GEC #73 Scout: Need Advice, Please

Yeah, is it a chore to ship back to the US from the UK? I bet the shop could do some modifications. I think there is some difference in design. Shims or something?

IDK for sure.
 
Yeah, is it a chore to ship back to the US from the UK? I bet the shop could do some modifications. I think there is some difference in design. Shims or something?

IDK for sure.

Yep and yep! I'm toying with the shipping back option. To be honest my #72 won't see serious use so I'll probably live with it.

Glad you got a good one Neeman, do seem to be a bit hit and miss though...

P.S. Meant to say Fallkniven TK3, built by Moki, flawless:)
 
That stinks. Maybe a local custom maker could help you out?

Good thought, I'll put some feelers out. Purely from a collectors perspective it wouldn't matter but i'm still clinging onto the idea that i buy knives to use!:)
 
I do need a locking version! I don't think the pattern looks at all bad with a lock back!
 
Thanks, everyone, for all the great pics and helpful comments on the #73. Yep, resistance was futile, and I pulled the trigger on a nice single blade version in cocobolo. I sharpened it up and rounded off the sharp tang, and it was ready to go. Great size and feel and it has taken a very keen edge---a really formidible slicer. This is my first with GEC with coco scales, and I'm very pleased with the rich look.

The pull isn't bad at all---firm but very manageable (I think I probably got one of the newer ones).

It originally had a flat spot on the edge where it hit the spring where it protrudes by the middle pin, but some additional sharpening seems to have remedied that.

It is a definite winner, and I can understand its great popularity among GEC fans. Thanks again for everyone's guidance.

Andrew

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Hi Andrew,

The lanyard hole indicates a newer one. The previous versions didn't have it, just the 4th pin.
 
Thanks, guys. For a fairly modestly priced GEC, this one has a real upper end look to it....in my eyes at least.

Andrew
 
Glad you pulled the trigger, it's a great knife. I was going to tell you, the single blade version is a very slender build, I consider it somewhat of a gents knife (because it is light and slender, and perty) but I guess you know that already!
 
Thanks, gents. Yes, this #73 is quite slim and that makes it easy on the pocket. But, now my appetite is whetted to try a 2-blade version at some point. I imagine the grip is better, but Chris at GEC indicated to me that, although some of the newer single blade 73s have a somewhat easier spring, this isn't necessarily true of the 2-blade models.

So, are the 2-blade 73s mostly bear traps?

Thanks,

Andrew
 
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I have a Scagel Barehead jack which is made by GEC on the #73 pattern. The pattern has a nice clip main and a very usable pen blade. The pull on the pen is pretty firm but both blades have a cutout nick, making them easy to open (not everyone's cup of tea mind). I like the extra width of 2 blades, it gives the knife a bit more heft in the hand and the shorter pen blade doesn't interfere with your fingers. GEC also make their own model in a variety of scale/main blade combinations:)

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Sam
 
I just traded my first 73, but was able to purchase the 73 that got me interested in the pattern from a local knife maker. Both two blade trappers. I have seen a few single blade linerlocks, but prefer the slipjoint myself. I did get a single blade Northfield 23 slipjoint, and I would like to pick up a single blade 73 if they are built like this one. It's a nail breaker, literally, but I have gotten it smoothed out considerably in only a month and a half. Can't see pics right now on lunch, but I will be sure to check it out on the phone or on the home computer.
 
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