Best Case knife

Case College is your resource for more in-depth information about Case knives. Use the guides inside to better familiarize yourself with knife pattern names, blade shapes, handle jigs, and the names of the individual pieces that make up a Case knife. Learn about the steel types used in our blades, and the secret to knowing when your Case knife was made! Best of all, Case College will introduce you to the world of collecting, including tips on keeping your Case knife looking great for years of continuous enjoyment.

Is there a simple way for me to know the type of steel that was used in my Case knife?

There are two ways to identify the type of steel used on Case knives. Today, each steel type has a unique abbreviation that can be found after the pattern stamp on the knife tang. If the knife has stainless steel blades, the letters "SS" will follow the pattern number. In the same fashion, "CV" denotes chrome vanadium, "ATS-34" stands for ATS-34 steel, "154-CM" is 154-CM, and "BG42" is BG42 steel. There is a second way to identify the steel type. This can be observed by looking at the logo stamp on the reverse side of the tang. Refer to "S" in the Case logo. When the logo contains a lightning "S", the blade is either made of Tru-SharpTM surgical steel or ATS-34. When the logo contains a regular "S" that matches the other letters, the blade is made of Chrome Vanadium. Case SlimLocks are the only knives currently made with BG42 steel. This line of knives carries a special logo stamp. Note: This answer specifically addresses Tru-SharpTM surgical steel (SS), Chrome Vanadium (CV), BG42, ATS-34 and 154-CM steel.

Has W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company ever made a knife that carried a XXX stamp?

There is a bit of mystery surrounding the "XXX" stamp. This stamp was introduced by James Parker, former owner of our company from 1989-1990. After Jim sold the company to American Brands, he went out on his own and introduced a series of knives that he referred to as the Case Classics. This is one instance where we have seen this stamp used. As for original Case knives, being made in our factory in Bradford, PA, we have not found evidence to support any program introduction or special run of knives with the "XXX" stamp.