IOLA, Wis. – It’s been more than 150 years since U.S. manufacturers first began bringing pocket knives to market, and 75 years since the “golden age” of U.S. pocket knife production. Today, pocket knives remain a handy and efficient tool, as well as a popular collectible – with W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Co. leading the pack.

The new Collecting Case Knives, 2nd Edition by Steve Pfeiffer, and published by Krause Publications, provides an unmatched review of hundreds of Case pocket knives, illustrated by nearly 1,000 color photographs, manufactured between 1920 and the 20th century. This new edition includes a chapter-by-chapter dissection of the elements of Case knives. Tang stamps and pattern numbers are explained and illustrated in detail, the evolution of types of blade steels is discussed, and the various shields, bolsters, pins and handles utilized in Case knives are examined in an easy-to-follow manner. All of which comes in handy while researching or simply reading for enjoyment.

Adding to the abundance of historical information and general identifying data outlined in the first 85-plus pages, is the “Case Pattern and Value Guide” that accounts for the bulk of the book, or as Pfeiffer calls it the “heart” of the book. Within the guide, each pattern is represented with several detailed photographs, along with an explanation of the design and marketed use of the blade, any variations, production data, current secondary market value and collectible scarcity of each pattern.

Everything from the Pattern 20 Peanut and the Pattern 72 Bulldog and Buffalo, to the Pattern 97 Shark Tooth and the spectrum of Case knives in between, are within the pages of this guide.

Krause Publications is an imprint of F+W, A Content + eCommerce Company (fwmedia.com). This title and other antiques and collectibles-related references can be found at KrauseBooks.com.

Softcover • 304 pages • 1,000 color photos • Retail price $29.99 • KrauseBooks.com price $20.99. (Also available at booksellers nationwide.)