My First GEC (pics added)

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totallynotalex

Joined
Apr 14, 2009
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I believe the saying is 'resistance is futile.' I'm really not sure how I made it this long without purchasing a GEC. But I am finally ready to order one and I figured I would ask the professionals in here. I've narrowed it down to either the 73 or the 72. Thats really all I've gotten to so far. I was hoping you guys could maybe post some pics or experience you have had with either of these. Any and all information would be appreciated, thanks!
 
I have a couple of 73's with bone handles. The two bladed are a great size in my hand. Not too big, not too small.

Of course, the one bladed model on that frame would be great too.

Large and small (23 and 73 frame, two bladed pioneer/trapper). (these Scharade are GEC made, and can't be beat for the money! 1095 steel, and just as nice, if not more than my Northfields, I do love zippered pulls!)

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I promise the hair in that picture is not there by accident. A little test medium for sharpening



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The yellow handled GEC Northfield is a single bladed 23, and my first GEC (sent to me by another member on here to get me hooked).

Pumpkin carving using the spey blade!

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Sorry about the horrible pic quality. (the bad ones are cell phone pics).

I can't speak to the GEC 72 pattern from use. It sure does look great, especially with pinch able spear blade!


In use the 72 is a great size. Not too heavy in the pocket if you are worried about that (I don't, care, and carry big ones all the time).
 
I have a 72 lock back that I like. It's a well made knife and it's easier to pocket carry compared to other beefier lockbacks. Mine Had some up and down play, I don't know if they're all like that but it's something to watch out for. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with a GEC.
 
The #73 is a good pattern. It's not too big to carry, yet still quite filling for my medium sized hands. The newer versions have lanyard holes unlike the older ones. Here's mine with Smooth Almond Bone.

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I think you will be happy with either decision though, so my recommendation is to go with whatever scale material and blade selection you find most appealing.
 
I tried to resist, I really did. But I gave in. To replace that Queen heading your way I purchased a 72 in cocobolo. Then just tonight I received an email saying that the primitive bone 73 I had been searching for had been found. It too will be on its way here soon. Futile indeed!
 
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I love the 73, it's the knife that goes in my pocket more often than any other. I have two:
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Wow, that is tough.
I sit here at my desk with a #72 and a #73 staring at me, I think they ready the thread while I wasn't looking.

My #72 is the classy gentleman folder, it has a very silky smooth open to it and it "clicks" into position with a very affirming, well, click. The lock is tight and the blade doesn't get that urge to wriggle about, it just stays put. I have one with a Stainless Steel blade, so it's my food prep knife. It goes everywhere I do and it cuts what needs cut. I used it for steak the other day and it cut like a champion, it's a very nice lockack.

My #73 is the cowboy of this story. He is the one at home on horseback or in the field, as long as there is a tough job, do it now, knife work, he is ready. I have busted bails, feed sacks, fertilizer sacks, I have cut PVC pipe and many, many other various duties to be done on a farm. The is the knife that Slams into position and locks up with a very smooth liner system. They are just about the same size, but the #73 is more work ready, it can handle a little bit more. It is chunkier as well so it doesn't get the slim carry award.

You can't go wrong with a GEC, and you are on the right track with the two patterns selected. :thumbup:
 
I just got a #73 in chocolate bone last night in the mail. Examining it really reaffirms how the GEC Scout (though patterned after the venerable Remington R1128) is nearly a perfect knife.
Hefty yet pocketable. It feels like a much bigger knife in hand despite its 3.75" closed length.
 
I only have one of the two patterns you're looking at but I'm a big fan of the #72. It's a lot of blade in a slim profile, but I don't think you can go wrong with either :thumbup:

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Nathan
 
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I would personally go with the 73. Reason being, I prefer a slipjoint to a lockback.
 
Well I think I know which one I'm gonna get, I'm thinking the 72 with the plum jigged bone handles with 1095. I was looking to find a 73 like johnny had but it produced no results. Actually it's been a pain finding a good dealer.
 
GEC's can be hard to come by as they're usually produced in relatively small numbers. I'd say the fun is in the hunt but that's not true, it's much more fun to get what you're looking for :) Let us know what you decide!

Nathan
 
got such a good deal [vendor deleted] I ended up buying one of each :D
 
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johnny twoshoes said:
Wow, that is tough.
I sit here at my desk with a #72 and a #73 staring at me, I think they ready the thread while I wasn't looking.

My #72 is the classy gentleman folder, it has a very silky smooth open to it and it "clicks" into position with a very affirming, well, click. The lock is tight and the blade doesn't get that urge to wriggle about, it just stays put. I have one with a Stainless Steel blade, so it's my food prep knife. It goes everywhere I do and it cuts what needs cut. I used it for steak the other day and it cut like a champion, it's a very nice lockack.

My #73 is the cowboy of this story. He is the one at home on horseback or in the field, as long as there is a tough job, do it now, knife work, he is ready. I have busted bails, feed sacks, fertilizer sacks, I have cut PVC pipe and many, many other various duties to be done on a farm. The is the knife that Slams into position and locks up with a very smooth liner system. They are just about the same size, but the #73 is more work ready, it can handle a little bit more. It is chunkier as well so it doesn't get the slim carry award.

You can't go wrong with a GEC, and you are on the right track with the two patterns selected. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I was just curious johnny but what is that handle material called on your 73? I'd love to get one like that but I'm having a heck of a time trying to find one like it.
 
It's going to be tough to find, but it's called Carved Pumpkin Bone.
It's an awesome scale option. Though I believe it was farmed out, at least thats what I heard.
 
Yea I haven't turned up anything. So I think I'm going to go with the Northfield 72 with the Plum Jig Bone handles. Does the nail nick on that knnife determine whether it'll be hard to open?
 
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