GEC 55 Pull?

jone

jone

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2012
Messages
1,808
Sent a few PMs but throwing this question out there for anyone else who might have a 55 and can add some insight. Wondering how the pull is on your 55? Similarly sized knives I have to compare it to are white owl, conductor, and the smaller 25s and pembertons. I know each one is different, but curious if most have a generally heavy/stiff pull.
Thanks in advance!
 
Mine is stout, significantly more than my white owl and pemeberton. I'd rate it in the 7-8/10 range. I have 25's that are all over the map so a comparison there likely wouldn't help.
 
I have the houndstooth #55 Wharncliffe blade. And also the white owl with bail.
I'm afraid to say I don't carry my 55 as it is like a bear trap,
but the white owl is a pleasure , nice smooth opening.

Hope this helps
UK_si
 
Jennifer, my 55 also has a stout pull. Mine is around a 7-8. I can pinch it open but it takes some effort.
 
Mine was a solid 8 until I left it sitting at maximum spring extension (between half stop and fully open) for four or five days. Now, it's a much easier 6+.
 
Jennifer, have only one Tidioute Hound's tooth and with its half-stop it's a fairly strongly sprung knife. Not unpleasant but heavier than the Conductor or White Owl certainly, very strong snap on it too.

Its cousin, the 57 Half-Whitt has no half-stop and has a decidedly milder pull - if that's what you're after. Likewise, the little talked about 56 Jack has a tolerable spring for those who dislike thumb-nail abuse. The Hound's tooth in Wharncliffe is a very nice knife indeed, wish GEC would do a Barehead run but they seemed to be obsessed with Boys lately:D
 
I just bought a 56 Dogleg Jack a while back and it's by far the stiffest GEC I've ever encountered so far. I'm actually going to be sending it back to GEC when I get around to it because it is so difficult to open that it's unusable. I love the pattern and bone on it and overall the fit and finish is perfect but a nail breaker for sure. It's only hard going from completely closed to about a quarter of the way open. After that it isn't to bad. The only reason I'm posting this in your thread is I think the only difference between the 56 dogleg jack and the 55 houndstooth is the main blade shape and blade count correct?

IMG_20140625_225445187_zpsuy5ythl5.jpg
 
I have one #55, a Tidioute wharnie. It's a bear trap as well, and can only be pinched open.
 
WOW guys, thanks so much for all the replies. I really appreciate your insights.
 
I had one as well and it was also 7-8. I wasn't being careful one time and it slipped out of my hand while trying to open it, snapped closed, and the very fine tip sliced my hand pretty good. I still really liked the pattern though with the single wharncliff!
 
Love my #55 but it is a tough pull. I am used to it now but i rate mine an 8. If you can get past the heavy pull it is an amazing knife that sees lots of use in my kitchen.
 
KP said:
I had one as well and it was also 7-8. I wasn't being careful one time and it slipped out of my hand while trying to open it, snapped closed, and the very fine tip sliced my hand pretty good. I still really liked the pattern though with the single wharncliff!
Click to expand...
Ouch! I bet that fine tip could do some damage. And yes, that wharncliffe is something else.

fot0 said:
Love my #55 but it is a tough pull. I am used to it now but i rate mine an 8. If you can get past the heavy pull it is an amazing knife that sees lots of use in my kitchen.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Appreciate the info.
 
Started out as about an 8. It's a comfortable 6+ after a year of weekly (on average) use. I gave it a thorough cleaning and oiled the joints when I first got it. That helped some, but it was using it that helped the most. It is one of my favorite knives. Easily fits in the watchpocket of my bluejeans and that's where it goes most days. Wonderful knife!

gec55_zpsc40e79c9.jpg
 
If you decide to purchase one Jennifer, I would skip the liner lock version. I have one and though I like it, I have to be careful not to get cut when folding the knife up. They are strong pulls and I might pick up another on the exchange minus the liner lock.

Regards,
Mark
 
Markesharp said:
If you decide to purchase one Jennifer, I would skip the liner lock version. I have one and though I like it, I have to be careful not to get cut when folding the knife up. They are strong pulls and I might pick up another on the exchange minus the liner lock.

Regards,
Mark
Click to expand...


Mark,
Thanks for the info.
Jennifer
 
I think mine might be 6 or 7. It's the Tidioute version with no swedge so it's easily pinchable for me, and that makes it easier to open than with the nail nick.


In my opinion it's the best GEC I have, the TC barlow is right behind it though. The wharncliffe blades seem to be more popular than the spears when looking at what's still in stock. But I don't know if they made an equal amount of spears and wharncliffes.

If these are made again I'll most likely buy another one.
 
I wanted to clarify my post from the other day. When i got the #55 it was about an 8. I was using it last night to cut up some veggies and it seems to me that it has loosened up over time and a lot of use.
I would probably say it is about a 6.5-7 now.

 
fot0 said:
I wanted to clarify my post from the other day. When i got the #55 it was about an 8. I was using it last night to cut up some veggies and it seems to me that it has loosened up over time and a lot of use.
I would probably say it is about a 6.5-7 now.

Click to expand...

That is a nice knife fot0! If I ran across one in stag I would definitely buy it. Without the liner-lock of course. :)
 
Markesharp said:
That is a nice knife fot0! If I ran across one in stag I would definitely buy it. Without the liner-lock of course. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks! I know a site that has a few non-LL's in Stag if you are interested PM me. The #55 is such a great knife even with the heavy pull.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top