Question about GEC #53 Cuban Castro - Why 4 wharncliffe blades on one knife?

[Epicurian]

I like the size and shape of the Castro, and I really like a wharncliffe main blade, but why build a 4 balde knife with all the same style blades?

 

[black mamba]

When you look at the distributor sites and see how many are still available, you'll realize that a LOT of other people had the same question.

Easily the dumbest knife they ever came out with. Just my 2¢ worth.

 

[bonky]

I don't know, seems there was an old four-blade cattleman pattern I've seen once before that was much the same, two wharncliffe and two sheepsfoot blades. Unless I'm mistaken, it was intended for cutting dynamite fuses, or something along that line. Edited to add, it was four sheepsfoot blades, and added a link to an illustration of the example

Either way, I bought two of them, and really like them, since my most used blades are either a wharncliffe or a sheepsfoot. My least favorite/least practical knife they have produced so far is the "French Kate". I do understand that many others like the lady's leg pattern, though.

The way I see it, it works out well for us all, with the limited numbers on most of their runs. You see what happened with the Barlows. I'd hate to miss out on every run produced from now on because they sell out before knives even make it to the distributors

 

[bonky]

In other words, I like GEC taking chances by putting out patterns that are a bit different rather than continually producing the same 10~15 patterns with the only variation being the scales from one year to the next. There are plenty of companies doing that already.

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks for posting that 'Out West in Colarado' piece bonky, made interesting reading, and it's good to read your own perspective.

Threads like this NEED pics! :thumbup:

Jack

 

[markpmc]

meh. It's the one #53/#54 that never turned my head. At least one blade on a knife needs a belly (IMO). I believe a single spring #53 with a big wharncliff/pen combo or a clip/coping model would fly off the shelves.

 

[Boggs]

Bonky.......

Great find on that bit of history..............

 

[TLARbb]

Bonky, that really makes the point for the knife. I don't know if I'd want such a knife for myself; I don't cut up much dynamite. In fact, I've never even handled any.

4 sheepsfoot blades in one knife has to be a wierd looking creation when handled in one's hand.

Ed J

 

[biglmbass]

Bonky,

Appreciate the history lesson. I had no idea anything similar to the subject knife existed in the past.

I thought it was an ill conceived pattern when GEC released these and figured it had limited appeal, but am nevertheless glad I lucked into one recently via the big auction site. If nothing else it's a neat pattern and my example is typical GEC, tight as a tick and the ebony scales are coal black. I don't intend to buy another unless I see one in stag at a really good price.

 

[waynorth]

Thanks for posting that 'Out West in Colarado' piece bonky, made interesting reading, and it's good to read your own perspective.

Threads like this NEED pics! :thumbup:

Jack

Yeah, like a pic of the Castro!! Anyone??

 

[bonky]

Wow, thanks everyone for the kind words! I can't claim credit for the info, as it was something I had learned from a learned individual at a different forum some time back. I saved the scan he had posted for future reference, and am glad it came in handy.

I don't handle dynamite, but do have a preference for cattle/stockman patterns of any variety. For someone else, it may be Jack knives, or whittlers.

I just like the way GE seems to be doing their homework before releasing new patterns. Some, like the most excellent Barlow have instant mass popularity. Others, like the Castro have a much more limited appeal.

Either way, I have confidence that something new from them will have roots in the past if one cares to dig them up.

 

[fatcorgi]

I should get some sort of cigar frame GEC one day, though it would be great if GEC could manage the patterns with the elegant serpentine frame shown in the picture, I think that looks even nicer.

 

[Jack Black]

“When I started using dynamite I believed in many things, all of it. . .Now I only believe in dynamite!”

 

[Stelth]

 

[rma100]

I believe the Tuna Valley Knife is actually considered a 4 blade Stockman. That is how it was marketed.

 

[rockgolfer]

I have never seen that before. I want it more than any words I could write to express it. Just fantastic selection of blades.

 

[Epicurian]

WOW! Thank-you Bonky, I enjoyed the history lesson, and can now appreciate the pattern. And a thanks to Stelth for posting the pics I should have.

 

[Boggs]

Well RMA.......


I think it depends on whom you talk to....when Perry owned Tuna Valley you're right he considered the pattern a Cigar Stockman.....though when the Daniels got hold of the brand and dimpled the bolsters some how it became and was marketed as a Congress knife.....

 

[Modoc ED]

If Daniels considers that a Congress, I wonder what he will re-name the Queen patterns?

 

[Will Power]

meh. It's the one #53/#54 that never turned my head. At least one blade on a knife needs a belly (IMO). I believe a single spring #53 with a big wharncliff/pen combo or a clip/coping model would fly off the shelves.

Isn't this what GEC has just released? The 53 T.K. Cuban single spring, Clip/Pen. I don't usually favour big knives but I'm seriously tempted....