Recommend a traditional work knife

C

calamander

Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
43
Hello all,
After collecting modern folders for many years I have recently bought a few traditional's and fallen in love. I am looking for another new knife to add to my work edc. I work for a small college on the grounds crew, and need some recommendation on a new GEC work knife. I currently edc a GEC Cody Jack and love it, but I am looking for something else to throw into the rotation. I have been eyeing either the #92 or #79 (can anyone chime in and let me know if this is a single spring). The knife needs to cut a lot of zip ties, fertilizer bags, salt bags, possibly piercing a 5 gallon field paint bucket, etc. So I would like something like the Cody Jack that has a fairly heavy main blade, and like the idea of a straight secondary blade. The #38 prune/bud knife would be perfect, but I think I'm too late in reserving one! I am also open to other ideas Northwoods, other GEC models etc. Love nailbreakers! Would love to hear anything anyone has to say!
Current edc:

sorry for the poor phone pic!

I own a #15 sheep blade, and a #76 w/spey and clip blades as well as the #72.
 
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For my .02, you can't beat a sodbuster pattern for a traditional, hard-working pocketknife....check out the #21 Bull Buster, ought to be beefy enough to tackle all the tasks you described. I know I love mine!
 
My first thought was sodbuster, but it doesn't have a very pointy blade for piercing. For that task alone I would lean towards a lockback, maybe a #42.
 
I have a 79 workhorse whittler in ebony. The two secondary blades are are almost full size themselves . It's like having three knives in one . I like it
 
Great responses, I like the Harness Jack, and 79 whittler. I will say that zip ties, rope, fert/salt bags will be the most important. When mixing field paint 95% of the time I am very close to my locker, which has a modern locking. So it would be the emergency 5% situations on piercing the lids of 5 gallon paint buckets. Thanks everyone.
 
Queen #49 Cattle King stockman. Good sized clip and sheepfoot blades in excellent D2 steel with great handle ergos, a working beast. I like it in the curly zebrawood handles.
 
I think the 38 Pruner will be available as a Tidioute as well so you should be able to get one. Having a Hawkbill type blade is really excellent for slicing open sacks or boxes. I use a 56 single blade around the garden a lot and find this Hawkbill type of blade to be most versatile.

The 79 Workhorse is indeed single-spring and the Coping blade secondary should excel at zip tie slitting. You could take the GEC 66 Jack into consideration, a decent Clip master and a good Pen secondary or the square ended 76 pattern. If you fancy a lockback then the recent 99 Wall Street is one of GEC's best made lockbacks, no play or lock up problems, slim in the pocket which is important on the job yet a choice of three different blade models: Spear, Clip or Wharncliffe. The Tidioute versions are very decently priced too, a bargain I'd say.
 
My .02 would be a #42 .... but all the recommendations here would do the job....AND have done a job on my Knifeoholic Addiction:eek: Now I have a list of other knives I'm on the lookout for.
 
Being a trim carpenter, I wore out one Openel #8, using it for everything.
I also use a cheap Imperial (made in Ireland) lockback.
 
The Hayin Helper is what first came to mind when I was reading what you will be doing although it only comes with a single blade so might not be exactly what you want. Also cutting zip ties will dull the edge pretty quick and this style blade will be a little harder to sharpen. These can be found for about $50 shipped.
470312-hh-black-pruner1_zpsjxuy4ixu.jpg
 
If you're considering a sod buster style - this one is a good choice - sod buster and lock back. This is a very solid knife - strong blade - ready for work. Locks up tight - no play in the blade.
-Rex

This is an SFO GEC #21
Mudbug by tens339, on Flickr
 
A GEC model 73 would make a good work knife. They tend to have very stiff springs so it won't accidentally close on you easily.
 
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You might go a little old school and try a Mercator. They lock, and from I understand, are near bombproof. They also don't cost near what a GEC would run you.
 
My choices for a good workin knife would be a large stockman in the quality brand of your choice. Or a GEC #23 or 73 single blade. Which ever size you like best.

Ryan
 
Thanks again everybody for the advice, sorry for the delay in getting back to the thread- nothing like a little emergency surgery!! One of my first thoughts in buying a traditional work knife was a Farm and Field, but decided on the Cody Jack because it was similar blade shape as the F&F, but maybe looked a little classier(?). I thought I was all set on a #79 or #92, but with all the advice I am having to do some more research. I picked up another knife locally until I can get my mind made up:

I also decided I needed a watch pocket knife while deciding, and I am very excitedly awaiting a #22 that should be showing up today! I will try and keep posted my decision for my work knife rotation.
Cal
 
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