For the last few years I have gotten and written articles on the Case Vault Release pattern. In 2019 it was the Barlow, which spurred my interest in the Vault Release program. The pattern for 2020 was the Pocket Hunter which fit into the “mini knives” category I enjoy. Normally Case announces the upcoming pattern a bit in advance, but the 2021 pattern remained a mystery right up into the new year. There was a lot of speculation and wondering about what knife would be released from the Vault, and it was actually announced first (as far as I can tell) via the Smoky Mountain Knife Works catalog; the 2021 Vault Release pattern is the Copperhead!
The Copperhead is a classic design at a great size. It is designated in Case’s tang stamp system as the 49 pattern. Over the years it has been periodically produced with a variety of blade shape combinations, but it is most classically a two bladed jack with a clip point main blade and pen secondary blade. The pattern is identified by the unique bolster with a bump that forms a pseudo guard and shrouds the blade tang corners. It’s a medium to large sized pattern at 3.875″ closed. Mine has the classic clip point main blade and pen secondary behind the main blade. The main blade is 3″ with a 2.625″ edge, and the pen blade is 2.25″ with a 1.875″ edge. As of now Case has also announced versions with a wharncliffe main and pen secondary blade, as well as single bladed clip point versions. As with most Case patterns, the Copperhead is available in many different cover options from yellow synthetic (like mine) to Abalone. Some versions are Case’s carbone steel, CV, and others in their stainless, Tru-Sharp.
The Copperhead is an old pattern for Case, having been first produced by Case at least 100 years ago in their pre-tested era. The unique bolster design makes the knife much less likely to wear through pockets, due to the tang corners being covered. Often the sharp corners of a blade’s tang, where it interfaces with the backspring, can not only create wear in pockets but also uncomfortably jab into the leg during carry and even create hot spots in the hand during use. Though I think that Case sometimes over polishes / rounds the corners on their knives, particularly the tips of the blades, other companies like GEC tend to leave very sharp corners on the blade tangs. While sharp corners on the tangs do make for a cleaner look of the interface between the blade and spring when the knife is open, the Copperhead style bolster can offer the best of both worlds. The name seems to come from the humped bolster’s resemblance to a snake’s head, specifically the Copperhead. While I suppose I can see the similarity if I really look for it, but I do think it’s a bit of a stretch. Supposedly, the Copperhead is sometimes called the “Vietnam Knife“. Although I’ve seen this claim several places online, I can’t find any evidence that this term was actually used or that the pattern was particularly popular during the Vietnam war. There are other instances of a similar design from outside the U.S., including Germany and France. So I think this is probably a pattern that existed before Case began manufacturing it in the early 1900s, and that’s not a surprise considering its utility and advantages due to design.
I’m happy with the construction of my example. I am always a bit wary of buying Case knives sight unseen as they have gaps, blade play, and blade rap more often than I like. Although I didn’t realize it at first for either, the 2021 Vault Pocket Hunter I got had blade rap (as well as some slight gaps). While this Copperhead has a gap most of the length of the knife between the secondary blade spring and pile side liner, it doesn’t have any functional issues like blade rap or blade play. It does have Case’s characteristic extremely toothy edge. Some claim this is an intentional feature but I doubt that; either way, I don’t know how they get their edges so toothy. I think that’s part of why I’d missed the blade rap on the Pocket Hunter. Even after I’ve sharpened the Copperhead a couple times it doesn’t seem anywhere close to having blade rap even though the tips sit well within the frame (and you know I hate proud tips!). It has nice healthy snap to and from the half stops. Although not perfect, it’s a perfectly functional knife for under $50.
Beyond the build quality, I’m just plain really enjoying this knife. The size is great for actual use, with the main blade being big enough for most daily tasks and the pen blade being useful as a backup or for fine work. The grip is comfortable, especially with the guard and covered tangs. I also just think it looks good; very classic with the prominent clip point and characteristic bolster. I went with the yellow synthetic because I got the last two years’ Vault knives in yellow synthetic. Interestingly, the 2019 Barlow was CV, the 2020 Pocket Hunter was Tru Sharp, and this 2021 Copperhead is CV. As Case’s carbon steel, CV needs to be maintained by wiping off after use and occasional oiling. While I don’t think it is heat treated as hard as GEC’s 1095 is by Peter’s Heat Treating, CV works well enough for my uses and takes a colorful patina. I like that the blades both have nice action, no blade rap, and the tips sit well within the frame. I have been finding myself putting the Copperhead in my pocket day after day, kicking other more fancy knives out. The Case 2021 Copperhead is my favorite Vault Release knife so far!
