Edgumacate me on the Great Eastern 73 single blade

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
20,039
I am down to looking for the last Great Eastern on my want list. I know, I know, I've been after plenty "last ones". I had found a 23 two blade Northfield and a clip point Ben Hogan, and I thought they were my "last ones".

Maybe you guys and gals can help me refine my search. I had a Tidioute 72, but gave that to my little brother. It was a lockback. I've seen Tidioute 73 and 23 single blade models at shows and online, but they were all linerlocks, except for my 23 single blade Northfield I picked up from the now Tuna Valley owner, Ryan (?).

While I really like my single blade 23, it is too big to carry all the time. I picked up a single blade Tidioute 48 trapper, and really like it. I was hoping that Great Eastern made 73's as a single blade slipjoint, and I wasn't on a wild goose chase. Also, how tough are they to find?

Unfortunately, I don't have contact information for Ryan or his father, and will be sending an email to GEC. Any help is appreciated, and please, share as many photos as you like.
 
They're not that hard to find. Just go to GEC's website and check their list of distributors.

I like the #73. IMO it's the finest production single blade slipjoint available today.

I'm getting this one for Father's Day next month. I'm stoked because it's an awesome gift, but the wait is torturous.

mynorthfieldscout1.jpg


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- Christian
 
I also have a nice single bladed GEC. A #73 Beaver Tail

IMG_1428.jpg


Here´s an inhand pic, maybe this can help a little.

I really like the slim design. It fits really great in the backpocket of a jeans. I´m really happy with this one. I think I gonna get another #73 soon :)

Great knives!

Kind regards
Andi
 
The only one I've had without a linerlock or backlock was a #73 single blade in Patriot acrylic that I gave to my son-in-law who is in the Army at Fort Bragg. He is more of a tactical guy, but appreciated the red, white and blue!
 
Thanks for the info guys, GEC sent me this model number:

735111.

Thanks for sharing the pic, I need to pick one up!

Keep em coming!
 
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The GEC 73 single blade is probably my favorite all around knife. You can get them in a variety of materials. Some materials such as stag and primitive bone will add width to the handle and can have unique contours. I have quite a few of the 73's as I really caught the bug for them. If you are looking for a slim and sleek knife a nice bone version will be very classy and still be strong. Some of the burnt stags can be very slim as well, but this is something you have to look at on a knife to knife basis. I have a genuine stag that fits my hand like a glove but after a while I got tired of the extra thickness taking up space in my pocket. What I found is a burnt stag I had laying around in the tube (and pictured above) is just perfectly in between the slim and thick handle widths. I have yet to use it because I have been putting my 85 single blade through it's paces. With that said, the 73 is a more versatile knife than the 85's IMO.

With the 73 you get a flush tang to the bolsters when closed. This leaves no area for lint or dirt to build up and compromise the action and eventually the pivot. It is a very easy knife to keep clean with the only area needing a pipe cleaner being the well. You get just about the best blade grind geometry I have seen on a sturdy knife of the size. They get sharp and work hard. The blade to handle length ratio is also one of the best and compares to most customs. The newer ones with the lanyard holes have an easier and smoother pull but still have decent snap and strength.

Overall I don't think GEC makes a better single blade knife. I am very partial to slipjoints over lockers so I pick these over the 72's every time. When it comes down to it if you get one with a strong handle material that is well put together the 73 is a knife that should last a lifetime and have a little class at the same time.

Kevin
 
One thing to note, its been my experience, however limited, that the newest run of these (the ones with the lanyard hole) are slightly easier to open than previous models (this includes the LL versions).
IMG_1683.jpg
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Thanks for the info guys, GEC sent me this model number:

735111.

Thanks for sharing the pic, I need to pick one up!

Keep em coming!
Click to expand...

There are a few more model 73s other than what GEC sent you.

This is a 734112 which is a SFO Farmer Jack from one of Blade Forum's listed dealers.

gecfarmerjack1.jpg


Message sent giving you a dealer for GEC knives.
 
I believe collectorknives has a few available still at least last time I was on their site.

(A BF dealer member.)
 
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I'm being tempted by this knife too.
If GEC is willing to wait more before they produce their 3,5" patterns in 440C, I might decide to start a (very hard) hunt for the 440C #73. It might be a bit bigger than what I usually carry, but I do like it alot. As Kevin said, it's so linear in design and function, and I'm sure it feels great in hand.

Fausto
:cool:
 
2Dead said:
One thing to note, its been my experience, however limited, that the newest run of these (the ones with the lanyard hole) are slightly easier to open than previous models (this includes the LL versions).
IMG_1683.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks for this Trand I've been wondering about the pull on the 73's and it's the main thing that kept me away. The first GEC I ever bought was the big single blade trapper (23?) in buffalo and it was a BEAR to open. I mean just ridiculous, I tried to break it in a bit but sold it within a week or so. This was a while back however and I haven't experienced that with other GEC's that I've owned (mostly smaller models).

I'm curious as to what the rest of y'alls opinions are on the #73's pull?

Nathan
 
I don't have any of the newer ones, but the #73s from '06 through '08 were on average the hardest pulls of all the GECs. They were just as bad as the #23s, but you had less to hold onto so they were even worse. I've only handled 1 or 2 that you could even call an 8/10, most were harder.

Basically the same frame but with the lockback, the #72s have beautiful light smooth pulls with good lockup. I know they're not a slipjoint, but if you don't like hard pulls, you might try to handle one to see for yourself.
 
I lean more towards the #72s myself, but day-yam, that's some killer schtag right there. It wouldn't be out of place on a custom.

mynorthfieldscout1.jpg
 
I would say that johhny has the nicest looking 73 that I've ever seen imho. His is in the pumkin bone I believe and it is beautiful. I've been on the lookout ever since I've seen his.
 
I went looking for a 73 single blade to join my 73 deuce, but settled on a Northfield 72 when I realized I didn't have any locking knives from GEC. I'm very happy with it though sometimes I have a hard time deciding between it and my CSC Half Moon single blade trapper.
 
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What's the main difference between the 73 and 23 besides the size?

23 large no lock????

72 large with lock????

73 large no lock double bladed????

Sent from Ash forum mobile
 
Ash,

Since you edited your post my response makes no sense. Also, I can't make much sense of your edited post.

Kevin
 
Rick said:
I lean more towards the #72s myself, but day-yam, that's some killer schtag right there. It wouldn't be out of place on a custom.
Click to expand...
Thanks Rick. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the tube and first laid eyes on this knife. Not bad considering I bought it sight unseen.

It's almost as nice as your red stag 72s.

- Christian
 
Ash, the #23s are 4-1/2" closed and come either single blade with or without linerlock, and two blade. No #23 lockbacks.

#72s are 3-7/8" closed and come single blade lockback only, with either clip, spear or Wharncliffe.

#73s are 3-3/4" closed and come either single blade with or without linerlock, and two blade. No #73 lockbacks.
 
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