Couple questions on Northwoods Knives.

Fred Sanford

Fred Sanford

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Sep 3, 2006
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Looking at buying one of the new Hawthorne Wharncliff models but I have had a few GEC's that have had crazy backsprings. Even the most recent one I had (the 71 Bull Nose in green linen micarta) had a pretty tough backspring. Since the Northwoods are made by GEC do they have really strong backsprings too? I don't mind a little strong but not the break my fingernail kind.

Also, do the Northwoods have halfstops? I would prefer that they didn't.

Does anyone have a Hawthorne model that can tell me how far beneath the handles the tip is when closed? I hate the ones that are so close to being "out of the handle" that you can snag your fingers on the blade tip.
 
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Half stops yes.

In my limited experience, pull is a lot lighter than the bullnose.
 
I have the same concerns with GEC knives though it seems I'm way in the minority. I sold most of my GEC knives because of this. The white bone clip is calling to me though. Wish I could test one.
 
Thanks guys. Yeah I already watched the vid and did realize it has a half stop. Not horrible but I just don't prefer them. I can deal with them.
 
I have purchased two Northwoods, a Burnside Jack and a Norfolk. The Burnside Jack's pull was perfect for me, at about a 7 or so. The Norfolk was pretty loose, at about a 3-4. But I have seen others like the Fremont Jack and Madison Barlow that seemed to be similar in pulls to my Burnside.
 
David Lowry said:
Looking at buying one of the new Hawthorne Wharncliff models but I have had a few GEC's that have had crazy backsprings. Even the most recent one I had (the 71 Bull Nose in green linen micarta) had a pretty tough backspring. Since the Northwoods are made by GEC do they have really strong backsprings too? I don't mind a little strong but not the break my fingernail kind.

Also, do the Northwoods have halfstops? I would prefer that they didn't.

Does anyone have a Hawthorne model that can tell me how far beneath the handles the tip is when closed? I hate the ones that are so close to being "out of the handle" that you can snag your fingers on the blade tip.
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I have Hawthornes in mammoth ivory and blue bone, clip points.

The points on both are 1-2mm in the handle and both have half-stops. The clip points are pinchable, also. The pulls are about a seven on each.

The other I have is a slim jack and it doesn't have a half-stop.

I hope this answers your questions.
 
My Indian River Jack has a half stop. It is a rather soft half stop however if that makes sense. Very well built knife and top notch materials used.

Mine was modded to make an EO out of it, and it's great. The pull wasn't bad, but for me and my bad hands, the nail nick set a bit deep, so the EO notch was a happy conversion for me. Recommended!
 
David Lowry said:
Thanks guys. Answered all my questions.
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Wait... I think there's one more question I can answer! I just received my Hawthorn wharncliffe with the blue camel bone. Sorry to say, that tip is just at the edge of the liners. Apparently this is typical of GEC's wharncliffe models. I read some other threads of guys who have filed down the kick just a touch so the blade sits a little lower. I think I'm going to do that with mine because it looks like it won't take too many sharpenings until the tip is exposed. Pull seems average for a GEC. Nothing near the 73, which is the hardest one I've come across. I actually sent that one to GEC to have it lightened. Came back ultra stiff but at least it doesn't tear my nail anymore.

I think they nailed it with the saber grind blades. I like it so much, I just purchased the clip point. Also, that blue camel bone looks amazing in person. The pictures really don't do it justice.

If you're still on the fence, I'd say just order one. They have a good return policy if you don't like it.
 
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