Well, I was pretty certain I was going to be passing this pattern by. 3-blade GECs are the most expensive at retail (barring certain SFOs, of course) and I was trying to give myself a bit of a break. However, I saw one in Stag that I liked and I also knew that should I pass this up now while they are still reasonably available, I will most certainly regret it down the road.
I wasn't expecting this until next week so it was a nice surprise to find in my mailbox after returning from my daughter's soccer game.
First impressions are very favorable. It has been awhile since I've held a new pattern and marveled at how comfortable it is in the hand. This one just snuggles in and is particularly well enhanced by the shaping of the Stag covers. Everything really just.... fits.
The fit and finish on this knife is according to the usual standards that I have come to expect in GEC knives. The blades are nice and thinly ground and despite it being a three spring knife, all of the blades are fit together really well - I like the additional space that the extra spring provides though, less chance of blade rub when I'm not thinking about it while opening the knife. The half stops threw me off but only for a few moments, the action is much crisper than my 66 is and that is a refreshing change.
The Stag covers are not particularly well matched but to be rather honest, that isn't something I tend to look for when choosing Stag. I like the aesthetic of both sides and I really like the bit of swell that the pile side has towards the larger bolster, it contributes to that "excellent fit in the hand" attribute.
Overall, I am rather pleased and I am happy that I scooped one up before they become difficult to come by in the future.
And of course, the usual glamour shot.
Nice lively coloring!!
