Case Swayback Jack vs GEC #57 Gepetto Whittler

JerryIsAlive

JerryIsAlive

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Jun 13, 2012
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I have narrowed the search for my first real traditional knife, the Case Swayback Jack in CV and the GEC #57 Gepetto Whittler (preferably colobolo). This knife will be mostly just for carrying around, opening mail/boxes, probably not much whittling but who knows. Obviously the 57 has an extra blade, but the knife sure is sexy. The problem is, I think both are great looking knives. I like how the SBJ doesnt have a bolster at the end of it. Anyways, I am sure some of you own both. How would you compare these two? On paper, the SBJ is shorter, but the 57 has a longer blade. SBJ is cheaper and easier to find, and one less blade, but the collectablity of the 57 intrigues me. Part of me says I can always pick up a SBJ, but do I really need to spend the extra $40 or so if I dont even plan on whittling?

How thick is the 57? How do they feel in the pocket? The handle looks thicker on the SBJ, but does the addition of the third blade even it out? Is the fit and finish comparable on the 2? I would love some side by side pics in the hand if possible. Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks.
 
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I like them both, but the 57 fits better in my hand. But, I have about 20 Swaybacks just because I like them....a lot :-)

You also have the option of the swayback gent (single blade), and the 57 is also available with a clip blade or as the 57 wrangler with a punch.

If I had to pick only one I'd most likely pick the 57 whittler, maybe with the clip blade since I'd be afraid I'd break the tip off the wharncliffe blade eventually. The Swayback fits in a watch pocket nicely. They are both nice.

Your questions. Thickness is about the same, neither are big but the swayback is just a smaller knife and when I tote it I put it in my watch pocket. Case usually does a good job on the fit and finish on the swayback's but it's not a GEC which is noticeably better.

Russell

RLF_4168.jpgRLF_4170.jpgRLF_4171.jpgRLF_4172.jpgRLF_4173.jpg
 
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Thank you for the thorough reply. I look forward to taking a better look at these pictures in the morning. I appreciate it.
 
I have never handled a #57, but I must say that it is a favorite of mine. It rides very well in the pocket, is perfect for a general EDC, cuts up my apples very nicely (the handle shape makes a reverse grip very comfortable; you almost want to find something to peel the second you hold it that way), has nice and strong pulls (but not too strong), and it is very pleasing to the eye.

Though it is absent of a wharnie, and the handle is more suited for a peeling action, it does whittle well. I have no f&f issues at all, it is perfect, but that may not be the case for if you were to purchase one.

This was taken before I sharpened it and the patina began to evolve; I need to take an updated shot, but I have not gotten around to it just yet.
SwaybackEdited1.jpg


I hope this helps, if you have any questions at all, please ask, but I may not be as much help as Sardian here since I only own the SBJ. Good luck on your decision! :thumbup:


-Deadfall
 
I own both and like both a lot. They are both great knives with my favorite blade shape and ride well in my pocket, though the Swayback gets the nod over the Geppetto just because of its size. I bought the Case first since I knew them best, then the GEC after seeing all the pics here on the forum. You'll be happy with either, it's a matter of preference to size and your use for it. Handle choice is another, whether you prefer the ones from Case or GEC.

If I had to do it all over again it would be the same, Case first, then the GEC.
 
zippofan said:
Case first, then the GEC.
Click to expand...

This is pretty good advice, especially since you can find the Case for so little $. I must amend my advise above with the fact that I haven't carried the 57, but I have carried the swayback....mostly do to cost and collect-ability.
 
I'm just the opposite. I have SBJs in Tru-Sharp and CV sitting at home while my Geppetto rides in my pocket every day. For the sort of light use the OP describes, the Case would probably be a better choice, though.
 
You guys are awesome! Sweet pic Deadfall. That looks great! The more I think about it, the more I think the 57 may not be the best option for me, even though it sure is some nice eye candy. If i were to pull the trigger on it, Id be hesitant to do as much with it. Not on pure cost alone, but on easiness to replace. Keep the opinions/pictures coming. I probably wont make my decision for a few more days. Thanks guys
 
I think you mostly just need to determine which one you're going to buy first.

Heh.

I haven't seen a Gepetto in person, but trust the reports and reviews of those who have and love them.

My swayback jack is perfect for what it is-- however you want to interpret that! I was looking it over again last night, and there is so much that Case got exactly right, and at a very good price. I chuckle when others state what one can and cannot expect in this price range, such as flush springs at the half-stop. Uh, yeah, you can. That, plus small details like the extended spring on the pen blade, continually push this knife into "more than the sum of its parts" for me.

Ultimately, however, there are few knives I can know for sure about without having them with me for an extended period of time, or even just a shorter time of head-to-head comparison. And even then, the knives that end up bracketed against one another for pocket time might not be obvious choices, ie, not as (very) relatively similar as the ones you're looking at.

There's so much that cannot be determined out-of-hand, and perhaps more that remains inexplicable once a knife grabs one's attention. As in, how'd it do that?!

Have fun, whatever you decide.

Oh, and:

pwcb2005 said:
1 out of 1 people stuck in a tree highly recommend it too!!
Click to expand...

Snort!

~ P.
 
Pertinux, haha your write-up made me chuckle a bit. I was about to buy the SBJ and had all my info plugged into the website, but figured it couldnt hurt to see if anyone else had any input before I went through with it. The look of the knife is what drew me to it right away, and all of these pics have just cemented that in my mind.

PWCB2005, thanks for the picture. I didnt realize what you were talking about with the whole life saving thing, so i looked up the thread. Wow! Very cool that the SBJ was able to come through in such a desperate situation. For anyone that is interested, here is the link to PWCB's thread. very nice story, as well as the gifted knives. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ave-a-man-today!!!?highlight=saved+man's+life
 
I went ahead and bought the SBJ. Ill let y'all know my first impressions when it gets here on Mon-Tues. Thanks for all that stopped by and gave me their opinions.
 
You're gonna love it and drop it in your pocket regularly. I'm having a hard time deciding which I want to carry now, my SBJ in chestnut or a Bulldog/GEC #25 smooth bone sheepsfoot.
 
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