Wharcom VS Subcom for first small Boker?

A

AlexSchira

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May 12, 2007
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I'm branching out into different kinds of knives lately, had my eye on those quirky little Subcoms for a while. No use for a money clip, but a small knife with a clip would be a welcome addition. I'd prefer something as utilitarian as possible for the small size. Easy to sharpen, hate serrations, black to match everything. Admittedly I have a soft spot for high-viz emergency colors but I'm not coming out of the closet about that until more companies start using orange and yellow.

For more experienced Subcom users, would I be putting myself at a disadvantage with the straight-edge Wharcom? Is it going to hinder the cutting motion with the size of the knife? Are the finishes different? What are the pros and cons of each blade shape?

Lastly, just a shout out about appreciating innovation and breaking molds, I like what I'm seeing with the Subcoms and their designer. If it weren't for unique thinkers willing to put thought and work into an idea, we'd still be cutting things with jagged rocks and dragging sleds around.
 
For this size of blade, I doubt most people can really notice a difference between the two blade shapes for utilitarian cutting. With that in mind, pick the one that most catches your eye.

Heck I'd just about wager you will be so pleased with either one, that you will end up buying both in the end in any event.
 
Unless you have a really tight budget, I would just get both. They are relatively inexpensive, and though I'm sure you would be happy with just one of the knives, having both would probably make you even happier :D
 
At this point I only have a Subcom, but I would second the suggestion to get both - that's what I am going to do.

While I don't have the Wharcom, I use wharncliffe blades a lot and I would recommend you base your decision on what you plan to use the knife for. The Subcom has been a great general-use knife for me over the past few weeks since I got one, but I like wharncliffes better for opening packages/letters or doing precise cutting using the point. A wharncliffe is also super easy to sharpen.

Let us know what get and how you like it.
 
I don't have the Wharcom, but that's because I'm not a big fan of wharncliff blades. I prefer belly in my blades for slicing, but that's for my uses. As others have said, if you're really interested in both and having a hard time deciding, they're cheap enough to get both. I'm really looking forward to the Subclaw myself.
 
Aloha AlexSchira,

Thanks for your interest in the "Biscuits".:rolleyes:

I agree with what has been already said. Get both, or the one that catches your eye the most. Um, also, careful about making cracks about dragging around shields because I think zenheretic still does that...just check out his avatar!:p

I have found that in "shearing" type cuts, much like skinning, the Original SF does it just a little bit better than my WF (Wharcom Folder). However, the WF is a breeze to resharpen and is favored by a lot of folks for an EDC.

Will your SF or SFV be used for general cutting on a daily basis or..?

God bless and mahalo:cool:
 
It'd be rotated into my EDC stages for a few scenarios. I only carry a full sized folder if I know I'm going to be cutting something all day, typically rely on the blades in multi-tools, but lately I've been appreciating dedicated knives more since I use the blade more than any other tool. Lately I've been needing a small, clipped knife to carry in my waist band or in a smaller pocket for situations like dress code situations, cycling, knife-legal but knife-wary situations. It'll be getting some mileage with some kid-filled barbecues and parties. Everyone knows I'm a preparedness type, but it's a pet peeve of mine when the teenage males peter me about whatever's clipped in my pocket at the time asking all the wrong questions. Most I'll be handling with it is opening packages, boxes, cutting odds and ends. Utility is the word, and the Wharcom has that pure utilitarian aura to it.
As for the 'buy both' suggestions, may get more than that, may try out the black blades eventually to experiment with some carry methods.
 
I like all the Subcoms...My most two used for everyday cutting tasks are the Wharcom (my favorite) and the Desert Tan CE Subcom, when I need a small serrated knife...SD=Subcom FB all the way.....Doc:D
 
Wharcom's on the way...And I don't think it'll be alone for long. Spotted a gray-handled, black bladed camo version floating around. I went through high school with forty gray tee shirts. Every custom-character I've ever made in a video game has been gray/black toned. I actually got giddy when I found out Spyderco made a gray Delica.
GUESS WHAT COLOR MY CAT IS...
...Okay, it's a tabby, may trade it to a khaki loving friend for a gray one later.
 
For first Subcom i would say, you just cant go wrong with the original biscuit. Wharcom could be a better cutter and is one great and awesome design, but original Subcom is just, well its just perfect. Although i'm sure you would love either one, because they are both by far the best designed small knives on the market IMHO.
 
I have both - but I prefer the Wharcom for the opening of boxes and mail stuff that I typically do. Its not as aesthetically perfect as the original Subcom, but it works great!
 
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