Generally speaking, I dislike Case, but I carry an older 2138 from the XX years.
I think which is better for you depends on what you are going to use the knife for. If you plan on having the option to make careful controlled cuts (like you might make with a hunting knife), the GEC might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you're going to do actual all-around-farm-type work, the Case might make more sense. There's a reason farm-type knives and butcher knives have traditionally been softer than, say, a hunting knife.
Yes--arguably--the GEC has better steel, certainly harder steel. Good: holds an edge longer, especially at shallower angles. Bad: more prone to edge damage in field use.
I (actually, my dog) found a GEC "Redneck" in a parking lot; other than a chipped blade and the name (around here, calling someone a "redneck" will still get a fight going), there was nothing wrong with it. I found the original owner, he didn't want it back as the darn thing chipped when cutting a bale of hay. I sharpened it up and used it to clear brush along a fenceline, and it chipped again.
I closed the knife and threw it away; the next day I started haunting the 'bay looking for a Case 2138 with black handles. I miss the lanyard hole, but other than that find the Case better suited to my use. Your mileage may vary, of course.
I think which is better for you depends on what you are going to use the knife for. If you plan on having the option to make careful controlled cuts (like you might make with a hunting knife), the GEC might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you're going to do actual all-around-farm-type work, the Case might make more sense. There's a reason farm-type knives and butcher knives have traditionally been softer than, say, a hunting knife.
Yes--arguably--the GEC has better steel, certainly harder steel. Good: holds an edge longer, especially at shallower angles. Bad: more prone to edge damage in field use.
I (actually, my dog) found a GEC "Redneck" in a parking lot; other than a chipped blade and the name (around here, calling someone a "redneck" will still get a fight going), there was nothing wrong with it. I found the original owner, he didn't want it back as the darn thing chipped when cutting a bale of hay. I sharpened it up and used it to clear brush along a fenceline, and it chipped again.
I closed the knife and threw it away; the next day I started haunting the 'bay looking for a Case 2138 with black handles. I miss the lanyard hole, but other than that find the Case better suited to my use. Your mileage may vary, of course.
. It is of a superior quality, thus justifying the price, and will be used often. The only issue I see now is learning to sharpen such a thin (compared to modern folders) blade. Eventually I'll get a Case Sodbuster in yellow delrin too. Thanks for your help guys.
