Case Medium Jack Pocket Knife

Cost to value is a 5. Function and durability are a 5. Solid built 3 5/8" working knife with two CV carbon steel blades, a clip point and a drop point pen blade (not really a spear point as sometimes described). It has two stainless steel backsprings with a third brass liner set between the blades. Clip blade is perfectly centered. The pen blade is a bit off center, but does not rub the liner. Each blade does have its own small area of scratches, which seems to be left from the grinding or sharpening process. There are some small gaps between the liners and backsprings and the symmetry is slightly off at the bolsters, probably from the hand finishing process, although it does give the knife its own individual uniqueness. Amber bone covers look great and are perfectly flush with the bolsters. Blades were shaving sharp out of the box. The 3 5/8" (closed) serpentine shape is very ergonomic when using either blade. Blade pull is firm and smooth with no play in either blade. The backspring is very slightly proud with the open master blade (the clip point blade), but it has no effect on performance. The knife feels rock solid and the size is the perfect blend for practical use in the field or on the ranch and all day comfort for EDC pocket carry. This Case Small Texas Jack is noticeably lighter and slimmer than the standard Case Medium Stockman, which is also 3 5/8" long (closed). Fits perfectly in the watch pocket (5th pocket) of my blue jeans and works just as well in the front pockets of khakis or when wearing a suit. I don't carry it with coins or keys in the same pocket. I prefer to carry it isolated to minimize scratches and metal on metal rub. The CV steel is more corrosion resistant than regular carbon steel. I use this knife daily for ranch work. I wipe the blades down at the end of the day with a Remingtom "Rem Cloth" or a bandana with a little Rem Oil, and put a drop of Rem Oil on each blade tang maybe once a week to protect the steel. This is an old school working knife that can endure a lifetime of hard use. Very easy to resharpen and keep razor sharp. This is now my EDC knife. Made in the USA as are all Case knives. It has been an excellent companion to my larger 4 1/8" Case Equestrian knife.

This is not my first Case pocket knife with chrome vanadium blades and amber bone handles (scales, for you knife-savvy ones). I have three now: a large Stockman, a medium Stockman, and the Texas Jack. The Texas Jack pocket knife is built on the medium Stockman frame, but minus the third blade on the Stockman; the Sheep foot, so called for its resemblance to a sheep's hoof. This gives the Texas Jack a lower profile when all blades are closed and leaves less blade steel exposed for scratches from the odd coin one may absentmindedly drop in one's pocket. The pen blade on the Texas Jack is almost a hybrid between the sheep's foot and a true pen shape, meaning that it serves either purpose alright, but does neither exceptionally well. The Texas Jack, like the two Stockman knives, has the same amber bone scales, which are painstakingly fitted to the sides of the knife, mated perfectly to the generously nickel plated bolsters. The Case shield emblem is a thick piece of nickel-plated steel, firmly and permanently planted in the long blade side, set flush with the handles, as are the three brass rivets, so there's no chafing of the user's hand (or pocket liner). Then there's the blades. Ah, the blades! These are high carbon steel blades with enough chrome in them to make them very shiny, and a little bit resistant to corrosion, but not truly a stainless steel (yes, you'll want to keep a light coat of mineral oil on them). With the classic, timeless lines and style of the perennial pocket knife, coupled with the first rate materials and workmanship of these knives, my first impulse was to keep them pristine in their boxes and take them out and admire them once in a while, and not risk marring them. Until I cut something with them, that is. These blades are perfectly fitted to the handle (but not locking) and there's very little play. They are also very sharp. They stay sharp, and what little re-honing is needed takes very little time and effort, thanks to the vanadium in the steel. They are made to cut with, and will effortlessly do so, on anything a medium pocket knife should be expected to cut. So, the decision I have to make is whether to keep them as the little treasures they are, or to oil 'em, put 'em in my pocket, open cardboard boxes, cut strings and packing bands, peel the occasional apple (how cool!), scratch up and discolor the blades and mar the pinched bolsters for the sake of having a premium knife made in Pennsylvania, always at the ready. With the Texas Jack, at least, I'm opting for the latter. However, I've noticed that keeping it in my pocket also turns the amber bone scales to a darker hue, over time, which, in my opinion, is prettier. Amber Series 62032 CV Small Texas Jack Md: 00077.