GEC 15: one blade or two?

Macchina

Macchina

Joined
Apr 7, 2006
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Been looking at those 15's... I think I'll pick one up when I get back to the States. I can't decide to go with one or two blades... Does the second blade thicken the knife up too much? I like multi blade knives do much that I fear I'm missing something by always getting the extra blade when I have a choice...
 
It adds almost an 1/8" to the thickness, but it isn't obtrusive at all. It actually fills the hand nicely.The 15 is my favorite patterns as with a lot of folks.

 
I like one blade in the 15, but that's my preference for all traditionals. They simply disappear in the pocket.
 
For me, I prefer the 15 in the single blade configuration. I think the super slim package matches well tot he 3.5" size and just makes for a super easy to carry little knife. I had a two blade version briefly and just never cared for it.

For a two blade configuration I prefer going just a little larger with the #78 American Jack...it's very similar in overall shape to the #15 just scaled up a little. 78 is my new favorite pattern as the handle just fits my hand perfectly at this size.
 
Macchina said:
Been looking at those 15's... I think I'll pick one up when I get back to the States. I can't decide to go with one or two blades... Does the second blade thicken the knife up too much? I like multi blade knives do much that I fear I'm missing something by always getting the extra blade when I have a choice...
Click to expand...

I bought the single first. I carried it for a while pre-SFO Electricians and liked it but when I whittled or shaved wood and stuff like that with, not often but sometimes it was too easy to want to twist on me. I like the fatter even surface of the two blade platform for a base due to the less twist nature of it when using it. So I ended up getting a two blade and it was after that purchase the light bulb went off when I thought, "Hmm, I wonder if they'd be interested putting a custom screw driver that locks in there?" and it went from there. Now of course I've got my electricians in my pocket most times but the little cheap knives like that Frost lockback whittler in key lime see a lot of use too. They are not bad beater uppers and I don't mind using that one. $11.99 and all its a real easy one to loan out and things like that.
 
I prefer 2 blades in general; I don't have a 15, but my #76 is about the same size. The extra thickness just make them--whether it's the 76 or a #23--more comfortable to hold/use. I do have large hands. My "go to" GEC's are a #73 and a #42 (usually the latter, and both are the trapper pattern). I have them with single blades, but they always get passed over for their two bladed kin.
 
I really like the 2 blade 15's and other knives in this size range. There has been times that I had to use my knife to the extent that I got the blade got a little dull, and with a second blade I still had a sharp blade to use untill I got the 1st blade sharpened back up. The extra thickness fits my hand better also. I like single blades in 4" plus size knives best. It really is a personal preference though. You might want to see if you could find where you could handle both single and 2 bladed knives to see what works for you.
Harold
 
One blade for me. I like the slim package that is large enough for me to get a good grip. It disappears in work or in dress pants. i find the single blade small enough that I don't wish for an additional pen blade. Maximum minimalism. :) I have the 15 in both the Clip and Spearpoint configurations.
 
Life is strange. I started out preferring single blade traditionals after 20+ yrs of a modern/tactical phase. A year+ ago I rediscovered traditionals and started with a 3.5" single blade GEC. A few months later I experimented with a couple different 2-blade jacks and liked them - but still swore I couldn't ever imagine more than 2 blades in a pocket knife (too fat!)... But darned if I now find myself infatuated with the classic 3-blade Stockman and carrying one 24/7 for coming on 3 months now I just love it.

So it's up to you. They're not that much thicker and for that extra 1/8" or so you have two knives technically. Heck my #66 Stockman is barely thicker than a 2-blade #92 to be honest. Visually you can see a slight increase in thickness (barely), but in the pocket it's completely unnoticeable.

3-blade 66 Stockman (lower) vs my 2-blade 92 Eureka Jack (top)
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Same two knives from opposite end view
D971B0AD-79D5-415D-A1C5-37BEDEFDFA1C_zpsvqjswbyd.jpg
 
Two blades for me. That is the size and thickness of the Barlows I have always been used to and loved.

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I'm pretty partial to a one blade knife but I ordered a boys knife with clip and pen last year and was blown away how comfortable and compact it was. I'd vote two blade on this pattern but you can't go wrong either way!
 
I'm a 2 blade guy myself. I have tried different single blade knives, but they end up being too skinny for my hand. The exception is my Bull Nose, it has a thicker handle. I just like a pocket knife to fill my hand a bit more.
Ryan
 
My 15 that gets the most use is the SFO with the punch/awl. (Northfield Diamond Harness Jack- 152214P)

I just bought another Northwoods Indian River Jack in CPM154 that is a great all around single blade.
 
I prefer one blade...but in defense of two blades...they come in handy as you can grab either end without looking and fish something sharp to cut with!
 
I have a one blade and then a Crown Lifter (as thick as a two-blade). I usually will only get two-blades if the blade configuration gives me a benefit for having a second blade. For the current run of 15s with a clip blade, I personally don't think a pen blade adds much, so my preference with these is the one-blade. Generally, I like the one-blade for this knife better just because the thinness of the knife really works with just one blade, and I find the added girth isn't as attractive. But that's just my opinion, of course. :)
 
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