Opinions on GEC #85

[jwren]

Hey all, I've been considering an #85 Bullet End Jack and was wondering if anyone could compare/contrast it with a #66 Serpentine Jack or #76 Outlaw Gunstock Jack. Looking for the usual stuff like comfort in pocket, comfort in hand, etc.. or anything else you can think of.
Thanks!

 

[JustinR]

One of my favorite patterns from gec. Nice in the hands and rides nicely in my jeans watch pocket.

I dont have an outlaw but it is a bit bigger and heavier than a 66. I prefer the 85 and like that they can be found in EO configurations.

 

[Pjake]

Love the 85! Mine is in Cocobolo. I agree with Justin's assessment hook,line, and sinker. I also have a 66 and 76. I like them both as well, but for different reasons. The Outlaw to me is my # one in terms of build and F&F. We're still getting to know each other, but it really impresses. The 66 is a GREAT knife that carries a bit slimmer and lighter. Just get all of them and rotate them .....................

Each has their own vibe.

Peter

 

[sturzi]

I don't own a 85 jack, but have the forum knife instead. First some comparison pics. Sorry about the lighting, it's the middle of the night here
Top: 85
Middle: 76
Bottom: 66

Let's see. Some of these points are personal preference, but nevertheless I hope it helps to make up your mind.
It is just slightly larger than the 76, which is marginally larger than the 66. The blade length of the 85 and 76 is about the same.
It's definitely the heaviest of them all with its wider frame and feels like the bulkiest of the three (although the 76 is just as wide at its widest point). However it is still very pocket friendly with the nice rounded shape. The 66 feels quite a bit smaller (in pocket and hand).
Not all the 85s have the pen in front of the main blade, which I prefer. There's obviously the EO option if that is what you want, and there's a choice between clip and spear blade.
It is really comvortable in hand when using the main blade, the EO notch is just in the right position for the ring finger, I'd say it's like the 76 comfort wise. The 66 has a rounder handle and feels much smaller in hand.
The forum knife doesn't have a pen blade, but I imagine that wouldn't be as comfortable as the 76/66, because the wide spear blade stands proud and cuts into the ring finger (especially with the swedge and EO notch). Less of a problem with the clip blade I guess.
All in all, I'd imagine the 85 with a clip is very comparable to the 76. My favourite is the 76, but I doubt that's any help

 

[Mink]

I have a 76 and a 85, working on the 66. I really like the 76 just slightly more than the 85. I am more prone to a clip blade and the 76 was designed with this in mind....IMO. The 85 is a very nice knife, but is heavier, and of course it can be found in a clip as well.

When in doubt, buy them all.

 

[jwren]

Thanks for all the responses so far!

@ JustinR - you can fit this one in your watch pocket? That's good to know, hadn't even considered that!

@ Pjake - really like the way they look in cocobolo - that might be my first choice! (My #76 is in cocobolo - love it!)

@ sturzi - thanks for the photos! That really helps! Interesting observation about the comfort of the pen blade, definitely something to consider, as all my pen blades see lots of use....

Speaking of which - anyone have any info on how the three pen blades compare?

@ Mink - interesting - I usually go for a clip as well, but am undecided as of yet which I like on the #85.... Hmmmm, more to think about....

 

[Rsmith_77]

 

[CB-R]

I've had a few 85's as it's my favorite pattern. I've had a few 66's as well and will echo the weight and size difference reported by others. My only additional information is that the forum knife is noticeably thicker than my two blade jack, for me, to the point where it doesn't get quite as much pocket time.

 

[Pipeman]

This one is never out of my pocket, probably my favourite knife. This is one of Charlies special order knives.

Best regards

Robin

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[Pjake]

This one is never out of my pocket, probably my favourite knife. This is one of Charlies special order knives.

Best regards

Robin

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That is just really downright regal !!! Nice! The other drool knife in the #85 Pattern I lust for is the 85 EO in Ebony wood that Kevin has nestled in his stable. Really...the 85 pattern is an American Classic. EVERYONE should own one.

Peter

 

[jwren]

@ Rsmith_77 - thanks for more pics, they're always welcome, that ebony with the clip looks great!

@ CB-R - good to know! Too fat in pocket can be a deal breaker for me too..

@ Pipeman - wow, that one's a real looker, love the jigging and the shield!

@ Pjake - of course as a fellow knife nut I think you're right! And I love trying new patterns, especially jacks, one of my favorites. Still can't decide on scales though - anyone have one in Goldenrod micarta? On the GEC site it looks beige, but on some dealer sites it looks yellow/red?