If you’re a Whittler or a Carver this knife is awesome! I never thought that anyone would ever make a knife so specifically designed for whittling and carving! What a beauty!!
Here's a little story about Coronavirus and a #62: Here in the UK, buying a GEC is not that easy, particularly an SFO, so imagine my delight when I was able to buy a DLT SFO #62 in beautiful snakewood, delivered to my American sister's house, for her to bring over to me when she visits in April.....you can guess the rest! Ah well, something to look forward to when all this is over....
Good review. I can understand, if you're not a wood carver or wood worker, your not digging on the 3 blades being the same style. These GECs definitely cross the line between utilitarian and purpose built and step 110% onto the purpose built side. I have a Queen Oar Carver single blade that's a chip carving knife. At first glance a novice would think it's just a wharncliffe blade but it's not, it has a 20 degree inward cant to it to provide more of a hook/dive piercing cut because it's made to always be used inverted (thumb down onto a piece of wood, edge pointed toward your palm). The GEC #62 will hopefully evolve to include two such blades in the smaller blade positions, each flat ground on a different side to compensate for left/right handed use, and become a more well-rounded 'carving' knife that suits more than 1 style of knife carving (craft). Meanwhile, it's a straight wood cutting/whittling/craft carving knife meant for stick work, not architectural type carvings where plunge cutting is most important. Again, I appreciate your take on it and going over the mechanics. Well done.
I believe the GEC "Pocket Carver" is an excellent knife, and it makes sense to me. It is a Craftsman's knife... a Sculptor's knife with three precision wharncliffe blades. The main blade is located in the "center" of the handle at one end of the knife. The two secondary blades are at the opposite end of the knife. However, one of the secondary blades is on one side of the handle, and the second blade is on the other side of the handle. The position of these blades on the handle can make a big difference to a skilled Craftsman~!
💯 because of the blades, it has been catered to a very niche audience. I guess we cannot complain. The rest of us have had the 38, 98, and other whittlers that are “for the masses” like grandpa used to use.
Would you please do a video review of two competing slip joint traditional pocket knives? One knife is a GEC 620220 Easy Pocket Congress, and the second knife is a Case Tony Bose design TB 62117 Swayback Jack. Both have 2 blades and the blades on both knives are the same... A 2 and 5/16 Wharncliffe Utility main blade and a 1 and 5/8 Pen knife secondary. Both feature 90-degree half-stops. The two blades on the Case Swayback Jack open on the same end, and the blades on the GEC Congress open on opposite ends. The closed length of the Swayback Jack is 3 1/4 inches and the closed length of the GEC is 1/2 of an inch longer at 3 3/4 inches. I really like the utility style of the Wharncliffe blades. They are basically large box cutters, or large exacto knife blades... great for all-purpose utility knives. I prefer to carry the smaller handle Case Swayback Jack. It takes up less room in the pocket and is just as easy to use as the gec. However the blades are the softer stainless steel. To the best of my knowledge, the 2-Blade Swayback Jack is unavailable in CV carbon steel. However, a thinner single blade Swayback "Gent" is available in one handle Style with a CV blade. Thanks, Wayne
That main blade is bigger than the pics online made it look, i really like that handle how it’s flat on the back it’s a big reason I just got that Congress they have on the 62 frame, I would like to see more bone stuff besides the jigged they usually have but I’m cool with my stag haha, thanks for the upload.
I have been waiting for a knife just like this for years! Anyone who does any whittling or carving in the round knows the value of having "redundant" wharncliffe blades of the same quality, size and sharpness. Having the ability to stow three ideal carving blades in such a small and BEAUTIFUL package (I prefer the cocobolo... bought two of 'em) is a whittler's dream. I can only think of three GEC knives released in the last four years that answered my prayers this well: the #43 Oregon Trapper (431118); the #78 American Jack (782117); and the #86 Oil Field Jack (861219). Best knives of the last decade in my opinion. I would have mentioned the #77 barlow, but normal people who can't stalk CK.net 24/7 aren't allowed to own them (sarcasm). Get carvin'!
Hahaha! Good thing it seems like Mike has given up on GEC SFO’s because he’s a small business and needs inventory to put food on the table so I think 77’s are all but dead.
@@Alumapro23 I realize how difficult it has been for Bill Howard at GEC since Ken left, and training new cutlers is challenging, but I don't see why GEC can't answer the plea of so many knife users (not merely collectors and "remarketers"), and make a substantial run of 77s in just two or three handle materials that can satisfy a larger portion of the knife community that have been starving for (what I think is) the best EDC traditional pattern in the game. Make 'em single blade, clip point in bone and wood (stag and micarta, too?). He would sell them all, make GEC fans immeasurably happy, and make enough bank to stay on top of the temperamental financial climate. That's just my uneducated opinion, of course :D
I just bought the GEC#62 White bone and the cocobolo Pockets Carvers. I bought a GEC#38 bocote wood knife too. I have one arm and I can't whittle jack squat.
I picked up a smooth white bone Pocket Carver also. I was curious about the smooth white bone, as well as a 2" main blade on a 3 3/4"" handle. I think the two secondary blades are also shorter than usual. I'm guessing these relatively short blades are better for carving and whittling. For me, it's my first Congress and my first Wharncliff. I don't do much carving, but I intend to keep it anyway - to me, the little black dots are kind of organic. Maybe I'll follow William Collins recommendation to "whittle on a stick" Stay healthy.
Yes the #62 pocket carvers are not true splitback whittlers. They use a catch bit on the secondary pivot instead of a full spacer that angles the springs toward the main pivot. The springs from the secondary blades still work together on the main blade but the overall construction is not as robust and it is not nearly as difficult to manufacture.
Thank you, sir. I had a Pepe Jalomo 3 or so years back. He studied under Peña. I’m not sure if I ever did a video on that knife. I think it was before YT 🤔. I sold it after about a year. Mainly because it had a stainless blade. I really like my carbon bladed traditionals, but the knife was great.
ratride1 Look into *Rainy Day Knives* , and *Nick Timpson (Birdvis Knives)* . For very high end custom makers *David Taber* is excellent as well as *T.A. Davidson* .
@@Alumapro23 interesting. I don't get how that's possible without a splitback lol. Guess I'll have to grab one to find out. P.S. Sell me your 33 :P Or let me know if you know if anyone would sell theirs
I hardly ever buy moderns anymore. My last modern was the Exocet. I have focused on new traditional or antique traditional and of course nothing made in Communist China.
Wharncliffes are perfect for me! I love the shape! GEC did it again!!!
If you’re a Whittler or a Carver this knife is awesome! I never thought that anyone would ever make a knife so specifically designed for whittling and carving! What a beauty!!
Thank you 👊
Here's a little story about Coronavirus and a #62:
Here in the UK, buying a GEC is not that easy, particularly an SFO, so imagine my delight when I was able to buy a DLT SFO #62 in beautiful snakewood, delivered to my American sister's house, for her to bring over to me when she visits in April.....you can guess the rest!
Ah well, something to look forward to when all this is over....
That is awesome! I hope all gets well 🙏. Stay safe!
Good review. I can understand, if you're not a wood carver or wood worker, your not digging on the 3 blades being the same style. These GECs definitely cross the line between utilitarian and purpose built and step 110% onto the purpose built side. I have a Queen Oar Carver single blade that's a chip carving knife. At first glance a novice would think it's just a wharncliffe blade but it's not, it has a 20 degree inward cant to it to provide more of a hook/dive piercing cut because it's made to always be used inverted (thumb down onto a piece of wood, edge pointed toward your palm). The GEC #62 will hopefully evolve to include two such blades in the smaller blade positions, each flat ground on a different side to compensate for left/right handed use, and become a more well-rounded 'carving' knife that suits more than 1 style of knife carving (craft). Meanwhile, it's a straight wood cutting/whittling/craft carving knife meant for stick work, not architectural type carvings where plunge cutting is most important. Again, I appreciate your take on it and going over the mechanics. Well done.
I believe the GEC "Pocket Carver" is an excellent knife, and it makes sense to me. It is a Craftsman's knife... a Sculptor's knife with three precision wharncliffe blades. The main blade is located in the "center" of the handle at one end of the knife. The two secondary blades are at the opposite end of the knife. However, one of the secondary blades is on one side of the handle, and the second blade is on the other side of the handle. The position of these blades on the handle can make a big difference to a skilled Craftsman~!
💯 because of the blades, it has been catered to a very niche audience.
I guess we cannot complain. The rest of us have had the 38, 98, and other whittlers that are “for the masses” like grandpa used to use.
Nice knife! Def surprised you picked it up but glad you like it!! Lighting is really good too! 👍
Thanks, O! I appreciate it, man 👊. I hope all is well 🙏
Would you please do a video review of two competing slip joint traditional pocket knives?
One knife is a GEC 620220 Easy Pocket Congress, and the second knife is a Case Tony Bose design TB 62117 Swayback Jack.
Both have 2 blades and the blades on both knives are the same... A 2 and 5/16 Wharncliffe Utility main blade and a 1 and 5/8 Pen knife secondary. Both feature 90-degree half-stops. The two blades on the Case Swayback Jack open on the same end, and the blades on the GEC Congress open on opposite ends.
The closed length of the Swayback Jack is 3 1/4 inches and the closed length of the GEC is 1/2 of an inch longer at 3 3/4 inches.
I really like the utility style of the Wharncliffe blades. They are basically large box cutters, or large exacto knife blades... great for all-purpose utility knives. I prefer to carry the smaller handle Case Swayback Jack. It takes up less room in the pocket and is just as easy to use as the gec. However the blades are the softer stainless steel. To the best of my knowledge, the 2-Blade Swayback Jack is unavailable in CV carbon steel. However, a thinner single blade Swayback "Gent" is available in one handle Style with a CV blade.
Thanks,
Wayne
I would, but unfortunately, I do not have that model. The only Case knife I have left is the Zulu Spear.
I would love a knive like this, for my whittling. But that will never happen. But it is a true beauty! 🤩
Hahaha! I don’t know why you think it may not, but if price is a factor, they are coming out with Farm and Field versions too. Those will be cheaper.
@@Alumapro23 im a whittler. And a #62 would be a dream come true.
@@Alumapro23 orange delrin farm and fields is coming today! 🎉
That main blade is bigger than the pics online made it look, i really like that handle how it’s flat on the back it’s a big reason I just got that Congress they have on the 62 frame, I would like to see more bone stuff besides the jigged they usually have but I’m cool with my stag haha, thanks for the upload.
It’s always good to see the knives in a 360 view. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get that kind of a walk around before they hit the shelves 😂👊
Those two traditional slip joints are very classy 👊
🙏👊
I have been waiting for a knife just like this for years! Anyone who does any whittling or carving in the round knows the value of having "redundant" wharncliffe blades of the same quality, size and sharpness. Having the ability to stow three ideal carving blades in such a small and BEAUTIFUL package (I prefer the cocobolo... bought two of 'em) is a whittler's dream. I can only think of three GEC knives released in the last four years that answered my prayers this well: the #43 Oregon Trapper (431118); the #78 American Jack (782117); and the #86 Oil Field Jack (861219). Best knives of the last decade in my opinion. I would have mentioned the #77 barlow, but normal people who can't stalk CK.net 24/7 aren't allowed to own them (sarcasm). Get carvin'!
Hahaha! Good thing it seems like Mike has given up on GEC SFO’s because he’s a small business and needs inventory to put food on the table so I think 77’s are all but dead.
@@Alumapro23 I realize how difficult it has been for Bill Howard at GEC since Ken left, and training new cutlers is challenging, but I don't see why GEC can't answer the plea of so many knife users (not merely collectors and "remarketers"), and make a substantial run of 77s in just two or three handle materials that can satisfy a larger portion of the knife community that have been starving for (what I think is) the best EDC traditional pattern in the game. Make 'em single blade, clip point in bone and wood (stag and micarta, too?). He would sell them all, make GEC fans immeasurably happy, and make enough bank to stay on top of the temperamental financial climate. That's just my uneducated opinion, of course :D
I just bought the GEC#62 White bone and the cocobolo Pockets Carvers. I bought a GEC#38 bocote wood knife too. I have one arm and I can't whittle jack squat.
I picked up a smooth white bone Pocket Carver also. I was curious about the smooth white bone, as well as a 2" main blade on a 3 3/4"" handle. I think the two secondary blades are also shorter than usual. I'm guessing these relatively short blades are better for carving and whittling. For me, it's my first Congress and my first Wharncliff. I don't do much carving, but I intend to keep it anyway - to me, the little black dots are kind of organic. Maybe I'll follow William Collins recommendation to "whittle on a stick" Stay healthy.
Yes the #62 pocket carvers are not true splitback whittlers. They use a catch bit on the secondary pivot instead of a full spacer that angles the springs toward the main pivot. The springs from the secondary blades still work together on the main blade but the overall construction is not as robust and it is not nearly as difficult to manufacture.
Very good synopsis 👊
I love my pocket carver it’s an awesome Whittling knife!!!
Warrencliffe blade is the prettiest blade
My GEC Pocket Carver in Cocobolo is so perfect I hate to use it. I got it for carving but may just stick to using the Boker.
It’ll look so much better when it can tell a story from all the love marks though 👊
Excellent, thanks
👊🙏
Have you ever own a custom traditional knife or handled one? Just looking for some good reviews. You do a good job on your slipjoint reviews.
Thank you, sir. I had a Pepe Jalomo 3 or so years back. He studied under Peña. I’m not sure if I ever did a video on that knife. I think it was before YT 🤔.
I sold it after about a year. Mainly because it had a stainless blade. I really like my carbon bladed traditionals, but the knife was great.
ratride1 Look into *Rainy Day Knives* , and *Nick Timpson (Birdvis Knives)* . For very high end custom makers *David Taber* is excellent as well as *T.A. Davidson* .
I have this!
What is that silent?
4 minutes in dude. Show the freaking knife!
I am glad to see that my video finds you well. I hope that you and yours make it through this difficult time safely. Godspeed 👊
so is it a splitback or not?
Technically, no. Functionally, yes. Main blade rides on the combined springs and secondaries ride on individual springs.
@@Alumapro23 interesting. I don't get how that's possible without a splitback lol. Guess I'll have to grab one to find out. P.S. Sell me your 33 :P Or let me know if you know if anyone would sell theirs
@@Alumapro23 love your videos by the way and your IG, my IG is erydaycarry
I hardly ever buy moderns anymore. My last modern was the Exocet. I have focused on new traditional or antique traditional and of course nothing made in Communist China.