Help with GEC choice

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Coyja

Coyja

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Nov 7, 2009
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Looking to get a GEC knife and have pretty much narrowed it down to EZ open and #73.
I actually like the style of the #73 more, but am worried about the pull needed to open it. Which is why I'm mostly considering the EZ Open option, but I'm not super happy with the blade choices. I'd go with the sheepsfoot if I get one.
Anyhow, I'm looking for help with these models.

Anyone have both and can comment on the difference in nail breaking ability of both? Is the EZ Open really that much easier?

And what is the deal with half stops?
I can't seem to find any comprehensive list of what GEC models come with or without half stops. And I'm not sure if I should even care, but it seems like a big point of argument for slipjoints in general.
Thanks!
 
I should also add that I grew up using a Sodbuster Jr, which was awhile ago, but is my main point of reference for how I'd like a knife to open up. I just like the GEC style, and I usually camp not too far from the Tidioute river...
 
I recently found myself in the same dilemma.

I ended up opting for the #73 in yellow rose bone, and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

I almost went with a spear pointed ez open, or the muskrat furtaker.

I believe I will go for one of them next.
 
I have both, and they aren't really in the same class. The EZ Open is a small knife, the 73 twin blade seems a whole lot bigger. They have gotten better about their spring stiffness, and so I wouldn't let that determine which knife I bought.
 
Yeah, the more I look at them, the more i want the 73. I'm opting for a single blade, though.
 
Just got my first #25 pattern barlow, but not an ez open. It's a VERY small knife, beautiful but small. I have several #73s, and they are very hard to beat. Great, useful, pocketable size.
 
One solution could be to choose a Liner lock version of the No.73. This is single blade and the pull is MUCH MUCH lighter than on the 2 blade version I have, or even on the so-called EZ Open....It is still a slipjoint as it will work if you removed the lock, but the pull is thumb friendly without any hint of blade wobble or flimsiness. They do these in Stag, Bone and Acrylic, all carbon. I can send you a link to a good dealer if you like.
 
If you stick with anything 2009 they seemed to have found a happy medium on the backspring strength. But, as mentioned, even the older single blade scouts are much lighter than the 2 blade models. The #25 (3") frame is very pocket friendly if that size knife will accommodate your needs as well.

So just look thru a good selection of them and pick with confidence, they are great knives. If it is for carry, you might also check out a dealer with "EDC" selections as you can get a good discount in return for some small cosmetic issue.

Mike Latham
CollectorKnives.Net
 
Thanks for all the help guys, I settled on the 73 single blade. Caught it in one or two youtube videos and I think (hope) I can handle the pull.
willgoy, I really liked the linerlocks, too, but didn't find a handle material I liked. I went with the more straight forward Tidioute #73 slipjoint model from KSF in tractor green.
knifeswapper, wish I had seen your site last night, you have an awesome selection!
I'll likely be getting an EZ Open for work and one of them linerlocks, too, so expect to here from me again...
These GEC knives definitely seem really high quality. I can't wait to get mine in now.
Thanks all!
 
Coyja said:
Thanks for all the help guys, I settled on the 73 single blade. Caught it in one or two youtube videos and I think (hope) I can handle the pull.
willgoy, I really liked the linerlocks, too, but didn't find a handle material I liked. I went with the more straight forward Tidioute #73 slipjoint model from KSF in tractor green.
knifeswapper, wish I had seen your site last night, you have an awesome selection!
I'll likely be getting an EZ Open for work and one of them linerlocks, too, so expect to here from me again...
These GEC knives definitely seem really high quality. I can't wait to get mine in now.
Thanks all!
Click to expand...

I ordered the single blade yellow rose from Mike Latham.

I have accumulated knives more than collected them over the years, really. I picked up the ones that appealed to me from a user standpoint.

As a result, they were mainly Schrades, Camillus, a few Case blades, and then Marbles and Bark River after Marbles went belly up.

Never has a single brand so intrigued me as GEC.

I love the concept--traditional designs and materials with this level of execution.
 
Coonskinner said:
I almost went with a spear pointed ez open, or the muskrat furtaker.

I believe I will go for one of them next.
Click to expand...

Those muskrat furtakers look nice, Coonskinner. (4 1/8" long with 2 blades - a clip and a sheepsfoot/wharncliffe, for those of you wondering).

I've got a #73 single blade coming soon. It's 3 3/4" long, and with just a single blade I'm figuring it will carry real well.

I'm wondering how the furtaker carries at 4 1/8" and with 2 blades. Seems like these GEC's are fairly heavy for their size. Anyone have one of these yet?

KSF, CK & TSA all have some of the furtakers in yellow rose of texas smooth bone that look pretty sweet! :D
 
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knifeswapper said:
If you stick with anything 2009 they seemed to have found a happy medium on the backspring strength. But, as mentioned, even the older single blade scouts are much lighter than the 2 blade models. The #25 (3") frame is very pocket friendly if that size knife will accommodate your needs as well.

So just look thru a good selection of them and pick with confidence, they are great knives. If it is for carry, you might also check out a dealer with "EDC" selections as you can get a good discount in return for some small cosmetic issue.

Mike Latham
CollectorKnives.Net
Click to expand...

Mike., are the muskrats 2 backspr1ngs or 1 and do they have half stops?
 
coyote711 said:
Those muskrat furtakers look nice, Coonskinner. (4 1/8" long with 2 blades - a clip and a sheepsfoot/wharncliffe, for those of you wondering).

I've got a #73 single blade coming soon. It's 3 3/4" long, and with just a single blade I'm figuring it will carry real well.

I'm wondering how the furtaker carries at 4 1/8" and with 2 blades. Seems like these GEC's are fairly heavy for their size. Anyone have one of these yet?

KSF, CK & TSA all have some of the furtakers in yellow rose of texas smooth bone that look pretty sweet! :D
Click to expand...


My #73 ought to be here in a day or two.

The yellow rose furtaker may be a big knife, but I tend to carry the bigger ones. If you don't wear your britches too tight it isn't such a big deal. :)

I think I'll try it for my next one.
 
Coonskinner said:
Never has a single brand so intrigued me as GEC.

I love the concept--traditional designs and materials with this level of execution.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: GEC seems to be doing a lot of things right.

I've got a few new Case knives lately, and it seems there are always one or two "issues" with them. Interestingly, I recently received a 7 year old Case knife (Mini-copperlock) that I got on the 'bay, and the F/F is perfect - good snap, locks up tight, and dead center in the liners when closed - this was no "safe queen" either - it had been used.
 
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My only worry now is what actual knife I will be getting from KSF!
They have had only one in stock of the tractor green for a few days now, but I realized after I ordered one today that they now had three in stock.
I hope I get the one they had posted as a picture, cause that's the one I wanted and the whole reason I bought from them!
Some of the tractor greens are VERY dark, it seems...I liked the brighter color.
 
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I am from Titusvlle and along the Tidioute river is a great place to camp (but watch out for the S.A.R.P.E.N.T!) . I am very pleased with the fur-taker and love the sheepsfoot/wharncliff blade in particular on the yellow rose.
 
slopingcompanion said:
I am from Titusvlle and along the Tidioute river is a great place to camp (but watch out for the S.A.R.P.E.N.T!) . I am very pleased with the fur-taker and love the sheepsfoot/wharncliff blade in particular on the yellow rose.
Click to expand...

Also the Minister Creek area! I love that whole area or Oil City, Titusville, Allegheny Forest. On e of my college roommates was from Titusville, too. (From Youngstown, myself)
Once I found GEC, and saw the quality, I knew it was just a matter of time.
Now, where'd I put my Straub...?
 
willgoy said:
You can get Liner locks in Tractor Green too.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'll likely get a linerlock, too, but this was the green tractor scout on KSF, and I really like the richness of color. Hopefully, its actually the one I'll get!

(this is KSF's picture, not mine!)
gec_73_102209_2.jpg
 
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