GEC #42 vs #72?

blade man

blade man

Joined
Jan 8, 2001
Messages
1,242
Hello all,

I'd like to get back to my roots and get a nice lockback pocket knife. It's the style I carried when I was young, my first decent knife was a clip point lockback, and it's always been a favorite pattern of mine. After years of clips, one hand openers, and titanium framelocks, I'd like to have a nice lockback that wouldn't be out of place anywhere.

The clip point lockbacks that GEC is making are about the best looking knives I've ever seen...I like almost all styles of knives, but dang if there isn't just something about a bolstered clip point that's mighty appealing.

For those of you who have both the #42 and the #72 (or either, I suppose!), which would you recommend? I'm looking at a #42 with ebony and a #72 with black micarta (can't find a clip point in ebony). I realize the #42 would be a little more pleasing in the hand, really just the perfect size all around, but I wonder if it might be a bit too big to work as a pocket knife. The #72 has exactly the same specs as my small Sebenzas, so I know I'd like the size and it'd be a bit easier to carry, but I hate to get away from that seemingly "perfect" size of the #42. The micarta vs ebony is a bit of a wash...I'd rather have the traditional handle material, but I'm sure micarta would rock for an EDC knife.

I'd appreciate any input you'd be wiling to share!
 
I feel like the 42 really is just the right size. After being used to the 42 and going back and handling a 72 the 72 feels small in my hand. The 42 feels more natural in use and especially when sharpening.

I have been carrying mine in my right front pocket for a couple weeks now and I have zero complaints. With that said, I spent a lot of years carrying a large sebenza. The 42 is much more ergonomic than a large sebenza and way better in the pocket than a sebenza without a pocket clip.

My 42 has no play in the lock up and that is the main reason I disliked the 72 and had a hard time finding a sample without lock play. By hard time I mean I could not find one. You may be able to though. I know some guys here have.

Also, I don't know if I just got lucky with my 42 or if they made sure to get rid of that flaw with this run.

I would go with the 42 in ebony but the micarta is also very apealing.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Hey Kevin!!!!

How about a side by side picture of your #72 and #42. No frills- just the knives.

I have a bunch of #72s but no #42s. 4 1/4" for the #42 is at my limit but may be better than say a trapper at 4 1/4" because it (the #72) is thin.

Waiting for the pics.
 
Sure thing Ed! I'm glad you asked for no frills because all I have is a dark window sill cell pic :)

SU1HLTIwMTIwODAzLTAwMjE2LmpwZw.jpg


Its not my 72 though.
 
Nice and quick Kevin but that Spear Point blade on the #72 makes it appear more bulky than the #42. An any rate, I like your #42 just fine but I've decided to stick with the #72s for now.

To the OP "blade man", micarta would make a nice cover material for the #72. If you find the #72 a tad too long for you, you could carry it in a sheath.
 
Yeah, it is bulky with the spear blade. But I can still compare them open in hand and in that aspect the handle of the 72 feels dainty in my hand.
 
Here is an in hand pic of my 42 right now. I like that my hand fits the knife in a full grip. With the 72/73 etc the butt end off the knife is actually in my hand. They just handle differently and I prefer the feel of the 42 in my hand.

SU1HLTIwMTIwODE5LTAwMjg2LmpwZw.jpg
 
I think one thing to consider is what an EDC looks like to you. By that I mean do you wear jeans and live in the country and work with your hands? Or do you wear dress pants and live in the city? I live in the sticks and though I'm on a college campus every day, I also use a knife all the time, mostly cutting paper. I can get away with a big 23, but I'm always aware of it, and sometimes think it might scare someone, taken out of context. I recently bought a Trader and a Trapper, and think they're the ideal size. The Trader is thin and light. Incredibly well-made. My Trapper is heavier and feels really substantial. I love them both, but I do prefer a knife of that size to have a thong hole. My 72's otoh, seem small to me, and even when I only had a 23 and 72, they just seemed a bit small. Of course I'm carrying one today, and honestly, if I lived in the city again, I suppose that would be my choice- smaller in my pocket, and less of a threat to passers-by when I'm peeling a grape...
IMG_3985.jpg
 
I haven't tried the ones from GEC yet, but the Queen version is great, and is probably my most-carried and most-used knife. I agree, a decent-sized clip point single-blade lockback is a really nice EDC choice.
Sorry to color outside the lines, I don't know if you've considered the Queen yet or if you're set on GEC, but I think it's an option worth looking into.
The D2 in the Mountain Man, in my opinion, is a little nicer than 1095: it's more stain resistant, takes longer to patina, but won't rust if neglected; and is a bit harder, I think. D2 is my favorite pocket knife steel.
And, the Mountain Man is a little larger, at 4.5" closed, which suits my sasquatch-sized hands.
 

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Thanks for the suggestions and comments everyone. I think it'll be a better fit for me right now. I decided to go with the micarta 72. I'll share some pics when it arrives!
 
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Just ordered the #42 with ebony scales. After nearly a month of looking at threads like this, I finally had to get one. My first GEC; congratulations, you've given another innocent civillian the knife bug! :D
 
Atemporal said:
Just ordered the #42 with ebony scales. After nearly a month of looking at threads like this, I finally had to get one. My first GEC; congratulations, you've given another innocent civillian the knife bug! :D
Click to expand...

Bwahaha!
 
Anyone got the two blade 42? Does the second blade interfier with grip comfort? Would you dress a deer with it?
 
FWIW, here's one of the latest #72s in a canvas Micarta short run. Lockup is good, the blade is well-centered when closed and there are no manufacturing flaws to be found. The fit 'n' finish is as good or better than my other five #72s. One notable improvement is the lockbar release area; the end of the bar and the rear spacer are smooth, tight and flush, whereas some examples in the past have had gaps or uneven surfaces back there. My only minor complaint is that the edge isn't particularly keen.

GECLockbackMicarta01.jpg


GECLockbackMicarta02.jpg


GECLockbackMicarta03.jpg
 
That is a lovely knife. Congrats Rick!
 
Beautiful knives! I really don't need a lockback since I've been carrying my #73 with buffalo horn, but that might not stop me!
 
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