Difference between 66 Calf Roper & 68 Buckaroo

[Groundhogsniper]

Just picked up a natural stag 68 Buckaroo yesterday at a local show.
When I spotted it in the dealer's showcase I thought it was an older 66 since it had the unxld shield.
Didn't notice until I got home that it is a 68 pattern.
After checking out both patterns on the GEC website I can't really see any differences. Same length and what appears to be the same blades.
Could one of the GEC experts explain the difference between these two patterns? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Railsplitter]

The 66 is a serpentine shape (slight bend in the frame) and the 68 is has a straight frame.

 

[LastRodeo]

There is a subtle difference in main blade shape also.

 

[Groundhogsniper]

Thanks for the info. I just remembered I had a 661212 junior moose and got it out for comparison.
I see the difference in frame shape, though it is subtle.
Last Rodeo, is the difference in blade shape on the main or all? I didn't compare the main blades and I have already wiped them off and put them away.
I assume that the main blade on my 661212 small moose would be the same as that of the 66 calf roper.

 

[LastRodeo]

Sorry, my memory failed me. I just pulled them out for comparison and I was wrong.

 

[waynorth]

A Buckaroo, #68 frame. Dark Cocobola, with slant, pinched bolsters, and very good
snap; a 6 1/2 to 7 on the main and 6s on the secondaries! I would describe this as a
junior Cattle knife at just 1/32" under 3 1/2"! Everything is right!!* A wonderful example of the breed!!!
A cattle knife is an old pattern, pre-dating the stockman, and this is a good representation! See enlarged scans in the next post!!!%$#&*!Xdarn it!!


*I apologize for the ugly scratches on the scanner glass!! It's old!!

 

[waynorth]

I forgot to enlarge the pics!! See them here!!!

 

[SteveC]

Dang ! I need one of those

 

[waynorth]

I agree with you, Steve!! 2012 was a good vintage!!

 

[Txjohn]

 

[willard0341]

View attachment 1194974 View attachment 1194973

Very nice, good looking examples. The slanted bolsters add some pizzazz

 

[waynorth]

Nice collection, John!! You have known all along they were good!!

 

[Txjohn]

Nice collection, John!! You have known all along they were good!!

I have a fondness for stock / cattle knives . I've got particular fondness for the peachseed 66 on top

 

[The Shatz]

Does the 68 have half stops I know the 66 does not.

 

[Txjohn]

No half stops on either

 

[waynorth]

My fondness is for single spring knives! Stainless, #681212 knife from 2012!! The bone is particularly nice with no light "collars" or corners at the bolsters! I know it's hard to do, but I wish GEC would do that finishing technique more often!

 

[waynorth]

Some of my favorite serpentine knives - the #66s!!! Brothers to the Equal End #68s!!!