2018 #82 Dixie Stockman and Possum Skinner Run

[B.F.U]

Since I got my #82 in Stag from this 2018 run I've been meaning to post here. This is another one I wasn't at all sure I'd be able to get my hands on. I ended up getting this one unexpectedly. Thankfully I was able to pick from a dealer that had pictures for each knife, as I don't love every kind of stag. I like stag that isn't too thick that it makes it uncomfortable to carry, but isn't too thin or flat that it doesn't have much character. I got to pick one that, in my opinion, really hits a sweet spot.

I really like the stag on this knife. I really appreciate the lack of a shield. I like some shields, like the arrowhead on the copperhead jigging on the 2018 run, but generally I can do without. It is made really well. The blades are fit nearly perfectly into the handle, definitely better on the 2018 than on the 2014. I find it difficult to believe that there's NO blade rub on ANY of these considering how well the blades are fit on mine and that there is still some light blade rub. The pull and snap are a little lighter, more of a 4 on the secondaries and 5 on the main versus a 5 on the secondaries and 6 on the main blade on the 2014 version. I really like that the tips are nowhere near proud on the 2018 version.

I got great service from GEC and specifically Bill Howard on this knife.

 

[Augie]

Since I got my #82 in Stag from this 2018 run I've been meaning to post here. This is another one I wasn't at all sure I'd be able to get my hands on. I ended up getting this one unexpectedly. Thankfully I was able to pick from a dealer that had pictures for each knife, as I don't love every kind of stag. I like stag that isn't too thick that it makes it uncomfortable to carry, but isn't too thin or flat that it doesn't have much character. I got to pick one that, in my opinion, really hits a sweet spot.

I haven't gotten many pictures yet, but I've done a few videos for my YouTube channel:

Here is a video of me unboxing the knife

Here is my 1 Minute Overview of the knife:

And here is my Knife Talk long form video on the knife:

I really like the stag on this knife. I really appreciate the lack of a shield. I like some shields, like the arrowhead on the copperhead jigging on the 2018 run, but generally I can do without. It is made really well. The blades are fit nearly perfectly into the handle, definitely better on the 2018 than on the 2014. I find it difficult to believe that there's NO blade rub on ANY of these considering how well the blades are fit on mine and that there is still some light blade rub. The pull and snap are a little lighter, more of a 4 on the secondaries and 5 on the main versus a 5 on the secondaries and 6 on the main blade on the 2014 version. I really like that the tips are nowhere near proud on the 2018 version. For my full thoughts, please watch my videos.

I got great service from GEC and specifically Bill Howard on this knife. Check out my Knife Tak video at 9:30 for the story on that. Since then, the discoloration has easily wiped off with a jeweler's cloth.




Have you used, or open and closed several times, any of these without noticing any blade rub?

Logan, have opened and closed all 3 several times with no blade rub, have not carried one yet but the micarta is going into the carry pile so will see what happens after some use, would be very unusual for this pattern from any manufacturer not to have some light blade rub. I do find with Stockmans if you can pull straight up instead of pushing the blade over as you open it that will minimize blade rub.

 

[draggat]

How do you stop the micarta getting black patches of buffing compound which seems to stain micarta?

Ive used rubbing alcohol to clean up Micarta with pretty good success..... drench a rag in it and wipe repeatedly.

 

[B.F.U]

Logan, have opened and closed all 3 several times with no blade rub, have not carried one yet but the micarta is going into the carry pile so will see what happens after some use, would be very unusual for this pattern from any manufacturer not to have some light blade rub. I do find with Stockmans if you can pull straight up instead of pushing the blade over as you open it that will minimize blade rub.

I didn't mean to sound accusatory, if I did. I just know that I often get a knife and don't notice blade rub or other issues like that till I've had it a while.

I'm probably going to get the 2 blade in micarta

 

[Travman]

This one has loosened up nicely. I have continued to lube the pivots and clean out the excess with a pipe cleaner. The opening and closing action has become very nice.

I was hoping to see those Elderberry Northfield versions before Christmas, but now there is something to look forward to after Christmas.

 

[WHT]

It has been a stag Christmas. Dixie on top; 2018 Forum knife below.

 

[StuntDouble]

I just got my 82 in Natural Micarta yesterday. So far, it's the best GEC I've received as far as fit and finish. The blade action is smooth, and all three blades have great walk and talk. My only complaint is that none of the edges were sharp, and all needed reprofiling. I guess that's the norm for this kind of knife though. I love the in hand feel of the knife, and I'm glad I went with this model over a regular stockman. There's a lot of blade packed into that slender handle. I actually put it to use earlier this evening when I was cutting up the ham to put it in the fridge. That long, slender Turkish clip worked great cutting out the bone.

I'm thinking I might get one of those wallets that can hold a notepad, pen, and pocket knife. The Dixie Stockman rides well next to my wallet, but I'd still like something a bit more secure.

 

[AndreLinoge]

Well fellas, got mine out the tube last night. I told Mom it would make a good Christmas present instead of immediately snatching one up myself, so I've been waiting.
Totally worth it.
I am impressed with everything except the sharpness of the main. It's nice and thin, but it was having a rough time with slicing tape and paper out of the tube. I'll strop it some before I cuss GEC's sharpening, but it's still better than a Case out of the box.
The pull and feel of the action is very nice. It's not weak, the cam is smooth, and the breakover on either side of the cam is actually noticeable. I wouldnt say the pull is more than the 81 moose, but it's got a better feel and doesn't come across as weak sprung like you might call the 81 I have. I call that one 'lightly' sprung instead of weak, tho. It does walk and talk in a very civilized fasion.
I might polish the micarta as well. Mine could be called 'not smooth' in a couple places on the spey end of the covers, but nothing a bit of Mother's wont fix, as demonstrated already. They'll look much better too. I'll carry it a bit unpolished tho, to see what the pocket will do to it.

What a great knife. It is a bit fatter than my skinny ol OT61, but not so much I could be salty about it. Love that Turkish clip look and the sleek profile that the low center blade makes for. If it weren't for the cyborg mechanical look of that copperhead jigging I would snag one of those too, I love that sheild especially.

Good show, GEC.

 

[StuntDouble]

I've been using my 82 in the kitchen, and it's starting to patina nicely. That Turkish clip is a perfect ham slicer.

Here's a shot of it with an Italian cousin, that I picked up at the same time.

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

My elderberry is on its way!

 

[Will Power]

An Elderberry is on its way to me in Europe The pictures show a nice rich colour too

Just got to keep a lookout for the Micarta 2 blade Skinner and all will be very well

 

[blademan 13]

I am hoping you get a fine example Will Power

 

[Will Power]

Thanks Jamie, fingers crossed. Quality should be high, prices have certainly risen since the first run but that's how it is. My income hasn't kept apace

 

[meako]

Strike while the elderberries are hot....thats what I say.
On way.

 

[pmek5]

Love this little drop point

 

[DelOro]

Hope these ship soon!

 

[Ajd3530]

Shew it's such a shame the Northfield skinner has the Un-X-Ld shield instead of a bomb/cloud/keyhole/ECT. Still might get one if I end up liking the Tidioite as much as I think I will.

 

[DelOro]

Shew it's such a shame the Northfield skinner has the Un-X-Ld shield instead of a bomb/cloud/keyhole/ECT. Still might get one if I end up liking the Tidioite as much as I think I will.

While I really like the UN-X-LD company shield, it does look a little out of place on Le Possum?

My only wish would have been a wood Tidioute #82 Possum (ironwood? gabon? osage? rod sucker? bocote?) instead of micarta.

Either way, gotta have both love the possum skinner!

- Del

[edit] picture added

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

I am adamantly opposed to GEC removing the shield from their stag... but KSF had a stag I just had to snatch.

They got me.

 

[Vaporstang]

Well I couldn't take it. I received a natural micarta 82 a while back a love it. When the new 82 Stags dropped today I put one in my cart and decided I really do not need another knife, especially when I have the micarta one. Later tonight I went back and the one I had in my cart was gone (I did not do a thorough search through all of the selections). Well, I couldn't resist and ordered this one: