A few questions on the GEC #85 and the #66 / #68

[Fred Sanford]

Hey folks,

I'm thinking about picking up a #85 and/or a #66 or #68. I just have a few questions on these guys.

1) How far down in the handle does the tip sit on the 85? I just wonder if it is barely in the handle or if it's down a good bit? Just a pet peeve of mine to have them barely sunk into the handle.

2) The #85 has half-stops right? What about the #66 or #68?

3) I notice on the #68 Pony Jack that it says it has steel liners vs brass. Are the steel liners stainless or are they 1095 or something else? I just wondered if you have to take extra care of the liners unlike the brass liners?

Thanks in advance. :thumbup:

 

[pistonsandgears]

The 85 blade sits down nicely into the handle, even with the easy open notch the edge is well below the notch. As for the tip itself it sits just below the top of the liners which is where it looks like it should be to me.
The 85 has half stops the 66 and 68 both have no have stops.
The liners on the Pony Jack are all carbon steel and will patina.
Hope this helps.

 

[Will Power]

Are you thinking of an 85 E-Z Open single or the Bullet Jack 2 blade version? I can see no problems with the tip protruding in any of the ones I have, the pointed bolster accommodates the tip well. Some people have reported that the edge on the 85 can hit the backspring, requiring sharpening that will lower the tip further, not found that in any of mine. Half-stop and sturdy snap.

The 66 comes in many forms as you note, Boys Knife/Charlows having steel liners. They will patina as said, might need a bit of oil inside the knife frame to stop rust on the inside. The brass lined ones are available in many handle options and are a deservedly popular Jack, no half-stop very smooth opener. Quite thick burly knife which some enjoy and of course, others not so much. I'm in the latter category, which brings me to..

The White Owl 68, a great favourite of mine! More or less the same size as the 66 but it's Equal End rather than the slight Serpentine form of the 66. The major difference, and for me the great draw, is that it's single-spring construction. A slimmer lighter knife, the three I have ( Tidioute Krpytonite, Tidioute Ebony & stainless Tan Bone) are really excellently made. These and the Conductors are the best production knives I own, really peerless construction on them. What impresses me about the Owls is their action: totally smooth opening with no half-stop and yet unbelievable snap on both blades. Easy to open, ferocious to shut, just as it should be. Blade play, gaps? Not a hint, blade rub? Forget your worries, very impressive in a single-spring knife. The stainless one even has a swedge on one side of each blade to ensure no rub at all.

All three are fine patterns to look at and use, may I throw in the Eureka 92 to the equation? Another excellently made and unusual pattern, some with all steel liners too. The only thing you have to decide is which one, which handle? What an unenviable choice...:thumbup:

Regards, Will

 

[qncygnnr]

If it does not have to be a "jacK" pattern, please allow me to suggest the #66 BJM. This is a "stout" folder and plenty of knife for almost any EDC scenario. The clip and spear have a lot of utility between them. Lots of cover choices and rides in the pocket well if you can accommodate a double spring slippy in your pocket. If smaller suites you I agree with Willgoy that the White Owl is an excellent choice. I've been seriously looking at the GEC Canoe myself since I don't have any small double blade single spring folders.
Scott d