case or queen??

[old timer90]

I am new to knife collecting I like case but they are so high I don't have that much money to spent on knives. I have look at queen and they don't seem as high I am need some advice

[gino]

The older Case knives do bring a hefty price in the right condition but newer Queen and Case of the same style and condition are pretty close in value. Both brands are quality knives although Case xx is generally more sought after.

just my opinion

[jmh58]

What Gino said!! I like Cases !! John

[pflyrodder]

I am fairly new to collecting, too, Old Timer. I have both and like them both. The finish work on a Case knife tends to be smoother; no sharp edges. Case wood finishes are done right. I recently ordered a Queen and the wood finish looked unappealing to me. I ended up stripping it down and putting an oil finish on it and now it looks awesome. I carry it most often, a trapper model. I have Case trappers also, so why do I carry this Queen all the time? I could probably critique Queen in the negative for having to refinish a brand new knife whose cost is comparable to a Case, if not more expensive in this particular model, but I would also give it thumbs up because of its attractive lines as they are slightly different than the Case. Case puts a high polish on most of their blades and Queen doesn't. So, it's all about personal preferance and what appeals to your eye. My suggestion? Buy them both. You will want both.

[gary]

GEC or Shatt & Morgan? Unless it's an old Case in mint.

[pflyrodder]

You have good taste, Gary. Schatt and Morgan---a bit pricey, but VERY well done. I think the market is neck and neck for what you get considering all kinds of things.
Old Timer, if Queen appeals to you and it falls better within your budget, then go for it!!! I suspect you won't be disappointed. I was a little, but that's just me and only one model and handle material from Queen under my belt just because I like wood. Queen has a neat history as an American company. They were born from Schatt and Morgan years ago as some of the cutlers broke away and took their skills with them to form something for themselves. There's good quality work there and you shouldn't be disappointed. Did I devalue my knife by stripping it? I don't care. I was in good hands with Muskrat Man and Orvet, so in my mind the knife now brings a neat added history and value. Here is a pic for you.
With all the good makers out there it can be difficult to choose. Great Eastern is another you should consider. I do not own one but I will soon. They are a fairly recent company and that kinda attracts me. Who knows how long they'll be together and what their value will be in years to come? Case appears to be a bench mark company, everybody seems to give them a run for their money. Kinda cool. Keeps the prices down and forces makers to turn out good quality stuff. It's nice to see.