What is it about Green bone knives?
Monday, June 9th, 2008
You have probably heard by now of the big auction of Bob Wurzelbacher’s green bone knives. While I doubt they are all he owns, it is reported to have over 100 antique Case knives in it.
Green bone handled knives command a premium. It is a fact. Case green bone knives command a king’s ransom. While some folks may want to argue only Case made green bone handled knives, that isn’t the topic for today.
Bottomline: Green bone handled knives are in very high demand. I must confess to like them too, but green is one of my favorite colors.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why folks like green bone so much? I don’t know all the reasons, but do know, variations are good. Collectors like niche’s. Differences add an element of desirability. In my 2003 interview with Mr. Joel Seale, he told me green bone was one of the most desirable handle materials. He went on to tell me one of the reasons for this- Case lost its formula and couldn’t duplicate it. The story goes: After WWII Case tried to rehire its workers returning from the war. The new hires weren’t able to replicate the formula with the proper mix of dyes and also weren’t able to get the color to hold to the bone.
In a conversation with Mr. Tony Foster, notable antique Case knife expert, Tony said, “all TESTED XX are green bones, actually, even though some appear brown.” He added that there are several variations of green bone and that the Bradford, TESTED XX and XX are the only eras with green bone. He also believes that neither Case Brothers or early WR Case used green bone.
I am not going to argue with an expert, but opinions differ out there as we have learned over the years when it comes to knives and toenails. So, is this Case Brothers a brown bone?? 
Anyway, sorry I wasn’t able to add several of the other green bones toenails I have, including some killer green TESTED XX! Plus, I have several non-Case branded toenails made with green bone handles.When you have the chance to acquire a green bone toenail, grab it. You won’t go wrong, and if you are like me, will develop a special liking for them :)
Recent Comments