Wharncliffe Knives

This forum is dedicated to the discussion and display of old knives. The rich history of all the many companies that made them through the early years will be found here as well as many fine examples of the cutlers art. Share pictures of your old knives and your knowledge here!
User avatar
DM11
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8497
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2017 4:46 am
Location: Kansas

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by DM11 »

A lot of great knives Q! ::tu::

Mel ::tu::
David
User avatar
TripleF
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 19246
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2011 3:42 pm
Location: West Central FL
Contact:

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by TripleF »

Got one for Christmas!!
Attachments
20211226_135153.jpg
SCOTT
HOME OF THE BRAVE! (not the scarety cats)
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/catalog/triplef
Colonial Knife Company History ebook:
https://gumroad.com/l/ZLDb
User avatar
Dinadan
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 3081
Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2012 2:34 am
Location: Coastal Alabama

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Dinadan »

Thanks for the comments, fellows!

Pocket knives are the best Christmas present, Scott!
Mel
User avatar
jerryd6818
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 39424
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:23 am
Location: Farther down the road.

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by jerryd6818 »

Can't beat that one Scott. You're a lucky duck.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
Ivoryman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 9551
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:20 am
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Ivoryman »

QTCut5 wrote: Fri Jan 21, 2022 6:40 pm Modified Wharncliffe on a Lone Wolf Loveless Mammoth Ivory "City Knife"
P1210023.JPGP1210025.JPG


"Scagel Cut" Wharncliffe on a K'roo Custom Stag Sleeveboard
P1210011.JPGP1210009.JPG
Nice one Q. Beautiful through and through and stag. Is K'roo the name of the custom maker, or the brand, or the aftermarket blade grind modifier or what? Thanks if you know.
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid." -No Name, High Plains Drifter
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

Ivoryman wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:17 pm Is K'roo the name of the custom maker, or the brand, or the aftermarket blade grind modifier or what? Thanks if you know.
K'roo is the "brand name" used by South African custom knife maker Willem O'Kelly. From what I understand, he runs a one-man operation doing everything from scratch, including heat treating the blades & back springs himself. As you can tell, I am a big fan of his work...currently own three of his knives: two Swaybacks in Warthog Ivory and this Stag Sleeveboard (all Wharncliffes, of course).

P1210007.JPG
~Q~
Ivoryman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 9551
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:20 am
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Ivoryman »

QTCut5 wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 12:26 am
Ivoryman wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:17 pm Is K'roo the name of the custom maker, or the brand, or the aftermarket blade grind modifier or what? Thanks if you know.
K'roo is the "brand name" used by South African custom knife maker Willem O'Kelly. From what I understand, he runs a one-man operation doing everything from scratch, including heat treating the blades & back springs himself. As you can tell, I am a big fan of his work...currently own three of his knives: two Swaybacks in Warthog Ivory and this Stag Sleeveboard (all Wharncliffes, of course).


P1210007.JPG

Thanks for the info and review. Love living vicariously through others with things like this since I'll probably never be able to convince the other half of the need for items at that price level. But I like to look through the windows at the crown jewels when I see them and admire from the other side of the glass.
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid." -No Name, High Plains Drifter
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

Due to the outrageous prices all the knives I like are selling for lately, I've had to scale back significantly on new acquisitions. However, I did manage to score this little (3-1/8" closed) Wharncliffe ½Whittler on eBay for a pretty good price ($21.50). Both blades have been sharpened although not excessively and both blades have decent, although not super strong, but still crisp opening & closing snap with solid lockup (i.e., no wobble). The mark side rocker pin crack seems to be stable. I don't know anything about the manufacturer nor do I have any idea how old this one is. ::shrug::

Nelson Knife Co. Germany Smooth White Bone Single Spring
P2150012.JPG
P2150002.JPG
P2150005.JPG
P2150014.JPG
P2150016.JPG
P2150008.JPG
P2150006.JPG
P2150013.JPG
~Q~
Reverand
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 3915
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:45 pm
Location: Pisgah, AL
Contact:

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Reverand »

QTCut5 wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:47 am Due to the outrageous prices all the knives I like are selling for lately, I've had to scale back significantly on new acquisitions. However, I did manage to score this little (3-1/8" closed) Wharncliffe ½Whittler on eBay for a pretty good price ($21.50). Both blades have been sharpened although not excessively and both blades have decent, although not super strong, but still crisp opening & closing snap with solid lockup (i.e., no wobble). The mark side rocker pin crack seems to be stable. I don't know anything about the manufacturer nor do I have any idea how old this one is. ::shrug::

Nelson Knife Co. Germany Smooth White Bone Single Spring
P2150012.JPGP2150002.JPGP2150005.JPGP2150014.JPGP2150016.JPGP2150008.JPGP2150006.JPGP2150013.JPG
That one sure is pretty! I love the curving frame and thick blade.
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.

~Reverand
User avatar
Dinadan
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 3081
Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2012 2:34 am
Location: Coastal Alabama

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Dinadan »

That is a nice wharncliffe, Q. I always find it interesting when I find a cool knife by a maker I have never heard of before.
Mel
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

Still suffering from the Wharncliffe virus that I've had for...well...pretty near as long as I can remember. Recently the symptoms have flared up again and here's the result:

K'roo custom Barlow Pepper Tree Root
K'roo custom Barlow Pepper Tree Root
P3100010.JPG
Gavin Margrate custom Swayback Giraffe Bone
Gavin Margrate custom Swayback Giraffe Bone
P3100018.JPG
Trestle Pine Superior Stag
Trestle Pine Superior Stag
P3100029.JPG
~Q~
Ivoryman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 9551
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:20 am
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Ivoryman »

That's a trifecta right there Q. Beautiful giraffe bone on the Gavin M Swayback. Beautiful Pepper wood on the Kroo Barlow. Beautiful stag on the T Pines.
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid." -No Name, High Plains Drifter
User avatar
Papa Bones
Posts: 3994
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 4:29 pm
Location: Alabama, Roll Tide Country

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Papa Bones »

QTCut5 wrote: Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:20 pm Still suffering from the Wharncliffe virus that I've had for...well...pretty near as long as I can remember. Recently the symptoms have flared up again and here's the result:
Very nice Triple Play "Q" ::tu::
Sometimes I Sit and Think ::hmm:: .... Other times I just Sit
I May Grow Older, But I refuse to Grow Up!!
I'll sharpen it for you, but I don't give out band-aids!!

Smitty
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

Mahalo Ivoryman & Smitty...always appreciate the kind words--helps me forget the "black hole" that has become my bank account balance ::facepalm::

Here's another "symptom" of my Wharncliffe-itis that recently appeared:
Tuna Valley Mammoth Ivory Phoenix Jack
Tuna Valley Mammoth Ivory Phoenix Jack
P3190009.JPG

Medical professionals are mystified how to treat my condition.

Unfortunately, my wife knows exactly what the remedy is: STOP ::smack:: BUYING ::smack:: KNIVES ::smack::
~Q~
User avatar
royal0014
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 6688
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:21 pm
Location: ♥Sweet Home Alabama♥

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by royal0014 »

:lol: :lol:
methinks she needs a bigger stick .. . ..
Chris
i woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

...or, perhaps she'll want a knife in order to sharpen the stick first, before using it on my head ::hmm:: :lol:

If so, then I have just what the doctor ordered right here. I'll even let her choose which one she wants to use to sharpen the stick (see how generous I can be :|):

Rough Ryder VG-10 Wharncliffe Swayback
Rough Ryder VG-10 Wharncliffe Swayback
P3200013.JPG


Friedrich Herder Buffalo Horn (salesman's sample)
Friedrich Herder Buffalo Horn (salesman's sample)
P3200017.JPG
~Q~
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

What can I say about this one? I guess I'll just let y'all draw your own conclusions. To be honest, I wasn't too sure I would like this one when I bought it, but since it has a Wharncliffe blade I decided to take a chance and once I got it in hand I was surprised at how quickly I fell in love with it. Folding knife minimalism at it's most minimal.


P3230008.JPG
P3230011.JPG
~Q~
doglegg
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 21430
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:35 am
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by doglegg »

::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::
Ivoryman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 9551
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:20 am
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Ivoryman »

Little Tim Britton Serpentine with a wharn and my other carry for the day.
Attachments
thumbnail_20220401_090150 (1).jpg
thumbnail_20220401_090112.jpg
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid." -No Name, High Plains Drifter
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

Love the stag on your T. Britton, Ivoryman (the blue camel bone on the 78 is pretty spectacular as well).

My latest Wharncliffe is this Spyderco "AIR"
P4230012.JPG
P4230007.JPG
~Q~
Ivoryman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 9551
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:20 am
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Ivoryman »

QTCut5 wrote: Sun Apr 24, 2022 7:54 am Love the stag on your T. Britton, Ivoryman (the blue camel bone on the 78 is pretty spectacular as well).

My latest Wharncliffe is this Spyderco "AIR"
P4230012.JPGP4230007.JPG
Thanks Q, great looking Spyder too. And loooooooooooooooooooooooooooove that Herder salesman sample with the Buffalo horn scales. Beautiful bunch you've posted. Really like that Herder.
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid." -No Name, High Plains Drifter
User avatar
QTCut5
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6610
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 1:59 am
Location: Napo'opo'o, HI

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by QTCut5 »

Mahalo, Ivoryman. BTW, I have to credit you with turning me onto the beauty of Wharncliffe blades way back when. As you can probably tell, I have become somewhat "Wharncliffe obsessed" ever since. :lol:

Here's yet another one that found it's way into my Wharncliffe pile recently.

Pena X-Series Front Flipper w/ Natural Jade G-10 handle and black blade/hardware.
Attachments
P4270028.JPG
P4270032.JPG
P4270012.JPG
P4270013.JPG
~Q~
Ivoryman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 9551
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:20 am
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Ivoryman »

QTCut5 wrote: Wed Apr 27, 2022 11:35 pm Mahalo, Ivoryman. BTW, I have to credit you with turning me onto the beauty of Wharncliffe blades way back when. As you can probably tell, I have become somewhat "Wharncliffe obsessed" ever since. :lol:

Here's yet another one that found it's way into my Wharncliffe pile recently.

Pena X-Series Front Flipper w/ Natural Jade G-10 handle and black blade/hardware.

Well, in my mind I thought you turned me onto them. Guess the old memory is fading. Great looking knife you found. Interesting scales, they look almost a little translucent. What would they be? Nice one whatever it is, I like that light green jade look.
Also like the looks of this one you gave me. It has the ivory bone look. And the AG Russell feel, even though it's a Brother. Good knife with great bone. Thanks again.
Attachments
thumbnail_20220428_155908 (1).jpg
thumbnail_20220428_155949.jpg
"It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid." -No Name, High Plains Drifter
User avatar
Papa Bones
Posts: 3994
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 4:29 pm
Location: Alabama, Roll Tide Country

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by Papa Bones »

QTCut5 wrote: Wed Apr 27, 2022 11:35 pm Mahalo, Ivoryman. BTW, I have to credit you with turning me onto the beauty of Wharncliffe blades way back when. As you can probably tell, I have become somewhat "Wharncliffe obsessed" ever since. :lol:

Here's yet another one that found it's way into my Wharncliffe pile recently.

Pena X-Series Front Flipper w/ Natural Jade G-10 handle and black blade/hardware.
Nice one "Q" ::tu::


Ivoryman wrote: Thu Apr 28, 2022 3:56 pm
Well, in my mind I thought you turned me onto them. Guess the old memory is fading. Great looking knife you found. Interesting scales, they look almost a little translucent. What would they be? Nice one whatever it is, I like that light green jade look.
Also like the looks of this one you gave me. It has the ivory bone look. And the AG Russell feel, even though it's a Brother. Good knife with great bone. Thanks again.
That is a good looking knife I-man ::tu::
Sometimes I Sit and Think ::hmm:: .... Other times I just Sit
I May Grow Older, But I refuse to Grow Up!!
I'll sharpen it for you, but I don't give out band-aids!!

Smitty
User avatar
knifeaddict1965
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 652
Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2016 4:18 am
Location: Southern IN
Contact:

Re: Wharncliffe Knives

Post by knifeaddict1965 »

-
I have always loved the Wharncliffe blades but didn't focus my collecting on them (at least I thought I didn't til I realized how many I have accumulated ::facepalm::). After seeing all the wonderful Wharncliffes on this thread, I will be searching for them even more. I was going through some today and took a few pics. Most are of the 3 blade Seahorse Whittler variety, but now it seems that you guys have done went and got me hooked on the single blade versions ::dang::. Thanks for that and I look forward to seeing more of your amazing knives in the future.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to acquire any of the beautiful customs, GECs or some of the other great names I have seen here ::not_worthy::, but with retirement just around the corner, I should hopefully have more time to narrow my focus (if the prices don't continue to skyrocket out of my price range).

20220429_201813.jpg
20220429_203043.jpg
20220429_230343.jpg
20220430_002322.jpg
20220429_203529.jpg
20220430_002759.jpg
20220429_202742.jpg
20220429_203857.jpg
20220429_204444.jpg
20220429_211228.jpg
Kevin
Post Reply

Return to “Knife Lore - Traditional Knives From the Old Days”