Have you seen the GEC 5th anniversiary "Whaler"?

[comoha]

Then how about the Northfield version in Cocobolo

It might be closed but there's the long pull and swedge...

Makes for a fine looking coffee table.
Seriously, and this coming from a big fan of GEC, does this model tip the scales from being a useable knife to a novelty?
Just a display case conversation piece?

 

[zerogee]

Makes for a fine looking coffee table.
Seriously, and this coming from a big fan of GEC, does this model tip the scales from being a useable knife to a novelty?
Just a display case conversation piece?

Well, the originals were definitely used and they were even a bit larger. They were not originally produced as novelties. But yeah, they're at an extreme of pocketknife design - and they will definitely tip the scales, literally.

 

[Arathol]

I would like to see a side by side pic of the whaler and the sunfish. I really love the design but just wish it was a little smaller.

From the TSA blog -

Its not all that much bigger than the regular sunfish. Only 1/8" longer but 1/2" wider, less than an ounce heavier. The only part thats significantly larger is the blade, which is 1/2" wider than the regular sunfish blade.

This ones much bigger and heavier, 4 5/8" closed and about 10 oz, but it fits well in a back pocket.

 

[Bigfattyt]

From the TSA blog -

Its not all that much bigger than the regular sunfish. Only 1/8" longer but 1/2" wider, less than an ounce heavier. The only part thats significantly larger is the blade, which is 1/2" wider than the regular sunfish blade.

This ones much bigger and heavier, 4 5/8" closed and about 10 oz, but it fits well in a back pocket.

I think we need some more pics of the locking Whaler????

 

[Arathol]

Its not a Whaler really. Thats a term that GEC has applied to the swell center sunfish pattern. This one was sold by A G Russell as this years Texas Ranger knife. Here are a couple more shots of it with a Case trapper and an old Camillus peanut.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Thanks for sharing that pic. I could tell it looked like a custom.

 

[IVANKERLEY]

looking at the northfield/GEC whaler is making me think really fiscally irresponsible thoughts...
Ive searched online havent really found much more info than the thread here and another forum and the picture on GEC's site?
i really need to stop looking at this thread
gene

 

[zerogee]

looking at the northfield/GEC whaler is making me think really fiscally irresponsible thoughts...
Ive searched online havent really found much more info than the thread here and another forum and the picture on GEC's site?
i really need to stop looking at this thread
gene

Here, go look at a couple of Tony Bose's versions of the original Platts pattern - Platts Toenail/Rope Knife - then you can really think fiscally irresponsible thoughts.

 

[IVANKERLEY]

Here, go look at a couple of Tony Bose's versions of the original Platts pattern - Platts Toenail/Rope Knife - then you can really think fiscally irresponsible thoughts.

HA! Been there done that, actually right after i read about toenails, i went looking... and well WOW!
gene

 

[waynorth]

I just got back from the GEC Rendevous, and Queen show. I HAD to buy one of the "Scrimshaw" (lasered) Rendevous knives.
It is like the one pictured a page or two back, in white smooth bone, and when I get a chance, I'll post pics.
Sorry I missed the pig roast!! I talked to Chris Tucker today and they were having leftover Roast pork for lunch!!

 

[AntiqueKnifeFan]

Schatt & Morgan calls their version of this knife the "Wildcat" (Driller Whittler).

The Wildcat is a sleeve board sunfish this a Swell Center

 

[Arathol]

Thanks for sharing that pic. I could tell it looked like a custom.

Hardly a custom. Its the latest edition in AGs Texas Ranger commemorative series, 1 of 1000.These are made in China to AGs specs and sold for under $100. Fit and finish is top notch, as good or better than knives 3 or 4 times the price.

 

[jazub]

#46 ebony Whaler arrived today. Beautiful dark ebony and surely a "whale" of a knife. Great name, GEC.

Here it is with the #36 Sunfish:

The main blade can be pinched out in the fashion of an easy open, which is a pleasure. It has a great feel in hand with the main blade open and is surprisingly comfortable; it just fits in your grip:

As you can see, the massive main blade renders the secondary blade a very clunky option in terms of grip. However, as this pattern was clearly not designed for discretion, I can't envision a scenario where opting for the less conspicuous second blade would even be a consideration:

There are a couple of minor downsides, as follows: the secondary blade is a very tough pull, which makes me sweat a little, as I've been on the wrong end of a factory-greased, razor sharp GEC before. Struggling with a greasy razor is likely to not end well, in my experience. Also, there is a small gap running up one side of the spine, which is slightly disappointing -but I'm not going to get fixated on that as I have in the past. GEC would fix it if I asked but the fact is that this knife will live on my shelf as a showpiece that makes me smile. As a matter of fact, its considerable size and heft makes my Sunfish seem relatively reasonable in size and I think I'll finish the week with that in pocket tomorrow.

It's a beauty of a knife and I thank GEC for such a pleasurable heft of a traditional knife. Hope you all enjoyed the pictures :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Jug Johnson]

Thanks for the pictures! Those huge slabs of jet black ebony look great. That secondary "pen" blade really does look useless, I think they should have left that one off.

I love the fat-boy "Tidioute" tang stamp on the main blade!

 

[Bigfattyt]

#46 ebony Whaler arrived today. Beautiful dark ebony and surely a "whale" of a knife. Great name, GEC.

Here it is with the #36 Sunfish:

The main blade can be pinched out in the fashion of an easy open, which is a pleasure. It has a great feel in hand with the main blade open and is surprisingly comfortable; it just fits in your grip:

As you can see, the massive main blade renders the secondary blade a very clunky option in terms of grip. However, as this pattern was clearly not designed for discretion, I can't envision a scenario where opting for the less conspicuous second blade would even be a consideration:

There are a couple of minor downsides, as follows: the secondary blade is a very tough pull, which makes me sweat a little, as I've been on the wrong end of a factory-greased, razor sharp GEC before. Struggling with a greasy razor is likely to not end well, in my experience. Also, there is a small gap running up one side of the spine, which is slightly disappointing -but I'm not going to get fixated on that as I have in the past. GEC would fix it if I asked but the fact is that this knife will live on my shelf as a showpiece that makes me smile. As a matter of fact, its considerable size and heft makes my Sunfish seem relatively reasonable in size and I think I'll finish the week with that in pocket tomorrow.

It's a beauty of a knife and I thank GEC for such a pleasurable heft of a traditional knife. Hope you all enjoyed the pictures :thumbup::thumbup:

Sweet pics!

Where did you order it from that it came so quick????

Glad to see black ebony (not a fan of bright colored scales, including bluish tinted wood etc).

If I decide to get one, I think it will have to be the jigged bone.

Wonder if a whaler and a sunfish would feel redundant. Like one would never get used if I had the other.

 

[Mack]

Oh My! That is a blade!!! Gotta have one.

 

[popedandy]

One of the things I like best about this forum is the wide variety of knives that folks are attracted to, including some of the less common designs. Although I find the GEC Whaler to be as repulsive a knife as I've ever seen, being able to read comments by folks who really enjoy the look gives me a much different perspective on it. Thanks, guys, for broadening my perspective.

 

[Robert.B]

that is one fine looking knife! I would use the heck out of something like that...hopefully I can pick one up at a later date.

 

[biglmbass]

jazub,

Great comparision pics. Since I own neither sunfish or whaler, could you put a quarter, nickel, or half dollar on the blades of each to help me get an idea of size? Thanks. I like that coal black ebony and hope that's the type GEC will be putting out from now on.

 

[jazub]

Glad the pictures are helpful to you gents.

Bigfattyt, this Whaler came from Greg at TSA. Greg is the man.

biglmbass, here are the pictures you requested, snapped before heading to work this morning. Not ideal light -but I think you can see some blue sky and trees up there in the bolster reflection :thumbup: :

Tossed the Sunfish in my pocket this morning and rode out to work. It is a big pocket knife but feeling the weight of it throughout the day reminds me that it's there and makes me feel good.

Happy Friday, fellas.