Dating case knives

How do you date a case knife?

Dating a Case knife is not that difficult. You cannot rely just on the tang stamp to identify the age of a knife. While you will get some clues, some stamps were used over longer periods of time, making it hard to tell the precise year.

When did case change the date on their knives?

Beginning in 1990, Case replaced the dating system with a stamp that imprinted the actual date on the knife tang. This was not as popular with collectors, so Case changed back to the dot dating system in the middle of 1993. 1993 -1999 From the middle of 1993 to 1999, Case returned to the dot system that was used in the 70’s and 80’s.

How can you tell how old a case knife is?

Should you own an old Case knife, you can still find ways to date it, even if the tang stamp is faded and no longer visible. First of all, try getting online. Join discussion forums and boards, post some pictures of your knife and provide access to as many details as possible, such as measurements.

How do I know if my case hunting knife is XX?

Here is a visual guide for fast dating a Case hunting knife. Case XX Select knives come with slightly different tang stamps. In 1998 and 1999, Case has used a round logo. It says XX in the middle, Case on top, and Select at the bottom – round text. There is a dot on each side.

How do I know what type of Case knife I have?

You can find the Case knife pattern number stamped on the tang of your knife’s blade. This number tells you exactly what kind of knife you have. The first number indicates the type of material used to make the handle. The second digit gives the number of blades.

How do you date a case knife tang?

In 1970, Case added ten dots beneath the U.S.A. on all knife tangs. Each year a dot was removed. The same dating system was used during the 1980s. The differences are the “lightning” form of the letter S in Case and USA and the fact that the dots were put above the USA. From 1990 to mid-1993, the actual date was stamped on the tang.

When did case change the date on their knives?

Beginning in 1990, Case replaced the dating system with a stamp that imprinted the actual date on the knife tang. This was not as popular with collectors, so Case changed back to the dot dating system in the middle of 1993. 1993 -1999 From the middle of 1993 to 1999, Case returned to the dot system that was used in the 70’s and 80’s.

What do the numbers on a case knife mean?

The number on a Case knife represents various features associated with the knife. On a typical item, the number will consist of four digits.

How do I know what type of Case knife I have?

You can find the Case knife pattern number stamped on the tang of your knife’s blade. This number tells you exactly what kind of knife you have. The first number indicates the type of material used to make the handle. The second digit gives the number of blades.

What do the numbers mean on a Case XX knife?

Every Case XX knife has a few numbers engraved in their primary blade. The first number (or letter) tells you the material of the handle. Whether it’s hardwood, jigged bone, or synthetic material, the first number will tell you what it is. EX – Exotic (Giraffe, Ostrich, Volcanic Glass, and other Exotic Handle Materials) You see?

Where are the S’S on a case knife?

Unlike 70’s knives however, the s’s are lightening shaped, and the dots are located between the Case XX, and the U.S.A. 1990-1993 Beginning in 1990, Case replaced the dating system with a stamp that imprinted the actual date on the knife tang.

How many dots are on a Case knives?

For clarification, note that ten dots appear on 1970 knives, nine dots appear in 1971 knives, eight on 1972 knives, and so on. 1980-1989 Throughout the 1980’s, Case used the same dating system as the 70’s. 1980 knives have 10 dots, and one is removed each year.