I’m currently looking for a case 6380 whittler (really a grinling whittler but those are too expensive or go too fast) and had some questions about it. First are they all split back whittlers? I assume yes but wouldn’t want to buy one to find out some were three spring. What years were they made and what years was it available in what steel? Is there anyway to tell if it is jigged bone or jigged Delrin by looking at pictures on the auction site? Was the quality good in the 70’s and how does the fit and finish compare with gec? How is the pull on these? Thanks if anyone can answer these questions I know they’re fairly specific.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Case 6380 whittler questions
- Thread starter jsdistin
- Start date
- 80 patterns were all split back
- Made from the XX era (1940-64) until 1985. There are differing opinions about whether any were made in the Tested era (20-40) so I can't confirm that.
- As far as I've found, the only stainless versions were those made in limited quantities and special editions in the 80s, all others were carbon steel.
- Pics can be deceiving online, so buy from a reputable source unless the price is right, regardless of handle material. The delrin versions were nicely made as well.
- Quality was excellent overall from the 40s thru the 70s, but the stainless 80s versions have been hit and miss in my experience. Earlier Case quality was every bit as good as GEC, but the XX era knives can cost just as much or far more than a Grinling whittler depending on condition. They're just easier to find.
- Pulls can vary on the smaller blades depending on how well the springs have held up, but the main blade pull is generally medium to strong just by having a 2 spring design. I prefer firmer pulls, and I've always been happy with the main pull on my 6380s.
The 80 pattern whittler is one of my all time favorites and I think you'll be really happy adding one, or many, to your collection. It's a well thought out design and is very comfortable in pocket and in hand, especially for a 3 blade folder.
- Made from the XX era (1940-64) until 1985. There are differing opinions about whether any were made in the Tested era (20-40) so I can't confirm that.
- As far as I've found, the only stainless versions were those made in limited quantities and special editions in the 80s, all others were carbon steel.
- Pics can be deceiving online, so buy from a reputable source unless the price is right, regardless of handle material. The delrin versions were nicely made as well.
- Quality was excellent overall from the 40s thru the 70s, but the stainless 80s versions have been hit and miss in my experience. Earlier Case quality was every bit as good as GEC, but the XX era knives can cost just as much or far more than a Grinling whittler depending on condition. They're just easier to find.
- Pulls can vary on the smaller blades depending on how well the springs have held up, but the main blade pull is generally medium to strong just by having a 2 spring design. I prefer firmer pulls, and I've always been happy with the main pull on my 6380s.
The 80 pattern whittler is one of my all time favorites and I think you'll be really happy adding one, or many, to your collection. It's a well thought out design and is very comfortable in pocket and in hand, especially for a 3 blade folder.
Last edited:
The 6380 was called the carpenters whittler. Most examples I have owned in the past were from the 1970s and blades were chrome vanadium, capable of taking and holding a keen edge. Navajas gives an excellent and accurate description of them above. I cannot comment on them compared to GEC knives as I like vintage knives and haven’t owned a GEC yet. Any fan of whittlers I believe would enjoy the 6380. They were well made in my experience. I suspect that if you tried one you would like it.