Gec #98 Texas cattle knife ?

Matt81818

Matt81818

Joined
Mar 30, 2015
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65
Has anyone handled a GEC #98 ime looking to get my first traditional for EDC and was just looking to get some opinions on this one. Worried it would be to big for a slip joint, although for modern folders I tend to go for larger knives (the two most carried are Spyderco military and strider smf).
Any other suggestions for a GEC would be great thanks.
 
I haven't handled it, but I've definitely heard that it's a large knife.


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It's definitely big. I think it's an acquired taste. I have carried and used my #98 Texas Camp Knife a lot, but I'm a big guy and don't wear slacks or dress pants or whatever to work.

If you like the Military and SMF, the size won't phase you. However, without a clip it can be difficult to carry without taking up a whole pocket. A pocket dangler on the bail will keep it from sinking to the bottom of your pocket, but it will still sit a bit crooked unless you have deep pockets.

I love mine and carry it often, but I definitely wouldn't suggest it as a first GEC for carry. Unfortunately many dealers are low on stock on most patterns right now because of the boom in popularity.

One of my favorite things about slipjoints is they can be a smaller partner to my modern edc. I would check out the #14s, as there are many left in stock.
 
I was really thinking about the #14 but I am afraid it's too small although they have some in green micarta which I love.
My cousin is really into these traditionals and I've handled a few #15 s and I would definitely get one of them if they where instock.
 
Matt81818 said:
I was really thinking about the #14 but I am afraid it's too small although they have some in green micarta which I love.
My cousin is really into these traditionals and I've handled a few #15 s and I would definitely get one of them if they where instock.
Click to expand...

The #14 to me is a medium size knife. The 2 blade #14 is bigger and heavier then a Peanut, but compared to a some other models it would be small. I don't have a #15 to compare it to.
 
Matt81818 said:
I was really thinking about the #14 but I am afraid it's too small although they have some in green micarta which I love.
My cousin is really into these traditionals and I've handled a few #15 s and I would definitely get one of them if they where instock.
Click to expand...
The 14 feels a good bit smaller than the 15. There are still some 15s around.
 
My "on the ranch" combo is generally a 15 soda scout and a 98 cattle knife in red micarta.

It's a pretty useful blade combo but the 98 does take up a whole pocket. It's a big knife, especially for a slipjoint. I'm going to get one of GECs new large belt sheaths for it and see how that goes. I bought a bunch of the 98 cattle knives and they all have great fit, finish, etc.

Have fun choosing!
 
The larger GEC 98 Texas Camp Knife is, to me, the perfectly engineered pocket EDC - big and beautiful, with the right blades/tools for me. I carry mine on a monkey fist lanyard with the ball/fist tucked under my belt and it just hangs in my right rear pocket, feels weightless with room left for comb and handkerchef. I've also heard that carrying it in a good leather slip also keeps it comfortable/manageable in the front pocket and leaves room for change.

But, my second choice would the thinner (but still awesome) GEC 98 Texas Cattle Knife. My $0.02.
 
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eath is 5 1/16"),
The Beretta is 4.25" (the Sheath is 5 1/16 "), the Sabre is 3 1/8" approx and then there is the GEC 98...just for some perspective.
It is fun to carry, but it will NEVER disappear into your pocket
 
Matt as a guy that came from moderns and is now totally obsessed with traditional knives I definitely feel your dilemma. I have a 14 on order and as a matter of fact it should be here tomorrow. However with a 2.37 inch main blade it may just be to small for someone used to a Military with a 4 inch blade in their pocket. GEC just came out with the #72 Cody Scout and they are readily available I ordered one today in Indian Rosewood and I think you might enjoy one. 3.12 inch clip point blade in 1095 steel and it's a lock back all this and less than $100. The #98 has a 3.75 inch clip main with a sheepsfoot second and spear third which kind of puts it in a category of a giant whittler. Also they are getting hard to find on the primary market. With GEC you will find that when they come out with a new pattern you like you need to move fast as they are always short runs and they may or may not repeat the pattern and if they do it could be a couple of years or so until they do. Any way best of luck to you in your venture toward traditional knives we're glad to have here in our little section of the internet. And please feel free to ask all the questions you want as you will find that not only is there a ton of knowledge in the members here but they are also very friendly and happy to share.
 
I have the 98 Camp Knife- it lives in an old Schrade belt pouch and away ya go.
Not sure how the discussion turned to 14s which are miniature in comparison. The 98 is the longest knife GEC make.
 
I have the 98 Camp, Cattle and Whittler knives. I like them all. I tend to carry them on the belt as they are big in the pocket. But the Cattle knife is just the right size in my opinion.
 
511 pants small "magazine" pockets are perfect for the 98. ;)


_______________________
- Dead men tell no tales -
 
I don't have a #98, so I can't really speak to that, but having seen comparison shots, I can tell you it's big.

I would second the recommendation of a #72. I just picked one up in Grizzly Cut Bone. It's not too big, but it definitely isn't small. If you've handled a #15, it's more substantial than that. I'd also say it's a good transition from moderns; no stiff pull, locking blade, etc.

91A233D1-D6F5-40DF-B3E2-5785BBCF8477.jpg


Of course, it's all about what you like, so if you think you'd like the #98, or if you like the looks of it best, go for it. The good thing about most GECs is they don't usually lose value on the secondary market, so you can buy something, check it out in person, and sell or trade it if you don't like it.

Coming from moderns the size you mentioned, I think you'll find the #14 really small. Great knife, but it's pretty diminutive compared to the other knives we're talking about here.
 
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