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.

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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.

Carbon Steel

Our 1095 steel is a part of a class of steels where carbon is the principal alloying element that gives the steel high tensile strength, wear resistance, and toughness. Closely resembling our CV blades, our CS steel is also known for its edge retention and ease of re-sharpening while also being susceptible to tarnishing and rusting compared to stainless steel when exposed to air and moisture. A thin coat of oil or other suitable waterproof coating will preserve the steel’s original appearance while providing you many years of dependable service.

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. (No longer in use)

Damascus (DAM)

This steel dates back to the Crusades, and is 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. (No longer in use)

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.

S35VN

A tough, wear-resistant chrome and vanadium-based steel. It is a second-generation refinement of S30V steel. Experienced knife makers report S35VN is easier to work with due to the addition of Niobium to the steel chemistry. Once annealed, this S35VN responds well to CNC machining, making it an idea choice for high-performance blade manufacturing. S35VN blades offer superior edge retention and resistance to chips and breakage.

80CRV2

A chrome based, high-carbon steel. This material is a very tough, hard-working metal alloy that's preferred by hand-forgers and manufacturers alike to make everything from specialty products like tomahawks and swords to everyday repair tools, fixed blade kitchen knives, fixed blade hunters, and traditional folding pocketknives. 80CRV2 steel responds well to grinding and performs dependably in most any environment without buckling under pressure. This steel can be found in the Case^® Winkler American Heroes Knife Series.

CPM20CV

A premium powder metallurgy stainless tool steel which offers impressive performance, wear resistance, and edge retention with added chromium levels for corrosion resistance. Case uses CPM20CV most commonly on the Modern EDC and Bridgeline knives.