Let's not split hairs here, let's split backs! - Post your whittlers

jprime84

jprime84

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Jul 7, 2014
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Hey guys. Lately I have been wanting to get my hands on a true whittler with a split back spring. I tend towards GEC, so the 57 geppetto whittler is something I have considered, however its a bit more stout than I think I would want. KSF still has a few norfolk whittlers and they look nice, but what GEC frame are they on? In a totally different direction, I really like the looks of the Case seahorse whittler with the wharncliff main. I only own one Case knife, and it is a well loved inherited knife from the 70s, or perhaps 80s - memory is not clear there. There is also a damascus available in the case, which intrigues me because I don't have anything in damascus.

What do you guys think? Other options easily obtainable?


EDIT - changed the thread title in the hopes of creating a dumping ground for whittler photos!
 
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I watched one of Derick's videos about the Norfolk, and from what I understand it is its own unique pattern. He owns all the rights to the pattern.
I'm in the same boat as you. I have been really intrigued by split springs lately, but I've pretty much set my sights on something in the 38 frame. That could be a long wait, though, since I rarely see them on the exchange.
 
Some of your best whittler patterns are going to be hard to get your hands on. People bought them up in a flash and cherish them too much to part with them. The Seahorse is a great option however the secondary blades are a bit thin and tend to bend more easily. The Norfolk would be a good choice as would a GEC 38 Grinling Whittler if you could find one. Other options could be the Case 6380 & Hen & Rooster 113 (not a Splitback). Also Böker, Schatt & Morgan and Queen all make fine Splitback whittlers.
 
I have a couple of the #57 whittlers. They are a fine knife for whittling. The coping blade is nice and thin and gets razor sharp! You can still find the #57 if you look. Good luck on the #38...
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I've had all but the 98 and 62 GEC whittlers and I prefer the 38 by far, very pocketable but nice size in a slim package. If you prefer small knives then I recommend the 33 (I think the norfolk is a similar size) and the mid size is the 57. The 89 is novelty 62 is very nice looking but I dont like the frame. 28 is just knife making perfection :D You're welcome to borrow it if you want to check it out! If you want a split back for cheap then pick up a queen #48

 
Whittlers are one of my favorite patterns. I think they're more elegant than a stockman, but still have a versatile selection of blades for everyday use even if you don't whittle. Or they may inspire you to take up whittling. :)

Here are a few poor cell phone pics comparing the #57 Geppetto Whittler to the #38



I also highly recommend a Boker. (just make sure you get a Solingen made one) This one in "beer barrel" wood. It's a bit narrower than the #57, but shorter than the #38. It's less expensive than the Case Seahorse, and comes in carbon steel.

 
Don't forget the seahorse is not a split back it has two springs and a little brass spacer between the two smaller blades

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GEC 33, 38, 57, 62 all split backs the red is a case 3 back spring and the seahorse is a double.
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The northwoods Norfolk whittler is on a #13 pattern, only made for northwoods so far. I'm still trying to talk myself into getting on of those.

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r8shell said:
Whittlers are one of my favorite patterns. I think they're more elegant than a stockman, but still have a versatile selection of blades for everyday use even if you don't whittle. Or they may inspire you to take up whittling. :)

Here are a few poor cell phone pics comparing the #57 Geppetto Whittler to the #38



I also highly recommend a Boker. (just make sure you get a Solingen made one) This one in "beer barrel" wood. It's a bit narrower than the #57, but shorter than the #38. It's less expensive than the Case Seahorse, and comes in carbon steel.

Click to expand...

I've handled a similar solingen whittler that belongs to my father in law. It was nice.

I'd be more open to the geppetto whittler if I found a wharcliff one.
 
JSCHENK said:
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GEC 33, 38, 57, 62 all split backs the red is a case 3 back spring and the seahorse is a double.
926f5b5a2e8b280e537e1f4d5ab1b305.jpg

The northwoods Norfolk whittler is on a #13 pattern, only made for northwoods so far. I'm still trying to talk myself into getting on of those.

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Click to expand...

Could you compare the backs springs of the seahorse and the 57? What exactly is the difference?
 
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The ivory is the 57 which is 3.5" splitback, they also made a Wharncliffe version the seahorse is 4" maybe 3.875" very heavy main tapered to a fine point. Almost all are SS a few Damascus and just a couple were made in cpm154 never in cv[emoji20] . the GEC #38 is closer in size to the seahorse with a longer primary as you can see. Northwoods also made a half whit with a Wharncliffe in the 38.
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As you can see the black seahorse has a considerably thicker primary, very useful for carving.
As for the secondary blades seahorse has the most dainty good for detail work and cutting delicate things, the 57 has a slightly more stout secondaries, the kicks you will see differ between the 38 and the 57. I personally prefer the 38, doesn't poke me as I carve. But that is just a preference thing.
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Rough Rider makes a nice split spring 3 blade whittler, for not a lot of dollars.
I think they still make a two blade whittler, with a large, 5 inch or so handle, with blades of around 2 inches each. I'm not sure if it is a 1 or 2 spring design. The blades open from each end.
 
I wanted a 38 Grinling so bad, but they were a little out of my price range. A while back I went through a very hardcore phase of whittling. The Case seahorse and the Boker Carver were my main choices. They are both great knives. I love looking at pics of Whittlers. Kudos to the Whittler threads.
 
38 is one of GEC's best knives lately, I'd opt for that when you can find one. Far better than CASE's Seahorse, and that's no bad knife either!

Northwoods Northfolk is too small and delicate for my taste at least.

Strongly recommend Queen's No.48 in D2, very well made smaller Whittler, but credible. RR do a small Whittler that's fine too, I think it has a small Clip as a secondary which is interesting.
 
So I have lately seen the Schatt and Morgan 54 dog leg whittler. It's Queen made, and bears a resemblance to the 38, especially with the wharncliff main. Downside to me is the stainless steel. Anyone have experience with this knife or with S&M stainless?
 
JSCHENK said:
The northwoods Norfolk whittler is on a #13 pattern, only made for northwoods so far. I'm still trying to talk myself into getting on of those.
Click to expand...

It was an okbohn special but it wasn't on the #13 frame;

 
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