A hammer. An anvil. A Case XX Knife designed by Tony Bose---the Sway Back Gent.
Case knife enthusiasts experienced a rare treat at the Bose/Reid Tour in Nashville on May 16, 2009.
Not only were they able to meet Tony Bose & hear first hand Tony Bose storytellin’…they also got to
take a close up look at some Tony Bose “Tools of the Trade”. Tony brought two of the tools that he uses
routinely...the hammer that he has used to make every knife he’s ever done (except the first one...he
said), worn with use, bearing the initials “TB” carved into the handle; and a custom built anvil that was
presented to him by W.R. Case. He commented on the anvil, saying, “This is one of my most treasured
possessions…..and I use it !” It has been a convenient and valuable tool as he collaborates with Case on
knife designs, and a piece, that was obvious to all, very prized.
So of course, it was only fitting for the Bose/Reid Tour Event Knife to be a Tony Bose design—pattern
number TB61117 SS—the Sway Back Gent. Limited to 150 pieces, the Bose/Reid Tour Knife was a
Magician’s Sway Back Gent in Caramel & Natural Bone, laser engraved with Tony Bose’ autograph on the
front, and Ida Reid’s signature on the back, in addition to “Shepherd Hills Tour 2009” on the blade at a
price of $89.99. Those in attendance at the show had the opportunity to get Tony’s autograph on the
certificate of authenticity with a side of some good ol’ Tony stories (and if you’ve ever talked with Tony,
you know, that’s always a good time). We regret to say that Ida Reid was unable to attend, she was
sorely missed, but she had graciously signed all certificates of authenticity in advance.
Adding to the festivities, those who arrived early at the show had an opportunity to put their name in a
raffle drawing to have the opportunity to purchase one of two rare Case XX Tony Bose Saddlehorns, of
which only 150 were made.
There was a wide variety of other Case/Bose collaboration knives to choose from as well.
Finding some that you weren’t expecting to be available is always a great surprise for a knife enthusiast.
Adding excitement and a bit of “extra” buzz, was the Case XX Specials Table with discontinued Case
knives at 50-60 % off and Prototypes of new Case XX/Shepherd Hills Exclusives, able to be pre‐ordered
at the show along with some “Concept” Case XX which are the “behind the scenes” look at possibilities
for future productions.
A couple of people demonstrated “just how sharp” the Case XX knives are…we’d tell you their names,
but you would know at least one of them…! ☺ Nothing serious, just that little “bite” that has happened
to us all.
To really get the “feel” for what the Bose/Reid Tour Event was like, you just have to imagine people of
all ages, all walks of life, coming together for a common bond: their passion for a finely made American
pocketknife, the Case XX. It was one of those times when you really feel that you are among
friends…there were no strangers there it seemed, even if you had never met before.
AND then the moment all had been waiting for: the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING.
The Grand Prize was a Genuine Mother of Pearl Tony Bose/ Ida Reid Sway Back Gent, made with the
same laser engraved signatures and blade etch of Shepherd Hills Tour ’09. There was only one Bose/Reid Pearl Sway Back Gent produced. All that was required was that you be present at the time of
the drawing. Rod Reid, vice president of Shepherd Hills, and Maury Ford, from the National Sales Office
had the honor of drawing the winner with Maury perched high atop a ladder so all could see.
A name was drawn, announced to the crowd…and there was no answer…more seconds pass…no
answer…the air grew electric as the crowd hung onto the somewhat guilty hope that maybe…just maybe
they were still in the running…and sure enough…Maury & Rod conceded, we needed to draw another
name…
The second time a name was drawn, there was NO delay, when Pam Baskin’s name was called, though
shocked and in disbelief---she immediately stepped up to claim her prize. Tears of joy streamed down
her face as Maury Ford presented her with this very special Case XX Bose/Reid Tour knife from W.R.
Case & Shepherd Hills Cutlery. Pam commented, “my brother is not going to believe this…he’s just going
to die !” It seems that Pam and her brother have a special relationship, still taking the time to get
together in what Pam’s husband, Steve, calls her “sibling” trips. According to Steve, one of their favorite
activities is to check out new pocketknives together.
And that wrapped it up, Case knife enthusiasts from all over congratulated Pam on her lucky day as she
posed with Tony to get some “keepsake” photos, and goodbyes were exchanged between friends old
and new...which is one of the BEST things about being involved with Case knives for us at Shepherd
Hills…the friends we’ve made. Thanks to all who came out to support the Bose/Reid Tour! We
appreciated your being there, and hope you had as good a time as we did.
If you were unable to make it, you may want to mark your calendar for upcoming Case XX-Shepherd Hills
events…where the events will be different, but the atmosphere & fun will be the same—friends getting
together with friends with a common passion, the American Made Case XX Cutlery:
June 27 Eddyville KY We’ll be hosting the “Celebrating America Tour” and celebrating our GRAND
OPENING in our NEW location !
August 1 Branson MO We’ll host the Case XX President’s Tour featuring Tom Arrowsmith at the Case XX
Store in the Red Roof Mall.
