2020 GEC#47 VIPER RUN

Mine finally got here today, but it was after dark, so these pics are in the kitchen/dining area. I like the grain on this one, and will get some better pics, perhaps tomorrow, if the weather cooperates...

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I received my ironwood today. I was really impressed with everything until I noticed a pretty substantial crack on the pile side. Looks to have split when the lanyard tube was installed. I’m really bummed, the rest of the knife is beautiful and the wood has good figuring and color. Is this something I take up with DLT or go right to GEC?
 
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I received my ironwood today. I was really impressed with everything until I noticed a pretty substantial crack on the pile side. Looks to have split when the lanyard tube was installed. I’m really bummed, the rest of the knife is beautiful and the wood has good figuring and color. Is this something I take up with DLT or go right to GEC?
Check with DTL to see if they have a replacement (they probably won't). If they don't contact GEC.
 
Nebrasketball Nebrasketball that is heart breaking. You got a really nice knife, but that is a pretty big crack.

Keep us posted on GEC response to this rare issue.

I have no doubt you could sell for what you paid even with the crack, and some lunatic will have it recovered in frosted mini wheat micarta or whatever.
 
Nebrasketball Nebrasketball : Interesting you mention that crack bugging you. I feel the same way about cracks and irregularities in natural materials. It drives me crazy. I’ve noticed it in wood, horn and stag. All of them to the point of considering returning them. From GEC to Case, up to $500+ customs. I showed my wife a small crack in a wood-handled knife I have. I told her it bugged me a LOT, and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said “Chris, wood is a natural material, which will ALWAYS be susceptible to irregularities. That knife will look the same in 50 years and none the worse.” That really put it in perspective for me. She’s right and honestly, that just makes it more unique. It’s hard for us to accept that with our collectors mentality. Your knife is beautiful and one of a kind. For me, sometimes it helps to hear that from someone not obsessed with knives.

ETA that I completely understand not being happy with the crack. I’d feel the same. But I bet if you use it like it should be used, start getting some patina on the blade and maybe strop and oil it, you’ll get that connection with it that we all chase and the crack will bother you less.
 
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That is not a natural crack in the material, it was due to a too small hole for the lanyard hole liner.

A crack in stag is usually ok with me, but not like that in wood when it’s caused by the assembly.
 
Nebrasketball Nebrasketball that is heart breaking. You got a really nice knife, but that is a pretty big crack.

Keep us posted on GEC response to this rare issue.

I have no doubt you could sell for what you paid even with the crack, and some lunatic will have it recovered in frosted mini wheat micarta or whatever.

"some lunatic will have it recovered in frosted mini wheat micarta or whatever."

I am nearly rolling off into the floor laughing. Yep.

I gotta say, there are some regardless I think are outstanding though. What's his name that does them here? And the guy that likes turtle shell acrylic? I used to know their names but been off the forum for a minute.


I'd have to send me that back. I would go mad. I like using them but that crack would drive me crazy fer Sher. :D
 
I was planning on this one being a fancier user for me. I have no problem with blemished knives (I own 3 GEC “S” knives and an Albers 2nd) I just don’t prefer to pay full price for them. This is an issue that should have been caught upon QC inspection. None of the “S” knives’ issues are this glaring.
 
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And, it could very well be that the crack didn't show up until after the QC process. Force the tube in a too-small hole, and it puts the wood in stress. It might not have "given" until it was packaged for shipping. Either way, I'm sure GEC will make it right. I wouldn't lollygag on sending it back, though. Sooner is better.
 
I understand how you feel and I'm sure DLT or GEC will make this good for you. Yes GEC should have caught this but maybe the crack was so minor when it left GEC. While being shipped maybe the temp change and bouncing in the tube caused it to what you have now. Something similar happened to me with a friend and ever since I pack the box or tube better than the manufacturer to try and keep the knife from bouncing. Good luck, let us know how it goes.
 
Those are all good points. I am lucky that both companies involved work to take care of their customers so well. I’ll let everyone know how this turns out. I’m confident in a good outcome.
 
Those are all good points. I am lucky that both companies involved work to take care of their customers so well. I’ll let everyone know how this turns out. I’m confident in a good outcome.
I wouldn't sweat it too much. They should take care of you swiftly. Worst case scenario you have one of the most beautiful users that you can work hard with no hesitation.
 
I'm noticing a lighter pull on the 47 when compared to my 74, but the 47 has a more authoritative snap, if that makes any sense. I think the action is smooth as silk on the 47.
 
I'm noticing a lighter pull on the 47 when compared to my 74, but the 47 has a more authoritative snap, if that makes any sense. I think the action is smooth as silk on the 47.

I compared my two new #47 Vipers to a couple I have from a previous run (2016). The pulls on the new knives are a bit stronger, but the difference is minimal. (Which is to say they’re basically on par with what I’d expect for this pattern.)
 
I compared my two new #47 Vipers to a couple I have from a previous run (2016). The pulls on the new knives are a bit stronger, but the difference is minimal. (Which is to say they’re basically on par with what I’d expect for this pattern.)
Randy Bell said he designed a new spring for this run.
 
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