Seahorse Whittler

D

Dr van Nostrom

Joined
May 8, 2001
Messages
536
Wondering who has picked up one of these knives. If so do you like it? I have seen pics and they look really nice - flowing lines, very elegant. I know Case aren't the best producrion knives but they sure do have some neat patterns. Also is this a revival of an old pattern? Have not seen other makers produce it.
 
I just picked one up the other day. Not a bad knife at all, just was a little dissapointed (not a split backspring).

What really got me was a Case Dr pattern. When I unwrapped the knife the shield literally fell out of the tissue first. I am a long time Case fan with antiques in my collection and I still pick up some modern ones every once in a while. That shield situation really got to me. :eek:
 
Does anyone else make this pattern? I really like the look but not the company. The old case knives seem to be ok but the new stuff no no no...
 
Bulldog knives just came out with a version that looks just like Case's, they're calling it the "Viknig Whittler". I own a bunch of the Case Seahorses and am very happy with them, not to mention they're selling like hot cakes. The pattern looks a lot like their old 6380 "Carpenters Whittler", only difference is the wharncliff main blade.
Perry (Knifekid) :D :D
 
Bastid - could you explain/define 'split backspring'.
Thanks. That sucks about the shield falling off. If Case's quality control/standard was just a little higher i am sure I would have more in my collection.
 
Here is a pic that should show the difference (actually a scan).
The top knife is one of the new Seahorse's by Case and the bottom is a 55 pattern Case Classic (my favorite pattern of the series).

Notice how the backsprings of the Seahorse are parallel while the backspings of the 55 are divided by a tapering spline. It boils down to an easier method of manufacture, but old time whittler collectors define a whittler by that tapering spline that "splits" the backsprings. The narrow end of the taper supports the master blade (a wharncliff in this case.
 

Attachments

  • splitillustrate.jpg
    splitillustrate.jpg
    40.2 KB · Views: 216
A split back spring is where the two back blades each have their own spring and the main blade uses both of those springs as it's spring. Hope that makes sense, a picture would explain it better.

Nevermind...Bastid beat me to it.

Perry (Knifekid)
 
Just for the fun of it here are the two knives open. The Seahorse is done pretty well. I am excited that Case is making them, but the Classic (made by Queen) is heads above it in walk and talk, fit and finish. It has carbon steal blades which will rust without care, but the will sharpen to a scapel like edge.
 

Attachments

  • splitillusopen.jpg
    splitillusopen.jpg
    39.4 KB · Views: 188
Thanks Bastid and Perry.
Is the whittler the only pattern that traditionally has the split backspring? Any current production models using this technique?
 
I've owned a few, the latest one was this neat USA model that had the flag and the letters engraved into it and a colour wash done on the bone scales;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

IMG_1003 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Seahorse_2 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

jiggedbone_Seahorse-shield by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

IMG_5017 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

and my fanciest version

Seahorse_2010_ by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Seahorse_2010 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Seahorse_Girlfriend_7 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Unfortuantely, these have all moved on to new homes, but, I'm sure there will be another one down the road that will find it's way to my house ;)

G2

edited to say, yep, just saw that someone resurrected this old thread and beating a dead 'sea' horse for 20 years it is probably really really dead by now ;)
 
Last edited:
I remember the one you have with ATS-34 blades that was pretty cool
G2
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top