Let's Congress

[gundy]

Ill play!

Recently aquired, my first GEC...

 

[gruntmedik]

This seems like a good place to ask something I've been wondering about (I'm still much a neophyte when it comes to traditionals!):

What exactly is the point of the Congress patterns which have two pairs of the same blades (e.g., two sheepsfoot and two pen blades of the same size)? Is it just in case one goes dull during a day's work?

That has always been my understanding for the redundant blades.

 

[akadave2]

That has always been my understanding for the redundant blades.

As I understand it, they were originally designed as tobacco knives? Or likely favored by those that had a chaw every now and then. Im guessing if they were designed for chewing tobaccy then the redundant blades were for when one whent dull?

 

[Humppa]

Well... the Congress Pattern is a pretty unique, IMO (!!). Where does the term "Congress" come from?

It indicates more an office knife than a working man´s tool (not that the congress men in former times were no working men in general term). However...

P.S.: I don´t want to derail your thread - I´m just curious and interessted.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

I'm waiting on a Congress Jack to be made and shipped to me.

 

[Mike Robuck]

I like Case '88s but don't own one.

The top knife is by Ken Erickson, the bottom is the Southington he based it on.

 

[pmew]

I like Case '88s but don't own one.

The top knife is by Ken Erickson, the bottom is the Southington he based it on.

Interesting, I would have called those norfolks. They are both beautiful none-the-less.

 

[Mike Robuck]

Interesting, I would have called those norfolks. They are both beautiful none-the-less.

Thanks. Swell center congress is the pattern.

 

[Stich2442]

Well... the Congress Pattern is a pretty unique, IMO (!!). Where does the term "Congress" come from?

It indicates more an office knife than a working man´s tool (not that the congress men in former times were no working men in general term). However...

P.S.: I don´t want to derail your thread - I´m just curious and interessted.

My understanding is that the name has to do with the way the blades congress ( come together ) it's origin is with Joseph Rodgers, designed specifically for sale in the southern United States, main blades used around the farm/plantation to cut tobacco leaf, cotton samples, general utility etc, cut plug tobacco, pen quills, and whittle, focused on draw cuts.
My Stag Boker is 4 1/8" and very robust, more robust than my stockman knives on par with my Gec #54 moose.
I use mine as all around work tool.

Pete

Ps Mike, I'm moping up the drool off the floor

 

[leghog]

My whittlin' knife

 

[staxnet]

I'm in! My office EDC ...

 

[pistonsandgears]

These are the two I have.

 

[Blackdogfinn1]

Wow, Peregrin. That's nice! The yellowish one on the left...who made that? It's Stunning!

 

[zippofan]

Love those Henckels :thumbup:

 

[Peregrin]

Wow, Peregrin. That's nice! The yellowish one on the left...who made that? It's Stunning!

Thanks! Rick Menefee made that one. It's micarta, kind of a butterscotch color, with 154CM blades.

 

[wagglebee]

Thanks! Rick Menefee made that one. It's micarta, kind of a butterscotch color, with 154CM blades.

I really like that one Gary.

 

[wagglebee]

Thanks. Swell center congress is the pattern.

Mike, what is the bone on the one Ken made for you? Is it his or something older?

 

[Mike Robuck]

Rob, it's Ken's jigged bone. I like how he fits the style of jigging to the size of the knife he makes, and that he takes the jigging right to the edge.

Going through this thread we can see how versatile the congress pattern is. Some are big work horse knives, others not so much.

 

[Sonnemann]

Henckels, Bulldog, GEC, Empire.

 

[black mamba]

Steve, the square bolstered stag is primo!