GEC 86 size reference (Help!)

[hhmoore]

With the 2021 traditional forum knife being an 86, and me having largely ignored that pattern, I'm trying to sort out the size
I've seen the numbers, of course; but tenths (and hundredths) of an inch seem so small on paper...or, in this case, in type on a screen.
I was hoping a few kind members would post a few pics for size reference. Ideally, an 86 with a 77, 73, 47, or 93. Closed is fine, as that's how they go in my pocket .
Thank you, in advance, for your efforts!!

 

[Pàdruig]

Hopefully this helps - they are all in alignment at the top of bolster.

Left to right - 93, 47, 86, 77, 73

 

[mcc850]

I often hear people complaining about the heft of the 86. Are they much heavier than the 47 which seems to be of similar size? They have to be a fair amount lighter than the 2 blade 23's which is my heaviest knife to compare to. The 47, 74, 35s hit the sweet spot for me.

 

[Pàdruig]

I often hear people complaining about the heft of the 86. Are they much heavier than the 47 which seems to be of similar size? They have to be a fair amount lighter than the 2 blade 23's which is my heaviest knife to compare to. The 47, 74, 35s hit the sweet spot for me.

It is difficult to judge, to be honest, especially since I do not have a scale that I can adequately compare with.

That said, the single blade barehead 86s that I have are considerably lighter than the 2-blade versions with end caps. The 2019 Forum 86 is the lightest of the bunch with its wood covers. I don't notice too much of a weight difference between the wood single blade 86 and a bone covered 47 - that could be better determined with a scale, I think.

Our forum knife this year will be a bit heavier with that big Barlow bolster but it shouldn't be anywhere near as heavy/large as a 23.

 

[mcc850]

It is difficult to judge, to be honest, especially since I do not have a scale that I can adequately compare with.

That said, the single blade barehead 86s that I have are considerably lighter than the 2-blade versions with end caps. The 2019 Forum 86 is the lightest of the bunch with its wood covers. I don't notice too much of a weight difference between the wood single blade 86 and a bone covered 47 - that could be better determined with a scale, I think.

Our forum knife this year will be a bit heavier with that big Barlow bolster but it shouldn't be anywhere near as heavy/large as a 23.

Sounds like this will be right in my sweet spot. Thanks for the info Dylan!

 

[black mamba]

I just used my very accurate postal scale to weigh five different GECs. For reference, wood is usually lighter than bone or stag.

3¾" primitive bone #78 2-blade . . . . . . . . 94 grams
3⅞" desert ironwood #47 1-blade . . . . . . 72 grams
3⅞" Gabon ebony #86 2-blade . . . . . . . . 112 grams
3⅞" Sambar stag #86 2-blade . . . . . . . . . 116 grams
4½" stag bone #23 1-blade . . . . . . . . . . . 142 grams

 

[GaiusJulius]

Subjectively a 23 is a bigger and heavier knife, even as a single blade, than a two-blade 86. Not sure of actual weight but that is the impression in pocket and hand. But a two blade 86 is a big chunky knife and is a bit much, compared to a 2 blade 77.

A single blade 86 (which I have never had the privilege to hold) should be a nice middle ground between the two blade 86 and something smaller -while still being a “big knife.”

 

[hhmoore]

Thank you, Pàdruig . It appears that the 86 is only marginally larger than the 47 and 93. I had a hard time embracing the 47, due to how it sits in my pocket...oddly, I find the 93 a bit less obtrusive (perhaps because I got used to the 47?). Fingers crossed - I'm still in.