Case and Tony Bose Launch New Norfolk Pattern
http://www.wrcase.com/pressroom/articles/43/1/Case-and-Tony-Bose-Launch-New-Norfolk-Pattern/Page1.html
By Fred Feightner
Published on 08/25/2009
The new Norfolk pattern (TB’22009), bears many features normally seen in Tony Bose’s own custom knives, but hand-crafted by Case artisans in much the same way as the original Sheffield masters.
On the heels of an award-winning collaborative last year comes the 2009 Norfolk from W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company and renowned custom knife maker Tony Bose. The new Norfolk pattern (TB’22009), bears many features normally seen in Tony’s own knives, but hand-crafted by Case artisans in much the same way as the original Sheffield masters.
John Sullivan, Case’s Director of Marketing, explains that Rodgers’ first Norfolk pattern measured some 2-1/2 feet in length and sat on display at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London, England in 1851. Its name was derived from the address of the Joseph Rodgers & Sons showroom in Sheffield, England; “No. 6 Norfolk St.”
Case carefully preserved the pattern’s original, distinctive shape while building in the many features normally reserved for today’s custom knives. Each measures 3-3/4” overall when closed and weighs 2.2 ounces. The knives’ Wharncliffe and Short Clip blades have been wire cut from stainless 154-CM steel (a durable, high performance alloy preferred by Bose), flat-taper ground, and satin-fiber finished. Milled, stainless steel liners enhance blade action from open to half-stop and closed positions.
The new Norfolk pattern (TB’22009), bears many features normally seen in Tony Bose’s own custom knives, but hand-crafted by Case artisans in much the same way as the original Sheffield masters.
Case and Tony Bose Launch New Norfolk Pattern
On the heels of an award-winning collaborative last year comes the 2009 Norfolk from W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company and renowned custom knife maker Tony Bose. The new Norfolk pattern (TB’22009), bears many features normally seen in Tony’s own knives, but hand-crafted by Case artisans in much the same way as the original Sheffield masters.
John Sullivan, Case’s Director of Marketing, explains that Rodgers’ first Norfolk pattern measured some 2-1/2 feet in length and sat on display at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London, England in 1851. Its name was derived from the address of the Joseph Rodgers & Sons showroom in Sheffield, England; “No. 6 Norfolk St.”
Case carefully preserved the pattern’s original, distinctive shape while building in the many features normally reserved for today’s custom knives. Each measures 3-3/4” overall when closed and weighs 2.2 ounces. The knives’ Wharncliffe and Short Clip blades have been wire cut from stainless 154-CM steel (a durable, high performance alloy preferred by Bose), flat-taper ground, and satin-fiber finished. Milled, stainless steel liners enhance blade action from open to half-stop and closed positions.
Case and Tony Bose Launch New Norfolk Pattern (continued)...
Other Bose-like features include dramatic blade swedging and a traditional Badge shield pinned to the scale. The unique collaborative also features “sunken” joints, which allow the tangs of each blade to be hidden from view when closed.
“Having a single backspring for both blades keeps the knife very thin and easy to carry around in your pocket,” says Bose. He also pointed out the 154-CM steel used in the blades is made in the U.S.A., using a double vacuum smelting process that removes impurities to give a “cleaner” look to the metal.
The Case/Bose Norfolk will be available in limited quantities and a variety of handle materials; 300 in Standard Jigged Chestnut Bone, 300 in Standard Jigged Antique Bone, 200 in Ebony Wood, 100 in Abalone and 100 in genuine Mother-of-Pearl. Bone-handled versions of the Case/Bose Norfolk have just begun shipping; the others will follow this fall. All are packaged in a crescent-shaped suede leather pouch.
This is the eleventh such Case/Tony Bose collaborative in the series.
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.
“Having a single backspring for both blades keeps the knife very thin and easy to carry around in your pocket,” says Bose. He also pointed out the 154-CM steel used in the blades is made in the U.S.A., using a double vacuum smelting process that removes impurities to give a “cleaner” look to the metal.
The Case/Bose Norfolk will be available in limited quantities and a variety of handle materials; 300 in Standard Jigged Chestnut Bone, 300 in Standard Jigged Antique Bone, 200 in Ebony Wood, 100 in Abalone and 100 in genuine Mother-of-Pearl. Bone-handled versions of the Case/Bose Norfolk have just begun shipping; the others will follow this fall. All are packaged in a crescent-shaped suede leather pouch.
This is the eleventh such Case/Tony Bose collaborative in the series.
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.