Was it a good deal or not?

[dlr110]

I don't often buy knives with company logos that were given to employees for employee of the month or commemorative knives. However this is one I found on one of my Texas Trails of Antique Stores and for $39.95 with my military discount I just couldn't pass it up.
Trapper #62549S Smooth Chestnut Bone Handle. SS blades and bolsters. Brase liners. Commemorative #095 "John Wayne, The Duke" on one blade and "An American Hero" on the other blade. Never carried or sharpened, absolutely beautiful. Year 1999.

[Steve Warden]

Sweet score!!

[terryl308]

I also don't get too excited about "factory made collectables" but what's not to like about the Duke! and a heck of a good price, I think you did just fine. Terry

[doglegg]

dlr, that is a sweet knife and sweeter for the price.

[jerryd6818]

As you said, how could you pass it up.

[tallguy606]

Not to hijack your topic, but I always wondered - when knives are displayed in a case with blades partly open, for years and years, does this weaken the backsprings? The few like this I have - I close the blades when I put them away.

[Mumbleypeg]

Not to hijack your topic, but I always wondered - when knives are displayed in a case with blades partly open, for years and years, does this weaken the backsprings?

No. I’ve removed a LOT of knives from displays, some that have had the blades open for decades, and have yet to find one with weakened back springs.

Back on topic. Nice find. I don’t collect commemoratives either but I have a couple that appealed to me.

Ken

[terryl308]

I agree with Ken, tension on springs does not weaken them. There are tons of military guns that have been cocked since WWII and still have spring tension. Terry

[rea1eye]

Agree with some previous comments regarding not real crazy with commemorative editions
but this one is a real beauty.

Carry it with care!


Bob

[dlr110]

Agree with some previous comments regarding not real crazy with commemorative editions
but this one is a real beauty.

Carry it with care!


Bob

Thank you. I won't be carrying this one, it will remain on display.

[deserttrans]

Heck yeah!! It is the Duke.

[Jeffinn]

Any time you buy something that makes you happy, its a good deal!
Nice knife!

[dlr110]

Any time you buy something that makes you happy, its a good deal!
Nice knife!

Thank You!! That is what I have basicly said in my book, "I believe the purpose of collecting anything is because it is something you like and it brings joy to your life."

[Rotten]

Not to hijack your topic, but I always wondered - when knives are displayed in a case with blades partly open, for years and years, does this weaken the backsprings?

No. I’ve removed a LOT of knives from displays, some that have had the blades open for decades, and have yet to find one with weakened back springs.

Back on topic. Nice find. I don’t collect commemoratives either but I have a couple that appealed to me.

Ken

Not to sidetrack but I must mention that while collecting early case Pocket Worn knives I purchased 3 that were in the original tins with all blades open. Out of the three 1 had weak but acceptable snap, 1 had very weak snap and the last one has practically no snap whatsoever. The one with no snap I leave in the open position in the display as it cant hurt it any further. Two of the knives were 1986 and one was 1987. I no longer buy knives that have been in the open position without trying them out first.

[Mumbleypeg]

Not to hijack your topic, but I always wondered - when knives are displayed in a case with blades partly open, for years and years, does this weaken the backsprings?

No. I’ve removed a LOT of knives from displays, some that have had the blades open for decades, and have yet to find one with weakened back springs.

Back on topic. Nice find. I don’t collect commemoratives either but I have a couple that appealed to me.

Ken

Not to sidetrack but I must mention that while collecting early case Pocket Worn knives I purchased 3 that were in the original tins with all blades open. Out of the three 1 had weak but acceptable snap, 1 had very weak snap and the last one has practically no snap whatsoever. The one with no snap I leave in the open position in the display as it cant hurt it any further. Two of the knives were 1986 and one was 1987. I no longer buy knives that have been in the open position without trying them out first.

I suspect your knives having weak snap is more a function of when they were made than them having been in the open position. Those were not particularly good years for Case IMHO. They were struggling financially, had employee morale problems, and it manifested in the product. You can get good knives made by them during that timeframe but it’s hit and miss in my experience.

Fortunately Zippo purchased Case, and turned it around. But I’m an advocate of “trying them out first” myself, regardless how they’ve been packaged, or who made them.

Ken