Traditional Design or High-Tech?

I decided that my next major purchase would have a Wharncliff blade, and then vacillated about what size blade (under 2 ½", or around 3"). I’ve regretfully passed on Tom Anderson’s Shrike (3 ½" blade is just too big for my purposes) and his Sterling Silver and Damasteel Thrush (just too darn nice). Hesitated too long and missed out on a nice one from Jeff Hall with desert ironwood scales and file-worked blade.

Now I think I’ve managed to narrow the field down to two choices. Coincidentally, both cost about the same, though that was never a factor (within the range I was considering – wouldn’t it be nice if cost wasn’t a factor at all). And both are available for immediate shipment (i.e., instant gratification). One is semi-custom, and a more traditional lockback design, the Whitewing Warlock -- CPM 3V, with stainless steel bolsters and premium stag handles. The other is Jeff Hall’s SSJ model – ATS-34, with carbon fiber scales, no bolsters, and blue anodized titanium liners.

Unfortunately, I’ve never had a chance to handle either. So I was wondering if there’s anyone out there who owns or has handled either of these two fine knives, and can offer some input to help me in my decision (yes, buying both is possible, but I’d rather not at this time). FWIW, neither choice is likely to take over as my EDC, a position occupied very nicely by my small Apogee.


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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
 
Bronco

Bronco

Moderator
Joined
Feb 25, 2000
Messages
7,584
Man, that is something of a dilemna. A good one to have, though.
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Personally, I can only vouch for the quality of the Whitewing folders, but I can assure you that it's quite high. I have one of the stag lockback models and as far as fit and construction are concerned, I doubt that you could tell the difference between a Whitewing and one of Bailey's full custom jobs. Good luck.
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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
I've not seen either of the two you mention, have seen a Whitewing stag lockback. It is really hard to beat stag and steel when it comes to knives. Do both have a clip, or is that a factor?



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Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword"
Heb. 4:12
 
Art,
The full scale carbon fiber version of Jeff Hall's SSJ has a titanium clip; the Whitewing Warlock doesn't. It is a factor, but funny thing, I'm not sure in which direction!

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
 
If you decide to go the way of the Whitewing you will be pleased. It is a lockback and well made in every respect. The stag Bailey picks out for those knives is great. He really looks for figured pieces. His customer service is top notch and the 3V on theses knives rock. They are thin and flat ground and slice all day long and get as sharp as you want to make them. I know nothing about the Hall pieces so can't comment but have 4 whitewings now and rate them as the best small production/ with a ton of hand work I have had. Bailey is also a hell of a guy to visit with.

BTW Bronco is right about the difficulty in determining the difference from Full custom of these patterns to the production. They are both really well done.
-Sam.
 
Dave:

Not all of the photos on my website are representative of "standard" models. (In fact, several of the photos shown were one-of-a-kind knives.) I simply use these photos to illustrate the variety of materials I have worked with.

Most of the Thrush folders I build have BG-42 blades and G-10 overlays.

Just email your mailing address and I'll send you a brochure if you'd like more information on my "standard" line.
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andersontech@webtv.net

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Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives


www.andersoncustomknives.com
 
Sure Tom, just make this more difficult.
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One of your Thrush models in BG 42 would be great.

Actually, one of the knives I was strongly considering was your Thrush model with desert ironwood scales, for sale over at BladeArt. Once again, he who hesitates, etc..

I'll send you that email with my mailing address, but with my birthday only a month away, I'm looking for something that's available right now.

Knowing that you have a six month lead time, and realizing that I have the patience of your average 4 year old, my plan of action is to visit your table in Winston-Salem this September (it's only a 2 hour drive from Roanoke) with money in hand.

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Dave

Let no one ever from henceforth say one word in any way countenancing war. It is dangerous even to speak of how here and there the individual may gain some hardship of soul by it. For war is hell, and those who institute it are criminals. Siegfried Loraine Sassoon
 
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