New everyday carry (Stockman or 2 blade)

Well I am now torn between the GEC #81 Abilene Stockman, and the #76 Outlaw. That #81 is darn near perfect... except maybe a tad too big for comfortable EDC. Not sure I want to carry a 4" everyday. The #76 and its substantial blade with 3.5" closed length might be winning the race now.:thumbup:

Anyone who owns one or both of these want to chime in? I am loving everything I've read about these GEC's! (except for the half-stop springs... do they all have that?)
 
If by the Case 128 Stockman you mean the the 6347 Amber Bone Medium Stockman, I would go with that. Great knife
 
The 76 Outlaw you don't hear so much of, which is a pity!

I have one in Root Beer Float acrylic and I believe this pattern will suit you. It's a kind of burly version of CASE's Texas Jack but with the nail-nicks both sides. Very decent snap on mine, good large Clip master and long Pen secondary. Nevertheless it's no dead-weight in the pocket.

I have been toying with the idea of a Dixie Stock knife, the round bolstered version of the Abilene, but I just know that at 4" plus it wont be carried much, except in winter in an outdoor coat. I never carry anything more than 3.85" top, so despite being a fine and beautiful knife it would be idle.

Regards, Will

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Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am pretty much ready to pull the trigger on the #76 Outlaw.

Now I just need to decide what handle material! I've seen pictures of the Root Beer Float finish floating around (probably yours! :cool:) and it does look nice. Does that acrylic material hold up well, compared to bone?
 
^^^^^^ Great choice^^^^^^^

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Pics when you get it please

Peter
 
In a way, acrylic might be more durable than bone: much less chance of pin-cracks or chipping. It might survive dropping better...but let's not test that one:eek::D:D

On the other hand, it offers much less grip than jigged bone, it will scratch more if dragged over surfaces. For instance, I never keep a knife in my pocket with keys or change, I loathe the way this can pepper the bolsters and shield with dings. It wont do acrylic too much good either I fear. Acrylic will polish or buff well, should it get very scratched. so I feel confident in saying it's tough enough for reasonable use, same with delrin.

Peter, that Northfield version looks fantastic, slant lined bolsters give it a very posh appearance. :thumbup::thumbup:I would have to look at GEC's website for info but what other scales came as Northfield? I think Tidioute has Ebony and an interesting looking variant of Winterbottom bone. These Outlaws deserve more recognition, but SFO seems to be the trendy thing lately.

Regards, Will
 
I think I have a potentially dumb question, now that I am down to the wire on selecting a handle material.

What is going to be generally the most durable and longest lasting material - bone, stag, acrylic, or wood?

I feel dumb asking this because I have carried a pocketknife every day, for many many years... but it's ALWAYS been either plastic or wood. I am admittedly rough on knives sometimes, whether it's rash from car keys, or accidentally dropping the knife on the ground, etc... but both the plastic and wood sided knives that I have always carried have never sustained serious damage.

I've really started liking the appearance of the #76 in bone and stag sides... but I'm wondering, would I be better off getting it in kingwood instead? I've never had a bone or stag knife so I don't know how durable or impact-resistant they are... :confused:
 
Micarta is a pretty tough material. But bone and stag can last centuries the if not abused.
 
willgoy said:
In a way, acrylic might be more durable than bone: much less chance of pin-cracks or chipping. It might survive dropping better...but let's not test that one:eek::D:D

On the other hand, it offers much less grip than jigged bone, it will scratch more if dragged over surfaces. For instance, I never keep a knife in my pocket with keys or change, I loathe the way this can pepper the bolsters and shield with dings. It wont do acrylic too much good either I fear. Acrylic will polish or buff well, should it get very scratched. so I feel confident in saying it's tough enough for reasonable use, same with delrin.

Peter, that Northfield version looks fantastic, slant lined bolsters give it a very posh appearance. :thumbup::thumbup:I would have to look at GEC's website for info but what other scales came as Northfield? I think Tidioute has Ebony and an interesting looking variant of Winterbottom bone. These Outlaws deserve more recognition, but SFO seems to be the trendy thing lately.

Regards, Will
Click to expand...

They did have several other iterations including Cocobolo, primitive bone, stag, and Yellow Rose of Texas (smooth yellow). I sold mine several months ago to another forum member, but was VERY fortunate that i was able to buy it back. Won't let it go again!

Peter
 
Those wood scales look very tidy Björn :thumbup::thumbup: Now I would like to get a Northfield version in bone or stag, odd how these craving creep up on you...:confused::D

Here's a CASE Texas Jack in Olive Green Bone (stainless) most versions are Amber Bone cv but without the enhanced bolsters, nor such good finish in my experience. A similar type of knife to the GEC Outlaw.

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Regards, Will
 
Gec for great snap!

Love the look of their stockmans.

I don't think any are too big for edc, but I ecd grandad barlows with two springs, and 23's no problem.
 
The 81 is a stout knife but carries well. I usually carry 3 1/2 and was worried about size also. I wear deep pocket jeans and there's no problem . In addition it's large enough to serve any purpose I'd need a knife for. If I was going to have only one knife , no fixed, no kitchen, etc , it would be the 81. I like the 76 too, it preforms most task a pocket knife is needed for.
 
got my #81 today...oh man...i fear the quest is over, this knife is perfect in every sence :) here some pics to make your decision towards the 81 easier ;)
(next to a case jumbo stockman, this 1/4 of an inch makes a big difference in pocket carry)
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and the blade length is exactly the same (without tang):
love the case for its elegance and the tidioute for its versatility...
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I love my Buck 301. It doesn't have strong springs and all but it's a real good worker and with the colder months here, it makes it easier to open the knives when my hands are cold and I can't feel my finger tips working outside.
 
Bjoern,

Outstanding photos! Thanks for the comparison pics. Glad to hear you're liking your new #81. Mine is in African Blackwood and it's one of my very favorite knives along with the Case large Stockman.

The 81 alongside my chestnut Peanut for comparison
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i knew it would appeal to you arizona ;) very nice and classy looking 81 you have there, especially the long pull, wish mine had one too but couldnt find one (in my price range)
 
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