GEC #57 "Geppetto" Wharncliffe Whittler: A Quick Review

[Rick]

I dunno why the GEC #57 isn't garnering more in the way of accolades around here--I've heard nary a peep--but it certainly deserves 'em. With its deeply rounded pocket-friendly 3-1/2" frame (slimmer than the two-blade #56 Dogleg Jack) and versatile blade assortment (gotta love that little clip point), the design practically shouts 'classy but no-nonsense utility.' I think it might even take the place of my beloved #62 as my favorite GEC pattern to date.

In terms of walk, talk, fit and finish GEC is just knockin' 'em out of the park. The workmanship on this knife is as flawless as one could ask for. The master blade is deadnut centered and all three blades are sharp, smooth, snappy, cleanly swedged, uniformly thickness-tapered and rub-free. My sole complaint is that the quality of the stag on this introductory release left something to be desired. I must have looked at every burnt, red and natural stag version offered in all the on-line dealer's inventories and I only saw a couple of scales that I thought were up to snuff aesthetically. I ended up going with polished buffalo horn, which I think looks great on this frame and helps to keep the width in check.

Both small blades have crisp halfstops with a cam tang on the master. The pulls are a nail-friendly firm-'5,' there's no hint of wobble anywhere, and photons in the visible spectrum seem unable wend their way between the liners or split backsprings.

If any of you guys have 'em, feel free to add your photos and comments here.

 

[mqqn]

Hi Rick -

I really like that pattern - thanks for the pictures!

I will wait until after the holidays and see if I can pick one up for myself.

I think that will make a great knife to whittle with.

best regards -

mqqn

 

[TheSharpStuff]

that is one of the most beautiful knives I have ever seen.

 

[supratentorial]

Nice photos, Rick! :thumbup: The split backspring looks very well executed. Is the pull any stronger on the main blade vs the secondary blades?

 

[rkmoore]

This has been my favorite GEC for a while now. I have a real appreciation for wharncliffes. They just seem to be the perfect combination of tough utility and great lines. GEC has been making a lot of great knives and this one is definitely on my get list.

 

[Gevonovich]

When I first saw her on my screen...I thought .....so well constructed...I nearly self destructed...a counterpoint of cool. Ive been lusting after her for some time now.

 

[Railsplitter]

Superb photos, Rick!

That polished Buffalo Horn looks fantastic! I thought it was Black Micarta at first glance. Looks just like it.

Very nice knife and thanks for starting this topic. I have not heard much about them either but this one has definately sparked my interest.

 

[Jayphog]

I really like this pattern as well. GEC is getting better on making their knives easier to open while still maintaining a good snap. Although my photographic skills are not in your league at all, here's a picture of my new beauty.

[URL=http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2844371510036076505IKcaLq][/URL]

 

[Will Power]

The usual excellent photography, thank you!

I'm surprised it hasn't been considered more and it deserves attention as a serious quality pattern. GEC has really been pumping out a lot of different models this year and this is certainly a good one (unlike some of their other recent stuff in my view). I'm waiting for my Forum Knife (it's waiting in Customs)as I want to see how I like the 85 pattern, this pattern has been drawing my attention but I do like the look of the Gepetto -less sure about he name though....

 

[mqqn]

The usual excellent photography, thank you!

I'm surprised it hasn't been considered more and it deserves attention as a serious quality pattern. GEC has really been pumping out a lot of different models this year and this is certainly a good one (unlike some of their other recent stuff in my view). I'm waiting for my Forum Knife (it's waiting in Customs)as I want to see how I like the 85 pattern, this pattern has been drawing my attention but I do like the look of the Gepetto -less sure about he name though....

Hi William -

I hope there is no problem - I know that Jani has already received his knife.

best regards -

mqqn

 

[Rick]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I'm lovin' this new pattern.

Here're a few comparison pics to provide a better idea of the #57's length and girth next to (from right to left) a #56 Dogleg, a 3-3/4" #62 half Congress and a 3" #26 Lit'l Carver:

I forgot to add in my initial comment that the master on the Geppetto has a sunken joint, and while the secondaries are only partially sunken, they're well covered by the master, so there're no exposed sharp edges anywhere to chew up a pocket.

Is the pull any stronger on the main blade vs the secondary blades?

The springs are well tuned on this pattern. The master pull is only a half-point or so firmer than the secondaries, which is nicely done, considering that the big guy rides on both springs compared to one each for the small blades.

 

[Will Power]

Are the secondary blades ultra thin,can they be flexed?

That No.26 is an outstanding example by the way!

 

[Rick]

Thanks, Willgoy. The secondaries are ground from 1/16" (0.062") stock and can be flexed somewhat (which I appreciate, personally; fine blades for fine work), but they don't feel flimsy to me at all. They're downright robust feeling compared to the secondaries on a Case Seahorse whittler.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Great pics all. I did not like the Geppetto whittler pattern at first glance. The blade combo's were great, but I did not like the look of the main in the open position at first. For some reason, that has completely changed, and now it seems very appealing to my eye!

That little whittler also looks stellar.

 

[supratentorial]

The springs are well tuned on this pattern. The master pull is only a half-point or so firmer than the secondaries, which is nicely done, considering that the big guy rides on both springs compared to one each for the small blades.

Thank you, Rick. That's very impressive! Only my customs have that level of blade mechanics.

P.S. Great comparison photos!

 

[chevy_racin]

I really like that pattern. Very nice!

 

[jazub]

Thanks for sharing your excellent photos, Rick. I had my eye on the buffalo horn scale option as well and your photos are giving me itchy trigger finger

Here is mine:

This frame size and shape is my favorite from GEC at the moment. Great size for the pocket and the curvature of the handle is very comfortable in hand.

 

[Cisco Kid]

I like this pattern very much. Unfortunately, I've only had bad luck with multibladed GECs and do not want to buy any sight unseen. Do you know of sellers that will inspect the knife for you prior to shipping?

 

[22-rimfire]

I am partial to the Wharncliffe blade pattern. I suspect the main blade design is why people choose a different GEC pattern over it. I think it takes a bit of education and experience to appreciate the wharncliffe blade. Your pictures are fabulous. Wish I could so as well. Thank you for posting and showing me this particular GEC knife.

As an aside, if you are looking for a GEC knife today and tomorrow, you can get a 20% discount at Smoky Mt Knife Works along with free shipping. Actually it is store wide discount, not just GEC knives. I have been looking at what I might order even though I will have to pay sales tax. Got to give the state its share, I guess. They sent an email to this effect to their customers.

I believe TSA knives will inspect your particular knife prior to shipping it to you. Check them out. They have lots of the uncommon GEC stuff.

 

[richstag]

Great looking knives! I was wondering why there wasn't more talk also. That has now come to an end