Photos and Impressions: GEC #79 Workhorse Whittler (3-spring)

[pertinux]

Wow, I was the last person to post here, time has flown by since then.

I'll say! A nice surprise, to see this thread resurface-- thanks! I was just admiring my own Workhorse recently, all over again.

I have since sold my Kingwood #79, because I wanted to try other GEC patterns to see what I like/don't like and have since given up on finding one in Jobillo because only 25 or so were made with these covers.

...I really love this pattern, and I love turning Jobillo wood so it is great to have a pocket knife covered with it. I still come back to this thread because of all the great pics. This is a great pattern maybe GEC will release it again.

I gave serious consideration to a Kingwood #79 between having Rockgolfer's ruby red bone version here and opting for the as-of-then-unknown-to-me Jobillo. For whatever reason, the Kingwood-- fine as it is-- simply didn't have/hold the same appeal to me, in appearance or weight or something.

The Jobillo, on the other hand, still has me all happy-jigged.

Ha-ha!! Pertinux I just saw what number you have and I realized mine was just before yours.

1) Astute observation; 2) Too cool! Kinda fun, thinking of our two knives rolling off the line (or at least through the engraving station) in succession. Nice job knocking down the sheen on yours, too. :thumbup:

Wasn't interested when these came out so I must have missed reading this thread over the past two years. During that time I aquire 2, one in Micarta like the pick Gary showed and an ebony. Both great knives that were used and we'll cared for. Gr8 value on the exchange. Thanks for bringing this thread to the top, I missed this and am happy to read through all the posts, playing ketchup-catch up...
Anyhow, I enjoy listening to these knives CLICKITY-CLACK-SMACK.....Awesome walk and talk and they are like 6 pulls. It doesn't take nail breakers to sing.
Josh

I love how you've put that-- an apt description!

Great knives, these.

~ P.

 

[brianv]

That is a seriously beautiful knife Sarah! I love the grain on that wood.

 

[CROWEMAG]

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My two #79's. A single spring two blader and the three spring whittler in stag. I love this pattern so darn much.

 

[bleh]

Is there anyone who has a 3 spring version and a single spring version (I have a Fremont) who can post a thickness comparison? I'm intrigued by these, but I wonder if they'd be too thick for regular carry.

 

[CROWEMAG]

Is there anyone who has a 3 spring version and a single spring version (I have a Fremont) who can post a thickness comparison? I'm intrigued by these, but I wonder if they'd be too thick for regular carry.

I can do that for you later today!

 

[jlhoffman74]

I don't have any pics but it went right into my pocket all day today, its very pocket friendly.

 

[Gevonovich]

Jeff, your jobillo is exceptional!! I have help a desire for a 3 spring whittler since I first saw one.

 

[jlhoffman74]

Thanks Pertinux and Gevonovich!
Crowemag, love that red two blader as well.
I was sitting outside this evening, and I noticed how much this wood changes in different light.
In bright light its a golden honey and other times its a deep rust red color.
I am enjoying this knife a lot, I am glad I have someplace to geek out about it though.

 

[blademan 13]

Man, I really need to find me one of these.

 

[CROWEMAG]

Is there anyone who has a 3 spring version and a single spring version (I have a Fremont) who can post a thickness comparison? I'm intrigued by these, but I wonder if they'd be too thick for regular carry.

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there you go, Bleh!

 

[bleh]

Thanks! She's a beast!

 

[CROWEMAG]

Thanks! She's a beast!

She is but not in a bad way! Rides nice in hand and pocket. My only regret is getting it in stag as I feel its too nice for me hahaha. Would much rather a bone or wood version.

 

[Railsplitter]

Alright folks, I can't let this thread die just yet. Especially since all you enablers and the fact that one popped up in the exchange forced me to acquire one of these.

On a more serious note, I can see why these Montana Whittlers have such loyal fans. I just got this one today and I haven't used it yet but it's going to ride in my pocket for at least the next several days for a trial run.

One of the things that kept me from getting one of these back when they were released is that I don't care too much for this particular version of GEC's Spear blade. I don't know how else to say it other than it just looks funky to me. Not just on this knife but on all GEC knives that have this oddly shaped Spear blade. I'm gambling on the likelihood that I will have a different perspective after I've had a chance to use it a few times.

Being a big fan of the Railsplitter pattern I'm a real sucker for a thick, robust, chunky knife. One of the reasons that I passed on these when they first came out is because I didn't know it had three backsprings until just a few months ago. A huge selling point for me and probably what prompted me to keep my eye out for one.

I already like this Montana Whittler quite a bit. Carrying it will help me have a more experienced opinion but I really like the chunky feel, the half stops on all three blades, the shape of the small blades, (still gotta get used to that Spear) and I think the Stag is pretty nice too despite the fact that it doesn't match well. That has never bothered me much anyway. As long as I like how each side looks individually then I'm happy with the overall appearance of the Stag. For me it doesn't have to match. It just has to look good on both sides which I think this Stag does.

I'm looking forward to getting to know this knife a little better. It has the potential for a special bond but time will tell. Should be a fun ride.

We all like pictures so I have several to share.

 

[Brisket]

Very nice acquisition and photos Rick!

Here is one of mine next to a 62 Maverick.

 

[Railsplitter]

Thanks, Todd! Some sweet Stag on that one.

 

[jlhoffman74]

Man that stag is beautiful! (On both knives)
I love mine, and it rides in my front pocket. I like the blade choices this offers, but I didn't favor the spear main blade shape but it has grown on me and
now I love it the more its used. I didn't like the mirror polish on the blades so I added a brushed metal satin finished with a nice patina.
IMO this a great pocket knife!

 

[Railsplitter]

Nice job on those blades, Jeff. Also good to know that the Spear blade grew on you. I'm hoping for the same results.