Why so few Wharncliffe blades?

Flashpoint

Flashpoint

Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
2,172
About a month ago I picked up a Centofante 4 and after a month of carrying it, it's became my favorite blade. It really seems to perform better than some of the other blade shapes I've used.

First off the straight edge is super easy to sharpen. The way the tip is designed it punctures more easily than clip points due to the way pressure is transfered to the tip. The tip shape also allows for better control in detailed cutting. Also the lack of a belly keeps items from sliding of the blade before it's fully cut.

Honestly to me it's one of the least sexy looking blade designs. I picked it up out of curiosity and for want of a Spyderco (other than my Spyderfly), but it has quickly established a dominate place as my primary EDC.

So, does anyone have any insight as to why there are so few knives produced with a Wharncliffe style blade? Other than a couple of designs from Spyderco and Kershaw, and one discontinued patter from BM I know of no other Wharncliffe knives.
 
The Boker Wharcom is a great little wharncliffe you may be overlooking. Honestly, I think that the wharncliffe blade style just isn't as "attractive" to a lot of people, in spite of its great utility. That being said, it shouldn't hold it back from being more common. I mean, just look at SpyderCo's popularity (I own several myself) and they certainly the most sexy things out there visually speaking ;-) All I can say is that I hope more come out in the near future. Buck just came out with an updated Whitaker model that had one as a secondary blade, IIRC.
 
congrats on the Centofante4 and I gotta agree with FortyTwoBlades ;)

wharcom005zs0.jpg


here's another wharnie from the Graham Bros. (their photo):

grahambrostacticalwharncliffe.jpg
 
I don't know why they're not more popular, but I just happened to get my first two from another forum member--one's a Yojimbo, and one's a Spin. Immediately fell in love, even (or especially) with the little guy.

Those are two beauties, jaislandboy!
 
Ted H said:
I don't know why they're not more popular, but I just happened to get my first two from another forum member--one's a Yojimbo, and one's a Spin. Immediately fell in love, even (or especially) with the little guy.

Those are two beauties, jaislandboy!
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thanks Ted, congrats on the Yojimbo and Spin score :)

spin4016.jpg
 
ja-

Cool Spin pick!

I have to thank SakuTheGreat for the Yo and Spin. He's a solid guy.
 
IMHO,

They are great for utility, but look wise, not as appealing as drop point ..

But again, what considered beauty is learnt ;)
 
Fashion comes and goes; we don't wear what we did in the 70's, and right now wharncliffes aren't popular.

It's a pity, because it may just be the most usefull EDC blade choice. I find myself often thinking "maybe I should get a tanto" until I realize I probablly wouldn't use it as often as my wharncliffe.

Oh, and that Graham is PURDY!
 
I didn`t like the pattern of the wharnies and didn`t own one until lately when I saw that little beauty ;)

800_3164336637623331.jpg


Now that I own her - she`s still a beauty :thumbup: - but I`m not getting used to her, sorry! :( Will sell her in the near future.

Don`t know why but I prefer clip point or drop point blades over the wharnie blade.
 
Dalton wharny auto for me:

2204763367_8f14d17a1d.jpg



i'll also second the Wharcom. insanely small and useful.
 
When I first looked at the wharncliffe I didn't think it was a practical design, but if everyone else says it's a good EDC maybe I'll look into it.

I usually like more belly to a knife.
 
They're around if you look a little. The Kershaw Needs Work is close. Not sure if I'd like that grip angle or not. And Spyderco offers some of their Rescue knives in plain edge - they call them a sheep's foot design, but it's close, too.
 
I really like the Wharncliffe and sheepsfoot style of blade. Have a couple Centofante IVs, Case Wharncliffe Copperlock, stockman knives w/ sheepsfoot, Mora fixed blade, etc - - and a Kershaw Needs Work on the way. They make a very useful around town EDC. I do personlly like a knife with curve & some belly for field dressing fish and game, but other than for that the Wharncliffe is one of my favorites. All the best, - -
 
Flashpoint said:
About a month ago I picked up a Centofante 4 and after a month of carrying it, it's became my favorite blade. It really seems to perform better than some of the other blade shapes I've used.

First off the straight edge is super easy to sharpen. The way the tip is designed it punctures more easily than clip points due to the way pressure is transfered to the tip. The tip shape also allows for better control in detailed cutting. Also the lack of a belly keeps items from sliding of the blade before it's fully cut.

Honestly to me it's one of the least sexy looking blade designs. I picked it up out of curiosity and for want of a Spyderco (other than my Spyderfly), but it has quickly established a dominate place as my primary EDC.

So, does anyone have any insight as to why there are so few knives produced with a Wharncliffe style blade? Other than a couple of designs from Spyderco and Kershaw, and one discontinued patter from BM I know of no other Wharncliffe knives.
Click to expand...

Now you know the reason I started making them and why thats all I want to make. It fills a need because people want more and can't find them as easy as they like in as many varieties as they'd like. More of the main stream manufacturers of quality locking one hand opening folders should take the hint but most don't seem to.

STR
 
Butcher1 said:
When I first looked at the wharncliffe I didn't think it was a practical design, but if everyone else says it's a good EDC maybe I'll look into it.

I usually like more belly to a knife.
Click to expand...

I've noticed that I don't really use the belly of a knife much. Most of the cutting I do is with the Base of the blade or the last 1/4" of the tip. Like Pointshoot777, the only time I use the belly of a blade is field dressing game.

BTW, all these Wharncliffes getting posted is going to reek havoc on my wallet:D
 
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