The Guide to Case Knife Handle Materials and Codes

Case knives have long been treasured by collectors and enthusiasts for their craftsmanship, durability, and unique history. One of the key elements that makes Case knives so appealing is their wide variety of handle materials, which not only enhance the knife's functionality but also contribute to its aesthetic and collectible value. Understanding the tang stamp codes and the materials used in Case knife handles is essential for accurately identifying, dating, and appraising these timeless tools.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the tang stamp codes and their corresponding handle materials, offering valuable insights into what makes each knife unique. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of Case knives, this resource will help you better understand the significance of handle materials and how they impact a knife's value.

Case Handle Materials Tang Stamp Codes

Case used pattern numbers imprinted on the tang stamp and on the boxes of their knives to identify handle materials and other pertinent information. The first number of the tang stamp is the handle materials code.

---

1 - Hardwood
This number is usually used for a hardwood, such as walnut. Walnut is a very durable and rugged hardwood used for working knives, such as the 1199SH Pattern and the 12031 electrician's knife.

2 - Smooth Black Synthetic
Black poured plastic molded handles usually made from Delrin® or Thermoplastic Rubber.

3 - Yellow Synthetic
Smooth yellow poured plastic molded handles, called Delrin®.

4 - Smooth Synthetic
Poured plastic or Delrin® molded handles made in most any color except black and yellow.

5 - Stag
Naturally shed or dropped deer antlers are used for the Stag handles in Case knives. The most desirable Stag comes from the Sambar or Chital deer in India. Stag covers are burned lightly during the completion process.

5 XX Prime Stag
Genuine India Stag with an extra rough texture - the best of the best.

M5 - Midnight Stag
Genuine Stag except it is treated with a black dye and the covers do not get burned during completion.

R5 - Red Stag
Genuine Stag except it is treated with a red dye and the covers do not get burned during completion.

V5 - Vintage Stag
Genuine Stag that is not dyed or burned during the manufacturing process, but is given extra buffing and hand finishing.

6 - Bone, Wood, Delrin
Procured from Brazil, the shin bone of the Zebu cattle is the main source of bone suitable for Case bone handle materials.

Jigged Synthetic
Plastic molded covers with a jigged pattern.

Jigged Laminate
Laminated wood with a jigged pattern, such as used on the Folding Hunter.

V6 - Vintage Bone
Natural Bone with a special jigging pattern which has similar characteristics to stag.

6.5 - 6.5 BoneStag®
A Case registered trademark, 6.5 BoneStag® is a bone handle which is jigged and treated with flame to achieve the look of stag antler material.

---

7 - Rosewood
A handle material that comes from a number of hardwood trees from rain forests. It has a rose-colored effect and is becoming more rare. Case used this in many of their outdoor knives.

7 - Curly Maple
A knurly section of wood from a maple tree is used for handle material. The wood has a curled design, giving it a very distinct look.

7 - Curly Oak
A knurly section of wood from an oak tree is used for handle material. The wood has a curled design, giving it a very distinct look.

7 - Ebony
Comes from Africa. This black wood is also used in woodwind instruments.

7 - Desert Iron Wood
Comes from the deserts of SW America or Mexico, a heavy wood which is regarded as some of the most beautiful wood anywhere.

7 - Boi D'arc Wood
Comes from the Osage tree of Texas. This dense yellowish-orange wood is used frequently by Native Americans.

---

7 - Zebra Wood
Comes from Africa, a hard, dense, beautiful wood, naturally striped like a Zebra.

7 - Tulip Wood
Comes from the Tulip trees, found in jungles and North America.

7 - Lace Wood
Comes from Burma Rain Forest and is a hardwood.

7 - Snake Wood
Comes from South America and is considered the heaviest wood on earth.

7 - Amboyna
Comes from SE Asia. Only the burls from the Narra tree are used to give the numerous, beautiful swirls that come out in the Amboyna handles.

8 - Mother-of-Pearl
Natural shells harvested by deep sea divers in various parts of the Pacific Ocean.

8 - Abalone/ Paua
Gathered in Mexico, Abalone shells are cut into thin "feathers," edges are glued in thin sheets with each sheet's color matched and then laminated with high pressure into sheets for handle material. Paua is a similar shell found in New Zealand.

8 - Pink Mother-of-Pearl
Only pearl shells which are found in fresh water; no artificial color or enhancements added.

8 - Black Mother-of-Pearl
Rare shell harvested by deep sea divers in various parts of the Pacific Ocean; no artificial color or enhancements added.

9 - Corelon
A synthetic resin handle material developed in a wide variety of colors and patterns - similar to an imitation Mother-of-Pearl.

9 - Imitation Mother of Pearl
Not currently used at Case. Imitation Pearl is a composite material that looks like Mother-of-Pearl.

10 - Micarta
High pressure plastic laminate with either a paper or cotton cloth reinforcement substrate is used to make micarta. Micarta is a very durable handle material which is waterproof, impact-resistant, and polishes well. The lines and swirls that show in the finished knives are these layers of paper or cotton cloth.

10 - G-10
Using the same process as Micarta, G-10, however, has a glass cloth reinforcement substrate for exceptional strength characteristics with a very high impact and tensile strength. The lines and swirls that show in the finished knives are these layers of glass cloth.

B - Celluloid
Waterfall is celluloid, cream in color with a ripple design resembling a waterfall.

CT - Christmas Tree Celluloid
Christmas Tree is a very colorful celluloid with green, reds, and some gold.

EX - Exotic
EX indicates that the handle material used is from a variety of the most unique and desirable materials available, such as precious gemstones, giraffe and ostrich bones, etc.

GS - Celluloid
Goldstone is celluloid, colored with gold metal flakes.

I - Ivory
Since the last ice age, the Mammoth Ivory tusks have been locked in ice for some 12,000 years. This is perhaps the most beautiful and exotic of all handle materials which Case uses.

I - Imitation Ivory
Not currently used at Case. Imitation Ivory is a composite material that looks like natural ivory.

P - Pakkawood
A laminated wood typically birch or maple, impregnated with clear resin and bonded together. Pakkawood has the natural beauty of finished wood and a high resistance to heat and moisture, especially developed for Case handles in 1948.

R - Celluloid
Candy Stripe is a celluloid material colored in a striped (vertical or horizontal) design.

M - Metal
Stainless Steel handles are most common.

Collecting Case knives is both a rewarding hobby and an excellent investment, but accurately determining their value requires expertise. The handle material and tang stamp codes play a significant role in assessing a knife's rarity and desirability among collectors. If you own Case knives and are curious about their worth, consider having them professionally appraised. A knowledgeable appraiser can provide you with insights into your knife's history, authenticity, and market value, helping you make informed decisions about your collection. Reach out today to get your Case knives appraised and uncover their true value!

---