Pocket carry comparison of 2 GECs

CL01

CL01

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Apr 19, 2007
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At the moment, I EDC/EDU the '08 BFs knife. For those that didn't get one or read about 'em, it's a med. Stockman which is 3 3/8" closed, I believe. I really like the knife, but am considering picking up a GEC. I'm not sure which of the 3 different "names" under GEC, but I'm down to 2 models.

I'm serously considering the Barlow or Scout (2 bladed versions, NO liner lock). I know the Barlow's 3" closed & has a stout, wide handle, while the Scout is 3 3/4" closed. What I'd like to know from people that have both models, is how do they compare?

I know the "tale of the tape" doesn't tell the whole story. I'm "thinking" that the Barlow's heavier, but don't know & am curious as to which is wider. Personally, I think under 4" is ideal for pocket carry, hence I'm not interested in the Whittler Stockman with 3 springs, otherwise I would've been all over that one. I'm particularly interested in weight & width (Perceived as well as real). I know it's very subjective, but I'd appreciate the opinions/feedback.

So, can anyone(s) please tell me (Or post comparison pics) of the carrying comfort/weight of the GEC Barlow & Scout?

While I still plan on getting many more slippies, I really think one of the aforementioned GECs is what I'm looking for in an EDC/EDU, & yes, I plan on pocket carrying it, not sheath it.

Thank you in advance.
 
The #25 "barlows" are quite a bit smaller than the #73 scouts.The scout is bigger and heavier.

For size comparison, the barlow is kind of like a peanut, but on steroids- much beefier, with more belly in the master blade. The #25 is a perfect size for watch pocket carry. It's about the size of a Case swayback jack (2 blade version)

The #73 scout is about the size of a Vic Huntsman SAK, but a bit heavier. It is a good sized EDC, but a bit large for watch pocket carry. It's the same size as a small "mountain man" or Remington baby bullet trapper. Compared to your '08 BF knife, the barlow is smaller, and the scout is bigger. Both the #25 and #73 patterns are about the same thickness. The newer #25s are little bit thinner, with thinner pen blade and corresponding spring.

Hope this helps!
 
The #73 single blade is lighter than the #25, much slimmer also.

It is really pocket friendly.
 
Here is a GEC #25 compared to a Case Peanut. It's small and stubby.
Northfield3.jpg


The knife on the left is a GEC #25 and the third from the left is a GEC #73. The #25 feels much smaller than the 2-blade #73.
Knives1.jpg


Here's the 2-blade #73 in my stubby "bread hook"
BurnGrizzly4.jpg
 
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Thank you, august88, VERY nice knives. I can clearly see that I'm probably going to get more than 1 model in the future, lol. My hands are rather big (XXL gloves) & looking at the #25, I'm thinking it might be a little small. It's doable, though.

What's the 2nd one from the left (Between the #25 & #73)? Is that the 3 spring Whittler Stockman? Man, decisions, decisions...:confused:
 
2nd from the left above is the #54 Harness Jack. It has the clip point main blade and a leather punch/awl.

Here's a picture of my #54 Big Jack with the #73 from above. Same handle and clip point as the Harness Jack only it has a spear blade instead of the leather punch.
BigJack4.jpg


....and the last of my GEC collection(#36 Sunfish).
Sunfish1.jpg
 
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Thank you for the info & pics, I sure appreciate it. I know I'm going to get more of this company's knives in the future, but I think I'm going to get the #73 Scout. It just seems "right" for me at the moment.

Those Barlows sure are nice, especially the ones I've seen with wharncliffe blades, but the Scout seems to be a great size & a good "transition" knife from the smaller med. Stockman I'm currently carrying (Northwoods at 3 3/8") to a larger pocket knife & still be under 4". At this moment in my "pocket knife evolution", I've come to believe under 4" is an ideal size pocket knife for me W/O seeming to be too big.

Thank you to everyone for all the info & especially for the pics. I know this will sound against the grain for a slippie, but I think I'm going to get the SS blade version 1st. I think that #73 Scout Goldenrod micarta with SS blades is calling my name...:D
 
Glad the pictures helped. The #73 in Micarta sounds good!
Enjoy your GEC. I agree that it probably won't be your last. :D
 
Good thread, since the GEC #25 coming to me in the mail is planned to replace my Case peanut for dress clothes edc use. The peanut is about the size of my pinky finger, so the #25 would be roughly the size of my thumb.

I really want a #23 too, even though I trade away big knives every time I get them.:confused:
 
Foilist said:
Good thread, since the GEC #25 coming to me in the mail is planned to replace my Case peanut for dress clothes edc use. The peanut is about the size of my pinky finger, so the #25 would be roughly the size of my thumb.

I really want a #23 too, even though I trade away big knives every time I get them.:confused:
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It's a tough choice, isn't it, lol? The #25 looks to be a great size, too, but the #73 just seems right. Also, it's listed as 3 3/4" long (Closed), so it's not too big. Decisions, decisions...like I said, I am sure this won't be my only GEC. However, I do have to save up for the '09 Forum knife, too, lol.
 
Got my barlow in today. Nice knife. Locks up solid. But good lord, the small blade is a real nail buster. It's hardly above the scales and I have a hard time getting it out. Hope it loosens up, but really they should take it easy on the springs. It's such a tiny knife.
 
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I was told by a GEC dealer that the most recent Barlows have a smaller spring for the pen blade, which I guess means easier opening.

I sure hope the one I have coming is one of those recent ones. The guy offered to pick a mild one for me.
 
Foilist said:
I was told by a GEC dealer that the most recent Barlows have a smaller spring for the pen blade, which I guess means easier opening.

I sure hope the one I have coming is one of those recent ones. The guy offered to pick a mild one for me.
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I do have a recent one with the small spring and marked bolster.
Can anyone else comment on this though ? I think it might be getting easier to open, but my nail is getting sore.
 
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My #25 Jack is tight, but not a nail buster. The only GEC of mine that is a real nail buster is the #54 Big Jack with Grizzly Cut scales. The blades on my #73 are downright civilized. Good strong snap, but no nail removal. I wish GEC would make all their springs like this.

Most GEC dealers will look for one with weaker springs if you ask. Weaker for a GEC is still stronger than most brands like Case, etc.
 
Yeah, my 73 is perfect too. I think the longpulls help. The main blade has a longpull and it's pretty easy to get out. But man that nail nick is really wrecking my nails.
 
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I contacted the dealer and he said that they will run them tight for a couple of series, then loosen it up for a couple. Hmmm. Well, I hope mine loosens up! I already sent off my 73 a couple weeks ago because the main blade was obnoxiously wobbly. Damn, I've kind of had some bad luck with them lately.
 
Capt. Carl said:
I contacted the dealer and he said that they will run them tight for a couple of series, then loosen it up for a couple. Hmmm. Well, I hope mine loosens up! I already sent off my 73 a couple weeks ago because the main blade was obnoxiously wobbly. Damn, I've kind of had some bad luck with them lately.
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I am not trying to hijack the thread or anything, but I am curious of what kind of bad luck you have had with them.
 
SVRIDER1 said:
I am not trying to hijack the thread or anything, but I am curious of what kind of bad luck you have had with them.
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Maybe "bad luck" is a bit of a stretch. Really, they are great knives, I just don't want to keep sending them off! The barlow is just fine. The small blade will loosen up I'm sure. It's a really awesome knife.
 
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