Wharnie/Sheepsfoot Usage

[Pipeman]

I've seen you post that pick a number of times Pipeman. What I think is so neat about it is the shield has "Viper" stamped on the shield, and GEC ' S sway back with a wharnie was called the same. That is pretty ironic.

It's within an 1/8th of the Viper I believe and the viper came out after I got this and showed it here. I'm pretty sure they named the viper after my knife. ;-)))))))

Best regards

Robin

 

[Hammer67]

Both blade designs (but the wharnie in particular), were intended to provide excellent 'tip control,' so it's not a surprise that the tip is what gets the most wear. It means you're using it properly.

However, because of the flat edge, I also find them great for for slicing/peeling tasks like making shavings, and chopping cuts where the tip remains in constant contact with the cutting surface, and the rest of the blade is brought down to complete the cut.

 

[knarfeng]

I just recently purchased a knife with a sheepsfoot because I couldn't resist the look and it being the work of a certain maker. I'm sure it will be fine for daily use but I can't see any situation I would rather have it over a blade with some belly.

Try starting a cut in the middle of a flat surface, one which really calls for a lot of pressure in order to start the cut. Try that will a "blade with belly". Then try it with a sheepsfoot. With a sheepsfoot, you can press as hard with the tip as you can, and the knife blade cannot shut because you are pressing it against the frame. With other blade configurations,

As for what a sheepsfoot does not do well? It does not work well as a skinner. For that you need a "blade with a belly" so that you can make shallow cuts.

Anymore I seldom buy a knife that does not have a sheepsfoot blade on it.

 

[rockgolfer]

I love the straight edge. Any of them work for edc. Yes the sheepsfoot is stronger but it personal preference based on your use. I bought my first wharnie and quickly traded it as I felt it was too fragile of a tip. I owned sheepsfoot blades and like them a lot. The wharnecliffe kept calling me and finally I purchased another, the GEC 55 houndstooth. I bought it with the soul intention of using it until it breaks. I wanted to push the limits. I have made many threads and posts about this knife. I work construction and use my knives for everything, I do not use a utility knife for anything. At present time my 55 has lost 1/16th of an inch at the tip. It happened when cutting caulking from an old countertop. I use this knife hard and have had no other ill effects. I say buy it if you like it, use it if you want to but dont worry. With proper technique it should be good to go

 

[arizonaranchman]

I deal with boxes mostly and I start at the tang and pull cut out to the tip. The whole edge gets used on mine unless I'm just scoring a line.

I prefer sheepsfoot blades by far, but certain wharnies catch my eye.

Ditto here. When i cut boxes, packaging, etc i start at the tang and use the mid-portion of the blade or the half closest to the tang. I only use the tip for scribing, draw cuts or fine/precise cutting. The main cutting edge gets good use, not just the tip.

 

[Rockon75]

Thanks everyone. It is interesting to learn everyone's techniques. Rockgolfer - I guess a broken wharnie clip with some effort turns into a sheepsfoot over time.......I appreciate everyone's efforts here. Thanks. Josh

 

[rockgolfer]

I agree Josh, with time it can happen. I think Its resembling more of a sheepcliffe and I think that is the best of both worlds. Basically the Northwoods Freemont blade shape. Why GEC has not released its own flat ground version is beyond me. Heck a special edition Northwoods flat ground would be well received as well. I just love the pointier profile and added utility I get from a wharncliffe. The forest jack seems very robust with its saber grind, I am enjoying mine a great deal.

 

[22-rimfire]

I use knives with wharncliffe and sheepsfoot blades for just about everything that I cut except for skinning or field dressing game. It is a very practical and functional design. The "pointy" sharp point is very useful for delicate cutting tasks.