GEC #25 or Case/TB Sway Back Jack???

coyote711

coyote711

Joined
Sep 19, 2009
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I'm looking to get a nice quality 3" knife - give or take - to carry in my watch pocket. I've had some of the GEC #25's in the past (traded/sold them), so I'm familiar with the F & F, etc. of these - love 'em! I was about ready to buy another one, and all of a sudden there's all these threads talkin' about the Sway Back Jack. Hmmm ..... time to re-evaluate. :)

I realize this is highly subjective, but if you own both these knives, which one do you like best, and why? BTW, current situation doesn't allow for buying both, so I have to choose just one for now. ;) Thanks!!!
 
Think of it this way. You have had the 25's before. Try something new. Luckily because the swayback is popular you shouldn't have a problem trading/selling it if you don't like it.
 
I have both....the Case sway back wins this one hands down for me.
 
Sway Back. Although I love GEC I never warmed to their 25 frame. Seemed to chunky for the length
 
I have both.

It depends on how you want to use the knife
The quality of the knives are similar

The #25 is much more in the hand and a much more soild knife
It stays as a work knife.

The Swayback is a smaller knife in the hand and will not take the heavier work
It has the edge on the F&F

Are you fixed on just a #25 or a Swayback?

May I suggest you look at a Queen Dan Burke Wharncliffe 1/2 Whittler
It is thinner than the Swayback and smaller in the hand, but a very special knife.
Not for hard work.
Winterbottom Bone in Sandvik 12C27 @ 3 1/8"

QCMLDB46.JPG
 
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Unless you're considering a single blade GEC #25, I think the Case SBJ will carry better in the watch pocket as it's lighter. The handle's a little larger, too.

If you need something heavier duty, I'd say the GEC, even though it's smaller, but overall, it's hard to fault the SBJ.
 
Why did you get rid of your original 25s? sounds like you didn't really like them? In that case it has to be CASE! I like both of these knives a lot, the EZ Open 25 and the Swayback (both Chestnut cv & Bermuda Green ss)are top of my list of small knives.They are different from each other though.
 
I have and carry both. A 25 in stag and sbj in cv.

Like both of them a lot, but if I had to give one up by some type of executive order it would be the 25 even though it is considerably more expensive.

Reasons. The SBJ has a slimmer profile. It melts in my pocket and is a good office carry. It also has a better blade geometry for the cutting tasks I perform with a smaller knife. Of course YMMV. I also prefer the blade action with half stops on the sbj.

Please note I am not bashing the 25, it is a well made knife worthy of strong consideration. I am just giving my preference in a hypothetical situation. ;)
 
I've been toting the Swayback for a few days now and it just fits me perfect. I am still looking for the right GEC that is not necessarily a tank, but maybe just an inch longer than the swayback.
 
A GEC that might fit your bill Steve is the 61 Half Congress, Sheepfoot long pull and Pen, single spring very easy in the bin.
 
Thank you ALL for your input and recommendations. :thumbup: I was leaning towards the SBJ, and you pushed me over the edge.

So I just ordered a SBJ. Much as I like Case CV steel, and much as I think I'd like Chestnut bone, I ordered a new Hunter Green SS. It has an end-cap rather than barehead. Based on comments that this is somewhat of a "lighter duty" knife than the #25 GEC, I figured I'd reserve it for that type of carry, and I think having bolsters on both ends makes it a little dressier than the barehead - just my personal take on it - YMMV :cool: (But, if I really, really like it, I reserve the right to buy a Chestnut bone CV, too!) :D ;)
 
willgoy said:
A GEC that might fit your bill Steve is the 61 Half Congress, Sheepfoot long pull and Pen, single spring very easy in the bin.
Click to expand...

Thanks I'll have a look. I like the congress design, but can only handle so much congress so maybe 1/2 will be tolerable! oops, wrong forum....:D
 
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