W. R. Case & Sons did not stamp the pattern number on their knives consistently until 1949. However, the pattern number has always been used at the factory level for purposes of records, cataloging, etc. I feel that, after you become familiar with the system, you will agree that is it very comprehensive.
Case uses abbreviated letters following the pattern number to identify various types of blades. Briefly, let us look at a pattern number and its abbreviated letters. For example, let us take pattern number:
6347 SH SP SSP. To the new collector, this number might seem complicated, but, a little time spent studying this article should make it very easy to understand.
NOTE: When a zero (0) appears before the first number or in the middle of the pattern number, it signifies that the pattern is a modification of another pattern.
The FIRST NUMBER designates the type of handle material used. It is coded as follows:
- (1) – Walnut
- (2) – Black Composite
- (3) – Cream
- (4) – White composition
- (5) – Genuine Stag
- (6) – Bone Stag, Delrin, or Laminated Wood
- (7) – Black Celluloid
- (8) – Genuine Mother of Pearl
- (9) – Imitation Pearl
NOTE: some handle materials are identified by a letter instead of a number. These letters and the material they represent are as follows:
- P – Pakkawood handle
- S – Silver & Gold handle
- M – Metal & Stainless Steel handle
- T – Toledo Scale handle
The SECOND NUMBER represents the number of blades.
The THIRD and FOURTH NUMBERS are the factory pattern. When a (1/2) follows the pattern it indicates that the master blade is of the “clip” style.
Next we come to the abbreviated letters following the pattern number. These letters identify the type of blades used. These letters are coded as follows:
- SAB – Master Blade is Saber Ground
- SP – Spay Blade
- P – Punch Blade
- RAZ – Razor or “One Arm Man” Blade
- F – File Blade
- PEN – Pen Blade
In addition to the abbreviated letters listed above you will note the following letters stamped on the blade following the abbreviated letters. This letter will help you in identifying individual patterns. They are as follows
- L – Blade locked when open
- EO – Easy Open
- SCIS or SC – Scissors
- SHAD or S – Shallow (No Bolsters
- SS – Stainless Steel Blades & Springs
- SSP – Stainless Steel Blades & Springs (Polished)
- DR – Bolsters Drilled for Lanyard
- R – Bail in Handle
- T – Tip Bolsters