Case Swayback Jack vs. GEC #55 Houndstooth

Houndstooth feels more solid and while the SBJ is a stellar FnF example from Case the 55 still probably has the upper hand (and the price is appropriately higher.) Both the autumn bone in the GEC and the Case chestnut are stellar. Many people prefer a barehead knife. The swayback shape is not as comfortable as the dogleg frame but both are good for small tasks and beyond. Consider whether you like a one or two blade knife (and the 55/56 frame offers anywhere from 1 to 3.) GEC does a better carbon steel but you probably would be happy with both. Speaking of which, get both ;)
 
I have both. To me, fit and finish on both is great. I like the size of the 55, but I find myself carrying the SBJ more often. You can't go wrong with either. :)
 
burnside said:
Which one would you guys say is more pocketable?
Click to expand...

To me it depends which SBJ you are comparing to the 55. The gents single blade SBJ is more pocketable to me over the 55. If you compare the 2 bladed SBJ to the 55 the increased weight of SBJ makes it similar to the 55 on pocketableness.
 
I have a Sway Back Gent and a #55. Both are excellent slicers and slim in pocket but the #55 blows the SBG clear out of the water, imo... :)

swaytooth01_zps79027298.jpg


-Brett
 
I bought a swayback gent off the net and ended up sending it back. If you go Case, I`d try to see it in advance. It had a severe blade centering issue and the scales looked terrible. Anyway, I prefer my 55. The fnf issue stellar and the weight feels much better than the Gent.
 
WillieD said:
I bought a swayback gent off the net and ended up sending it back. If you go Case, I`d try to see it in advance. It had a severe blade centering issue and the scales looked terrible. Anyway, I prefer my 55. The fnf issue stellar and the weight feels much better than the Gent.
Click to expand...

good luck finding a store that sells a swayback or knives in general. they're nowhere to be found in my neck of the woods. next best bet would be to talk to a sales rep from an online dealer and have them make a note to what your looking for when they pull it off the shelf. sometimes that helps your chances of getting a better than average one.
 
I have both. I have to say that the Hound Tooth is a very functional design. I carry mine often and its one of my sharpest to boot! Im toying with getting one of the locking versions I like the design so much!

I also have a couple SBJ's. I love the design and the size is perfect for office carry. I think its probably Case's best current standard offering...in CV and Chestnut bone. Now if they would pin that shield!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
akadave2 said:
I have both. I have to say that the Hound Tooth is a very functional design. I carry mine often and its one of my sharpest to boot! Im toying with getting one of the locking versions I like the design so much!

I also have a couple SBJ's. I love the design and the size is perfect for office carry. I think its probably Case's best current standard offering...in CV and Chestnut bone. Now if they would pin that shield!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

what kind of blade is on your houndtooth? wharneclif?
 
Never owned a SBJ but The 55 is hands down my most carried knife at the moment. It is so pocket friendly and it has made me love the weight back in the handle. It just feels so solid and the blade is such a great slicer.

Dave, go for the lock. I love the security of knowing I will not have this thing close on me(real nice when cutting wood shims and caulking, sometimes its nice to push cut with the tip and you can with no worries). I must also agree that it takes a screamin sharp edge, and the tip is the best part. I am hooked on the wharncliffe blade for sure and the 55 frame showcases it perfectly!

I seldom miss a blade with belly. I dont do any food prep outside the house on a regular day in the life except maybe fruit and a wharnie does great at that task imo. I could cut a steak if needed as well, my bases are covered ;)

 
Here's my thoughts. The SBJ from CASE looks really excellent, I have one in stainless Bermuda Green Bone and the other cv Chestnut Bone. Both are really well turned out, no build faults e.g. gaps, blades near or touching liner,wobble, mismatched handles or any of your pet hates. BUT in hand it's not quite my cup of tea, I find the Swayback pattern inherently odd in the hand, but I certainly like the look of it. Really quite tough springs on my examples, if that's a concern of yours.

The Houndstooth, got a Tidioute Red Bone with that excellent 'tooth' shield. This is proper Redbone not that pitiful stuff CASE puts on knives these days, read Strawberry ice-cream or tart's lipstick (just got such an example on their otherwise interesting Humpback Half Whittler) Quite strong pull but the CASE is tougher, very pleasing long large Wharncliffe, top class for in hand, due to its reverse shape from a SBJ. Not too heavy but purposeful. Sleek, graceful and different like the SBJ! Very satisfying finish on this knife.

End of the day, they're different but both have real quality, depth and desirability. I feel both are needed......:D:thumbup:

Thanks, Will
 
I can't speak for the 55 but I've got (3) Swayback Jacks and (1) Swayback Gents. Everyone of them is as good as a production knife gets, as far as build and finish.
I'd just get the one that most catches your eye. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
 
cards94 said:
do you miss the pen knife on either one?
Click to expand...

Not really. Secondary blades are nice for things like whittling and carving, but for regular ol' pocket carry, I don't mind a single blade configuration. They ride nice and flat in the pocket too. Good to have a little variety in my stable, I suppose... :)

-Brett
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top