Case Knives Mini Copperhead Vintage Stag TruSharp 52951

I just received this knife and am very pleased with it. I think a brief review is in order.

First the box, which is about the size of a standard Case box but a rich brown color with a slip-off lid rather than end opening. Around the box is a dark brown sleeve with the Case XX logo and “Vintage XX Stag” in gold.

The knife was wrapped in the standard brown tissue and with the usual Case information sheet. Upon unwrapping I was struck by the slim elegance of the knife. This could best be described as a true gentleman’s folder, I believe. The stag is a creamy white with dark brown features and the threaded bolsters add to the premium appearance, as does the swedged Wharncliffe blade.

Both blades run on a single backspring and each has a modest amount of krink (crink?) as required to provide clearance, but the offset is all but unnoticeable when the blades are open. On the pen blade side is a double brass liner that is relieved for clearance and there is a catch bit on the other side to compensate for the fact that the pen is slimmer than the main. Neither blade rubs, although I think the pen could be made to rub on the main if I pushed it too aggressively when opening. (Edit: the pen will definitely push over and rub against the main as it is opened. This can be avoided by opening the main first, then the pen.) The pull is maybe closer to a 4 than a 5 and the main can be pinched open, both of which my brittle nails appreciate.

The springs are flush when closed but just slightly proud on both ends when either blade is open. There are no visible gaps between backspring, liners, or stag covers. Pins are flush and well fitted. In typical Case fashion the fit between the covers and bolsters is excellent. An interesting feature is that Case opted to omit the shield.

My experience with new Case knives is that they usually come with a bit of a burr on the edges and this knife was no exception, although the grinds are very evenly done. A few passes on a mini-steel and they were OK-sharp but still a bit rough, and 20 passes on a loaded leather strop had them shaving arm hair. I’ll probably polish them more later once I’m done handling and admiring it.

A few words on size: the mini copperhead fits nicely between the peanut and the swayback gent. The Wharncliffe on the swayback is noticeably both deeper and thicker. The tip of the copperhead’s Wharncliffe is very thin giving it a scalpel-like appearance.

Overall a very satisfying purchase and the premium Tuscan pocket slip was a worthwhile addition that complements the knife nicely. Well done, CK!