All About Pocket Knives

I am new to Case knife collecting. Could someone explain what pretty bone is? To me, the knives I have seen with pretty bone handles don't look any different from other bone handled knives. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum superbee. Pretty bone is a term someone came up with after they decided Case did not make true red bone handles past the XX era. (1964.) I don't agree with that theory, but many people do. Pretty bone usually will have some white in the handles and many times they are a slightly darker shade of red. What many people consider "True" red bone is total red throughout the handles of the knife. I have many USA era knives that I would call "Red" bone but that is just my opinion. Hope this helped and some of the more knowledgeable knifers may be along shortly to add their opinion as well. Smoke

While I've never heard the term "Pretty Bone", the term Redbone gets thrown around a lot whenever there is the slightest bit of red present in a set of Case scales. True Redbone is red throughout. If you could locate a picture of "Pretty Bone" I'd be interested as to what qualifies. Not casting doubt here, mind you. Just looking to further my education.

Bob, this is what I see might determine the difference although I am sure the opinions will vary widely. Now understand all of these pictures I post are of the 65-69 USA era. The first two I would call red bone. A 6292 and a 6205. Some disagree. The second two is what I believe people call pretty bone. A 6445R. Very red (in my eyes) but does have some white on the handles, and a 61093, no white, but a darker red than what most consider true redbone. This is just my interpretation. What are your views on these 4 pictured knives? I respect your opinion. Smoke

Nice pics GunSmoke

I think that for lack of a better term, the knife is described as having "pretty bone" handles.

Thanks Glenn.

Please let me know if I'm wrong here, but I think I've figured out what is being called "Pretty Bone". This picture shows two XX Era Case knives. The Moose is a parts knife and needs a main blade, but the handles are intact and I think that is what you are calling pretty bone. The Scout is Redbone. Before this thread, I would have simply called both Redbone, but the variation of the dye on the Moose that allows it to fade (or blend) towards white is what makes the difference. I hope I've got it right, but if the Moose isn't "Pretty Bone", it should be. Because it's.....well, pretty. How we doing?
(Apologies for the glare)

The last photo Wosey posted of the copperhead, is what I think of as pretty bone....brown with lighter parts.
Mark

Ramrod wrote:The last photo Wosey posted of the copperhead, is what I think of as pretty bone....brown with lighter parts.
Mark

Okay, I can buy that. I was just taking a shot with my pictures. Like I said, I've never heard the term until this thread. Shoot, until you get into all those goofy colors like periwinkle and purple something, the old Case bone handles were ALL pretty.

Elvis wrote:

Ramrod wrote:The last photo Wosey posted of the copperhead, is what I think of as pretty bone....brown with lighter parts.
Mark

Okay, I can buy that. I was just taking a shot with my pictures. Like I said, I've never heard the term until this thread. Shoot, until you get into all those goofy colors like periwinkle and purple something, the old Case bone handles were ALL pretty.

Bob, if you go on top under case price guide you will see the year and price, started around 1920-1940 . when you get one in your hand it all looks the same

Does this qualify as a “Pretty Bone”