Probably a Dumb Question

Trout Hound

Trout Hound

Joined
Sep 28, 2014
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Okay, so what, exactly, defines an "equal end" knife? I was thinking it was just a knife where both ends were the same size and shape, as opposed to a swell end or sleeveboard, but now I'm confused. Please enlighten me. Thanks.


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Ok, I just noticed on the GEC site that they call the 53 a "Cigar" pattern, but they call the 54 an "Equal End Cigar." Wouldn't they both be EE?


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Trout Hound said:
Okay, so what, exactly, defines an "equal end" knife? I was thinking it was just a knife where both ends were the same size and shape, as opposed to a swell end or sleeveboard, but now I'm confused. Please enlighten me. Thanks.


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Good question given some examples that seem like they would be equal but not called that, at least in modern marketing. I too would like to know if there is an answer?
 
AShearer said:
Good question given some examples that seem like they would be equal but not called that, at least in modern marketing. I too would like to know if there is an answer?
Click to expand...

Equal end is the generic term for the handle pattern, there are more specific sub-types which are also equal end. For example, a tuxedo is a type of swell center equal end (an equal end that has a thicker mid section).
 
At first I thought the answer was simply the obvious "if both ends are the same it is an equal end." But as per usual, the discussion convinced me that this is strangely not as simple as it seemed.

That is part of the fun of traditional knives, if you ask me. They are like standard measuremnts. Inches, feet, miles, ounces, pounds, quarts, gallons, etc. The only way to understand them is by using them all the time, because they don't make a lot of sense on their own. Traditional patterns, and what their names mean is the same kind of confusing mish-mash based in customary usage. :)
 
Bartleby said:
Equal end is the generic term for the handle pattern, there are more specific sub-types which are also equal end. For example, a tuxedo is a type of swell center equal end (an equal end that has a thicker mid section).
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This is perfectly correct, and explains why a canoe isn't called an equal end, even though it might be. Canoe is more specific and descriptive, so wins out.

The GEC #53 and #54 patterns are exactly the same shape and size, so both are cigar patterns or equal end patterns. The difference is that #53s have cam tangs, and #54s have half stops with square tangs.
 
black mamba said:
This is perfectly correct, and explains why a canoe isn't called an equal end, even though it might be. Canoe is more specific and descriptive, so wins out.

The GEC #53 and #54 patterns are exactly the same shape and size, so both are cigar patterns or equal end patterns. The difference is that #53s have cam tangs, and #54s have half stops with square tangs.
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My head aches[emoji6][emoji14][emoji20]🤙[emoji3]
 
AShearer said:
My head aches[emoji6][emoji14][emoji20]🤙[emoji3]
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Nothing complicated about it, really. All handle patterns that are the same on both ends are equal end patterns. Particular shapes that are often used in the industry often get another name as well, especially if they resemble a common object like a cigar, a canoe, or a tuxedo etc.
 
I typically think of equal end as the cigar pattern and both names are used interchangeably. Other patterns may exhibit ends that are symmetriclly equal, but those knives are generally called something else.
 
Knife terminology can be arbitrary and confusing at times.

Here's a continuation question for this thread: What's The Best Equal End knife? Pictures should be most welcome....:)

Thanks, Will

Here's one of my favourites, the Stainless White Owl in Tan Bone. But, I know there are many other decent EEs for us to look at and comment on :cool:

IMG_0774-1.jpg
 
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That is a beauty, Will, the best White Owl ever, in my opinion. My favorite is of course, the bark ram's horn #53, but they've made many nice ones among the Cuban stockmen. The four stagbones would be my second faves: green mountain, carved pumpkin, river blue, and brimstone.

RamMarkPile.jpg~original


StagJigging.jpg~original
 
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