Won some $$ last night, want to pick up a wharncliff gents knife

Eric H

Eric H

Joined
Jul 15, 1999
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My wife and I won a few bucks last night, and I've been drooling over pics of single blade wharncliff gentleman/swayback type knives lately, so I've decided to go ahead and pick one up--I just can't decide which!

At first, I was interested in one of the upcoming AG Russells:

RUS-CJ13swb-23ajb.jpg


Then I saw some pics of the Scagel Fruitport, and I'm in love:

fruitport_wharn_bone.jpg


My wishes are, single wharncliff blade, high carbon steel (I think--not really an expert on steels, but I'm pretty sure I want 1095), not too large--under 4" closed, and light colored, smooth scales.

The most I want to spend is the $140-ish that the Scagel would cost, but cheaper is fine with me too! (I also like the leather case that the Scagel comes with too, but it isn't a necessity.)

What other options are out there? I've seen pics of the Case Swayback, but the blade to handle ratio looks a little 'off' to me--maybe it's just the pics I've seen?
 
The SBJ kind of grows to fit the hand. I don't know about the others.
 
I too found that the SBJ is small but just locks into the palm of your hand. Now the Scagel is a great knife too. I have the clip-point version and keep looking at the Wharncliffe model.
 
You can probably still find a GEC model #72 lockback with the Wharncliffe blade. They are 3-7/8" closed and use 1095 steel which is expertly heat-treated.
Depending on handle material, they should be between $90 and $140. Check out the GEC website for distributors. Here is the link:

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/
 
Consider GEC's single blade 25, some of these are still available at dealers with Wharncliffe blade.
 
I have two recommendations:

The Case sway back gent, several models to choose from.

The Case single blade wharncliffe mini trapper available in CV/Stag or antique second cut bone/SS.

Depending on how much you won, you might want to consider a custom.

Ed J
 
that scagel looks sweet, i may have to pick one up in the future
 
Another option could be the GEC #89 executive whittler. It's long but pretty slim and has a long wharncliffe main blade with two smaller blades (pen & coping I think). There should still be some floating around the web at or under your price cap.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.

After spending hours searching, I pulled the trigger on the Scagel.

I would have considered a single bladed GEC 25, but it's that white oiled bone handle on the Scagel that I want as much as the pattern itself, and the same handle on a GEC production folder seems to be pretty rare.

I'll be sure to get some pics up once it arrives.
 
You made a good choice. That Scagel is on my wish list as well. Put up a pic when you get it. - Ed J
 
You just need to go win some more money! I saw the sweetest Wharncliffe swayback jack the other day, by Mike Zscherny, CPM154 blade and presentation grade sambar stag. The perfect gentleman's knife (blade was I think about 2 7/8"). A bit too rich for my blood (maybe I need to go hit the roulette wheel or something!) I'm going to take a look at that Scagel, though. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
 
Eric H said:
I've seen pics of the Case Swayback, but the blade to handle ratio looks a little 'off' to me--maybe it's just the pics I've seen?
Click to expand...

I know I'm in the minority here, but I have a Case SBJ in chestnut bone, and I feel the same way. The blade seem small for the handle size. Not to mention that, contrary to how many others feel, it just isn't comfortable in my hand unless I'm holding it with the edge in (ie, peeling fruit). In a regular grip, the butt of the handle sits very unnaturally in the center of my palm.
 
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