How to Date a Case Bowie Knife? Top Methods

It is essential to determine the age or the production year of a bowie knife or any specific one. In this article, we’re going to explain how to date a Case Bowie knife.

Well, multiple factors can be used to determine such special characteristics in these types of knives.

For instance, you can take help from the methods like Tang Stamp, knife designs, and their other history. Therefore, in this article, we’ll review the major steps to perform this knife evolution research in detail.

How to Date a Case Bowie Knife?

As we all know, these case bowie knives are quite popular since the 1970s. However, here we’ll track down all the basic clues that we can gather about such knives and use them to find their manufacturing history.

Moreover, we also share our experience of dating the history of such knives as knife experts. So, make sure to also read our post-related article on the Knife Laws by the States of America that we have written on this same site.

Let’s get started right away without wasting any more time! and looking into the much important methods to find out how to date a case bowie knife:

1. Check the tang stamp

The tang stamp is a symbol or emblem stamped on the metal part of the blade that is visible when you look at the handle of the knife. The tang stamp will give you the year of manufacture and the model number of the knife.

The case has used several different tang stamps over the years, so you will need to research the specific tang stamp for your knife to determine the year of manufacture.

2. Look for any changes in the design

Over the years, the design of Case Bowie knives changed, and these changes can help you determine the age of the knife.

For example, you may notice changes in the blade shape, handle material, or overall size of the knife. As a result, it will become easy for you to determine the age and versatility of that specific knife.

3. Research the history

By researching the history of the knife model, you can get an idea of when it was first introduced and when it was last made. As all of them are branded equipment with a refined history.

The case company has produced numerous different Bowie knife models over the years, so you may need to consult multiple sources to get a complete picture of the knife’s history.

4. Consult with a knife expert

If you still can’t determine the age of the knife, consult with a knife expert who may have more information and experience in dating knives. Therefore, as experts, we are here to help you.

Knife collectors and experts often have access to information and resources that are not readily available to the public. No doubt, it is an important method to find the history of case company knives.

Case Bowie Knife Types & History

The case company knives were first manufactured by the W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery company in 1905. These special knives have their types and their history that we have explained in the given below lines.

1. Case Stockman Bowie

A classic Case Bowie knife, the Stockman Bowie features a large, sturdy blade and a handle made of materials such as bone, wood, or synthetic materials.

This knife was manufactured in the first decade of the 19th century and is still in use or demand.

2. Case Hunter Bowie

The Hunter Bowie is a versatile knife designed for hunting and outdoor activities. It features a large blade and a handle made of materials such as stag, bone, or synthetic materials.

In addition, this knife was first introduced in the mid-1900s and is still being made today.

3. Case Large Bowie

The Large Bowie is a larger version of the classic Case Bowie knife. It features a large blade and a handle made of materials such as bone, wood, or synthetic materials.

This specific knife was first introduced in the early 1900s and is still being made today.

4. Case Pocket Bowie

The Pocket Bowie is a smaller, more compact version of the classic old Case xx pocket knife. It features a smaller blade and a handle made of materials such as bone, wood, or synthetic materials.

In the mid-1900s, this knife was first introduced to the world and is still being made today.

5. Case Trapper Bowie

The Trapper Bowie is a multipurpose knife designed for use in a variety of situations. It features a large blade and a handle made of materials such as bone, wood, or synthetic materials.

The Trapper Knife was manufactured in the mid-1900s and like the amove one, it’s still in demand.

Serial Numbers & Types of Tang Stamps

A serial number lookup on a case Bowie knife identifies the model version of the knife given by its manufacturers. This special model number is written at the back end of these tang metal stamps and allows the users to easily determine the inventory and knife type used for these numbers.

This serial key is an important factor that is used by knife experts and enthusiasts to find the knife’s history. Moreover, this key is generally different on each case knife, and it separates all of them easily.

Here is a list of some common types of tang stamps on these knives. Through them, you can easily determine the history, composition, usage, durability, and quality of such knives.

1. “W.R. Case & Sons”

This is the classic tang stamp used by Case on their knives and includes the company name and the word “Sons” to indicate that it was made by the family-owned business. This tang stamp was used from the early 1900s until the present day.

2. “Case XX”

This tang stamp includes the Case logo and the letters “XX” to indicate that it was made by the company. This tang stamp was first used in the 1920s and is still used today on some Case knives with a price range of $45.

3. “Case Tested”

This tang stamp includes the Case logo and the words “Tested” to indicate that the knife has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its quality and durability. This tang stamp was first used in the early 1900s and is still used today on some Case knives.

4. “Case XX USA”

This tang stamp includes the Case logo, the letters “XX,” and the word “USA” to indicate that the knife was made in the United States. This tang stamp was first used in the 1970s and is still used today on some Case knives.

5. “Case XX 6 Dot”

This tang stamp includes the Case logo, the letters “XX,” and six dots to indicate the year of manufacture.

The dots were added to the tang stamp in the 1970s and are arranged in a pattern to indicate the year of manufacture. For example, one dot indicates that the knife was made in 1970, two dots indicate that it was made in 1971, and so on.

Secret Code identifications in the Case Bowie Knives

Here is a list of the major secret codes that you may find on the stamp of these special knives. We have given all their identification codes and symbols along them to make it easy for you to determine their history with perfection.

Luckily, you’ll find these symbols and other codes for all miscellaneous, folding, hunting, and other case bowie knives.

1. Manufacturer symbol

A symbol or emblem representing the manufacturer of the knife, such as the “Case” logo.

2. Model number

A unique numerical identifier is assigned to a specific knife model, such as “6254SS”.

3. Year of manufacture

The year the knife was produced, is usually represented by a series of numbers or letters, such as “XX/YY”, where XX represents the number of years since the company was founded, and YY represents the year within that century.

4. Blade type

The type of blade, such as a clip point, drop point, or trailing point, is represented by a symbol or letter code, such as “CP” for the clip point.

5. Material code

A code representing the type of material used to make the knife, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or Damascus steel, such as “SS” for stainless steel.

6. Pattern code

A code representing the specific pattern or design of the knife, such as “469L SS” for a large Bowie knife with a stainless steel blade.

7. Production line code

A code indicating the production line or factory where the knife was made, such as “USA” for knives made in the United States.

Can you date a Case Bowie knife without Tang Stamp?

No doubt, dating a Case Bowie knife without a tang stamp can be difficult, but not impossible. Here are a few alternative methods that can be used to determine the age of a Case Bowie knife:

1. Blade shape and design

The blade shape and design can provide clues as to the age of the knife. For example, earlier Case Bowie knives often had a more traditional, classic design, while later knives may have a more modern, streamlined design.

2. Hardware and materials

The materials used for the hardware, such as the handle and bolster, can also provide clues as to the age of the knife. For example, earlier Case Bowie knives may have used brass or nickel silver for the hardware, while later knives may have used stainless steel.

3. Manufacturing markings

If the knife has any manufacturing markings or stamps, such as a logo or production line code, these can be used to help determine the age of the knife.

4. Serial number

If the knife has a serial number, this can be used to determine the age of the knife by checking the records of the manufacturer. So, make sure to check out all of them to determine the history of these specially branded knives.

How to Spot a Fake Case Bowie Knife?

Here are the 8 best steps and methods that we have discovered to spot a fake case bowie knife. So, make sure to use all of them to get the perfect and most efficient output results.

1. Check the logo

Authentic Case knives have a distinctive, easily recognizable logo. Compare the logo on the knife you are examining to pictures of genuine Case logos to see if they match.

2. Inspect the blade

The blade of a genuine Case knife will be made from high-quality steel and will be sharp and well-finished. If the blade is dull, rough, or has visible flaws, it may be a fake.

3. Examine the handle

Case knife handles are typically made from high-quality materials, such as bone, stag, or synthetic materials. If the handle is made from a low-quality material, or if it is loose or wobbly, it may be a fake.

4. Look for manufacturing markings

Authentic Case knives will have clear and legible manufacturing markings, such as the “Case” logo and the knife’s pattern number. If these markings are missing, or if they are faint or unclear, the knife may be a fake.

5. Check the blade stamp

Case knives will have a clear and legible blade stamp that indicates the pattern, the steel used, and the country of origin. If the stamp is missing or if it is unclear, the knife may be a fake.

6. Compare the knife to known examples

Compare the knife you are examining to pictures and descriptions of genuine Case knives to see if it matches. Pay close attention to the details, such as the shape of the blade, the pattern of the handle, and the quality of the materials used.

7. Check the weight

Case knives are well-made and have a solid, substantial feel. If the knife you are examining feels lightweight or flimsy, it may be a fake.

8. Seek professional assistance

If you are unsure whether a knife is fake, consider seeking the assistance of a professional appraiser or a knowledgeable collector who can examine the knife and provide an expert opinion.

FAQs related to how to date a case Bowie Knife?

Final Verdict

To date a case Bowie knife, we have discussed the best methods that the users can easily utilize to track down the history of these special knives. Moreover, we have explained these tracking methods for all major types of these special Case company bowie knives.

With this information, we have also concluded the importance of these knives along with their special and amazing types. In addition, every aspect related to the serial numbers and secret codes of these versatile knife equipment has also been defined by their history and other factors.

In the end, we hope that you would find this given information highly useful. So, make sure to tell us your precious thoughts regarding the information that we have provided through this article.