Thinking about a BIG one!

glocktenman

glocktenman

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Jul 20, 2008
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I've been thinking about picking up one of the large GECs. I interested in the Lumber Jack or the Whaller. Anyone have both that they could post some comparison pics and opinions of the two? Thanks.
 
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I don't own any but I've handled both and I'll tell you what they are huge. I wouldn't put any money out for them though as they are way to heavy for EDC but YMMV

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The Whaler and the Lumberjack and now the new Roughneck are basically the same frame. The difference is that the Main Blade is at the opposite end of the frame on the Lumberjack and Roughneck compared to the Whaler. Between the 3 knives there is a good selection in the two blade knives. The Whaler has a Main Large Spear and a Secondary Pen Blade. The Lumberjack has the Large Spear and a Linerlock Saw Blade. The Roughneck has a Large Spear Main and a Clip Blade Secondary. These are all BIG,Heavy knives. The Single blade versions,however,are a big,sleek,surprisingly pocket friendly knife. All have the Big Spear Blade. The Whaler even has an Easy Open version.
 
Man I love the Whaler. I can`t tell you how many times I`ve watched stschmalhaus`s video review on it. I just love the over the top size and the huge master blade. If I ever have more money than sense, I`ll get one of those with Ivory. The ultimate sin knife.
 
I have a #36 Sunfish. I believe it is the same frame. I handled one of the Whalers at the Blade Show. If you like a large pocket knife and I do, you'll like your choice. You might consider one of leather pouches that you place the knife inside you pocket in to keep minimize damage to cell phones or scratching it up with coins and so forth. It is heavy, but you have to want to carry a knife that size because it is stronger and tougher than the small ones when cutting stuff.
 
Dont have a Lumberjack - but i do own a Whaler and 4 of the GEC Sunfish. I have EDC'd the Whaler and its a great knife just too big (for me) tocarry regularly.

The Sunfish is perfect for my EDC needs - I'm betting something smaller than the Whaler would suitmost just fine.
 
22-rimfire said:
I have a #36 Sunfish. I believe it is the same frame. I handled one of the Whalers at the Blade Show. If you like a large pocket knife and I do, you'll like your choice. You might consider one of leather pouches that you place the knife inside you pocket in to keep minimize damage to cell phones or scratching it up with coins and so forth. It is heavy, but you have to want to carry a knife that size because it is stronger and tougher than the small ones when cutting stuff.
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The 36 Sunfish and the 45/46 frame are very different. The 45/46 is a Swell-Center Sunfish pattern. Copied after a knife made by Charles Platts in the 1880's or 1890's.
 
I don't have a pic showing the difference in thickness between the 2 but here are my 2 lumberjacks and a comparison pic with a #73 and a #25. I did find the single blade whaler more comfortable to hold (didn't really carry either) than the 2 blade one. I wouldn't say the single blade version is much thicker than other single blade knives except that the blade thickness is a little thicker than normal.
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I'm not a fan of any of these massive patterns because there are much more useful and pocket friendly models out there. I have enough trouble carrying my ruby red #23 because it's so large.
I've also read several posts claiming that the "saw" on the Lumberjack is useless.
They may be great for decoration or conversation, but I refuse to buy knives that wont be used.
 
My #23 gets carried more than I thought it would. That said I have a Queen toenail that just sits in its box. Every time I think about carrying it, I change my mind once I open the box. Please get a big one and then let us know how it carries.
 
OP,

Below are some pictures, per your request. From top to bottom: #46 Whaler, #45 Lumberjack, #36 Elephant Toenail/Sunfish [all ebony]:

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I really dig large traditional knives so I ended up with a few of each. The only types I have carried out of doors so far are the #36 and #45. As to your question of Whaler or Lumberjack, Lumberjack would be my preference. The blade orientation of the Lumberjack gives it a (slightly) smaller footprint in the pocket and the Lumberjack has a half stop, whereas the Whaler does not. As to an in-use review, I can't help you out there much. I enjoy handling them and using them where I can but I have not used either for hard cutting tasks. There is no doubt that they are tons of fun (pun intended) and whichever you select, I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it.

Hope this info helps. Good luck in your decision :thumbup:
 
Wow. I can't believe those are bigger than the sunfish. I had a sunfish but sold it. I regret it though I only rarely carried it. They got loads of personality, and make me smile just to think of them.
 
Nice ebony trio, Jazub. I've never really given thought to picking up any of those patterns, but seeing your comparision pics has me rethinking that. The ebony sunfish is a looker.
 
Thanks guys. Glad the pictures help.

Strangely, looking at the pictures today has me coveting my own stuff :eek: ;) May have to throw one of these patterns in pocket today :thumbup:
 
I have never seen in person these large traditionals.

I kinda like the big ones...not to carry of course but as displays. Seems to me that the best way to show great scale material would be with that quarter acre of landscape on those 45/46 patterns:eek:
 
The big ones aren't for everyone. I like using big slipjoints. I find the common 3 5/8" length just a tad short and I know that 5" is too big for me to comfortably pocket carry. I have a Remington Barlow Bullet knife at 4.9" and it is too big. I'm still looking for that sweet spot, but I think its about the size of the #36.
 
Thanks for all the info and pics. I think they're all cool. I forgot about the sunfish....which is pretty big itself. I've got big pockets so I'm sure the single blade lumberjack'll fit! Let the search begin.
 
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