Question before taking the GEC plunge

Z

zombizon

Joined
Dec 20, 2011
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160
Good morning folks,

I've been mostly lurking here in the Traditional sub-forum the last couple weeks, and all the amazing pictures of GEC knives have me convinced to take the plunge and get one... and then probably more. I have pretty much stuck to Case knives until now, so it's exciting to branch out a little.

I'm having a hard time deciding which knife to get first though. I've narrowed it down to two fairly different choices, and I have a couple questions that hopefully you folks can answer for me to help me choose.

I'm looking at either the #68 White Owl, or the #72 Lockback. I know that these are two very different knives. I had settled on the White Owl, but the Lockback just seems to keep calling my name. I think it's because I am really enjoying the Case Back Pocket knife right now and the 72 is more similar to that. Anyway, my question. How is the 72 for pocket carry? I carry the BP on the belt, which doesn't really bother me too much, but it would be nice to be able to pocket carry, and the BP just doesn't do it for me there. The 72 looks to be nearly an inch shorter than the BP though. Can anyone who has the 72 comment about its pocketability?

Thanks in advance. I know I'll end up getting both eventually, but you never forget your first, right?

Rob
 
Hi Zom, your statement "the Lockback just seems to keep calling my name" is significant. I suggest that this inner feeling you get when viewing this knife means you should buy it regardless of the opinions of others.
Every knife i have ever bought because i had this same feeling, is still a favorite. The experience of a knife 'speaking' to you does not fade over time. Every time you look at, hold, or use the knife, this special feeling of attraction and connection comes back and it is this special feeling that makes our interest in knives so rewarding.
I have never regretted buying a knife that was "calling my name".
roland
 
You make a really good point. Sometimes it's good to have a reminder to listen to that little voice. Thanks.
 
rprocter highlighted the line in your initial post that jumped out at me as well, but I'm still hoping someone can answer your very specific questions:

zombizon said:
Anyway, my question. How is the 72 for pocket carry?

...Can anyone who has the 72 comment about its pocketability?
Click to expand...

I don't know about you, but almost all knives look the same size to me in online pictures(!), especially when they're pictured alone. It's also interesting how much of a difference 1/8-1/4" here and there can make in hand, and how that also depends on handle shape and width, etc.

Good luck!

~ P.
 
+1 to Roland's post.
You will have time to discover GEC's knives, if you will decide to do so.
But for the first one, follow your instinct more than anything else.
I don't have any of the two, and yes, they're different knives. But, as Roland pointed out, you won't regret starting your "GEC career" with a #72 bought out of pure attraction.

Fausto
:cool:
 
I like both patterns quite a bit, but they have a very different feel. The #68 is more of a flat, pocket-friendly gent's knife, while the #72 is a fairly substantial hunter/utility knife that I find a little on the large side for comfortable pocket carry without a pocket sheath. Here's a quick comparison pic:
WOvsLB.jpg


Here's my EDC #72 carry preference:
GEC72Wharncliffe024aJPG.jpg
 
DSCN6507.jpg

If it calls your name now -that means the other one will call later. They get lonely:).
Heres a shot to compare .
Case BP in ebony,Snake Wood White Owl,Mini Lock back Hunters in Ebony & Ruby bone.
Personally I prefer the clippoint to the spearpoint but as I 've mentioned before the spearpoint will take several lifetimes to wear down.
All are pocketable(is that a word?) for mine.
cheers.
 
meako said:
Personally I prefer the clippoint to the spearpoint but as I 've mentioned before the spearpoint will take several lifetimes to wear down.
Click to expand...

Me too. I don't care for the way the spear and Wharncliffe #72 blades protrude from their handles when closed. No only does it make them needlessly bulky in the pocket, it's a little too easy to inadvertently mash the blade down into the handle where the tip can hit the lanyard tube. That's why I only carry my Wharncliffe version in a sheath.

GEC72WharncliffeBladeSquish.jpg


jhamer9 said:
Is that pocket sheath from GEC or somewhere else? It's very nice!
Click to expand...

It's actually a synthetic generic cheapy offered gratis by one of GEC's dealers with a $150 purchase. PM me if you want a link.
 
For me, the 72 is a gem of a pocket knife. I have the clip and wharnie blades and both 1095 and 440c blade steels. I don't much like the look of the spear point version but that is subjective rather than a criticism of the knife itself. There have been a few niggling issues like blade tips exposed when the knife is closed and knives arriving without a usable edge but they are things you can deal with. The 72s I have owned all locked up nice and tight, are delightfully smooth and easy to open and are a great size for pocket carry.
 
Thanks all for the advice and pictures for reference. I ordered the 72. I can't wait to get it. I'm sure it will just be the first of many.
 
I have both of the knives your thinking about. A white owl in snake wood and te 72 in ebony. While I think the white owl is a fine knife it is just a tad too small for me. The blade is a smidgen short for food prep. It can do the job but it is a bit small. Furthermore, I just don't find te handle super comfy for my medium to large size hands. It's a good knife but small. The 72 on the other hand is perfect for my hand. Fits like it was custom made for my hand. The blade length again is perfect. The spear point has been great for fruit and salad prep and cuts anything else in between. A real winner in my eyes. If I had to live with one blade for the rest of my life the 72 would be a great choice. In the pocket I find both feel great. I do carry mine in a slip most days but both are fine without.

1d8642d8.jpg
 
I think you made a good choice with the #72, it is definitely pocket friendly, my #73s (same size as 72s) are a decent size knife, but are nevertheless just small enough to go in my watch pocket, with maybe only the tip sticking out if that. I change to deep pocket carry when I'm riding my bike, just in case it falls out, but I don't think that would happen. Sheath carry might be preferable if you have chosen a fat expensive stag version.
(edited with extra detail re size of 72 vs 73)
 
Well, I missed out on being one of the guys to help push you over the edge on the #72, but I'll give you something to read to help pass the time.

Tomorrow marks the day that I went down the GEC #72 path. I received my first knife and am celebrating a full year of EDC with it. It's the food prep knife and it has been in just about everyone of my friend's hands, it's been through steaks after a wedding, it's been through mountain pies right off the coals, I have prepped meals, then served them using this knife. It has been a wonderful experience and I'm glad to have ordered a #72 that great day. A good friend of mine uses his exclusively for hunting and he loves his knife. It's developed a little play over the past couple of seasons, but it's hard not to when your slipping a deer pelvis and then opening the rib cage. Great knife that has served well.

Since then, I have five and the 5th just arrived yesterday.
 
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