Recommendation? Rams foot vs Wharncliff for a slicer?

[MTHall720]

I am considering adding to my wish list a knife that excels as a great slicer for light to medium duty. Every day or a little dressy either one would be fine. I also would like it to be as large as possible. Not sure yet on price range but not a top of the line price tag. Also I need a light to medium pull.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[kamagong]

Neither. If you truly want a slicer, get a knife with some belly.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

I think the ramsfoot/sheepsfoot blade is more practical and more durable than a wharncliff, but they are very similar just on a continuum.

The wharnie often has a very fine, more fragile tip. Great for crafting and whittling

The ram/sheep is a better slicer in my hands.

Not sure your price point, but GEC 93's and 99's are a good comparison in a medium size knife, and Case makes a lot of sheepfoot and wharnie knives.

 

[cudgee]

Just a suggestion. I recently purchased a Rough Rider cotton sampler exactly for that purpose, a slicer. Works really well for MY needs, but may not suit you. But the recently released GEC lamb Foot are one hell of a slicer, but getting one is the problem. good Luck.

 

[Frailer]

Neither. If you truly want a slicer, get a knife with some belly.

This is my opinion, as well. If someone asks for a great slicer in a large size with a light pull, my mind immediately goes to Opinel. You’re unlikely to find a knife that wasn’t designed specifically for kitchen use that will slice better than one of these.

The one (and only, IMHO) advantage a Wharncliffe blade has over other blade styles is its very fine point, which is irrelevant when it comes to slicing. Given the two choices you listed in the subject line I’d give the nod to the ram foot.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

While a straighter edge is often handy, having the point quite low is great for more controlled cutting say on forms or cutting out labels, but I find a modified wharncliff blade, almost to a spear point, to be more advantageous to use. My recent acquisition, the Lionsteel Best man has the point of the blade about center of the handle, where a spear point doesn't have as acute a tip, I like this style better. You still have a straight section of blade and near the tip it has a curve that helps in cutting.

Also it depends on what you really need a good slicer for? What are the usual materials that you intend to be cutting or rather slicing that you need a good slicer?

IMG_7362 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[MTHall720]

Neither. If you truly want a slicer, get a knife with some belly.

Any recommendations for a big blade for slicing? I will likely use it cutting boxes but also want it to carry with me for a little walk in the woods too.

 

[MTHall720]

I think the ramsfoot/sheepsfoot blade is more practical and more durable than a wharncliff, but they are very similar just on a continuum.

The wharnie often has a very fine, more fragile tip. Great for crafting and whittling

The ram/sheep is a better slicer in my hands.

Not sure your price point, but GEC 93's and 99's are a good comparison in a medium size knife, and Case makes a lot of sheepfoot and wharnie knives.

View attachment 1160892 View attachment 1160893 View attachment 1160894

Beautiful blades.

 

[MTHall720]

While a straighter edge is often handy, having the point quite low is great for more controlled cutting say on forms or cutting out labels, but I find a modified wharncliff blade, almost to a spear point, to be more advantageous to use. My recent acquisition, the Lionsteel Best man has the point of the blade about center of the handle, where a spear point doesn't have as acute a tip, I like this style better. You still have a straight section of blade and near the tip it has a curve that helps in cutting.

Also it depends on what you really need a good slicer for? What are the usual materials that you intend to be cutting or rather slicing that you need a good slicer?

IMG_7362 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

Thank you Gary. My slicing will probably be for boxes, some paper or possibly fabric but also I would like to a little whittling. Nothing fancy but if I find a nice big stick in the woods I like to walk in, I would like to shave off the bark. If it is a good straight stick I'd really like to take it home to make a walking stick out of it.
All my current blades are spearpoints such as Buck 110s, Case Toothpick, and a few slipjoints. My most recent addition is a GEC 97 which I got from a forum member.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Yah, tons of choices for those tasks for sure, good luck in your hunt !
G2

 

[JJ_Colt45]

Regardless of blade shape the Lionsteel slipjoints are great knives ... I love my round head for just the type of things you're talking about ...

If you prefer the sheepsfoot or wharncliffe I can understand and would lean towards the sheepsfoot for a bit more versatile than the wharncliffe ... and I like both blades but that's just my humble opinion.

A classic trapper ... a wharncliffe type blade and a sprey blade may be a good choice unless you want a single bladed knife ... or a #48 Improved trapper is one I really like the wharncliffe on it.

But my Lionsteel roundhead checks all your boxes for use M390 steel ... a decent size ... the pull isn't difficult ... and it has that touch of class.

 

[Railsplitter]

While a straighter edge is often handy, having the point quite low is great for more controlled cutting say on forms or cutting out labels, but I find a modified wharncliff blade, almost to a spear point, to be more advantageous to use. My recent acquisition, the Lionsteel Best man has the point of the blade about center of the handle, where a spear point doesn't have as acute a tip, I like this style better. You still have a straight section of blade and near the tip it has a curve that helps in cutting.

Also it depends on what you really need a good slicer for? What are the usual materials that you intend to be cutting or rather slicing that you need a good slicer?

IMG_7362 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

Nice re-profile on that blade, Gary.

 

[MTHall720]

Regardless of blade shape the Lionsteel slipjoints are great knives ... I love my round head for just the type of things you're talking about ...

If you prefer the sheepsfoot or wharncliffe I can understand and would lean towards the sheepsfoot for a bit more versatile than the wharncliffe ... and I like both blades but that's just my humble opinion.

A classic trapper ... a wharncliffe type blade and a sprey blade may be a good choice unless you want a single bladed knife ... or a #48 Improved trapper is one I really like the wharncliffe on it.

But my Lionsteel roundhead checks all your boxes for use M390 steel ... a decent size ... the pull isn't difficult ... and it has that touch of class.

I lean towards single blade knives. Just a personal preference. I was fortunate enough to have a Dad, uncles and Grandpa who were big time knife and gun guys back in the day when most boys had pocket knives. Different world now.

 

[kamagong]

Lots of choices like Gary said. For light duty this Corsican Vendetta inspired knife is pretty nice. The only problem is that the blade isn't as hard as Americans typically like, so it's sub-optimal for cutting cardboard. It's ~ 4 1/8" closed IIRC.

 

[gaj999]

I like two blades for the versatility. A small, thin, straight edged secondary goes through cardboard like a lightsaber and the larger blade with belly can be used for other jobs.