I'd like to pass on my impressions of 2 Whitewing knives I've aquired recently. I'm not an expert but an enthusiast. I consider myself a "serious" collector because I buy knives I can't afford and then have to hide them from my girlfriend. Not so much the knives, which she doesn't care about, but how much I spend on them. To her credit, she did buy me a William Henry Kestrel for Christmas last year. I don't consider myself a "tactical" type guy, I prefer pocket knives because they're smaller and they're easier to sneak into the house. That said, I get the urge to slash something everytime I pick up my LCC. OK, Whitewing knives is a "production" project from custom maker Bailey Bradshaw. These are traditional style folders that feature all CPM3V steel and premium natural scales. I have a Warlock lockback in stag and a small slipjoint Trapper in mother of pearl. Both feature a Wharncliff style blade, my favorite. Other styles available include a multiblade Surveyor, a larger 2 blade Trapper, and a Lockback. What attracted me to the Warlock was it's shape. Although it looks familiar and traditional, it's actually quite radical. The name is very clever too. I couldn't find reference to the handle shape in collector guides so I assume it's European or perhaps Mr. Bailey's own design. It's incredibly sleek with an organic/agressive style that reminds me of a bird of prey. It's also very anatomical and fits comfortably and securely in my hand. It looks just as sleek closed. The blade is 3" and the handle 4". I guess you could say it's a tactical folder if you want. The fit and finish are first rate. The interior liners are nicely finished and the tolerences between blade and liners are finer than a RCH. At first glance, the spine looks like solid steel, but is actually 5 layers of bolster, liner, and spacer. This indicates everything is square and flat, very impressive. The blade is symetrical with a nice bevel to the point. It's hollow ground and razor sharp. There is a thumb stud for one hand opening, which is firm but smooth, and it locks up with a solid "thunk". There is no play at the pivot, it feels like a fixed blade. Press the lock and gravity will drop the blade and it closes with the same solidness. The stag scales are premium, beautiful, and nicely matched. They are attached with allen screws. The screw holes aren't beveled and there are some sharpish edges at the back but this is being anal. It's supurbe and could pass as custom made(which it basically is). As you can tell, I love this knife. I guess that means I'm ga-ga over the Trapper. It has a 2 1/2" single blade and 3" handle. Every thing above about fit and finish applies+. Incredibly, the tolerences are even tighter between blade and liners! Even though it's a slipjoint, it locks up with the same "thunk" as the lockback. The screw holes in the scales are beveled and the STUNNING mother of pearl is smooth as a baby's butt. The MOP is incredibly translucent and beautifully colored. This is one fine knife. If I were a high roller, this would be my daily carry. It's certainly stout enough but I'd cry if I saw a scratch in this work of art. I'm sorry I can't provide scans (that would be knife money jack!) but fortunately Chris Carson has a nice website with pix. I've included a link (I hope!) and hope you'll take the time to check it out. Thanks for reading this rambling review. I also want to thank Chris for going beyond the call of duty to get me the Trapper. He is a Forum member and deserves your patronage(he's also the only guy that has Whitewings with Ivory scales). His customer service is exemplary. I don't think Chris is in it for the money, but to spread the Whitewing gospel. I'm a believer. Finally, thanks to Bailey Bradshaw for making these fine knives available. I hope his production venture is a success, the knives speak for themselves. http://www.members.tripod.com/ctexknife/whitewing.htm
------------------
Mike
OUCH!......damn
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
------------------
Mike
OUCH!......damn
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]
[This message has been edited by mikespens (edited 11-19-2000).]