Help me choose my first GEC.

T

thesouthernguitarist

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Aug 19, 2010
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For the longest time I continued to talk myself out of buying a GEC, cause their kind of expensive. But I finally decided that I'm gonna order one. The problem is, I don't have the slightest idea which model I want. I considered a #73 single blade, but I think that it's probably a little to big for comfortable everyday carry. I also like the #66 Calf Roper. What is the most popular/best selling model? Maybe that would help me make a decision? My budget is $110 and under. I prefer bone handles, with a handle size anywhere from 3-4 inches. Any reccomendations?
 
The Calf Roper you mention is a very nice size at 3.5" Not too big and not too small. Great for a EDC. Go for it!!!!
 
As far as most popular/best selling that would go to the #23 and #73's........though for a slightly smaller frame..Grant hit it go for the #66 Calf Roper for a serpentine pattern or the White Owl also a 3 1/2" on a equal end single spring frame..
 
White Owl in Bone or Ebony would likely suit.

The 66 pattern also comes in 2 blade versions Jack and Moose (each end) I hear that a new issue of the Moose model is in the pipeline.I'm eagerly awaiting this.
Consider the 56 Dogleg Jack, a fine carry, (heavier than a White Owl). If you like Wharncliffes then the 62 model would suit you well.
 
Not the most popular patterns, but far and away my favorites; the #62 in single-spring half-Congress and split-backspring whittler configurations. Very comfortable in the hand and the pocket, and top-of-their-game workmanship with no issues. The whittler in particular has perfectly dialed-in pulls and flawless blade seating.

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I'm pretty sure the #73 is GEC's most popular pattern. I believe the #53s are next but are bigger than you're asking for. I think if you're interested in a #66 then that would be a good choice too.
 
One thing to keep in mind about a #73 single blade vs Calf Roper is that while the #73 is 1/4" longer, it's also thinner. I don't have a Calf Roper, but I'm guessing it might weigh a little more than a #73 single blade, too. Just depends upon your usage, how many blades you want, and even on the type of pants you wear.

Your satisfaction may also depend on how you view the "nail breaker" issue. Some of the older GEC's especially were known to be pretty darn hard to open. That's highly subjective of course - one man's nice pull may be another man's wimpy pull, and what's a nail breaker to one may be just right for someone else.

On the "smaller, thinner, easy-to-open" end I'd recommend looking at the Conductor or White Owl. Both are great knives. I just got a single blade #73 and so far I'm pretty impressed with how easily it carries for a 3 3/4" knife.
 
I like both my cocobolo 72 and my ebony 68. Both are single spring so they are slim enough to slip into a pocket. At 3.5" long the 68 is a bit shorter than the 3.875" 72, so its profile in the pocket is a bit smaller. The primitive bone scales of the 73 I had briefly made it quite a bit thicker than the cocobolo on the 72, and being an earlier in the year 2011 model, it was almost impossible for me to open with a fingernail.
 
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Thanks everyone for all the replies. You've all given me alot to think about. Right now I think it's a toss up between a #73, #66 Calf Roper, or #68 White Owl... Is the #73 to big of a knife for edc? I almost always wear slim cut Wrangler jeans if that helps anyone.
 
I can't say if this is representative, because I have a sample of just one, but my primitive bone 73 was quite a bit thicker than my cocobolo 72. That made it a bit too large for me to pocket.
 
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You'll have to wait for others to chime in and answer that. I have only seen and held the one primitive bone Scout.
 
I believe its just because it is primitive bone. They leave it as is, kinda like stag. Their normal jigged bone is roughly the same thickness as wood. Here is a pic I took a while ago of a bone 2 blade #73, a wood #73, and a bone #72 (same thickness as a single blade #73, perhaps slightly thicker steel on the #73).
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I don't carry it too often but when I do I keep it in my pocket next to my wallet and it carries just fine.

Edit: I don't have my calf roper or another #66 in front of me but I believe it is either as thick or slightly thinner than the 2 blade #73. A Jack is definitely thinner because the pen blades are thinner. I did find a second comparison pic though.
IMG_1526.jpg
 
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I have the EZ Open Jack, which I think is #23, and I don't like the fat blade, but it is a really nice knife otherwise. Nice and slim and just big enough to get four fingers on.

If I were to do it again, I think I'd get a #72. #73 is too big for pocket carry, IMO. If you don't mind a belt pouch, it might be a good choice.
 
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