Pix Request: GEC 56 or 55 vs. Case 6207 and Recommendation vs. 57

H

hotrodz

Joined
Jan 20, 2014
Messages
27
I am looking to buy a GEC 56 or 55, but I already own a nice older Case 6207 CV with a pen secondary. Just wondering if there was any 'real' difference in the size/pattern (besides the preferred Wharncliffe). OR...should I hold out for a 57 for something "similar, yet different" (main on the swell end). I've searched and searched for a comparison picture, but came up empty.
 
Thanks for the link, but just to clarify...I know the difference between the GEC 55, 56, and 57 patterns. I wanted to compare/contrast them to the Case 6207 that I already own. And ask if the 57 would be recommended "IF" the 55/56 are too similar to the 6207. Thanks!
 
Here you go:

d1869ca4-d7ce-4d90-96b6-3abad9f99342_zps94b1nbyp.jpg~original


20f5013b-03e4-48cc-817f-1c0d885c19d7_zpsi4oafrg0.jpg~original


cbe77414-eaac-4722-bb0e-dc083e9cf792_zpstmspvzry.jpg~original


Length is almost identical, while the 56 is a little stouter, chunkier (not much, though) and the 6207 has longer blades.
 
Perfect!!!! That 56 is beautiful and I love those swedges. I definitely like the 56 better, but I guess I should probably should move my search on to the 57 then since they are so similar. Thank you for the pix!
 
Well, I find the 57 very different, even if it is just the 56 frame but using opposite ends.

The 56 is a Jack knife, two blades from one end, whereas the 57 is a single-spring construction with blades at each end. The Wharncliffe is obviously going to be very different from the Clip blade or the Spear which my 56s have. Nevertheless, you get a sturdy interesting knife whatever the configuration.

IMG_2990.jpg
 
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57 came as a two spring as well. The difference between a 56 and 57 is the side of the tapered-Serpentine frame that the main blade is pivoting from. The 57 swells up into the palm, the 56 dips away from the palm. Depends on your preference. I like a 57, do not like a 56, but others will tell u just the opposite.
That 57- two spring came with clip main, spey and punch.
 
Rockon75 said:
57 came as a two spring as well. The difference between a 56 and 57 is the side of the tapered-Serpentine frame that the main blade is pivoting from. The 57 swells up into the palm, the 56 dips away from the palm. Depends on your preference. I like a 57, do not like a 56, but others will tell u just the opposite.
That 57- two spring came with clip main, spey and punch.
Click to expand...

Those are still available at some dealers as well.

Then there's the half-whit, which is a 2 blade version.
 
I prefer a Wharncliffe main. That being said, does the main feel odd/clunky in the hand when using the secondaries for whittling, etc.? It is a 'whittler' I know, but just wondering if the bulkiness of the main 'adds' to the comfort/feel, or if it is just something you deal with? Also, is the half-whit a single spring?
 
I've never seen a halfwhit (knife) in person, I'm not sure of the spring. The wharncliff is rather large, and there's more above the scales thank on the clip. The rounded shape keeps everything comfortable during use, however, especially because of the semi sunken joint. I'll get a picture of the clip and wharncliff together for you.
 
Very nice...both of them. I WANT!!! It seems (?) that the Wharncliffe main softens the exposed joint of the closed secondaries as an added benefit.
 
Yep, that was the point I wanted to come across.

The wharncliff is larger when closed, but there aren't really any exposed pointy bits. The tangs of the secondary blades are pretty much recessed behind the main.
 
The half whit is a half whittler, which is typically a single spring and the 57 is as well.
 
I don't really whittle, but I like to build rustic live edge furniture and other wood projects, when time permitts. I've used the 57s for marking cuts, trimming off bark to reveal the live edges etc. I find the 57 whittler to be very versatile, plus it disappears in the pocket. I habe the half whit and go with the full whitter more often.
 
Thanks guys for all the useful info, spot on discussion, and the great pictures. Now the hunt for a user 57 begins...
 
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