Who has a Northwoods Fremont Jack or a GEC single blade #73?

Easyrider

Easyrider

Joined
Jan 31, 2000
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I am very interested in the Freemont Jack pattern from KnivesShipFree. Likewise I thing the GEC model 73 is also great looking. I was hoping someone could provide some feedback on it. Stuff like fit and finish, the backspring strentgh, centered blade, that sort of stuff.


I am pretty much an office person now so I really don't need a big work knife. Something with nice jigged bone or stag covers should do nicely around the office.


Any comments?
 
The GEC #73 is an awesome knife. No finer production slipjoint IMO.



Fit and finish is excellent, pull is just right (I like strong springs). Things like centered blades vary from knife to knife.

- Christian
 
I really like both or a least the looks (do not own them yet). The #73 I was going to get but NSF did not have the one I wanted in stock and the fremont Jack was just a little more than I wanted to spend plus I was going to buy to GEC knives so I can get a slip pouch to carry them in. I am getting the #72 (wharncliffe) and the 42 (probably bigger than what you are looking for) The Burnside Jack is also one I would recommend. I really do want a Fremont Jack eventually though.

kamagong said:
The GEC #73 is an awesome knife. No finer production slipjoint IMO.



Fit and finish is excellent, pull is just right (I like strong springs). Things like centered blades vary from knife to knife.

- Christian
Click to expand...
 
I have both. The Fremont is a lot easier to pinch open because a lot of the blade is exposed when it's closed. It also has a noticeably weaker spring than the 73. The shape of the handle makes the 73 sit better in my hand.

The blade is thinner and also full flat grind on the 73. I find the Fremont easier to sharpen because of the straight edge.

I can't complain about the fit & finish on neither. In case you don't know the Fremont is also made by GEC.
 
The Freemont is significantly easier to open but the #73 feels a bit better in hand. Besides appearance those are the only real differences.
 
Just note, in my experience so far, single blade #73s with a lanyard tube will be easier to open than those without the lanyard tube.
 
I have both, and love both. You couldn't go wrong with either. I must say though that if I had to choose, I'd go with the Fremont. It carries so well in the pocket, and it has some heft to it that just feels good in your hand.
 
I like the Freemont because when you carry it you know you have a Knife in your pocket and as far as the #73 it just fits the hand like it belongs there.! Can't beat a GEC though and lord knows I have enough of them ( between the GEC & the Spydies I stay broke.!** ) Can't understand it ~~ but before to long the problem will be solved.^^
 
I have a GEC single blade 73L in smooth blue bone and it is a treasure.
Great size, ergo's and blade shape. And I like the stiffer spring as well (about a 7).
Can't go wrong with either because GEC does it right.
 
2Dead said:
Just note, in my experience so far, single blade #73s with a lanyard tube will be easier to open than those without the lanyard tube.
Click to expand...

This has been my experience, as well. Also, something I've noticed about 73s - they seem prone to GEC's tendency to have the tip of the blade come as close to sticking out the top of the frame as possible while still being closed (the tip almost sticks up past the frame, in other words). I've had to drop the blade on several to keep it from catching on my fingertip when closed. But as far as fit and finish goes, they are beautiful knives and snappy.
 
My liner-lock 73s are not at all difficult to open but some of the conventional ones are, well, (lethal...not quite)
 
Thank you for the feedback. It seems that both patterns have their fans and that quality between both are equal.
I will just get the one that talks to me. Thank you everyone.
 
The most recent run of 73s have stiffer springs, but the lanyard model I have from about 11 or 12 is very smooth. My recent 73 rubbed the liner, I got the blade worn down a little bit by a local knife shop, it sits amongst my desk knives right now. Too stiff for a daily knife.
 
I prefer the Northwoods Fremont Jack to the GEC #73. I have plenty of the #73s and they are wonderful tough knives but I just like the Fremont style and blade access better. Both have strong springs IMO.
 
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