Case 6488 knife broken blade

[Jeff in indy.]

Hello
I am new to this site. I like pocket knifes and just picked up a older case xx 6488 at a auction this weekend. One of the blades is broken. I filled out a form on the case website and I suppose they will contact me this week. I guess my first question would be if this is the best way to get it fixed. The other 3 blades are dirty but overall in pretty good shape with no scratches. Doesn't even look like they have ever been sharpened. I am also trying to figure out the approximate age and what kind of material the handle is made from. Looks like wood to me but it doesn't seem to be a option based on what the internet tells me so far. Also the badge is upside down compared to the other 6488 knives on Ebay etc. Maybe that helps to date it. Anyhow if anyone has seen this case model/pattern before please give me your thoughts. Also if sending it to case for repair is my best option for repair

[Jeff in indy.]

This picture should show more detail

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK. The knife appears heavily used, and possibly has been re-handled. Can’t tell much about it from your pictures. I recommend you click on the Research section here, accessible by clicking on it in the grey header at the top of this page. That will take you here https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/page/research.php. Scroll down to the section W.R. CASE & SONS CUTLERY COMPANY RELATED RESEARCH TOPICS & RESOURCES . There you will learn how to determine the age of your knife, its (original) handle material and other attributes about it from the stamps on the blades of the knife.

As for repairing your knife, the unbroken blades appear to be heavily used and definitely sharpened - quite a lot in fact. If Case can replace the broken blade it will be with one from current production and will not look like the other existing, well worn blades. I assume you sent pictures to Case as requested on their repair return form.

Ken

[btrwtr]

Welcome to AAPK !

Your knife looks to have had some work done on it. Handles are not original and the shield was installed upside down. Blades also look to have been repinned at some point in time. If Case has a blade for a more current 6488 pattern it may not fit your knife correctly. Dimentions including blade thicknesses can change over time.

[1967redrider]

to AAPK! Wish we had some good news for you about your Congress, but it is what it is. Strange how it looks like the handle was hafted flat.

[Jeff in indy.]

Thanks for all the info. I agree it looks like it has been worked on. The wooden handles dont look bad. I just could not find any info that would tell me if it came from the factory that way. The notch in the handle and the upside down case logo dont match anything I found on the internet either. I suppose I will wait and see how case responds to my repair request. If they can replace the broken blade and polish it up I will probably let them do it. Maybe let them replace the handles with bone. I only have 30 dollars invested so far. Or I will clean it up myself and use it as is.

Jeff

[btrwtr]

Still looks like a lot of life left in it. Hard to find those 88 pattern knives.

[Mumbleypeg]

Unable to see the tang stamps on the knife in your pictures so can’t tell how old it is. Don’t be surprised if Case says you’ll need to send the knife to them before they can tell whether they can repair it.

Ken

[OLDE CUTLER]

Unable to see the tang stamps on the knife in your pictures so can’t tell how old it is. Don’t be surprised if Case says you’ll need to send the knife to them before they can tell whether they can repair it.

Ken

Are those notches in the frame original to this Case pattern? If not will Case accept and work on a knife that has been modified like this?

[Mumbleypeg]

Neither the notches nor those handle covers are original. I can't speak for Case but I'm sure they wouldn't accept that knife for repair under warranty, nor would I ask or expect them to. But they possibly would repair it for a fee. I'm doubtful it's worth putting much money in it.

Ken

[OLDE CUTLER]

$30 is plenty for a knife with a broken blade that has been modified heavily. The frame has probably been severely weakened by the modification.

[Jeff in indy.]

I have not heard back from case. Based on responses it sounds like I might not have two many options for repair. That's ok. I will just have a 3 bladed pocket knife. It actually pretty solid as is
The only reason i bought it is that it seemed very old.