If you could have just one whittling knife...

TLR

TLR

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Oct 5, 1998
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If you could only have one traditional lockback just to sit around and whittle with, what would it be?

I am looking at getting a traditional lockback to keep around for whittling and the like.
Criteria-​

Needs to be $50 or below​

Would like a carbon steel blade​

I really like wood handles, not big on stag but I will look at any that you think I should​
What do you think???
 
If I were limited to a lockback only for whittling (I'm dodging the issue a bit, I know), it would be a Flexcut "Carvin' Jack."

Unfortunately, they're more than $50, although Rockler's has them for $80.

Best regards.
 
berzerker said:
If I were limited to a lockback only for whittling (I'm dodging the issue a bit, I know), it would be a Flexcut "Carvin' Jack."

Unfortunately, they're more than $50, although Rockler's has them for $80.

Best regards.
Click to expand...

Is that your local Rockler's? I just went to the website and they're still $139.00.

I need a left handed one, and I've found them for as little as $118 on the net. For $80 I'd be all over it.

Most traditional lockbacks aren't really suited for whittling. I have a folding murphy knife that is designed for whittling and it's a lockback, but it's not a "traditional lockback" per se. However, it's $30 at Rockler and you can check it out here:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11170&SearchHandle=DADBDBDDDADADDDGGBGEDCDFDDGFGFDBCNDIGFGDDJCNDEDAGGGDCNGBGEDDDDCNDIDGDBDIGEDFDJDIDHDFDEGGDADADADBDADADADBDCGNHFHCHAGIHJCAGLGOGJGGGFDADADADEDADADADADADADADBDFDADADADBDADADADADADADADADADADADADBDADADADBDCGNHFHCHAGIHJCAGLGOGJGGGFDADADADBDB&CFID=1253537&CFTOKEN=67023531

Based on what your parameters seem to be, I think the Case CV Wharncliffe Copperlock probably fits the bill best, but the blade is going to be too long for any kind of detail work.
 
Hi Longbeachguy:

It was the current salesheet, and didn't mention whether it was regional. I went to the store (next town over) and walked out with one. [Carbon steel blades, pouch, strop, honing compound, all in one kit.] Certainly cuts flesh well enough (please don't ask).

Best regards.
 
Thank you for your responses so far. I see where many of you are coming from most of the traditional lockbacks have blades that probably wouldn't do fine workwell. Sounds like many of you think a slippie would work better. Any suggestions with the same other criteria
 
I would have to kick in another vote for the Case Wharncliffe Copperlock CV. I don't find the blade all that awkwardly long. I am also pretty partial to the Seahorse wharncliffe whittler from Case. I just wish mine was CV instead of stainless. Maybe next time...
 
I've been whittling my whole life with one just like this
http://www.ebladestore.com/knives/QN26SBC.html
Good pattern, decent steel, course mines an old one, not the newer steel, so this ones probably nicer, heh.
I agree too, that the Case CV is a good steel, and if you spot a knife style you like, you should be in good shape.
I have found that for whittling, the Carbon steel knives really hold a nicer finer edge for longer.

Syn
 
Thanks for the info Berzerker.

TLR, my two favorite standard slipjoint patterns for whittling/carving are the congress and the 4" Jack, specifically Case pattern 6292, and I use the pen blade. Whittlers are obviously intended for whittling but most of them tend to run about 3 5/8" and are thin, and I find they don't fill out the hand. Ideally I think you want a substantial handle, and a short blade. The congress is good because it has a variety of blade shapes, all short and suited for carving. I'd recommend the 3 5/8" or larger Boker congress, which is what I have. If you can find an old Case 6292 in CV, I'd recommend that too.

My main carving slippie is actually a Bulldog Groundhog. It's a little small for my taste, but it has two excellent detail blades and the 440C steel takes and holds a fine edge really well. If you order the Parker's catalog, they sell for $19.99 -- fantastic bargain. I have four (one active and three in reserve) which I estimate is a lifetime supply.
 
As longbeachguy points out, the handle counts more heavily than most folks think in choosing a whittler than in most applications. The most important thing is what feels comfortable in your hands over a long session. I'd recommend that sunk joints or extended bolsters be considered in whatever style you pick, avoid any projections that dig into your hand. Remember that what feels well in my hand may feel like the devil in yours, so try out a few styles if you can. It is a lot like finding a favorite pair of boots, don't go for style as much as comfort.
 
A stockman is very well suited, I agree synghyn. It gives you a good choice of blades. And I personally like the serpentine handle as it gives you a variety of good ways to grip it.
 
In the stockman category... Queen Cattle King 4 1/4" stockman runs $10 over your allotted amount, but it features some nice bone handles, D2 steel, and solid fit and finish all around. Really pronounced snap on the springs. There's also a 3 1/4" version for a few dollars less.

49csb.jpg


But you asked about a lock-back. Personally, I like the more solid, full feel of a Buck 110 when I whittle. Used one just the other day to do some work on a khukuri handle.

I'll also second the voices who say Case Copperlock in CV. I don't own a Copperlock, but I can vouch for the CV steel, and the Copperlock is a good looking design. A hair popping edge is easy to achieve with the CV steel, and it holds up well.
 
go to flea market,find OLD 4 1/8" or 4 1/4"(don't remember exactly) german eye congress.it is without a doubt my absolute favorite whittling knife.one of the very few that fill my hand comfortably.the key word is OLD,25 -30 years+,my newer ones will not take or hold an edge like my old one.luckily i bought mine very lightly used for $55.00,if i had known then how much i would come to love this knife i would have gladly give him the $60.00 he originally asked me for it.
 
baliblaster said:
go to flea market,find OLD 4 1/8" or 4 1/4"(don't remember exactly) german eye congress.it is without a doubt my absolute favorite whittling knife.one of the very few that fill my hand comfortably.the key word is OLD,25 -30 years+,my newer ones will not take or hold an edge like my old one.luckily i bought mine very lightly used for $55.00,if i had known then how much i would come to love this knife i would have gladly give him the $60.00 he originally asked me for it.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. My best edge taking and holding slippies are Case 6292 Premium Texas Jacks from the 70's and 80's. I don't know if the CV steel was better back then, or if the aging process improves it. There's definitely a difference though.
 
Sorry to not think of this earlier, but family was wanting attention...

I modifed an Opinel #10 with a cutting wheel and Dremeltool. Being careful to not overheat the blade, I grooved it then snapped the unwanted portion in a bench vise. I smoothed the spine with a file, and rasped an easy-opener notch in the handle. Result was an ugly but very useful looking wharncliff for $11. At this price, one can experiment with a range of sizes, and customize the handles as well.

Best regards.
 
berzerker said:
Sorry to not think of this earlier, but family was wanting attention...

I modifed an Opinel #10 with a cutting wheel and Dremeltool. Being careful to not overheat the blade, I grooved it then snapped the unwanted portion in a bench vise. I smoothed the spine with a file, and rasped an easy-opener notch in the handle. Result was an ugly but very useful looking wharncliff for $11. At this price, one can experiment with a range of sizes, and customize the handles as well.

Best regards.
Click to expand...


Great minds think alike:

IMG_0271.jpg
 
Yup, certainly looks similar. The only additional, for me, was to taper the handle so I could lock my little finger around the butt end.

Thanks for posting the pic. One of these days I'll sneak the family camera and put some up.

Best regards.
 
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