Question - 2nd blade on GEC #76 Western Outlaw

[SaintlyBrees]

I have a GEC #76 Western Outlaw on order. Cool knife. But I was wondering about the 2nd blade, other than the clip point. What type of blade is that and what is its original intended purpose?

Thanks in advance for the sage answers that I know are coming. I'm learning a lot about traditionals from you good folk.

Pic borrowed from the 'net:

 

[black mamba]

I have heard it called a double-hipped spey blade. Not sure where that comes from, but that's what I've heard.
I can't see how it would be much different than a regular spey blade, but they look different, so some will like them.

 

[Jack Black]

Interesting, not seen that before.

 

[pmew]

It is a spey but because of the shape of the gunstock the tip would ride proud if it didn't have the return angle.

Paul

 

[SaintlyBrees]

Thanks, guys. Got it. It is still called a spey or sometimes a "double-hipped" spey which makes perfect sense. As does the fact that the bend in the spine of the blade is to make sure that the tip does not ride proud. Good info.

But I should have been more clear when I asked about use. In my limited experience most (not all) traditionals are designed with a particular task in mind and the blades selected are there for a specific reason and use. So...why the pairing of a clip and a spey on this knife? What is its intended use?

Thanks again!

 

[Coonskinner]

The spey blade was originally designed for castrating livestock.

 

[pmew]

Outlaw - castrating victims?!?!

 

[MarkPinTx]

And on trapper types it is a skinning blade. Blunt tipped to avoid unwanted punctures, belly near tip for slicing in close quarters, and long straight edge for.... Spreading peanut butter?

 

[habitant401]

The outlaws are very nice knives with excellent fit and finish. I think the hip makes the spey blade look interesting.

The blood red bone on these really looks great because it is a very deep color with great jigging that really looks sharp with the shiny blades (the mirror polish on this knife is better than on most GECs - more like a 70's case). I also have an ebony that is very dark and oily - seems more like the African Blackwood (I'm starting to wonder if they are not mixing up the two wood types).