Serpentine or Calf Roper

The Burgh

The Burgh

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Jan 22, 2015
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New to traditionals. Now have two #15s and a #77. Love 'em!

Confusion: I have been shopping the web for #661214, two blades (clip & pen) at same end. For the life of me, I can't figure out the difference (if any) between "Serpentine" and "Calf Roper" in the Northfield line. Been doing side-by-side picture comparisons. Been comparing different dealers' nomenclatures. Been trying to compare size differences (if any). Been comparing serialized vs. non-serialized.

I don't get it!

Please help, and thanks for listening!
 
The first two numbers in the pattern number are the frame number. GEC builds different knives on the same frame. Serpentine is a generic term defining the general frame shape. The GEC 66 frame was used for (so far) a two blade jack knife, a two blade muskrat, a two blade moose and the Calf Roper. Calf Roper is their Company brand name for the 66 stockman pattern knife. You get all that?
 
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GEC really made this particular pattern a little confusing unless you've been following them for years and have figured out how they do things. The first couple runs of the 66 stockmans were referred to as Calf Ropers and the 2 blades were referred to as Serpentine Jacks. With the most recent run of 66's for some reason they switched things up and started referring to the 2 blade jack pattern as a Calf Roper Jack. Not entirely sure why they did this but they did. They, Calf Roper Jack & Serpentine Jack, are essentially the exact same knife just made in different years and with a few different cover options. Hopefully this answers your question. :)
 
One of my favourites :)

GEC%2066%2021-6S_zpsax85tr6u.jpg
 
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Thanks to all of you responders!

I certainly would never arrive at the answers you so graciously provided.

You have (again) helped a fellow-hobbyist grow and enjoy!!!
 
rma100 said:
Spring Green I believe?
Click to expand...

My memory is so bad, I had to go and find the tube Bob! :D They were calling it 'Valley Green' back when I bought it. One of my first GECs and still one of my favourite knives :)
 
I bought this calf roper slim and although the pattern is gorgeous, I couldn't like the knife as its ergonomics are all wrong. Mainly because the handle is too small to allow the blade to be properly applied to the cutting surface - the angle of the blade means only the very tip is in contact with the object being cut. Based on others reviews, it seems GEC really likes this knife, but unless the other #66 patterns rectify this blade ergonomics issue, i am not tempted to buy another.

 
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Don't really understand what you're getting at Camillus??

Can't say I've noticed this with the 66 Slims, surely it depends how you are holding the knife?

Clip contrast: 15 Boy's and 66 Slim with Turkish Clip

IMG_1816-1.jpg
 
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Yeah hard to describe, maybe a better way to put it is that because the handle disappears into your hand, your knuckles stop the near part of the blade being useable. If the blade was angled differenlty, this wouldnt be as much of an issue.
 
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