Nail Nick vs Long Pull on 72 & 73?

[KBA]

So I am looking at getting a 72 or 73 to go into my rotation. I own two 73s, but don't plan on carrying them, and I have never even held a 72. Aesthetics aside, which one performs better on each pattern, the nail nick or the long pull in your opinion? (Looking at a single blade that is not a spear or wharncliffe)

I have tried looking this question up, but I mostly found it depended on the pattern, or, was based on the aesthetics.

Thanks for any info on the topic.

 

[sogflash]

I have a 73 Northfield with a long pull. Because of the swedge, polished blade and stiff spring it's hard to pinch open. I wish I had chosen one with a nail nick, it would be easier to open.

I don't have a 72 lockback, but I think the pull it lighter on them. In my opinion a long pull looks better than a nail nick in most cases. So if I were to choose a 72 lockback I'd most likely get one with a long pull and just pinch it open.

 

[KBA]

Thanks Sog. I was wondering how the long pull was on a 73. Since the 72 is easier to open, and I do like the looks of a long pull, I may just go that way. Of course the easiest way to solve this is get both and sale one.

 

[black mamba]

To me the long pull is preferable for both looks and function. The 73 will have a drop point, while the 72 would be a clip. Here are some examples to consider.

73 drop point long pull (match strike below the swedge for maximum grip)

73 drop point nick (smaller knife of the two, nick inside swedge leaves the top shallow)

72 clip long pull (behind the swedge for great depth and grip)

72 clip nail nick (on the Great Eastern stainless and the Tidioutes nick is not in swedge so good grip)

A different clip blade, but compare the looks of long pull vs. nail nick on these two #85s. Your call, but for me the long pull looks better.

 

[KBA]

Thanks Jeff. Man those are beautiful! I agree that the long pull looks better, but I was hoping to learn which were easier to open. You guys have given me some great info. Thanks again.

 

[black mamba]

Brett, the long pulls are easier for me regardless of the pattern, because you can choose where to grab it to get the feel and leverage you want. I don't like a nick too far towards the tip, even though it gives added leverage, because it feels awkward to me. And with large fingers, some nail nicks are too small, and when placed in the swedge, they are too shallow. Of course, the 72s are much easier to open because of the lockback design, so they are less needful of the depth and grip provided by a long pull, but the long pull clip blade on my red stag #72 is, to my eye, the best looking blade GEC has ever made.

 

[SwingCut]

I prefer the Long Pulls.....especially the MatchStrike's.........

 

[black mamba]

Beautiful pair, SC!

 

[SwingCut]

Thank You Jeff!