GEC 73 Genuine Stag

moonwilson said:
Nice knife, Kevin! GEC's stag is hard to beat. The 73 pattern is nice, I own a few. ;) The single bladed versions would benefit greatly from an easy-open cutout, IMHO. Even though it would probably look weird, and wouldn't be strictly "traditional", it would be nice to be able to get that blade open a bit easier. I've cracked my thumbnail more than a couple of times on a GEC #73.
Click to expand...

it's easy to make the easy open with a dremel tool. a friend of mine does it to all his slip joints, his finger nails are always
bitten to the quick.LOL

buzz
 
richstag said:
scarysharp - Visitor message coming for you as I believe they frown on vendor listing.
Click to expand...


My bad, mine is a #72 anyway - I'm always getting those two models mixed up.
BTW- Got your PM ;). I checked there and the next thing you know I found a beautiful half congress in stag. Of course I had to buy it :D
 
richstag said:
Cell pic

Quick question. In the first photo you can't see this triangular mark on the blade. I noticed it just now when I took the knife out of my pocket to use. It looks to symmetrical to be a manufacturing flaw. Any ideas what this mark could be? It is deep into the blade like the blade etch engraving on the side of the tang. Is it a rockwell mark? Maybe the oil from my hands got into it and darkened the steel because I didn't notice it at first. But I haven't used the blade so it was definitely there new. It is not on the new burnt stags or any of my other GEC's that I have inspected
I don't care if it is a manufacturing mark, I am just curious if it is something new that GEC is doing? Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

it MAY be some oxidation? or stain?

I have some gecs with black spots/pits similar to yours, does not go away in mine (unless I do a heavy job maybe)
 
Max, I actually received a response about the mark through the vendor from GEC. Its most likely a burn from the etch. It doesn't bother me. I sharpened the knife, cut a ton of carboard and still easily shaved hair. Its all good :)
 
It sure is Max. I put a simple 550 cord lanyard to see if I even want one on this sized traditional. So far...not sure :)

IMG-20110902-00017.jpg

Cell Pic
 
lanyards are something I miss on most slippies
always put lanyards on most gadgets and tools I have if possible, it's not only "cool" but comfy, won't break or drop anything so it's safer for the tools

would put a black paracord one on mine, but that one doesn't look bad either!
 
Yeah, the blue is all I have :). If I like it I'm going with black cord or leather
 
District10-20110905-00049.jpg

Cell Pic

This will probably be my last update on the knife for a while. The rest will be long term observations.

I have completely gotten used to the nail nick and really do not feel like I am slighted without a long pull. It just took a little getting used to. It is actually easier to open the knife in one steady sweep with the nail nick. The steel took on a very nice patina from food prep work...fruits, vegetables and meats. It was BLUE for a while...cool IMO and part of the fun of carbon steel :)

There is just something about the stag, the feel, the look etc that I just can't find an equal of. Even ivories are nice but stag is just something I love. This knife is extremely comfortable to use. So similar to my bloodred bone aside from the stag. The added thickness is not only more comfortable in hand but is more natural to handle and use.

I think my perfect knife would be this with a spear blade. The thing is, the drop point is excellent too, so maybe I already have my perfect knife :eek:. Speaking of the blade, it seems to be slightly harder then the two GEC's I have made users. It is a feel against the stone and a tone as I sharpen. I was also able to get it sharper. Its 'scary sharp'. It cuts everything period.

I ended up deciding the lanyard is a VERY useful addition. I replaced the blue cord with leather shoe lace. It is slightly less cumbersome, it flexes out of the way better and is less annoying in use then the cord. The leather is there in a good way, but never an annoyance...so far :)

Thanks for looking,
 
Another point about stag is that it will get better with use, who could dislike that?!

GEC certainly do put out some excellent stag, my 73 liner lock is a constant pocket friend and I've got a 25 Jack (horrible confession coming up...) that is so good I don't EDC it! The stag on this is deep but also it's fitted to the bolster and not ground back.
 
That's a very nice 73, richstag. :thumbup:

I also like lanyards on slipjoints, and was really happy to see these recents 73s that have lanyard holes.

I have a 2-blade cocobolo and a single-blade bocote. After using both, I consider the 2-blade to be an excellent companion for the woods, carried in a sheath. The thickness of the handle makes for a very solid grip, and it is nice to have a second blade sometimes. However, my favorite is the single blade. It is quite slim and a much better EDC for pocket carry, IMO. It is probably my single favorite pocketknife at this time and very close to what I would consider perfect.
 
Thanks guys.

And Willgoy, I wouldn't be ashamed of that. If this one didn't fit the bill so well for what I want, it would be in my collection staying pretty and simply being handled and admired from time to time. That is fun too :)
 
Gorgeous knife. Congrats!
 
Is the 73 the same size as the 23, only without the rear bolsters?

I sure love the stag!
 
I just posted this in your thread but I will put it here (terrible fluorescent cell shot)
GEC 54 Harness Jack
GEC 23 Pioneer
GEC 73 Scout
District10-20110909-00077.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top