Need assistance finding a Wharncliffe/Sheeps foot EDC to fit the bill

A

avj7209

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Jun 5, 2013
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Hi all! I'm in search of any feedback/suggestions on finding a traditional EDC that fits the specs listed below. I welcome any thoughts and if you have pictures, please feel free to post:


  • Knife’s closed length: @ 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches
  • Total blades: 2
  • Blade types: Wharncliffe or Sheep’s Foot for one blade and preferably a spear point or drop point for the other.
  • Pattern Type: I prefer a thicker handle for lack of a better term, so would like to find a sleeveboard, baby sunfish/elephant toe (and their full sized variants), canoe, balloon jack, or any other “meatier” handle. Half congresses and the like are a little thinner than I am looking for. While I have seen some Case trappers that kinda meet the my specs, but I’d prefer not a trapper pattern either unless it was "meatier" than a Case trapper.
  • Made in USA: Go American!
  • Maker: I have a soft spot for Queens and any “brand” Queen produces, but also like Canal, GEC, Case to name a few.
  • Handle/Scale Material: While I love stag, it can be cost prohibitive. Any autumn, burnt, etc. bone in a winterbottom, worm groove, or similar jig would be nice, honestly, there are few jigs I don’t like.
  • Bolsters: I prefer bolsters on each end, but may consider bareback if it looks not too barlow-ish.
  • Price: As I am looking for a knife to put in my EDC rotation, I really would prefer to stay in the $60 – $100 +/- range. Again, this is for EDC, thus the lower range. I can go higher, but don't want to go so high that it isn't condusive to EDC use.
  • Condition: The knife can be new/mint or in well cared for used condition. If used, I don’t mind if it has been sharpened as long as it was sharpened appropriately and not haphazardly.

I realize this is a tall order, but welcome any feedback on what I should keep an eye out for. Thanks and advance and have a good one!

-Tony
 
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Since you're looking for a knife that feels substantial in hand, the first thing that comes to mind is the GEC 74 saddle trapper (based on the 2012 BF knife). Or, for a single blade, you might go for the GEC 55 houndstooth with wharncliffe blade.

Fausto
:cool:
 
Since you don't want a congress...


26c2658f.jpg


Case Wharncliffe Copperhead (6249W). They come up regularly on the big auction site.
 
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quattromori said:
Since you're looking for a knife that feels substantial in hand, the first thing that comes to mind is the GEC 74 saddle trapper (based on the 2012 BF knife). Or, for a single blade, you might go for the GEC 55 houndstooth with wharncliffe blade.
Fausto
:cool:
Click to expand...

Got to agree with Fausto's first choice. Here's a pic off GEC's site for you.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk 21373122664.689037.jpg
 
GEC #74 trapper or #53 Furtaker - either trapper or muskrat depending on if you like the blades on the same end or opposite end (and what you can find that's still available). You didn't specify if you preferred stainless steel or carbon steel (not stainless). If you prefer or don't mind carbon steel, you can find a variety of GECs in both the 74 and 53 patterns. If you need stainless though, the 53 is the way to go, as you can find a few in 440C stainless (hint: look for an acorn shaped shield).
 
Planterz - I do typically tend to like CV better.... but for this particular EDC, either CV or Stainless will do. The 53 w/ the acorn shield is a nice looking knife, I like the scales on that one. Very clean and classic looking

Pipedreams - Thanks for posting a pick of the Copperhead... that could be another option to look into!
 
Case made several of the Wharncliffe Copperheads in CV steel. I've got two of them, one in yellow Delrin CV and another in red jigged bone CV. If you keep your eyes open on a large auction site you can occasionally find them within or under your target price range. However, they are about equally "beefy" as the Case Trapper, which you already decided you don't want.

Of the GEC knives with a full Wharncliffe blade and a full sized secondary blade, I think you're looking at the #74 Saddle Trapper as previously posted. Good luck finding one in anything other than stag, and be prepared to pay north of $100 for them.

To stay within your price range you're really looking for a Case 6254W Wharncliffe trapper. I know you didnt want a Case Trapper, but I looked at every single knife on Mike Latham's web site and there is nothing that meets your requirements.

I don't have individual shots of the Wharncliffe Copperheads but here they are in this group shot:
 
I went to Mike's website as well... the only thing I cam across was Case Wharncliffe trappers with what appeared to be a clip blade. Mike actually suggested I post here to get some ideas. Seems like GEC and a higher purchase price is becoming the more likely option here.
 
I'd have to also second GEC's #53 pattern. Very good hand fill and heft.

This is my version but I'd suggest the Furtaker variant as mentioned by Planterz.

E8F735E5-1C07-4267-A2D8-8BF4629769D0-328-000000273E2E7E2B_zpsa7823018.jpg
 
One of these would do nicely.

WTs_zps2e67bbda.jpg~original


Pattern #53 Furtaker Trappers on top, 4-1/8" overall length and a little slimmer than the #74.
Pattern #74 Saddle Trappers on the bottom, 3-7/8" overall, with deeper blades.
 
Given the criteria you've listed, I think a look at the 2008 Schatt and Morgan English Jack is warranted. Collectorknives has one listed that falls right in the middle of your desired price range.
 
Kickless- That one was on my radar. Wasn't a huge fan of the scales on that one, but the blades are just right though.

As it stands, it looks like the GEC #53 has the majority of what I'm looking for, albeit at the top of my desired range. Feel free to keep any suggestions coming and I'll certainly keep you posted with what I ultimately decide upon. Hopefully looking to pull the trigger with the week.
 
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After taking everyone's great advice and looking at various sites that have GEC, I think the two patterns I am looking at are the GEC #53 Tidioute Cuban Castro and GEC #56 Northfield Weaver Jack (dogleg). I'm leaning more towards the 53 due to its larger size, but was wondering if anyone has both of these and can provide a side by side pict for comparison.
 
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