Case and Tony Bose Deliver Near Custom Swing-Guard Lock

Bradford, PA (July 28, 2007)– Knife enthusiasts can soon purchase a custom quality knife inspired by a world-renowned custom craftsman and made by one of America’s most trusted manufacturers. The unique “Swing-Guard Lock” is the result of a long-running collaboration between W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and maker Tony Bose. Initial shipments will soon be released to Case Authorized Dealers.

John Sullivan, Case’s Director of Marketing, says the new Swing-Guard Lock combines a “unique look with a feature-rich design and a quality in craftsmanship which rivals many knives made for the custom market.”

The new Case/Bose Swing-Guard Lock will be available in limited quantities and a variety of handle materials; 300 in Standard Jigged Antique Bone, 300 in Standard Jigged Brown Bone, 200 in Ebony Wood, 100 in Abalone and 100 in genuine Mother-of-Pearl. Standard features include distinctive stainless steel bolsters and a vintage shield design that’s pinned to the knife’s interior scale. The knife’s mid-tumbler locking mechanism holds the opened 4-3/8” clip blade in place. Each measures 5-1/4” overall when closed.

The Swing-Guard Lock’s blade is wire cut from ATS-34 stainless steel, Bose’s metal of choice for his own custom knives. The blade features dramatic double cut swedging, traditional and French style nail marks, a flat taper grind and a satin-fiber finish. A milled stainless liner promotes improved blade fall.

The Swing-Guard Lock was inspired by Bose’s previous encounter with an early Case Swell Center Jack pattern. Knives like these gave rise to Case’s ’65 pattern, the Folding Hunter; a staple in the Case catalog for decades.

Bose says early locking versions of patterns like these do exist, but those fitted with swing-guards are "extremely rare.” He points out the precision engineering and mechanics required to produce such a knife, stating, “It’s no wonder there weren’t many of them made.”

Bone-handled versions of the Case/Bose Swing-Guard Lock will soon begin shipping. All are packaged in a half-moon shaped suede leather pouch.

This is the ninth such Case/Tony Bose collaborative offered to the public.

Visit www.wrcase.com/pressroom for additional information.

About Tony Bose
Tony Bose fashioned his first knife in 1972 from a power hack saw blade he’d received from a friend. He'd work to perfect his skills for years before pursuing a full-time custom knife making career in 1990. Tony's impact was quickly felt across the industry, winning Best Folding Knife Awards from the 1994 East Coast Custom Knife Show and the 1995 Blade Show with his own five-bladed Stockman designs. Today, Tony’s work continues as a member of the coveted Knife Maker’s Guild, blending vintage patterns with modern steel blades, stainless steel bolsters and springs to an unmistakable fit and finish. His work attracts enthusiasts from around the world who often wait years for their knives to be completed to his satisfaction. His knife making talent accentuates his true passion for his craft and his reputation as a trusted businessperson, spirited philanthropist, devoted husband and father. Tony's son, Reese, is also an accomplished custom maker. The two carry on their knife making tradition from their workshop in Shelburn, Indiana.

About W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company
For more than a century, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery has been hand-crafting premium knives exclusively in the United States. Case's distinction underscores its well-earned place as a genuine piece of Americana and the country's most popular collectable brand. The company manufactures pocketknives, sporting/hunting knives and collectables which are available at hardware stores, cutlery shops, sporting goods stores and large retail chains across the country. W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery is based in Bradford, PA and has been part of the Zippo Manufacturing Company since 1993. For more information, visit www.wrcase.com or contact Case at 1-800-523-6350.

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