One weird Case 6265…hoping to “repair” it

[Walleye]

Since at least since the 1960s standard grade stainless Buck blades have been harder than standard grade stainless Case blades so your scratch test needs to be compared to how easily your Buck's point scratches a good Case stainless blade.

Here's my amateur suggestion. Always carry three other knives in case you are atacked by lions and tigers and bears (oh my) and to handle survival in your basement. While equiped with them, after minimal clean up, use your questionable Case to open packages, whittle, work in your yard and in your kitchen. After a few resharpenings you'll have a good idea if its blades were softened by heat.

Great insights. I just did a scratch test with a 2020’s era Buck 112 on an 80’s 7 dot stainless blade and the 2010 folding Hunter. The steel on the 80’s SS Case knife seems softer than the steel on the 2010 knife! Both took a ready scratch from the Buck. The 2010 seemed to skate a little more, but still scratched. Since the 1983 Case holds an edge good and takes a very sharp edge, I’m assuming the 2010 is probably not a lost cause. I think this is reason to not only celebrate, but to put some stronger thought towards ways of improving conditions on the 2010. I might have to bring it back to factory specs or at least somewhat close to that.