades had considerable snap. The blades are highly polished, which make them harder to photograph without capturing reflections.

Serenity Prayer

The smooth natural bone double bladed trapper Serenity Prayer knife is beautiful and impressive. One can carry this knife which in times of stress, can be brought out of the pocket to read the Serenity Prayer. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971)

Stripes of Service

Stripes of Service™ double bladed Mini Trapper with smooth black bone handles which have white strips and stars with a thin blue line is just beautiful. You might imagine with me being a huge Case fan and a retired LEO, which of these four knives I would like. I love the case double-bladed trapper pattern so a small version of this knife with stars and stripes on both handles would fit me well. This Mini Trapper rides in my right front jean pocket just fine.

The larger version of the double-bladed trapper has always ridden well in my jean pocket. It did not ride too well in my uniform pocket as the uniform slacks were more like dress pants. For many years I carried the Case double-bladed trapper in my uniform shirt pocket, right next to my note pad. The two fit their nicely. Later I carried an Italian auto stiletto in this same position. One dark night a dispute broke out over who would possess my service revolver. My trusty stiletto was the mediator who ruled in my favor.

Kickstart

Kickstart® with smooth orange synthetic handles sporting a single blade trapper-lock is an excellent knife to have. While working around the house I carry this very same version but with bone handles. I end up building one thing or another for my Wife Kathy who finds this stuff on Pinterest. I have two single blade trapper-lock with the assisted opening feature. I bought both because this is just a cool knife and very functional. I use them so they show the scars of hard use. Neither have failed me.

The Kickstart® is an excellent Case knife with a well-engineered assisted opening system. I am impressed with their design. The Kickstart® comes in the Mid-Folding Hunter as well. I have one of these excellent knives too. Mine has the bone-stag handles which is just beautiful. Maybe too beautiful, as I carry this one only for dress. Yes…a dress up knife. Don’t judge. I love the Kickstart® system and only hope Case will come out with this system in the back-pocket model and the full-size Folding Hunter in a single blade with liner lock and pocket clip. This would be a great leap forward for Case. A larger Manly knife one could carry for work, hunting and if need be, for personal protection. You can bet I will be politicking for these two models.