Recommendations

I have a GEC curved jack with a Wharncliffe blade in 440C... I guess GEC called it a "Viper"....I lose track of all of the marketing names. It's a very traditional pattern. But GEC is putting Wharncliffe blades in patterns even when it is not traditional for the patterns. It's become a popular trend, especially with folks new to traditional knives. The "Coyote" is an example of one of those odd marriages of a Wharncliffe blade and a pattern that traditionally never had a Wharncliffe blade. There are lots of other examples as well. It should be easy to find lots of patterns with Wharncliffe blades (but it used to be less common).

Case makes a single Wharncliffe blade mini trapper which is less expensive and available in CV or SS.

Regarding steel... I don't advise buying a steel based on liking the "looks" of patina. Choose the steel for the properties of steel that affect function and best suited for your use.

A "good starter" will really depend on how you use your knives and what you like. It will be different for everybody. If you don't have one already, pick up an Opinel No 8 and a Victorinox Pioneer.
 
Picked these up today
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L to R
Craftsman 9560 - 2nd blade is about 3/4 sharpened below the tip which is meant for use as a driver. Most beat of the bunch, spring is pretty weak.

Next no markings, strange blade shape? Maybe not original.

Case 6214 - my favorite of the bunch still really stiff springs, smaller blades a little bent but no biggie

And last one is marked PIC 168 Germany - also like.. still pretty stiff too, no half stop, 3rd blade is practically untouched and may still be factory sharp polished edge.

I picked them up for $15 total so if only 1 was good I'd have been happy but I got 2 I really like, and I also picked up the #47 from the exchange (thanks BigBiscuit).

r redden - coming from modern but do like small knives, most of my knife usage is slicing.
 
You'll find some Wharnecliffs around and they're nice. I have a Trestle Pines Grand Portage w/ a wharnecliff blade and I think it's great. But I also find the California Clip on my Case Mini Trapper is real sweet. Just something about when using it feels right. It just works I guess.
My suggestion would be the Case Mini Trapper w/Caplifter. One blade, a very nice versatile blade and a bottle opener/screwdriver to give you more excuses to pull it out and use.
 
You did well to get a Viper-
They went off like firecrackers.
I had to swap a Campagna sfo barlow to get a snakewood viper-aaand loving it.
 
My recommendation is to buy a bunch of different CHEAP knives, say at the $25 level or below.

The thing with traditionals is that vary so much in design and what works for me (large single blade folders) may not work for you (perhaps, small 2 blade peanuts). Getting advice on traditional patterns is like seeking advice on shoes or beers. Our preferences vary and there are TONS of options. There is no way in the world you can expect that what works for me will work for you.

This is why I recommend experimenting with a bunch of very different inexpensive knives. Give them rides in your pocket and let your preferences wander. Pay attention to immediate reactions but don't be bound by them. Some designs only reveal their virtues when you use the knife for a period of time.
 
pinnah said:
My recommendation is to buy a bunch of different CHEAP knives, say at the $25 level or below.

The thing with traditionals is that vary so much in design and what works for me (large single blade folders) may not work for you (perhaps, small 2 blade peanuts). Getting advice on traditional patterns is like seeking advice on shoes or beers. Our preferences vary and there are TONS of options. There is no way in the world you can expect that what works for me will work for you.

This is why I recommend experimenting with a bunch of very different inexpensive knives. Give them rides in your pocket and let your preferences wander. Pay attention to immediate reactions but don't be bound by them. Some designs only reveal their virtues when you use the knife for a period of time.
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Wise words.

Great scores on your first traditional knives GotSteel. :thumbup:
 
meako said:
You did well to get a Viper-
They went off like firecrackers.
I had to swap a Campagna sfo barlow to get a snakewood viper-aaand loving it.
Click to expand...


^I will echo this

my first dip into traditionals was a 2014 run of the GEC Viper. It is still one of my most carried knives and one of the few patterns I have multiples of. Just be ready to profile the edge to make it sharp. Vipers are notorious for being butterknife sharp from factory.

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Ahh still learning to sharpen freehand I bought a sharpmaker recently so im hoping that helps correct any errors in my angles and have a Norton oil stone and Japanese water stone that I'm starting to get better with, knife coming from Exchange gently used so hopefully will come sharp and will just require touching up, if not I can get a decent working edge so far.
 
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