Sway Back Jack in CV or GEC Courthouse Whittler???

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edwdixon5

Joined
Mar 6, 2008
Messages
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I'm looking for a first serious whittling blade, want a slipjoint, and have narrowed it down to these two (after considering the Case Seahorse and GEC Gepetto as well). I'm looking for something traditional but capable. I've read a lot of similar threads here, got this far and now feel stuck. If you could only own one, which would you take?
 
I like to whittle and carve, and I use a stockman and a peanut, I know I like the sheepsfoot for ruffing out and straight lines and I like the pen and spey for the belly, making deeper cuts, a coping blade is nice for detail.
I am also looking for a knife to dedicate to whittle / carve and have narrowed it down to two. The first is the courthouse whittler with spring green, the other is the Boker congress carver, but I have not made any decisions as of yet. I would also like to hear what others suggest.
 
i have both, but dont whittle. i do prefer carrying the SBJ though. i just like it better for some reason.
 
I have both, and like them both. The SBJ is smaller, allowing a grip better suited to detail work, for me. The Courthouse Whittler is a bit longer, has an additional blade, and seems to have a sharper point on the main blade. They both have a shape that seems to beg to be used for whittling and carving.

Here are some pics to better illustrate how they fit my hand. Notice how the SBJ buts up against my pinkie, and where the blade starts, vs the CHW.

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I have a Case SBJ in CV and Chestnut bone around here somewhere, and a Courthouse Whittler in my pocket. People tell me I have big hands (doesn't everyone have size 12 pinkies?) and I find the SBJ a bit too short in the handle for serious whittling. The extra blade on the Courthose doesn't hurt, either.
 
Of these two knives for 'whittling' I would go with the CHW. Reasons - three blade options, slightly larger bolsters for added strength. IMO - I wouldn't use either one due because the handles are too thin/narrow. Something of that size will be very pocket friendly but will tire the hand in a short amount of time (around an hour of continued use). A 'pocket knife' for whittling, I'd recommend the Case Humpback whittler in whatever scale material - mine has G-10.
 
For straight whittling probably the gec. Absolutely loved my sbj(which I recently lost :( ) but the extra handle and blade I think make it lose out.
 
edwdixon5 said:
(after considering the Case Seahorse and GEC Gepetto as well).
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I find small knives very tiring to use
I spend too much energy trying to hold the knife
A thicker longer knife with a shorter main blade is easier to use in the long run

The GEC Gepetto is much more hand filling and in a good carbon
The SS of the Seahorse will not hold an edge for long enough

I personally use a Queen 4" Half Congress in D2
Very comfortable to hold and the D2 stays working sharp for a long time

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I have both the SBJ and GEC and love 'em. I don't do much whittling (yet) but it seems like the GEC would be better with a longer handle and additional blade. For me the SBJ is an ideal every day carry.
 
I really appreciate all the very helpful opinions. gruntmedik, thanks a lot for the side-by-side comparison photos. Pulled the trigger on the CHW with those same scales. Still like the SBJ, but it seems easier to find so I can back burner it for now. Ahhh...
 
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yablanowitz said:
I actually use my easy pocket congress for more whittling than my CHW.
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I was looking VERY hard at a #61 in buffalo horn. It was a beaut. I'll see how the lady I ordered works out when she gets here. A sister-wife may be in the offing.
 
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Well, I'm late to the party, but of those two knives that's the choice I would have recommended. Having both a pen and coping blade can be pretty handy.
 
It's my thoughts that you can't lose between the two regardless of which you choose. Both are very sweet knives. I like the case SBJ and SBG and I would definitely like to pick up one of those courthouse whittlers. Do you really have to choose?

Ed J
 
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