Difference between GEC 55 and 56 patterns

[Ogri]

I fairly new to knives, I like the look of the GEC # 55 houndstooth with a spear blade, but to my eyes the 56 Dog Leg looks really similar. Could someone please explain what the difference is between these patterns ?

 

[biglmbass]

The 55 & 56 are on the same frame with blades that open from the small end. No difference there. The 55 has always been a single blade. The 56 has been a single blade but only rarely. It's typically a jack pattern w' 2 or 3 blades. To further complicate things the 57 is the same frame w' the main (large) blade opening from the opposite end than the 55 & 56.

 

[Jfowl31]

I thought the only difference was half stops on the 55...

 

[Ogri]

Thanks very much guys for clearing that up for me

 

[biglmbass]

I thought the only difference was half stops on the 55...

This is true as well & it slipped my mind. The 55s have half stops, the 56s do not. Also of note some of the 55s were made with a liner lock. Not so on the 56 or 57 pattern.

 

[olywa]

Seems like forever since a new run of 55s. Sure wish they'd remedy that...

 

[biglmbass]

^ Indeed. The 55s w' a clip blade would be nice.

 

[Ogri]

I've been looking for a 55 in jigged bone with a spear blade for a while, no luck get

 

[biglmbass]

Just not many of them out there (48 of the bone spears made w'out liner lock). Like most of their popular & well liked patterns they got gobbled up soon after release. Try posting a WTB ad. Has worked for me on several occasions. Good luck

 

[Grateful]

I have a two bladed 56, clip and pen blades as well as a 55 with single spear and liner lock. They are both stout little knives and i really enjoy using both of them. The 56 is a great knife, my first GEC in fact and and is a real favorite. The 55 however is something special, it rides easy in the pocket like a single spring does but is nearly as comfortable in the hand as my two spring 56. I think its the shape of the frame that makes it fit my hand so well.
I was never really a fan of the liner lock but GEC does them right and it only adds muscle to my 55. Not sure if any of this relates to the opening question but i have to add that if you can get ahold of one go for it.

Jim

 

[supratentorial]

I think differences like half stops require a separate die and that's why they use a different model number.

 

[RobbW]

This thread needs pics! # 55 Dogleg Jack with half stop. The single spring makes it thin, the width of the handle makes it fill your palm. Curved perfection!

 

[black mamba]

Primitive bone #56 jack with Bisley 45 Colt.

 

[swaybacksteve]

GEC seems to be not only introducing new frames....but thankfully releasing some of the old favorites like the 73, 47. Hopefully a 55 will be released this year, it's my birth year...

 

[olywa]

+1 swaybacksteve, I'm a double nickels kid myself. Maybe we'll see some soon, hopefully without liner locks.

 

[draggat]

We need some pictures here...... I really like the double long pulls in this Weaver jack. What a unique, useful knife! Personally I prefer the spear blade on the 55, but the wharncliffe seems to be the preferred shape. Good luck finding one without a linerlock. They disappear instantly on the exchange.

 

[hamsco]

Very happy with 55.
Great jigging, Wharncliffe blade, and liner lock. I didn't know if I would like the LL, but it has grown me. Now I enjoy it.

 

[olywa]

Hey draggat, those are gorgeous! Any chance of a group shot with the blades closed? I'd love to see how they ride.

 

[draggat]

Hey draggat, those are gorgeous! Any chance of a group shot with the blades closed? I'd love to see how they ride.

Thanks! Here's what I have at the moment.

The tip on this clip 56 rides really low, which I like.


Top is a wharncliffe. Other two are spears.


I don't have a shot of the 3 blade Weaver Jack fully closed, but here's a 2 blade (modified sheepfoot and pen) next to 2 spears.


Finally, a 55 spear next to the 57 half whitt, which is the same frame but reversed with a larger bolster.

 

[draggat]

Primitive bone #56 jack with Bisley 45 Colt.

Not to derail the thread, but that's a beautiful revolver Jeff! Ruger really knows what they're doing. I used to have a Blackhawk .357..... really regret selling that one!