Opinions on Case Seahorse Whittler sought

S

Stainz

Joined
Jun 24, 2007
Messages
3,760
I just ordered my first ever Case knife - a Seahorse Whittler. My wife knew I was having a time finding it, since that style was retired in July, and got a local knifestore guy to find her two to select from - and she got them, unbeknownst to me, as my Christmas. She gave them to me last night, after I had discussed the order I had placed. So - at my age, never a Case knife - by next week, I will have a trio of Seahorse Whittlers!

My question is simple. Are they good whittlers? I know, I've used a Buck 301 Stockman - and even a 110 - in the past as whittlers. I wanted something more traditional - and with a Wharncliffe blade - the Seahorse's main blade is such a straight edge - and has a thick spine - should be a decent whittler - any opinions or use history would be appreciated. Also - what is the mottled bone finish using the box flap moniker 'CHSNT'? The other one she gave me is easy: 'STAG'! Thanks for any and all help.

Stainz
 
This is a rather recent pattern for them and I am surprised it has been retired.
(Sounds like an admission that I do not keep up with the modern Case stuff as much as I should :D)

I have a couple of them from the first year they were making them (I think 2002, but am not 100% sure). Like all the new patterns with new tooling, fit and finish is very nice although initially I was hoping for a split back rather than the spring setup they are using.

The CHSNT stands for Chestnut bone.
 
Whether or not it will be a good whittler for you is going to be a matter of personal taste. Since you have done some whittling in the past, you went into the purchase with a pretty good idea of what you wanted, so you are probably pretty close to the mark and you will probably be satisfied with what you got.

The reason I no longer have a Seahorse is because I found that the main blade did not suit my personal preferences. However, there are many other folks who sing its praises. The smaller blades, which I use 90% of the time for whittling, were fine.
I think you will be happy, but if the knife isn't exactly what you are looking for, there are plenty of others out there.
 
Stainz, glad you are asking about the seahorse, I've been contemplating on clicking, buy now, for two weeks. The model I'm looking at is a 4" teak wood Case.I'll be watching for your review :p
 
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I love mine. It's a Case Bros. in Chestnut I found at the fleamarket and cleaned up. I love the heavy duty Wharncliffe blade.
 
That sturdy wharncliffe blade will do a lot of work, both taking off bigger shavings, and reaching into finer details.
But as everyone says, it's a matter of personal preference.
Hope some master carvers jump in here, to give you their opinion!
Duckman, where are you??:confused:

:D:D
 
Todd, that Case Bros. Seahorse is pretty swanky! :thumbup: I'd like to stumble across something like that at a fleamarket! :D Is that one of the ones with ATS-34 blades?
 
moonwilson said:
Todd, that Case Bros. Seahorse is pretty swanky! :thumbup: I'd like to stumble across something like that at a fleamarket! :D Is that one of the ones with ATS-34 blades?
Click to expand...
Thanks, Andy. I got it cheap, too. $25, IIRC. It just needed a bit of love. I don't think it's ATS-34...if it is, it's not marked.
 
To possibly clarify - IRRC the Sewhorse whittler went into the vault - so not altogether 'retired'. Please correct me if this is not the case.
 
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