Wish the new Whaler looked like this and I'm Back!

[augustus88]

Been away from AAPK for a few months. Glad to be back! I took some time off because I was so busy. I usually travel and get involved in major remodeling projects when I'm off for the summer. I also needed to stay away from you guys for a while in order to save my wallet.

I've been considering purchasing the new GEC Whaler recently, but I just can't seem to pull the trigger on this one.
I have a Sunfish, but I hardly ever use it because of the blade shapes and configuration. I don't mind a huge knife, but spear blades aren't my favorite. I love the size of the Whaler, but I think a nice stubby clip with a long pull and swedge work would be very interesting. Not very traditional for this pattern, but it would probably sell well. Any thoughts?

I Photoshopped my version of a Whaler that would get me excited. Hope GEC will take note. Honestly, I think they could use to drop the 2nd blade altogether and make it a swell center with equal ends.

[Bobby Branton]

That is my favorite blade style.

[popedandy]

The regular Whaler grosses me out. The clip blade is much more to my liking.

[CCBill]

a88...
Glad you are back and WOW!!!, I like your idea. It looks GREAT!!!

[augustus88]

Glad you guys like the modified design. I sent the jpeg file to Mr. Daniels and all of the other contact e-mail addresses at GEC. Hope they're open to design suggestions.

Great to be back!

[gunsroses]

GEC is all about making things traditional. That is not a traditional blade for a rope knife so I highly doubt they do that. The Whaler is a copy of the Platts Sunfish a highly sought after knife.

[big monk]

Looks like,a knife similar to your ""idea"" has already been made & sold ???? This is the AG Russell,Texas Ranger Knife,for 2011____I think it is a single blade,lockback ?? anyone have one, ????? I don't know anything about the knife,just ran across an article on it ??

[drzarkov1]

Sailors' knives were meant to cut the thick ropes used as rigging for sails, and traditionally they were big knives with blunt points---usually sheepsfoot points---because sharp points were dangerous on a rolling ship. They were used by putting the edge to the rope & striking it with a mallet---it was the edge that was important, not the point. (Here's one explanation by Bernard Levine: http://www.knife-expert.com/sailor.txt ) I prefer sharp points on my knives too, but there's probably good reason for GEC making a "whaler" using this kind of blade.

[augustus88]

That's a neat looking knife Monk. Anybody have any info on it? Who manufactured it? Made in USA?

Thanks for the input guys. I realize that my idea is far from traditional. I understand why GEC made this knife with a traditional blunt spear blade. However, I think it would be nice if GEC offered this one with a clip blade too. I'm sure the first guy that put a fat spear blade on a huge chunk of a knife was told that it wasn't traditional. Someone has to be the first or a traditional knife would still be a piece of stone.

Ultimately, I'm just trying to visualize what my ideal version of this knife would look like. I'm not going to be cutting 2" diameter rope by pounding on the spine, so I figured something with a more useful point would be nice. Oh well.... a guy can dream right?

[boggs]

Augustus...

If you're referring to the top knife in the picture..as Monk mention that is the AG Russell Texas Ranger Knife and they're made in China.

[augustus88]

Made in China is a bit of a deal killer for me. Guess I'll still have to hope that GEC departs from tradition with a clip blade on the Whaler.
Thanks!

[johnnierotten]

Absintheur....has all 3 Ranger's from A.G.Russell.....He says that there very well made and a good quality knife .....I know nothing about them..but I do know that they sale good on ebay.

Octavio...I like your version a lot better.

[Earl]

Glad to see you back Octavio,look forward to see'n more of your great pics. I like your version of the Whaler also........

[augustus88]

Thanks guys!

[Stephen]

Whaler wins "Knife of the Year" award.

http://blog.tsaknives.com/2011/08/15/co ... award.aspx


Stephen

[augustus88]

Glad to see GEC winning awards.

They do make great knives throughout the entire line. I can see why the Whaler is a hit, but unfortunately I can't see it being a daily user for me in its current configuration. All of my knives are users, so I'm going to skip this one. I'll probably regret it in the future, but...