GEC #15 Boys... Help me decide

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WillieD

Joined
Jan 22, 2004
Messages
266
I'm looking at getting my 1st GEC knife and have a few questions. The GEC 15 Boys knife caught my eye. I haven't carried a slipjoint since I was a kid, so I'm just used to one bladed knives now. Also haven't had any folders with wood scales for some time. What are the pros/cons of going with the two blade version over the one? Also, I'm drawn to the Ebony scales. How will they hold up to use and pocket carry compared to the bone. Love the bone, but it's a bit to red/orange for my taste. A nice chestnut would have been nice. Thanks for the input and helping out a "getting back into traditional" guy.
 
From what I have read, ebony is about one of the best wearing natural handle materials out there. I would think, over time, the jigging on the bone would wear noticeably more than the ebony. I have both, in two-bladed version, and they're both really nice.

One advantage of the single blade, I guess, is that it might be a little easier to open the blade. Being GEC knives, they definitely have strong springs. Not nailbreakers, but firm. Without the pen blade in front of it, I suppose you would have more room to get your thumbnail in the main blade's pull. However, that being said, I don't have any problem opening the two-blade version. There is enough space between the blades to get your nail in there just fine. Personally, I think the pen blade is more advantageous than the possibly easier access to the pull on a single-blade version.

Overall, I have become a big fan of these knives since I got them. Let me know if I can answer any other questions or would like pics.

Edit to add: Hello to a fellow Pennsylvanian! :)
 
I would suggest that single blade or two blade version is a matter of personal preference. You should know what you will be using the knife for. A smaller,secondary blade can be very useful for some things,a larger,longer blade for others. As for the handle material, Ebony is a very Traditional,very solid material. You can see knives from well back in the 19th century with Ebony handle scales in very good condition. All GEC knives are solidly built with Old Time craftsmanship. Also a Lifetime Warranty on Materials and Craftsmanship. I hope you have a Son or Daughter to pass the knife down to! And by the way,there is currently a #15 Boys Knife with a Clip Main Blade in the works at GEC.
 
In terms of handle ware I'd suggestnlooking at old knives thread above. It gives you a good idea how they wear. I prefer the single blade version as I never need a second blade. If it was an awl or a different tool I may suggest that, but getting by on one blade is no problem especially when the small blade is also a spearpoint
 
I have the two blade ebony and could not be happier with it. No hyperbole. I could not be happier with this knife. I also have no issue opening any of the blades, though I see how some people could. But--
The main reason I recommend the two blade is that I use the small pen the most on just about any jack I own. And I don't think I'm alone, because on a lot of the older knives I see, it's the pen blade that's been sharpened down to a toothpick while the main blade remains relatively full.
Whichever you choose, you will love it.
 
I have the TC Barlow which is the same frame, a real quality item. Personally, I'd favour the single blade on this type of a knife. It's slimmer, easy in the pocket and better proportioned to my eye. All subjective though.

GEC make very nice Ebony knives, some are black with chocolate stripes, others more or less totally black, very durable and will age impressively. Having said that, if I were to go for the Boy's Knife I'd certainly go for the glo in the dark stuff, nifebrite, very kool.
 
The Ebony and the Bone handles both age extremely well. You can't go wrong with either.
The spear blade is slim enough to do most pen blade chores, so a one blade is adequate IMO. I carry a single blade #15, very happily!!
 
I suggest the single blade as well. I have both and prefer the single blade. I find the secondary in front of the main frustrates my ability to open the main at times. Even though convention and tradition have been satisfied in the 2 blade models, I would prefer the pen be behind the main. The new clip models that will be coming out will not have the similar issue with the pen hiding the nail nick on the main (as on the spear blade models). Even so, it's not a reason to not get one of the 2-blade spear models if you want one.

I can't post a picture till the sun comes up tomorrow, but I will update this post when I am able to get the pictures.

Ed J
 
I really want a single blade ebony one myself. I can't seem to find one anywhere though. Any suggestions?
 
Foilist said:
I really want a single blade ebony one myself. I can't seem to find one anywhere though. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Check with Waynorth up there. If there is one available, he will know where you can get it.

Ed J
 
I would suggest the single blade knife. I have a couple double blade #15's and if you keep your nails short that main blade can be a little difficult to open. I wish they would have put the nail nick on the other side for this knife. I do believe whatever you choose you will like it. Good luck in your search.
 
Thanks for all the help. Just ordered a single blade ebony. Now the wait for it to show. I thank you, but my wallet does not:D
 
This was made between 1909 and 1920. Ebony holds up well.
IMAGE_B59750D4-04F6-4E2E-8DEF-D36516F67345.JPG


This was made between 1936 and 1952. Bone holds up well.
12%2020:18:33


Buy what you like the best. I'd buy a double blade though. I actually use my main blade for almost all my cutting needs. I use my pen for everything else; scraping, poking, digging, etc. Basically, I should just have a knife with a punch secondary. Haha.
 
See, this is what happens when you begin a post at 7, and finish at 930. Good choice. It looks to be a great knife!
 
WillieD said:
Thanks for all the help. Just ordered a single blade ebony. Now the wait for it to show. I thank you, but my wallet does not:D
Click to expand...

Hey, congrats WillieD! You have chosen a fine knife!

For those who opted for the two-bladed version like myself, fellow member Thawk sent me a useful tip for opening the master blade (something I didn't clue into when I first got my #15) that I'd like to pass along. The pen blade can actually be pushed down a little deeper into the handle when closed which will expose the long pull of the master blade a bit more. With a little practice, you can push the spine of the pen blade down with the back of your thumbnail while digging in to the long pull and the action becomes quite fluid. Thanks again for the tip, Thawk! :thumbup:

1501.jpg


-Brett
 
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Well, got an email saying that the single blade ebony was out of stock:( , but they had a two blade in stock for me!!! Should be here in a few days. Can't wait
 
All these Pennsylvanians in this thread, buying Pennsylvania made knives :thumbup:

I went for the Nifebrite two blade jack, I just couldn't resist. While it doesn't glow like some of my watch dials, I figure charging it up at bedtime with a flashlight should make it last awhile at least, enough to find your knife if you need it in a dark tent at 3am. I may even pick up a UV flashlight just for that trick.

I'll find out soon, mine is going winter camping with me next month :)
 
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