Review: Northwoods Willamette Whittler—Blue Camel Bone

[EyeDog]

First off I really love the shape and feel of this knife. Last week I wrote a review of the Hawkbill GEC#38 which has the same frame.


Here's the Willamette and Norfolk Whittlers

A WHITTLER? ***EDITED*** 5-4-15 [EDIT: I will bow to Derricks explanation he posted today on KSF regarding half and full whittlers. He can call this knife any thing he likes. [emoji41] I just ordered my second one--I love the knife. END EDIT] Before I get into my review I need to raise a question: The name of the knife? Not the Willamette but the “Whittler.” I also own the Norfolk Whittler. The Norfolk whittler has three blades while the Willamette has only two. All of my previous whittlers have been three blades and fit the following definition:

“Whittler is a modern collector’s term that refers to a particular type of construction and blade arrangement. Any pen knife with such a blade arrangement and design is considered a whittler, regardless of shape or handle die. Many whittler-pattern knives are found in large frames that would be classified with the multi-blades.

A whittler is a three-blade knife with a large blade in one end and two small cutting blades of equal length in the other end. Some whittlers have two springs. Each small blade bears on one of the springs.The large blade is extra thick and bears on both springs.The thick master blade bearing on two springs is the most distinctive feature of this type of whittler.”
Page 232 Blades Guide To Knives and Their Values 7th Edition (C) 2009 Krause Publication

I won’t squabble this point and I hope that Derrick would clarify the background for calling this a whittler. I am sure that somewhere there are two bladed whittlers—I’ve just not seen any.



IN THE HAND: As I commented in my review of the GEC#38 Hawkbill, this knife comes close to what I would call the perfect fit, fill and feel in the hand. It just seems to say, “Pick me up and hold me.” It just gets better when the Wharncliffe main blade is open. WOW—the blade feels like it’s and extension of your hand—like a sixth finger.


L to R Hawkbill, Wallstreet, Willamette

THE BLADES: The Wharncliffe blade is my favorite blade for everyday use. I am never without a Wharncliffe blade in my pocket. So this is no different. Compared to a GEC#99 Wall Street, this Wharncliffe has a cool swept down profile. Slightly less wide and a tad shorter than the #99 the Willamette has a deliciously appealing look. I like the secondary pen blade better than the #38 Hawkbill. This is a true pen blade and I find more uses for them then more exotic secondary blades. Both blades passed the paper-cut test but not the arm-shaving test. As with most GEC made knives I don't care for the edge out of the box or tube. Not a big deal as they are easy to profile and sharpen to my desired edge.

WALK AND TALK: No stops, easy pull. I can pinch pull the main blade but it takes a little finesse as the secondary blade gets in the way. Both blads are a 4-5 pull.



OVERALL: The Willamette comes in at 2.2 oz., while the GEC#38 Hawkbill is 2.4 oz. The 3-blade Norfolk Whittler is 1.5 oz. It may not be important to everyone but I won’t carry anything much over 3 oz in my pocket. Just gets to heavy. It’ll go into a belt sheath. The blue camel bone is exquisite and just what I hoped for. I hope to get a Mammoth when they are released. With a knife like this I prefer smooth covers as it just makes the silhouette that much more appealing.



I really like the “WWW” Wharncliffe Willamette Whittler from Northwoods.
Try saying that 3-5 times fast! It’s another winner from KSF.

Mike

 

[Jsega51]

The Northwoods #38 is listed as a half whittler (2 blade versions of a whittler) by GEC. I'm guessing Derrick just left the "half" out of the name. No big deal, it's been done before. There's the 57 Gepetto Whittler and then they also made the 57 Half Whit containing just two blades.

 

[redsparrow]

IN THE HAND: As I commented in my review of the GEC#38 Hawkbill, this knife comes close to what I would call the perfect fit, fill and feel in the hand. It just seems to say, “Pick me up and hold me.” It just gets better when the Wharncliffe main blade is open. WOW—the blade feels like it’s and extension of your hand—like a sixth finger.

Thanks for the review Mike. Great pics and relevant info.:thumbup::thumbup:
The blue camel bone sure looks good!! Ergos and pull become more important to me with each passing year.
I value your input and hope a Northwoods Willamette in mammoth ivory finds it's way to you soon.

 

[EyeDog]

Derrick posted his explanation of this knife as a "Whittler" and I am happy with that. I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about this stuff but I enjoy studying and reading about the history of knives and knife makers.

As for the Willamette Whittler, I ordered my second one today--Mammoth Ivory--I do love the knife no matter what it's called.

Mike

 

[dave308ek]

Great review, thanks Mike:thumbup:

 

[okbohn]

and...by the way... Willamette took me over a year of living here to learn to say.

 

[EyeDog]

and...by the way... Willamette took me over a year of living here to learn to say.

I can say it fine...just can't spell it. Have to check and double check every time. Maybe this will be part of lore of the knife going forward. [emoji51]