GEC Eureka jack or Case Sway back jack ?

[flatblackcapo]

I can not make up my mind between these two fine knives. Can you fine folks lend your opinions on this conundrum?

 

[JustinR]

I have both and I prefer the Eureka pattern.

Can't go wrong with either though.

 

[wlfryjr]

In general Case knives are not in the same league as GEC.

 

[mike Berkovitch]

Both

Mike

 

[jujigatame]

Start with this - do you want a smaller knife or one that's more medium-sized?

 

[bonky]

Two votes for owning both and picking the Eureka.

Both are nice, but Great Eastern are the best production knives available. Ymmv, of course.

 

[Hammer67]

#92!!

Production and execution differences aside, the Eureka is a significantly larger knife. While I like the swayback pattern, the one I briefly owned just felt a little too small for me. Have you looked at the GEC #55?

 

[bonky]

#92!!

Production and execution differences aside, the Eureka is a significantly larger knife. While I like the swayback pattern, the one I briefly owned just felt a little too small for me. Have you looked at the GEC #55?

Good suggestion, I really like a nice wharncliffe blade

 

[flatblackcapo]

Thanks folks for your prompt replies! I am sure that I will end up buying both at some point. I guess I should have asked which to buy first Smithhammer, That is a beautiful 92. I do like the look of the 55, especially with the wharncliffe blade.
Another question for you folks. Is the F&F of the swayback jack kinda hit and miss or are the pretty good across the board? I am not super picky as whatever I get will be a user.

 

[mike Berkovitch]

From my experience F&F of the SBJ is pretty good.
Mike

 

[Art_Vandeley]

I had both I prefer the Eureka

 

[A.P.F.]

I don't have both, but my stag sway back is a work of art. The finest finish of any knife that I own.

It looks much bigger in the pictures than real life.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I'm pretty new to traditionals, and I find myself liking more and more everyday, but one knife that has always just "done it" for me is the SBJ.

At this point I'm far more likely to choose a GEC over anything else, but I WILL own the Case eventually, without question.

Good luck!

 

[fatcorgi]

I've had both and would recommend both. The F&F on the SBJ was perfect, and the chestnut jigged bone was really nice. The Eureka is also an elegant knife, perfect small size with a good blade combination. I prefer GEC's 1095 to Case's CV, but these are really minor points.

 

[Peregrin]

Thanks folks for your prompt replies! I am sure that I will end up buying both at some point. I guess I should have asked which to buy first Smithhammer, That is a beautiful 92. I do like the look of the 55, especially with the wharncliffe blade.
Another question for you folks. Is the F&F of the swayback jack kinda hit and miss or are the pretty good across the board? I am not super picky as whatever I get will be a user.

I've got 3 Swayback Jacks and 1 Swayback Gent. The fit and finish is excellent on all of them.

 

[black mamba]

Both knives are nicely made and come in a variety of cover materials. I, too, believe the size should be the determining factor between the two.
Case's swayback jack is quite a small knife at 3-1/5", while the Eureka at a hair over 3-5/8" is very versatile.

 

[Mink]

Start with this - do you want a smaller knife or one that's more medium-sized?

Exactly, these are two very different knives.

I have had both and still have the Eureka, but only because the SBJ was in SS.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

I'm getting a real jonsin' for the Eureka, the handle shape looks like it would be comfortable to use too, but, spent too much already, ugh, help is needed I think much much help! but there are worse addictions I suppose, but hard to imagine!
G2

 

[Stich2442]

I've been carrying the Eureka for 3 weeks now, and it has become one of my favorites, it is rugged enough, but disappears in the pocket, big enough for kitchen, camp or trail without the bulk, plus for me the perfect blade combo, very well executed pattern, the steel liners make it look seamless.

Pete

 

[Hammer67]

Unfortunately, my experience with the SBJ I purchased a while back was underwhelming, even though I really wanted to like it. The color - cayenne - looked cheesy (subjective, I admit) and the dye-job was poorly done (not subjective). Alignment was poor, noticeable gaps. It seems that folks have experienced much more consistent attention to detail with the chestnut bone version, for whatever reason. Still, I would only purchase another one if I was able to personally inspect it first.

Not bashing on Case, but since you're asking, I'm being honest. There clearly are good examples of SBJs out there - just check it out if you can.