GEC #56 Dogleg Jack Spear

[jazub]

Awww yeeeah
I feel like I went back in time a hundred and twenty years and picked out the best thing I could find. F&F is perfect, the ebony is dark, and the sharpness out of the tube is excellent. The shape of the main spear in hand makes it seem like quite a bit more blade than it actually is. For those who care (not me), the spine is just barely short of flush with the backspring when open.

I probably sound like a broken record with my praises for GEC but, what can I say, I dig 'em :thumbup::thumbup:
If I can swing it, I'd like to pick up a bone handled variation of this pattern as well. We'll see.
Hope these pics help those who are interested.

 

[Railsplitter]

Excellent pics, jazub!

 

[TLARbb]

jazub, both of those are looking just spectacular. It's hard for me to know which one l like best. :thumbup: - Ed

 

[knifeswapper]

Nice pics Corey!! One thing I just noticed, the spear models have 4 pins as opposed to 3 pins in the clip point #56.

Some would say they both have 5 pins; but on the clip two are nickel silver nails through the bolsters and the spear only has one nail. Since it is bare end you don't need another pin through that end, so they moved it to the top.

Also, the difference in the countersunk spun pins is that they are only holding the slab on; whereas the center and first end spring nails hold the knife together and are peened much tighter. On the slab pins the hole is tapered and broadened at the top so it can be spun below the surface for a tight fit on the slab, but no real pressure once applied. I wish they were all a little countersunk, but most makers buff down into it taking the slab down to meet the bolsters.

 

[jazub]

Thanks a lot, guys. I'm glad you like 'em.
I sure do enjoy having them side by side -but it's going to be difficult to decide which goes in the pocket tomorrow....
nah! It's the "new guy"

 

[biglmbass]

For those who care (not me), the spine is just barely short of flush with the backspring when open.I probably sound like a broken record with my praises for GEC but, what can I say, I dig 'em

Could you please provide a photo? I too am a big fan, but more than just a smidge of underblading would bother me.

 

[biglmbass]

Also, could you tell me how long the spear blade is? Thanks.

 

[jazub]

Hi biglmbass,

I have entered relax mode for the evening and the camera is away. I can try to get a pic in the morning before I head out. Seriously, though, it is miniscule. To me, it's flush. I only mentioned it to shine light on the adjustment they made. GEC really seems to have addressed the concerns voiced here about where a blade is seated.

I had zero issue with the first #56 but this one appears to have been adjusted to suit those who did. I'd say: "problem" solved. :thumbup:

 

[J. Oeser]

Corey, thanks for the great pics and review and info on where to find one. I look forward to getting one in my hands.

 

[jujigatame]

That barehead spear in ebony is really great looking. Enough so that it seems to breaking down my resistance to this model that had been based on the pen blade placement. Must...remain...strong...

 

[Will Power]

Jazub, many thanks for the useful comparison shots of Clip and Spear versions.
Yet more evidence of the beauty of Barehead knives I'd say I like the fact that the Spear has more 'back' to it running along the frame of the knife, whereas, the Clip is more streamlined and shorter.

Wonder what the Spring Green bone version looks like in a photo? Could be just right or, could be gaudy

 

[2Dead]

Jazub, many thanks for the useful comparison shots of Clip and Spear versions.
Yet more evidence of the beauty of Barehead knives I'd say I like the fact that the Spear has more 'back' to it running along the frame of the knife, whereas, the Clip is more streamlined and shorter.

Wonder what the Spring Green bone version looks like in a photo? Could be just right or, could be gaudy

Borrowed pic. I don't think it looks bad at all.

 

[biglmbass]

Seriously, though, it is miniscule. To me, it's flush. I only mentioned it to shine light on the adjustment they made. GEC really seems to have addressed the concerns voiced here about where a blade is seated. I had zero issue with the first #56 but this one appears to have been adjusted to suit those who did. I'd say: "problem" solved. :thumbup:

That's good to know and very encouraging.

Wonder what the Spring Green bone version looks like in a photo? Could be just right or, could be gaudy

I've been wondering the same. On GEC's site it looks pretty good with just enough black to make it look attractive, IMO. Much like their antique yellow.

 

[jazub]

Jazub, many thanks for the useful comparison shots of Clip and Spear versions.
Yet more evidence of the beauty of Barehead knives I'd say I like the fact that the Spear has more 'back' to it running along the frame of the knife, whereas, the Clip is more streamlined and shorter.

Wonder what the Spring Green bone version looks like in a photo? Could be just right or, could be gaudy

Glad to share, willgoy
I also have been considering the Spring Green. As long as there's no neon to it, it sounds very good. Based on the pic from GEC and the one 2Dead shared, I'm very tempted to give it a try.

 

[tomsch]

Now I'm really getting excited. My ebony is arriving today!

 

[Will Power]

Yes, that green looks decent, fine jig as usual with GEC.

All these knives that need buying! Not such levels of available wealth to keep up with it,sigh!

 

[thawk]

I got a 56 in the mail today. It's a keeper. It is not jet black, but it is very attractive, so I do like the handles. Very nice color and texture. No issues with the pins. Springs and blades match up fine, and the blades are centered. The blades open and close with ease. The snap could be a little stronger on the pen, but not a problem at all. It feels great in the hand, has great curves, and it is sharp. The overall appearance, you be the judge.

I like it, and satisfied I bought the Ebony. I'll carry this one a lot. Great size for me. :thumbup:

 

[tomsch]

I just received mine today and the ebony also is more on the browner side. Looks really good though. F&F is great with just a little bit of underblading. Pulls are SO much nicer than my other #56. Nice snap but smooth and not even close to being a nail breaker. Blade is perfectly centered and sharper than previous GECs.

Sorry for the poor pictures but it was a race to take them before it became too dark.

 

[Rick]

My ebony #56 came in a few days ago. The reverse scale is unusually dark, while the obverse scale is the more typical black with a few light streaks. The fit is excellent, with no gaps anywhere, well-centered blades, crisp, even swedges and flush springs both open and closed. The "underblading" is almost absent from the master blade, but the pen still has a small step; no big deal in my book. The open blades are nice and straight and the angle of the spines blend smoothly with the handle, unlike the clip blade version, whose open blades seem a little hunched over by comparison.

The walk was decent out of the tube, and it's smoothing out nicely after the blades have been opened and closed a few times with a drop of oil in the joints. Like Thawk, my pen blade is a tad light on closing snap, but nothing to worry about. Both pulls are in the firm sweet spot, there's no wobble and the open blades both present plenty of confidence inspiring resistance when pressing on their spines with a thumb.

It's extremely gratifying that GEC's knives went from dull-as-a-Queen to literally hair-popping sharp with these new Doglegs. I wouldn't hesitate to drop this knife into my pocket without first touching up the edges on a stone or even a strop. No burrs *cough*Case*cough* or uneven edge bevels, either. This knife has the keenest factory edge I've seen in recent memory on a modern slipjoint. :thumbup:

 

[waynorth]

Thanks for showing your Doglegs, guys!
That is one sweet pattern. I can't decide whether I like the dark ebony, or the brown streaky one - they are both so great!
Gotta get me one.