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Blades & Steel

The Famous Case XX Trademark

The history of the trademark goes back to the early days of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., when the "XX" was used as a quality check system during the process of heat-treating. When the blades were put through the initial hardening furnace, an "X" was marked on the pan holding the blades. When the blades were returned to the oven for tempering, a second "X" was added. "XX" then showed that each blade had been properly and fully treated.

Today, the Case "XX" trademark is a distinction of the quality that is placed into each knife.

  • California Clip Blade
  • Can Opener
  • Clip Blade
  • Coping Blade
  • Drop Point
  • Electricians
  • Filet Blade
  • Fish Scaler Blade
  • Fork Blade
  • Hawkbill Blade
  • Manicure Blade
  • Marlin Spike Blade
  • Pen Blade
  • Physicians Blade or Long Clip
  • Punch Blade
  • Razor Blade
  • RussLock Clip Blade
  • Saber Clip or Spear Blade
  • Saw Blade
  • Screw Driver/Cap Lifter Blade
  • Sheepfoot Blade
  • Skinner Blade
  • Spatula Blade
  • Spear Blade
  • Spey Blade
  • Spoon
  • Wharncliffe Blade

Steel Materials


You can’t hone a good blade from bad steel. That’s why Case uses only premium quality steels, ordered and tested to fit our demanding specifications. These include:

Chrome Vanadium (CV)

A special formula of alloyed cutlery steel known for its ease of re-sharpening. A quick touch-up will bring back a chrome vanadium blade’s original sharp edge. (Extra care is needed with CV. A thin film of oil should be kept on the blade to maintain the finish of the steel.)

Case Tru-Sharp™ Stainless Steel (SS)

A special high-carbon steel that helps the blades hold an edge longer than conventional steel. It also offers extraordinary blade strength and corrosion resistance.

ATS-34 (ATS-34)

The brand name for this premium steel. Its reputation for edge retention is second to none among the stainless varieties. It is manufactured with very few impurities, combining three principal elements; carbon, chromium, and molybdenum. Added levels of carbon and chromium enhance the steel's hardness and rust resistance qualities. Re-sharpening can require extra effort.

Damascus (DAM)

This steel dates back to the Crusades, and are named for the famous Syrian city where some of the first man made metals were traded publicly. It is comprised of thin layers of metal that are heated together to form a laminated solid. Designs take shape as layers are folded in then welded together by forging.

BG42 (BG42)

A high performance, domestic alloy steel. It is a bearing-grade composition with added carbon and vanadium giving improved strength and increased edge retention.

154-CM

High performance American-made stainless alloy known for its sharpness and edge holding ability. It is manufactured with very few impurities, combining three principle elements; carbon, chromium, and molybdenum. Added levels of carbon and chromium enhance the steels' hardness and rust resistance qualities. Re-sharpening can require extra effort.