And speaking of GEC Wharnies...

[Rick]

Yeah, I know; the none-too-popular Congress pattern seems like the answer to a question no one asked: It's bulky and its blade selection is so redundant that you can wile away an entire afternoon just trying to choose one. But this Congress has Wharncliffe blades; two of 'em, and I'm a sucker for Wharnies. Okay - it's really more of a low-shouldered sheepsfoot than a true Wharncliffe with its gracefully tapering profile, but the relatively fine point is Wharnie-ish and the blade spines don't protrude from the handle as much as the sheepsfoot versions.

GEC did a damn fine job with the blade seating. This is the first production Congress I've handled that has no blade rub . Each blade is well centered in its own little niche with the help of three thin nickel silver spacers and minimal crinking. Nice tight fit, too: nine layers across and nary a single photon can squeeze through the spring/liner/spacer/scale cracks. All the pulls are a nail-friendly firm '5'. As usual, the springs are flush both open and closed, but a mite proud at the halfstop.

The handle's squarish cross-section makes the knife look like a real brick, but it's really not that obtrusive in the pocket at 3-5/8" and 2.85 oz., and the swayback-like profile and short master blades provide good leverage. I bought it with the intention of squirreling it away, but it wound up in my EDC rotation. I would have preferred the slimmer two-blade version but they're all packin' sheep's feet, so I've adapted by honing one pair of blades razor sharp for delicate work, while the other pair are just average for heavier tasks.

 

[thejamppa]

First time I find myself drooling over a congress. Truely a beautiful knife you have there. Congrats :thumbup:

 

[Modoc ED]

That's a really sweet knife Rick. The scales are first rate and I really like the engraved shield as well as the shape of the shield. I really like the wharncliffe blade.

You said, ".... - it's really more of a low-shouldered sheepsfoot than a true Wharncliffe....".

I think it appears that way because the swedge appears to go into the curvature of the blade and because the nick is located forward on the blade well into the curvature of the blade too. Very nice work by GEC.

I think you've made a good choice to include that in you EDC rotation. Will you carry that bare-back in your pocket so-to-speak or will you carry it in some type of slip-pouch.

As usual, the photography rivals the looks of the knife.

 

[zrfunited]

That's a fine looking knife and I have always wanted a congress pattern. I'm gonna have to go me one.

 

[kamagong]

That's a sweet knife and it looks really well put together for a production congress. You got an especially nice example if none of the four blades rub.

- Christian

 

[pipedreams308]

Holy cow! That's an amazing looking Congress!

 

[TLARbb]

That's a high class example of a Congress alright. I've been carrying that Rough Rider Congress whittler to try to warm up to the pattern, but it has a ways to go before it makes favorite status having to dethrone the SBJ and the TxJ and canoes. I guess I consider stockman knives a jack with an extra blade, so yeah even those. It's still at the bottom or close to the bottom of my list, but I am appreciating it more.

If I get to liking it better I'd sure be happy with one like yours. Shucks, I'd even like one anyway.

EJ

 

[.41Dude]

LOVE your pictures :thumbup: :thumbup:

I have a Burnt Orange Tidioute Congress (From Mike at Collectorknives)

I VERY much like mine but yours is stunning.

 

[Gmountain]

Nice review and great photos. I've been thinking about a GEC Congress, but I never pulled the trigger because I thought they were much bigger. Thanks for setting me straight.

 

[lambertiana]

I think as soon as I find a job a GEC congress is going to be on my acquisition list.

 

[joe-bob]

Thay's a truly beautiful knife! Blood Red is my Favorite GEC bone color.

 

[Badhammer]

Very nice. I've fallen in love with GEC's blood red jigged bone and that Congress is near the top of my list to purchase. Great photos!!

 

[sappyg]

that's a great looking knife. i keep scrolling through the pics with my jaw open taking in the detail and quality.

 

[U.C.O.K.]

The closed length and the pic of it in your hand justified it is a very nice piece GEC.:thumbup:

 

[Will Power]

I've got the Half Congress in stag with a Northfield shield and I'm very pleased with the quality of workmanship, all excellent. The main blade is more 'sheep' than 'wharn' but does sport a nice longpull. Overlooked knives.

 

[texasflyfisher]

Wonderful photos and stunning looking congress!

 

[Frankki]

A Congress knife is an interesting thing, they have blades coming out of everywhere and I can't quite tell what the pattern's role and function would be, but it doesn't prevent me from admiring them from time to time. Yours looks like a very nice one. :thumbup:

 

[thejamppa]

Dang, Perhaps I should get Tidioute 4 blade congress with black micarta handles? The dual pen blades and dual sheepshoof/wharnies... Beauty of redundancy. If congress was good enough for Abe Lincoln, it sure is good enough for me

 

[Nightshifter]

I'll have to check that one out as I have been considering purchasing a Congress pattern this past week. Thanks.

 

[neeman]

Okay - it's really more of a low-shouldered sheepsfoot than a true Wharncliffe with its gracefully tapering profile, but the relatively fine point is Wharnie-ish and the blade spines don't protrude from the handle as much as the sheepsfoot versions.

In England this blade is called a Lambsfoot

That is fine looking Congress

I have a Boker in carbon with stepped bolsters at the same size, and i also find it very pocketable