Looking for a Whittler?

Per-Sev · Dec 3, 2012

I am looking for a well made whittler that should have a split backspring. I have been searching the Internet for about a week and I just can't decide what I want so I need some feedback from some people who actually own one. My requirements are a clip point main blade and split backspring. Of course I want a well made knife that does not develop blade play after you use it for a while and I want good steel, carbon or stainless but no 420 if its stainless I want 440C or above. My price point is around $100-$150. If you have any pics feel free to post them along with model numbers. And also where is a good place to get one at. Thanks

sturzi · Dec 3, 2012

I'd suggest a GEC #57. It has a split backspring and there are versions with either a wharncliffe or clip point main blade and should come in at around 100$. I'm not sure if there are stainless models, normally they are made from 1095 carbon steel.
I have the wharncliffe version and the quality is about as good as it gets as can be expected from GEC. If the rather unusual looks are appealing to you, I can only recommend it. I know some others here own a clip version and can post some pictures.

Rick · Dec 3, 2012

Agreed. You'd be hard pressed to beat the "Geppetto" at your stated price range. It's a very solid, robust knife with great fit and finish and nicely dialed-in walk 'n' talk.

Here's a Wharncliffe version:

Per-Sev · Dec 3, 2012

sturzi said:
I'd suggest a GEC #57. It has a split backspring and there are versions with either a wharncliffe or clip point main blade and should come in at around 100$. I'm not sure if there are stainless models, normally they are made from 1095 carbon steel.
I have the wharncliffe version and the quality is about as good as it gets as can be expected from GEC. If the rather unusual looks are appealing to you, I can only recommend it. I know some others here own a clip version and can post some pictures.

Thanks it sounds like what I am looking for.

Rick said:
Agreed. You'd be hard pressed to beat the "Geppetto" at your stated price range. It's a very solid, robust knife with great fit and finish and nicely dialed-in walk 'n' talk.

Here's a Wharncliffe version:

I like the looks of the clip point, does GEC have any competition or are they top of the line in production knives. I found a website that sells them and I noticed that they have two different tang stamps in that style of knife are there different grades of knives, one said Northfield and the other Tidioute. Other than the scales are they the same quality.

Rick · Dec 3, 2012

Per-Sev said:
Does GEC have any competition or are they top of the line in production knives[?]

The only modern production knives in my experience that can beat them are the annual Case/Bose collaboration knives at around 2 1/2 times the price, But I think GEC's consistent quality control might be better. I have no problem buying GECs unseen (if the handle scale type is generic enough), but I'm hesitant to buy a Case/Bose without handling it first.

I found a website that sells them and I noticed that they have two different tang stamps in that style of knife are there different grades of knives, one said Northfield and the other Tidioute. Other than the scales are they the same quality.

The top-of-the-line Northfields have extras like polished (as opposed to satin) blades, deeper swedges, long pulls, grooved/pinched bolsters and premium handle materials. The Tidiouts are a more basic no-frills package, but the build quality is exactly the same. Aside from the (IMO) ugly Tidioute etch, I like both categories equally.

Here's a Tidioute #57 in horn:

Per-Sev · Dec 3, 2012

Rick said:
The only modern production knives in my experience that can beat them are the annual Case/Bose collaboration knives at around 2 1/2 times the price, But I think GEC's consistent quality control might be better. I have no problem buying GECs unseen (if the handle scale type is generic enough), but I'm hesitant to buy a Case/Bose without handling it first.

The top-of-the-line Northfields have extras like polished (as opposed to satin) blades, deeper swedges, long pulls, grooved/pinched bolsters and premium handle materials. The Tidiouts are a more basic no-frills package, but the build quality is exactly the same. Aside from the (IMO) ugly Tidioute etch, I like both categories equally.

Here's a Tidioute #57 in horn:

Thanks for the feedback I have almost made my decision just a matter of the handle material I want.
I did have a Case/Bose lockback whittler once but had to return it because the small blade backspring was very weak I was upset because I really liked that knife and I am the same way about handling them first but sometimes it's hard to buy that way and I just make sure they have a good return policy before I buy from anyone now.

Rick · Dec 3, 2012

You're very welcome. Please post your impressions when you get your new knife.

Per-Sev · Dec 3, 2012

Here is what I bought but I can't see I till Christmas morning my family says that's the rules.

Great Eastern Cutlery: Northfield UN-X-LD #57 - Geppetto Whittler - Antique Yellow Jig Bone - Unserialized

Bob W · Dec 3, 2012

I just ordered a Boker Whittler in apaloosa bone and carbon steel blades. It's a gift for a niece and haven't received it yet, but my experience with German-made Boker pocketknives has been nothing but positive, and for about half the price of a Great Eastern if budget is a concern.

I'm not sure though if the Boker has a split backspring.

Per-Sev · Dec 3, 2012

Bob W said:
I just ordered a Boker Whittler in apaloosa bone and carbon steel blades. It's a gift for a niece and haven't received it yet, but my experience with German-made Boker pocketknives has been nothing but positive, and for about half the price of a Great Eastern if budget is a concern.

I'm not sure though if the Boker has a split backspring.

I had a Boker lever lock years ago and it was a great, I did look at some Boker Whittlers also but my decision was swayed since GEC are US made I always try to buy US made knives when I can.

TLARbb · Dec 3, 2012

Looks like this thread has run its course in just a few hours. You have made a good choice. It is the same one I am thinking about for my next whittler. I was watching this thread to see what people suggest. Didn't take much watching....

Ed J

Per-Sev · Dec 4, 2012

TLARbb said:
Looks like this thread has run its course in just a few hours. You have made a good choice. It is the same one I am thinking about for my next whittler. I was watching this thread to see what people suggest. Didn't take much watching....

Ed J

Yea it was a fast one, I had done a lot research before I posted this but I just wanted to clear up some questions before I pulled the trigger. I knew that GEC would be the one most people suggested but until a few weeks ago I had never heard of the company and just wanted to make sure that's what I wanted.
I was trying to come close to a knife I had to sell a long time ago that a custom knife maker sold me just before he passed away, his name was Bob Enders out of Michigan. I went to see him about buying a knife and he pulled out a pearl handled lockback whittler that he carried and that sold me on whittlers but he would not sell that but he had another one that he would sell but it was just a standard split backspring one. Then I was injured at work and had to sell all my knives and now I just buy ones to use and I know that I can't afford anymore handmade knives so I was looking for the next best thing. I hope I found it, we will see at Christmas.
Everyone feel free to keep making suggestions in case some else is looking for a whittler they can refer to this post. Thanks

TLARbb · Dec 4, 2012

Rick said:
Here's a Wharncliffe version:

This one really looks great. I think I like the wharncliffe version better than the clip blade version. That's one handsome knife!! :thumbup:

Ed J

matt1987 · Dec 5, 2012

I like my Queen whittler with D2 tool steel and amber bone handles. The F&F on mine is comparable to GEC and costs around $60

marthinus · Dec 5, 2012

Rick said:
Agreed. You'd be hard pressed to beat the "Geppetto" at your stated price range. It's a very solid, robust knife with great fit and finish and nicely dialed-in walk 'n' talk.

That looks fantastic!

Per-Sev · Dec 5, 2012

matt1987 said:
I like my Queen whittler with D2 tool steel and amber bone handles. The F&F on mine is comparable to GEC and costs around $60

Tell me more, I do like D2 tool steel. How about a few picks if you have some. Who knows maybe I will start collecting whittles that are factory made. Is Queen a American company. My main concern is blade play, I can't stand getting a new knife and there is side play or after you use it for a while then the blades loosen up. Anyone with some feedback about both GEC and Queen after they have been used for a while and how they hold up.

supratentorial · Dec 6, 2012

I've had knives from both Queen and GEC that had some wiggle in the blades but fewer from GEC. My recommendation is an old knife... in particular a 1970s or earlier Case 6380 or an old US made Schrade 804.

Schrade 804: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/611524-Best-Schrade-Whittler
Case 6380: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/749219-1974-Case-6380-Whittler

matt1987 · Dec 6, 2012

Per-Sev said:
Tell me more, I do like D2 tool steel. How about a few picks if you have some. Who knows maybe I will start collecting whittles that are factory made. Is Queen a American company. My main concern is blade play, I can't stand getting a new knife and there is side play or after you use it for a while then the blades loosen up. Anyone with some feedback about both GEC and Queen after they have been used for a while and how they hold up.

The main blade is thick and stout for heavier cutting and the 2 secondary blades are nice and thin for detailed and delicate work. Overall its one of my favorite patterns. I much prefer the whittler's blade layout over the standard stockman.

Sorry I don't have any pics handy. Like a dummy I left the knife at my Dad's house

.

supratentorial · Dec 6, 2012

matt1987 said:
Sorry I don't have any pics handy. Like a dummy I left the knife at my Dad's house .

I have one from a limited run in stag. You'll have to excuse the scratches and finger prints. This knife gets used.

Here's a photo of the amber bone from the queen website:

Per-Sev · Dec 6, 2012

matt1987 said:
The main blade is thick and stout for heavier cutting and the 2 secondary blades are nice and thin for detailed and delicate work. Overall its one of my favorite patterns. I much prefer the whittler's blade layout over the standard stockman.

Sorry I don't have any pics handy. Like a dummy I left the knife at my Dad's house .

I agree I love the layout of the whittler also.