.38 Special!!

I lost track of this thread (along with a lot of other stuff - emails included!) through an extended bout of computer failures.
It is gratifying to see the tribute paid to the extended family of #38s. GEC under Bill H.'s leadership, did an incredible job on these Whittlers and FJs, and on Derricks Willamettes!!!
Jamie your comprehensive post spells it all out (post #433 above)! I am biased, but mustering up all of my objectivity changes nothing about my opinions!!:D
Great posts and pictures here!!:thumbup:
 
Yes, really gratifying to see this thread in action again.:cool:

The 38 Whittler is THE best made 3 blade knife on offer today, and very likely the equal or better of many a yesteryear model:thumbup:

Those 2 blades aren't exactly poor either.. :D:D Most unusual, finely made and a great tonic all round:cool:

Regards, Will
 
Will Power said:
The 38 Whittler is THE best made 3 blade knife on offer today, and very likely the equal or better of many a yesteryear model:thumbup:

Those 2 blades aren't exactly poor either.. :D:D Most unusual, finely made and a great tonic all round:cool:
Click to expand...

I'm not one for superlatives such as yours, but on the whole I tend to agree.

I wrote this about my #38 whittler earlier today, when comparing it with a wharncliffe #57 Gepetto Whittler:

pertinux said:
...I consider the #38 whittler one of GEC's preeminent pieces-- one of the knives I can show someone as an example of [what I consider] the pinnacle of current modern production, in its lines and execution, without having to explain (let alone defend) idiosyncrasies of design choice.

...Here are my #38 rosewood and #57 primitive bone together:

IMG_1181.jpg~original


IMG_1189.jpg~original


... Primary blades; notice how both knives' secondaries neatly disappear into the handle, leaving the main blade the most comfortable choice (as with most true whittlers, but fun to note-- how sleekly the frames absorb the two secondary blades):
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(More here.)

Interestingly enough, as exemplary as I consider the #38 whittler to be, it doesn't grab me by the heart the way my Farmer's Jack continues to.

IMG_0850.jpg~original


... One just never knows. ;)

~ P.
 
pertinux said:
Interestingly enough, as exemplary as I consider the #38 whittler to be, it doesn't grab me by the heart the way my Farmer's Jack continues to.
~ P.
Click to expand...

Exactly how I feel about my Farmer's Jack. It's a heart grabber.
 
The GEC 38 handle has all the graceful dimensions and curves. It seems to flow like a gentle stream (Lick Creek?). It's sleek, sculpted, and just right in the hand and on the eye. Whether in the Farmer Jack or the Whittler configuration, the handle just plain works.

Do you see the bar shield with the two scale pins? Have you ever noticed the "12" on the Omega Speedmaster "Moon Watch"? Good design is good design--on a watch dial or knife handle. :thumbup:
 
Nice to see this thread back in action. I do harbor pretty strong opinions of these knives, whittlers and Farmer Jacks both. :D I managed to squirrel away all six of The Orchard Gems and Lyle's Lick Creek knives along with stag & red bone whittlers, Roy's American Whittler and the OKCA version. I also bought a bunch to use and carry as I find them a stellar carry and one I enjoy having on me

The Farmer Jack users
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Today

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Favorite way to carry my FJ's, cheap Case horizontal sheath

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My favorite #38, the WHITTLER in stag, been left front pocket carry since the day I got it. Lives in one of Mike's excellent slips which has perfectly formed to it and actually even seals out pocket lint and debris!
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STUNNING collection, Jamie! Very nice, and nice to see that they are lovingly used. I haven't used my SFOs yet, but I have used a couple of regular production Farmer Jacks for yard duty.

Do you happen to have pics of your Roy's American Whittler and the OKCA versions? I love the heraldic shield on the former, but have little hope of finding one in the wild.
 
Thanks, Jake. I do have a couple more I want to pick up and rehandle. Absolutely need a Farmer Jack in stag as well as a Whittler done up in MOP.

Rob, be glad to get some pics of the American Whittler. I would very much like to find another to carry, great knife. Good luck in your search!
 
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blademan 13 said:
Nice to see this thread back in action. I do harbor pretty strong opinions of these knives, whittlers and Farmer Jacks both. :D I managed to squirrel away all six of The Orchard Gems and Lyle's Lick Creek knives along with stag & red bone whittlers, Roy's American Whittler and the OKCA version. I also bought a bunch to use and carry as I find them a stellar carry and one I enjoy having on me
...
My favorite #38, the WHITTLER in stag, been left front pocket carry since the day I got it. Lives in one of Mike's excellent slips which has perfectly formed to it and actually even seals out pocket lint and debris!
image.jpg6_zpsnqyqsk77.jpg

...
Click to expand...

Yowza, that's an incredible collection, Jamie! :eek::eek::thumbup::thumbup:
I can see why that stag whittler is your favorite 38; it's awesome!! :cool::cool::thumbup:

- GT
 
Thanks for posting that photo Jamie. Exceptional collection! I have the Northfield version of the Redbone you show, second from the top. Really like the color of the bone. But LOVE The heraldic shield of the American Whitler knife. You don't see those often at all. Thanks again. :thumbup:
 
The FJs seem to evoke strong feelings ,kinda like horehound candy.

Thanks all who,like me, have been taken by them. Jamie looks as if you're doing an excellent job of sharpening those.
 
Lyle, I don't find them bad at all to sharpen at all. Definitely easier if you keep on top of it. Plus I always have a sharp one on standby when needed! :D
 
As promised an updated picture of the girls play house, and the two knifes that went along for the ride. No more Laboring on the house Labor day.
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JSCHENK said:
As promised an updated picture of the girls play house, and the two knifes that went along for the ride. No more Laboring on the house Labor day.
DSC_0755.jpg

DSC_0753.jpg

DSC_0754.jpg
Click to expand...

Dang! I need to put one of these together for my boy. I have been seeing the twisted little buggers popping up everywhere. I like the idea of a kooky twisted up play house. Looks great man!
 
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