Which one should I give as a gift?

nate j · **on:** July 21, 2014, 05:54:38 AM

I bought the two Case small stockmans (stockmen?) with stag handles, as shown below. I will be giving one as a birthday present to my brother, and keeping the other. I would like to give the nicer one away, as I believe (based on our conversations) that he will carry and use it, while the one I keep doesn't stand much chance of pushing my SAKs out of the slip-joint EDC slot, and will most likely just sit in my collection. The problem is that I'm not sure which one is nicer. Blades on both knives are identical, so I didn't bother with pictures of those. The differences, such as they are, are in the bolsters and the handle slabs.

I need to make a decision by Friday, so I'm running the poll through Thursday night.

detron · **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:00:16 AM

i meant to select the top one, but I sneezed

and clicked the bottom one

the bottom one looks nicer, but I beleive a smaller knife is more likely to be carried

JAfromMn · **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:21:03 AM

I'm going with the top one.

I like it's stepped bolsters and bomb shield

zoidberg · **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:22:04 AM

I went with the lower one. Which ever way the voting goes he'll be getting a very nice gift.

danilo · **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:26:31 AM

both of them are quite pretty, and if the sizes are the same (and it's just in optical illusion) then either one will be fine.

if one is smaller than the other, I'll second detron then: give the smaller one to him as it helps in carrying it in the pocket.

danilo · **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:29:18 AM

ah but there's a poll!
I don't think I can vote via tapatalk, can I?

dipti · **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2014, 09:05:28 AM

Well I think the first one looks more attractive and compact to use (easy to fit in pockets) than the other one. Also since we can't see any Folding blade specifications so you can gift anyone of your choice (P.S gifts are always special

) Hence I will go with the first one.

Aloha · **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:59:12 PM

I chose the bottom one. I like the script on the shield and the smooth bolsters. They are both lovely.

derekmac · **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2014, 05:11:51 PM

I prefer the look of the top one, and if I had to choose one to put in my pocket, it would be that one.

kirk13 · **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2014, 05:35:47 PM

They're both

,but I'd go for the bottom one

Grathr · **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2014, 05:51:52 PM

Very nice knives, but I like the top one best. ( count this as my vote, as the polls dont work on my tapatalk:( )

Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk

enki_ck · **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2014, 07:49:21 PM

I voted the bottom one. Stag handles look better on that one to me.

Zed · **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2014, 07:57:13 PM

I voted bottom one but there both

daverobson · **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2014, 08:57:51 PM

I've gone for the bottom one, I prefer the look of the plain bolsters & the stag handles on the bottom one have a better look to them.

nate j · **Reply #14 on:** July 22, 2014, 06:22:49 AM

Thanks for all the feedback thus far, folks.

Quote from: danilo on July 21, 2014, 06:26:31 AM

both of them are quite pretty, and if the sizes are the same (and it's just in optical illusion) then either one will be fine.

if one is smaller than the other, I'll second detron then: give the smaller one to him as it helps in carrying it in the pocket.

The size difference is partly reality, but mostly an optical illusion. I was so focused on trying to get pictures that would display the detail of the handle scales that I neglected the potentially important element of also getting the shots to show an accurate size comparison. Both are listed at 2 5/8" closed, but by my measurement the top one is about 2 mm shorter than the bottom one. Also, the pinched bolsters on the top one make it narrower toward the ends than the bottom one. So while the top one is clearly the smaller of the two, the size difference is not nearly as pronounced as it appears in the pics.

By my count (based on comments visible to all, as I don't want to bias future voters by revealing poll results to those who haven't voted), we currently have a tie at six for the top and six for the bottom. So you see my problem...

jekostas · **Reply #15 on:** July 22, 2014, 07:34:46 AM

Pick one out of a hat.

Dragon Lord · **Reply #16 on:** July 22, 2014, 05:18:14 PM

Both looks great and any one will be a really good gift.

I vote for the top one

nate j · **Reply #17 on:** July 23, 2014, 02:39:21 AM

Here is a more accurate size comparison shot. Top knife slightly smaller than bottom, but not by much. It also shows the pinched bolsters on the top one.

jerseydevil · **Reply #18 on:** July 23, 2014, 03:16:29 AM

I would say keep the pinched bolster one for yourself if it's going to sit in a collection, and the other as the gift. Both are lovely knives though.

nate j · **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2014, 06:03:17 AM

The tribe has spoken, and the top knife will be staying with me while the bottom knife goes to a new home. Thanks to all who voted and or commented.

kirk13 · **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2014, 12:03:35 PM

If he doesn't like it,then it's time for a

nate j · **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2014, 05:49:24 AM

I gave it to him on Saturday. He seemed pleased, and deposited it immediately into the small valet tray with his keys, cellphone, and other items he regularly carries. I suppose the real test will be whether it makes periodic appearances from his pocket six months or a year from now...

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