It’s a lockback with a clip-point blade, and the full name is the Bill Ruple x Case Axe Handle.
It’ll have a 3.46-inch clip-point blade made of 154CM steel, but there will be a long list of options for the handle scales including:
- Genuine Rogers jog chestnut bone,
- standard jig antique bone,
- natural Birdseye maple wood,
- black marbled carbon fiber,
- or smooth abalone.
The bone-handle models will be the first available (which means that’s all you’ll find at Blade Show), but the other models should follow in the summer and fall. Each of these handle options will be on a limited release of 200 pieces.
They also plan to release a limited run (100 pieces) with English walnut handle and a raindrop-pattern Damascus blade
So far the Axe Handle is the only design name they’ve announced, but Ruple will be with Case at the Cobb Gallery with everything in the collaboration line up so far.
It’s Been a Bit of a Wait
Case announced an agreement with Bill Ruple to start collaborating on designs back in March 2023. The pairing makes a lot of sense since Ruple famously specializes in making traditional, multi-bladed slipjoint folders.
He’s often quoted as saying the first knife he ever made was putting a Case Trapper back together, and Ruple often credits Tony Bose (a long-time designer with Case) as being a huge inspiration to his work, so there’s definitely a full-circle feeling to this collection.
The Other Case Knives to See At Blade Show
Case is also bringing some less traditional additions to its catalog this year.
The Marilla and Kinzua flippers are getting a white Cerakote handle option.
Brand new models are joining the Bridgeline series that might be best described as “modernized traditional” knives:
- The Highbanks is a slip joint with a 2.75-inch wharncliffe blade, nail-nick opening, and a half stop;
- The Longhouse is a front flipper with a 3.4-inch clip-point blade, and a liner lock.
Both will have CPM-20CV steel for the blades, deep-carry pocket clips, and Micarta or Rosewood scales for handle options.
They also said to keep an eye out for as-yet unannounced fall releases at the show.
