Ordered a Northfield 'Courthouse Whittler'

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elguapo9

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Mar 20, 2008
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I have a Buck 301 that I am quite fond of, but one thing that I have never really dug is how easy it is to close the blades. A strong wind could close this one up! So, I had been looking a Case stockmans, and was really close to pulling the trigger when I ran across the 'Courthouse Whittler' from GEC. I like the idea of 1095 steel, and couldn't resist one in Palmwood. So what if it costs over twice what the Case was going to be. Anyway, it's in the mail and will be here tomorrow. I'll be sure to post pics when it shows up. Thanks for listening....
 
You should be pleased!

I had a #23 pattern (pioneer) pattern given to me and love it. I ordered 4 Schrade (GEC produced). Large and small for me, and two for my two boys in different colors.

Then, I ordered 2 more GEC's (Barlow and Sunfish).

The pull should be much stronger than your other knife.

Some quick dirty pics with my phone.

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The 1095 patinas quickly. I really like it. It is my first 1095 knife (I have 5160, and 1075 etc).

The steel takes a NASTY edge for me.

That first one lead to these

(Schrade brand, but these were made for Schrade by GEC. 1095, and nice firm action)

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I'm sure you'll like it. GEC does a good job with their 1095, not to mention the top notch fit and finish they normally have. The palm has a unique grain pattern to it that is very different from other woods.

This is a different pattern, but gives an idea of the look of the scales.
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I think the courthouse whittler is a very handsome pattern. Look forward to the pics.
 
The one thing I find a trifle odd about it is the secondary blades have half-stops while the main blade does not. Mine has good snap without being a nail breaker. Fit and finish are great, and overall it is a very nice pattern. I think you'll be pleased.
 
Maybe, but of the 14 whittlers I own, 10 have no half stops. Of the four that have half-stops on the secondaries, two are GEC, one is a Parker with half-stop on the main as well and the last is an old Schatt and Morgan with a half-stop only on the coping blade, which strikes me as even more odd.
 
Just wanted to mention that I have a Canal Street whittler with no half stops. I personally like that the GEC 89, 62, and 57 whittlers have half stops on the small blades. Do Case whittlers have half stops?

I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures of the palm wood GEC.

-Nick
 
Well, I've had the knife in my grubby little hands for a week or so now, and I honestly don't know what to think. I'll post some pics a little later, but just wanted to update everyone first. First of all, the knife is beautiful. F&F is top notch, everything fits exactly as it should, all the blades are lined right up and nothing rubs. I would put the pull at about a 5 or 6. The 1095 blades are all very shiny and sharp, just as they should be. This thing really is a piece of art.

What I don't like is how thin the blades are. I haven't carried the knife at all, because I am thinking of selling it due to the thinness of the blades. They are like razors. I think my SAK is thicker. Has anyone had any experience with GEC as a user? It seems like the blades would be all bent up soon after, but I might be selling this thing short. I'm respectful of my knives, and don't use them for prying or anything like that, but I do a fair amount of construction so they end up cutting shingles and tarpaper and cardboard, as well as scraping the occasional caulk or paint.

Anyway, that's all for now. I was going to take some pics but the battery was dead, so when it charges I'll put some up.
 
I EDC'd an Executive Whittler for a while and it still makes it into rotation when my daughter chooses it for me. While thin the blades are quite capable, as I proved for myself last fall while hunting (I do prefer thin blades). However, you know your usage better than anybody, and beefier may be better suited to your usage.
 
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I think the thinness of the blades is intentional on the whittler pattern. Makes for easier whittlin'! I like a thin blade for an edc, though.

Frosty
 
First, I should say I've been using thin blades for most of my life and I've carried slipjoints since the 60's. I've been carrying a GEC half congress for a few months and the Courthouse whittler for a couple of weeks and I have no worries about the thickness of the blades. I'm in building maintenance, so my knives get used for paint and caulk removal, sheetrock work, fitting plywood and particle board, masonite and OSB, vinyl tile and carpet, although I do draw the line at asphalt shingles. I will use a utility knife for those. The blades on your GEC are thick enough to be quite durable as long as you engage your brain before you open the knife.
 
Here are the pics. I've tried to show how skinny the blades are, but I don't think I really captured it. Are all GEC's the same like that?

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One thing that I absolutely love about this knife is the way the main blade uses both backsprings. It's a brilliant idea that all knife makers should use.
 
I don't have a Northfield CHW to compare to but I'm wondering if you're just concerned because of the cut swedge on the Northfield. The Tidioutes have drawn swedges so there is a little more material at the top of the blade. I don't have a top shot of the blades but I hope these help illustrate the difference in the swedges.
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I think there are a lot of good comments in this thread.
Thank you for posting the pictures - I really like the palm wood. That is a nice one that Trand posted also.

As far as other GECs, there are other patterns that have thicker blades. Generally, whittlers do have fairly thin secondary blades, and the tip of the main blade on the 62 is quite thin also. Other patterns will be different.

I think yablanowitz has some good info in his post. However, you may be better suited by a knife that is more stout depending on how you use your knives (as CUTS LIKE A KRIS said)...?
 
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