Congress pattern: black sheep of the family?

OK the Case 6488 seems to be the perfect Congress. They are ether hard to find or in a price range that makes you look to Boker, Queen or GEC. Whose going to be first to Mod a 4" congress of choice into a 6488? :D
 
Well, the 6488 isn't the only game in town. Schatt & Morgan made a pretty nice one, too.

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There are still a few of these GECs around that don't have completely redundant blades.

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I love the congress pattern for what it is. IMO and a lot of others it is a fine whittling and woodworking knife in most regards. For some reason though when I picture one I see a Boker with well patina'd blades. But Case and GEC as well as others have represented the Congress in a positive light as well. All in all as far as I'm concerned every traditional knife fan needs one in their collection.
 
Man, I love the Congress pattern, both the 4 blade and half versions. I carry a small German Eye half congress a lot to work because it just slips into my khakis and the thin sharp blades slice very nicely.

I've purposely bought 4 blade versions that have a variety of blades rather than the two pairs. My GEC's (61 like Jeff's, and 62 whittler), Case and Boker all have blade variety. Even my tiny S&M changes up the pairs to a small and large of each.

And speaking of GEC and Congress patterns, they're up to something with their new Maverick. Looks to me like a Congress Jack with a clip blade. Should be interesting, especially with that "blue corduroy" acrylic!
 
I like them because they are a challenge for the cutler, with all the swedged blades tightly nested together. It looks good. On the practical side, I have less use for the short blades for my EDC, but I'll buy one anyway one day.
 
It's a rare day that I'm not carrying one or the other of these. They've got the most pocket time of all my GECs.
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This is my not very much carried RR Congress in Orange bone. I might have shown it off here anywhere...

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Maybe I need to change it... :)

Kind regards
Andi
 
I don't have one, but I would never consider it a black sheep, considering its history.
On one side, I think it's overly redundant, but I have to say that even a stockman looks overkill to me.
Most Congress versions don't have the choice of blades like the one Ed showed, so that would be another con for me.
Still, somehow I'm drawn to the pattern, I find the shape of the handle to be very classy and elegant.
So, the answer is.......
Congress Jack for 2013! :D

Fausto
:cool:
 
Here are a few older Robeson four blade congress patterns and one post-1948 with black composition handles and two with strawberry bone handles.

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The congress is a pattern that I don't have yet but I always have my eyes peeled for. I don't think there is a more classy American pattern than the congress. Especially the examples that have different primary blades.

Ed, that is a stunning Case. That is a prime example of classy knife. I've got a one eyed mouse'n cat I'll trade you for it.

Ben
 
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