Tony Bose Custom Knife Red Jigged Bone Case 43 Pattern Split Backspring Humpback Whittler

This is Tony Bose version of a Case 43 pattern split backspring, humpback whittler. These were made by Case up until 1915. Originals were commonly made with a clip point main blade and a wharncliff main blade less commonly. Originals are difficult to find in good condition and are quite costly. This is a difficult Tony Bose knife to find, as few were built by Tony. 1 or 2 were made with a clip main blade, 1 or two were half whittlers (2 blades only ). I do not think there are any others which are full whittlers and have that beautifully swedged, beautifully ground, huge wharncliff main blade. While not the largest knife Tony makes, I think it is the largest whittler. It is certainly the nicest large wharncliff I've ever seen in any knife. The small blade(s) were pen blades in all cases. The curved frame configuration makes the knife sit perfectly in your hand for carving toward yourself, or for slicing a box open as well. It also makes the knife that much more difficult to build and fit correctly, especially since it is of the "split backspring" type. The fit and finish are flawless, inside and out, carried out to 6000 grit hand sanding. The redbone is also extremely rare for a Tony Bose knife as well, especially on a knife that requires as large a piece of bone as this one does. It was only available for a short while from one of his supplier's years ago. Long since gone. Never seen another piece as nicely dyed - from deep black cherry in the center fading to strawberry around the edges where the handles are contoured to blend seamlessly with the liners.