GEC 73. The perfect pocket knife?

[Norcaldude]

It's pretty much the perfect size and blade for my edc needs.

I've had quite a few 73's pass through my hands but I just have two now.
Both single blades. The two blade 73's are not to my liking.

I've had two of the autos based on the 73 pattern. I'd still have one if they were legal to carry here in California and they weren't so rare.

Looks like it's been 5 years since GEC last did a run of these.

This is the 735115 with a liner lock and micarta scales.



The second 73 is also 735115 but stag and no lock.

 

[kamagong]

No such thing as perfect. I carry my stag #73 more than any other knife, but it's because of sentimental reasons. Truth be told I'm pretty content with any 3 3/4" single blade.

 

[Will Power]

It's the knife that launched and made GEC I'd say. Singles certainly best, too bulky as a Jack (most knives are ) If I found such a thing as a perfect knife, I'd likely lose interest .....

Both the ones you show are real worthies, they do work well with the additional liner-lock.

Mine comprise Northfield Sambar liner-lock, Northfield Bone, Northfields Orange Jigges with flat bolster, Tdioute Bonestag liner-lock, Tidioute Osage Orange liner lock, Tidioute Smooth Bone Beaver Tail- which I think has a Spey blade. Single blade Stainless (mod).

 

[tmd_87]

29, 72, 73, 74, 77, 93, 15, and the 35 are favorites of mine.

 

[abcdef]

White Owl.

 

[colubrid]

I gotta admit that locking 73 in the OP first pic does seem like the perfect knife.

My dad (who would have been over 100 years old if he was alive today) told me a pocket knife has to have a blade long enough to slice bread.

 

[Modoc ED]

Norcaldude

Here is a single blade #73 Trapper that I have

and although you said two blade #73 Trappers weren't to your liking, here is one so others can see what they're like.

 

[joeradza]

My dad (who would have been over 100 years old if he was alive today) told me a pocket knife has to have a blade long enough to slice bread.

That describes my requirements perfectly.

 

[Will Power]

Depends on the size of the loaf of course but I agree a single blade needs to be a decent size, also for fruits such as Melon, big citrus, Pineapple drool. Small blades are very OK as secondaries or for a compact gent's knife, but for meaningful work you need it large.

 

[Will Power]

 

[Old Engineer]

I am not sure that a 73 is the Perfect Knife , but it will do until one I like better comes along .







Harry

 

[Cooter Brown]

Love my 73s. They were my first GECs--I got two in '07. Both are clip/spey configuration. The Northfield in Red Buffalo bone is new in tube, the Tidioute in Green River bone has seen a lot of miles. It's the knife I carry when I bird hunt, and I bird hunt a lot.

I've never had a single blade 73 in hand, but I don't find the two blade version to be bulky.

 

[JohnDF]

I'd judge a perfect knife by how often I carry it, how it performs, and my unwillingness to part with it.
Of all the knives I own, I'd say my Regular Lambsfoot knives and my GEC #73 Single Blade Liner Lock come the closest.

 

[cudgee]

my unwillingness to part with it.

That is a pretty good, simple indicator.

 

[cudgee]

I am not sure that a 73 is the Perfect Knife , but it will do until one I like better comes along .







Harry

Great pic in the vegie garden.

 

[redsparrow]

Maybe not perfect but for years I've said my liner-lock 73 is, "The best pocket knife made in the western hemisphere." Others may compare but none beat it.

The Yin and Yang of 73s

Unfortunately for me but advantageous for the knife industry, the 73's blade is 1/16 inch over the legal limit to carry concealed, in my state. Since I don't want to shorten the blade, I've continued trying out quite a few other knives. Always looking for the one that compares and is legal. After many enjoyable years of searching but way too many dollars spent I've come across a close second. The stag 74! For me it most nearly fits the bill of the best and legal pocket knife. There are others that might be as good as a 74 and I will still treasure the 73s but a 74 is the one that gets carried most often, especially since getting the stag model. Sorry no 74 pics here, don't want to derail this wonderful thread.

 

[Markeologist]

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[hornetguy]

29, 72, 73, 74, 77, 93, 15, and the 35 are favorites of mine.

Well, at least you have it narrowed down.....