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CopperLock

Case Copperlock Knives

Most traditional Case patterns are slip joints with no lock at all. The Copperlock is the exception: a genuine stainless steel backlock, engineered by Case designer Tom Hart in 1997 by fusing elements of the Trapper and the Copperhead into an entirely new, lockable shape.

At Knifeworks, you're buying from an authorized Case dealer: every Copperlock here carries Case's Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty, in Tru-Sharp stainless steel or 1095 Carbon Steel. Every blade is tang stamped and dated, opened by nail nick, and locks with a confident, play-free click in either hand.

Choose a full-size Copperlock at 4.25" closed or the lighter Mini Copperlock at 3.625", in handles running from jigged bone and Curly Oak wood to Kirinite and bright synthetic colorways, including seasonal collector releases. Every Case Copperlock is made in the USA.

Is the Copperlock really a locking knife?Yes — unlike most Case traditionals, which are slip joints with no lock, the Copperlock uses a genuine stainless steel backlock that holds the blade open with no play until you release it.

Call 888-225-9775 — we carry the Case Copperlock daily and can help you pick the right size and steel.

Full-Size & Mini Copperlock In StockTom Hart's 1997 locking Trapper-Copperhead hybrid, in bone, wood, Kirinite & synthetic.
One of Case's Only Locking TraditionalsA genuine stainless steel backlock on a classic Case frame — not a slip joint.
Tru-Sharp SS or 1095 Carbon SteelChoose your steel.
Same or Next Business Day ShippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana. Questions? Call 888-225-9775.

The Case Copperlock Buyer's Guide (2026)

What makes the Copperlock Case's locking traditional, and how to pick your size, steel, and handle.

The Copperlock: Case's Locking Trapper-Copperhead Hybrid+

Case designer Tom Hart created the Copperlock in 1997 by combining design elements of the Trapper and the Copperhead into a new shape built specifically around a backlock mechanism, something most Case traditional patterns don't have at all.

The stainless steel backlock engages with a confident click and holds the blade open with no play until you press the release near the spine. It's opened by nail nick and is fully ambidextrous, comfortable in either hand. Every Copperlock blade is tang stamped and dated, which is why the pattern has built a following among collectors as well as everyday carriers.

Full-Size vs. Mini Copperlock+
SizeClosed LengthWeightBlade Length
Copperlock (full-size)Approximately 4.25 in (4 1/4")Approximately 2.8–3.0 ozApproximately 3.25 in
Mini CopperlockApproximately 3.625 in (3 5/8")Approximately 2.0 ozApproximately 2.75 in
TipA small number of special-edition Copperlocks, such as seasonal collector releases, carry a longer 3.75" blade on the full-size frame — check the individual listing's specs if blade length matters for your use.
Blade Steel Guide — Tru-Sharp Stainless vs. Carbon Steel+
SteelEdge RetentionMaintenance
Tru-Sharp Stainless Steel (SS)Good, easy touch-upLow, strong corrosion resistance
1095 Carbon Steel (CS)Excellent, takes a very fine edgeHigher, needs a thin film of oil to prevent rust

Tru-Sharp Stainless is Case's proprietary stainless blend, chosen for a balance of easy sharpening and reasonable edge retention with strong corrosion resistance. 1095 Carbon Steel is a straight high-carbon steel that sharpens to a notably finer edge and is generally harder than the stainless option, but needs a wipe of oil after use to resist rust and patina.

Handle Materials — Bone, Curly Oak Wood, Kirinite & Synthetic+

Peach Seed Jigged bone is the Copperlock's traditional material, in colorways like Dark Red and Pocket Worn Gray. Smooth Curly Oak wood — in both natural Black and dyed Blue finishes — brings a wavy, figured grain that Case notes no two pieces reproduce identically. Freedom Kirinite adds a modern synthetic alternative with a pearlescent SparXX shield, while bright Orange and Spruce Green synthetic handles cover the high-visibility, lower-maintenance end of the lineup.

TipCurly Oak and jigged bone are natural materials, so grain and jigging pattern vary piece to piece — part of what makes each Copperlock worth choosing individually.
Clip Point vs. Wharncliffe — Copperlock Blade Shape Options+

Most Copperlocks carry a Clip Point blade: a versatile, multi-purpose profile that handles everyday cutting and detail work without compromise. A smaller number of Copperlocks, typically in the 1095 Carbon Steel tier, instead carry a Wharncliffe blade with a straight edge and a spine that drops steadily to the tip, favored for controlled, precise cuts on a flat surface.

Collector Editions — Tang-Stamped, Dated & Seasonal Releases+

Every Case Copperlock is tang stamped and dated, making each one a documentable Case collectible in its own right. Case has also released the Copperlock in limited seasonal editions, including Halloween Jack-O-Lantern graphics on a white synthetic handle, which tend to sell through quickly given the pattern's smaller overall production run compared to Case's bigger-volume patterns like the Trapper.

Copperlock Quick Reference — Find Your Knife in 30 Seconds+
I need a knife for…Best ChoiceBudgetKey Feature
Everyday carry with a secure lockFull-size Copperlock, Clip Point SS$85–$100Stainless backlock, 4.25" closed
A smaller, lighter locking folderMini Copperlock$70–$953.625" closed, about 2.0 oz
Detail work with a straight edgeCopperlock Wharncliffe, Carbon Steel$90–$951095 Carbon Steel, Wharncliffe grind
A natural, collectible handleCurly Oak or Peach Seed Jigged Bone Copperlock$85–$100One-of-a-kind grain or jigging pattern
A bright, easy-to-spot blade in the fieldOrange or Spruce Green synthetic Copperlock$70–$90High-visibility, low-maintenance handle
A modern, pearlescent lookFreedom Kirinite Copperlock$85–$90SparXX Kirinite handle, nickel silver bolsters
A seasonal collectibleHalloween Jack-O-Lantern Copperlock$120–$125Limited-edition graphics, 3.75" blade

Case Copperlock: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers from Knifeworks' team on the Case Copperlock.

What is the best Case Copperlock for everyday carry?+

A full-size Copperlock in Tru-Sharp stainless steel with a Clip Point blade covers the widest range of everyday tasks, with a secure backlock most slip-joint traditionals don't offer. The Mini Copperlock carries the same mechanism on a smaller, 3.625" frame if you want something lighter in the pocket.

What's the difference between the Copperlock and Mini Copperlock?+

Both use the same backlock mechanism and blade shapes. The full-size Copperlock measures about 4.25" closed with a 3.25" blade, while the Mini Copperlock is about 3.625" closed with a 2.75" blade and roughly a third less weight.

Is the Case Copperlock legal to carry?+

The Copperlock is a manually opened folding knife with a backlock and no assisted opening, which is permitted in most jurisdictions where ordinary folding knives are legal to carry. Knife laws vary by state and city, so confirm your local regulations before carrying.

What's the difference between Clip Point and Wharncliffe Copperlock blades?+

The Clip Point is a versatile, multi-purpose shape suited to everyday cutting and detail work. The Wharncliffe has a straight edge and a spine that drops steadily to the point, favored for precise, controlled cuts on a flat surface.

What steel should I choose: Tru-Sharp stainless or Carbon Steel?+

Tru-Sharp stainless is the low-maintenance, easy-to-sharpen standard with strong corrosion resistance. 1095 Carbon Steel sharpens to a noticeably finer edge and is generally harder, but needs a wipe of oil to resist rust.

Who designed the Copperlock, and why is it called a "hybrid" pattern?+

Case designer Tom Hart created the Copperlock in 1997, combining design elements of the Trapper and the Copperhead into a new shape built around a backlock mechanism, which most Case traditional patterns don't have.

How do I care for a Carbon Steel Copperlock blade?+

Wipe the blade dry after use and apply a light coat of oil, especially before extended storage, since 1095 Carbon Steel is more reactive than Tru-Sharp stainless and will rust or patina if left wet.

What does "tang stamped and dated" mean on a Case Copperlock?+

Every Case Copperlock blade's tang is stamped with Case's manufacturing code and year, making each knife individually documentable and backed by Case's Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.

Authorized Case Dealer · Full-Size & Mini Copperlock In Stock

Find Your Case Copperlock

Ships same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana, backed by Case's Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty. Call 888-225-9775 with any questions.

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