#72/73 for everyday carry? New guy here...

G

george c

Joined
Jan 26, 2013
Messages
66
Hi folks,
Well, I'm almost embarrassed at the number of knives I've bought over the past couple of months.
Anyway, I have #85s, far-too-many Boys' knives, and #92. I just received a single spear Barlow from Charlie and have a Boys single clip...and, yes, have a Hounds Tooth coming. (Will someone take my credit card?).
Now, yes, I'm looking at 72/73 single blades. For some reason, I guess primarily the slimness/width, I'm getting so I like the single blade knives. As I no longer work I use the knives primarily at home....chopping vegetables, peeling apples, making sandwiches, opening mail and packages, and so on.
I don't particularly want a big or "clunky" knife. I like the OAL length of the knives that I have. Oh, yeah. I have Case Sod Buster JR. which surprised me, as when I measured it it's the same length as the #85, but I guess because of the design looks bigger to me.
I think I had another post here asking about the single blade EO #85 (yes, I found a really nice looking stag....). And, I'm looking at that one again.
Well, any sage advice and comments from you folks would be greatly appreciated and well received.....
Dang, never thought I'd be buying knives that cost this much. Before, I'd have to spend a couple of days convincing myself before I'd buy an Alox.
Thanks and regards,
George
 
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Welcome, just in case you haven't been welcomed already. I would think the 73 would be a fine EDC. The 23 seems a little to big for me, but hand size is an important consideration in choosing. You seem to have gotten the GEC malady that so many of us are stricken with around here. But, they are fine knives and you are in good company. Actually, any of the knives you already have (as listed in you OP) are fine EDCs.

But, we need to see pictures. You do have pictures, don't you? :D

Ed J
 
You might want to look at the GEC #48 single blade traditional trapper. It's the same length as the #72, but more slender and with a longer blade. A GEC branded knife in 440C would be outstanding for food prep, and just about anything else as well.
 
richstag said:
73 is GEC's best knife to date for EDC IMHO.

Kevin
Click to expand...

Agreed. Not too big. Not too little. Just right.

mynorthfieldscout5.jpg


- Christian
 
The 73 is my favorite GEC pattern, too. I have two-blade models, but I bet the single blade would be quite slim in the pocket.
 
George- No need to be embarrassed. You are among friends. As one newbie to another, I can tell you that this strange disease also struck me suddenly. Caution should be exercised around spouses or significant others lest they learn of your malady and offer a cure. Soon, you may find yourself with an urge to spread the gospel and give them to others. Not sure about the 73, but I can vouch for the 2 bladed 72. It is made to work.
 
Yeah buddy, and you and I have both been speaking of the additional plethora of reasons why it makes a great EDC for a few years :)

The clean tang, blade to handle ratio, useful drop point, awesome grind, strong blade, strong spring etc etc :)

I have enjoyed seeing your gifted version since you got it and had to wait to open it.


kamagong said:
Agreed. Not too big. Not too little. Just right.

mynorthfieldscout5.jpg


- Christian
Click to expand...

Marc9910 said:
Of the GEC's that I have experienced, I totally agree with Kevin.

I just wish they would do another batch, they are thin on the ground at the moment.
Click to expand...

I just did a giveaway with a 73 for the reason that I believe its the best EDC by GEC and what I bolded in blue of your words :)

Here was the knife



The stags can be tricky though. Some too thick for some folks taste. The above was what I considered ideal in every way.

Kevin
 
That's a great pic Kevin.

I remember a few years ago when I first found slipjoints. This was pre-GEC, before the rise of internet knife retailers, when the only slips available were Buck, Schrade, and Case from Wal-Mart and Lowe's. I thought to myself, "why don't they make slipjoints the way they used to?" You know what I'm talking about -- quality steel, natural cover materials, and built by someone who takes pride in his work. I feel like my wish was granted when I found this knife. Some people might balk at using such a pretty and expensive knife. I couldn't wait to drop it in my pocket. This knife is a gem, and as nice as it was in the tube, I didn't realize its true worth until I started to use it.

- Christian
 
My two blade 73 in ebony and single blade 73L in blue bone are some of my best GEC specimen.
Beautiful and sturdy as hail!
BUT my 72 Lockback doesn't have the same satisfying (to me) spring tension and heft.
My 72 also has one pretty significant gap, which is a rarity in my experience with GEC.
The 23 is a HOSS. It's one of my favorites to show off because it could take a finger with that bear-trap-snap.
 
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks...
For all of your comments, suggestions, and great photos.
Well, I found a 72, 73 in stag. The 72 is the spear that seems like the one on my 85s. The 73 is a drop point (I'm pretty sure that's what it's called). And, then of course there's the 85 EO I almost bought a week or so ago.
I'll tell you....
I really would like to have a stag. Actually, I bought a JBF 92 stag but gave it to my brother. Yes, he likes it.
BTW, Ed.... This is a new computer. Yep, mine "died" two days ago along with a bunch of photos... Yes, one of these days I'll back them up. Anyway, I had a photo on one of my blogs but couldn't figure out how to get it posted here....
Now, to add to it, a month or so ago I almost bought a White Owl. I wanted one with the bail. Tonight I was looking around on the forum and dang, there was someone with a bunch of those. Didn't realize they are one spring (is that correct---remember, I'm new) and were really slim.
Maybe I should just have SS send my check to GEC.
Again, thanks so much folks. What a great community you all have....
Regards,
George
 
I will be honest: I tend to carry smaller knives, but this GEC frame always caught my eye, especially the drop/pen or spey/pen combination patterns.
Unfortunately, I know for a fact that the backspring tension on these knives is way too stiff to make me carry one.
Yet, I feel the charme of these knives, and I can easily understand someone who just carries this knife and forgets about anything else in his/her knife drawer.

Fausto
:cool:
 
I had one of the spear point #72s in stag. I let it go because I couldn't warm up to the pregnant blade. Wonderfully made knife though.

northfieldlockbackhunte.jpg


In contrast I find the clip point #72s to be very good looking knives. Reminds me of the old Remington "Bullet" lockbacks.

GECRedStagLockbacks05sm.jpg

Image by Rick

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
I had one of the spear point #72s in stag. I let it go because I couldn't warm up to the pregnant blade. Wonderfully made knife though.



In contrast I find the clip point #72s to be very good looking knives. Reminds me of the old Remington "Bullet" lockbacks.

GECRedStagLockbacks05sm.jpg

Image by Rick

- Christian
Click to expand...

Christian,
A couple of beauties. Did you color them?

Tom
 
Those aren't mine Tom, they're Rick's. IIRC the covers are red stag, whatever that means.

- Christian
 
Thanks Christian, I guess I need to look for something in red stag now that I see it in a great photograph.

Tom
 
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