This is a first look at the amazing new #38 Grinling Whittler from Great Eastern Cutlery. I was able to take a tour of the GEC factory while these knives were being manufactured, and marveled at the number and nature of the hand operations that go into the finished product that is a GEC pocket knife. The process is amazing, and the product is even more so.

The #38 is a large serpentine whittler pattern, which is not groundbreaking. But this one is done so well! The proportions are stunningly beautiful. The blades are all perfectly shaped and sized. The cover materials and finishing are stellar. The knife is wonderful in hand when being used... as a whittler. But the one characteristic that just stands out above all the rest is its precision. The blades nestle into a very narrow blade well without touching or rubbing in any way. The blade grinds are exquisite. The actions are amazing.

This knife is truly a "statement knife" from Great Eastern Cutlery and Bill Howard. It's like Bill is saying to this new and growing legion of traditional pocket knife enthusiasts: "Now that I have your attention, THIS my friends, is how the pocket knife is done!"