Which GEC as a first purchase

I

ilmonster

Joined
Dec 7, 2013
Messages
92
So, I’m looking to add to my ever growing sharp collection. I already have a bunch of Benchmade and Spyderco knives for daily carry. Six months ago I discovered the Traditional forum, and promptly picked up a Case Texas Jack in CV steel, and have been loving it. I usually carry it in my briefcase and use it for slicing up apples at work for a mid-day snack. Sometimes pocket carry it as my knife of the day.

I am now getting the itch for something a bit more upscale, and have been reading about GEC knives. I want something with a main blade at least as long as the Case, maybe a hair longer. Not looking for anything larger than 4” closed. Would rather have two full size blades. Would like something with a clip and/or a spear point blade, not interested in a second blade being a pen blade (already have that with the TJ). I have my eye on a GEC #48 Trapper, a #66 BJM, a #92 Talon (spear point blade), and a #71 in Micarta. Of course the first answer to which one to buy would be “buy all of them”. I would appreciate any thoughts on which might make a good EDC and fruit slicer? Thanks!
 
Of the ones you mention the 48 Trapper is awesome and fits your listed criteria the closest. I have one and love it. Two full-length blades on tap at all times. After that one the 92 would be closest but that secondary blade is not full length. The 66 is a 3.5" knife closed. :)
 
I would agree with the #48 Trapper and might also suggest looking at a #76. For something a little different, I'd also highly recommend a #15 pattern with a secondary tool blade such as an awl or a cap-lifter/driver (something other than a pen blade) like on this #15 Radio...

radio01_zpsa1036ab0.jpg


Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
I love my #48 Improved Trapper in African blackwood.
A nice, thin, super pointy wharncliffe blade replaces the spey and makes the knife that much more useful IMO.
NTM the lines of the #48 are just so sexy.
 
I was also thinking the #48 might be nice as it's blades are a hair longer than my Case TJ - easier for fruit disassembly as the TJ is just long enough to quarter an apple. I also really like the #15 pattern, but for my first GEC (I'm assuming it won't be my last!), I'd like something with brass liners. I like the patina my TJ blades have acquired (interesting how they patina, but only to a certain point then stop), but for the time being don't want to have to hassle with steel liners and acidic fruit juices.
 
I like that new 66 slim roper. 3 1/2" closed. main and pen off a single backspring. Good start. :)

EDIT - oops just read the bit about not wanting a penblade
 
Also check out the 76 Western Outlaw 3.5" closed and the #81 Coon Skinner 4" closed. Either of those would be great choices as well. I really like the 76 gunstock frame. One of my favorites for sure.
 
The first thing that popped into my mind within your request parameters that I own and can fully recommend is the gunstock 76 outlaw, or if another full sized blade is not a deal breaker then the #79 Montana Workhorse Whittler is a great choice. I think the outlaw looks great in many variations, I love the unique angles and swedges in the Spey especially, and really like a Spey inclusion for food prep. Strong clip with thin enough tip, and rides well in both scrubs and jeans.

The #73 & #74 trappers that I own do not have brass liners but both offer every thing else you are asking for I believe. None of my knives with steel liners have issues with daily carry and use, can I ask what your concern is? I haven't had much pocket time with the 73 in cocobolo to be honest, but other than a bit of sandpaper to knock down some sharp edges it has been a comfortable and useful carry.

Since you are looking for an upscale upgrade my suggestion would be to have all of the above knives in mind and search the forum for sale/online vendors until the right combination of scale, pattern and extras (swedges, bolster treatments, shield...) calls to you and tells you "I'M YOURS!!" In my experience GEC produces a great product so in your case I don't feel the pattern is as important as the total package, as you are picking from a great pool of products.
Here are the four in specific I have:
68522858-8722-4CAB-907B-50ECB8E73381.jpg


This scale/knife combo was one that called my name, on a pattern I wasn't completely sold on:
C6B3910F-98EE-4F56-BFC7-3687FE407F5B-6864-00000532623770C0_zps46f605dd.jpg


Don't be afraid to hold out for the one that is just right! Of course you will find another forty or fifty knives that are "just right", or maybe that is just me! Do you have a scale preference (natural/synthetic)? Do you like swedges and lined/grooved bolsters?


Good luck in your search!
 
A 53 Furtaker Trapper might interest you as well. Two full size blades, Clip and Wharncliffe which should give you great slicing power and 4" closed.

Another pattern that meets your needs but unfortunately not offered by GEC, is the Copperhead with Clip/Skinner blades. You might like to consider one of these from Böker in the future, 3.75" closed.
 
I agree with the 48 improved trapper. Inever considered it until I saw this one in Bocote. It was love at first sight lol. It is my favorite traditional at the moment.

A9AF6335E3FC4BDC8C026426E9EEAB8A.jpg
 
I agree with the #48 recommendations above. There is a beefier option to the #48. The #74 is thicker and heftier. Both models saddle trapper and ranch hand come with full size blades.

IMG_20130707_134713_zpseb5c7833.jpg
 
Another vote for the #48 improved trapper. It has been my go to ever since I got it.

20140602_170726.jpg
 
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