2022 GEC Bayou Trapper #88 Thread

waverave

waverave

Collector of Tortoise Shell
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Couldn't find an existing thread (for the 49/94 either)...my apologies if there is one.
The new #88 Bayou Trapper coming in 2022 :thumbsup: Quite interesting and I'm sure many are thrilled that GEC is producing a sowbelly.

88-BAYOU-TRAPPER-1.jpg
 
It's been awhile since you've started one of these threads, Darren. Welcome back! 😁

I'm excited about this pattern. If they get the execution right, then it is going to be a stellar pocket knife. Interesting, maybe even quirky, but it isn't gimmicky and it is being offered in an undoubtedly useful blade combination in a very ergonomic frame.
 
I feel indifferent about this, the sheepsfoot is interesting to me, but like that. I may try to snag one to see if I end up liking it more than my gut is telling me. I’ve never owned a sowbelly before so that’s why I’m a bit hesitant.
 
I love the lamb'ish looking blade on it but not sold on the pattern overall. 4 inches is a little bigger than I usually carry. But as always, I am excited for a new pattern :) I can't wait to try it in hand!
 
I would recommend that if there are folks here who are unfamiliar with the Sowbelly frame, try and pick up a Case for half the price of a GEC. Not only is the Case version one of the best executions of the pattern out there, they are reasonably available and represent very little risk if you end up not caring for it.

Not only will this inform you on whether or not you would even like the frame but if you end up not caring for it, you've just given someone else who likes the Sowbelly a better shot at landing one of these 88s.

Personally, the ergonomics of a Sowbelly are really hard to beat - even in a multi-blade configuration with that high Sheepfoot. I think the 88 has the potential of feeling even better in hand.

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I am squarely on the " thrilled side" and I like that they went on the bigger side. Every poll asking what we would like GEC to produce I have answered Sow Belly, Pen Knife ( another TK Cuban run would put me over the moon ) or 98 run. I have a John LLoyd 4' sowbelly and absolutely love it. My only wish is that there was a single bladed version as well as I am not the3 biggest jack fan.... I know that I am in the minority on this. I will definitely look to add one of these, thank you GEC
 
I am on the fence about this one. I'm not questioning whether I want one (because I certainly do) but questioning whether I would prefer a sowbelly stockman instead. My ideal slipjoint is the stockman because I like having 3 blades that can be kept sharp and rotated for different tasks without being too bulky. However, my only experience with a sowbelly stockman is a Case version in amber bone which I found unpleasant to use due to the proud sheepsfoot blade. I tried grinding down the kick on the sheepsfoot and lowered it barely enough to make it less uncomfortable in the hand, but not enough to satisfy me. GEC's CAD rendering with only the clip and lambsfoot looks like it won't suffer from the same issues.

I'm not sure where I am going with my thoughts above. I suppose my thoughts can be summed up best as: I am excited for GEC's foray into sowbellies and I hope they also release a stockman pattern so that we can compare a 2-blade version to a 3-blade version. I applaud Bill for coming into 2022 with a strong start.
 
oldmanwilly said:
I am on the fence about this one. I'm not questioning whether I want one (because I certainly do) but questioning whether I would prefer a sowbelly stockman instead. My ideal slipjoint is the stockman because I like having 3 blades that can be kept sharp and rotated for different tasks without being too bulky. However, my only experience with a sowbelly stockman is a Case version in amber bone which I found unpleasant to use due to the proud sheepsfoot blade. I tried grinding down the kick on the sheepsfoot and lowered it barely enough to make it less uncomfortable in the hand, but not enough to satisfy me. GEC's CAD rendering with only the clip and lambsfoot looks like it won't suffer from the same issues.

I'm not sure where I am going with my thoughts above. I suppose my thoughts can be summed up best as: I am excited for GEC's foray into sowbellies and I hope they also release a stockman pattern so that we can compare a 2-blade version to a 3-blade version. I applaud Bill for coming into 2022 with a strong start.
Click to expand...
I also worked on the kick on mine, but have gotten to the point of changing the top edge of the sheepfoot blade to be more ergonomic.... I've done all my sowbellies this way, and it makes a huge difference in "handling".... here are before and after pics on my yeller one... sorry that the "after" pic is so dark....

I am absolutely looking forward to this new pattern.... two blade, three blade, single.... I'll take one of each...

IGg0XF.jpg
IGgjlr.jpg

IGTqvq.jpg
 
hornetguy said:
I also worked on the kick on mine, but have gotten to the point of changing the top edge of the sheepfoot blade to be more ergonomic.... I've done all my sowbellies this way, and it makes a huge difference in "handling".... here are before and after pics on my yeller one... sorry that the "after" pic is so dark....

I am absolutely looking forward to this new pattern.... two blade, three blade, single.... I'll take one of each...

IGg0XF.jpg
IGgjlr.jpg

IGTqvq.jpg
Click to expand...
That is clean work, nicely done! I thought about trying that with my Case but never followed through because I just quit carrying it (other than the proud blade I'm just not wild about tru-sharp stainless). I'll keep this in mind if a GEC stockman arrives with the same issue.
 
I like this pattern very much. There are many Sowbelly stockmans around but very few Sowbelly trappers - especially with a modified sheepsfoot

There was a time I could acquire a GEC knife. I am not a “favorite” of any dealer and I have no chance of getting one within minutes (seconds) of the online drop. If any member is aware of a dealer that might take preorders - would you be so kind to drop me a PM? Thanks
 
hornetguy said:
I also worked on the kick on mine, but have gotten to the point of changing the top edge of the sheepfoot blade to be more ergonomic.... I've done all my sowbellies this way, and it makes a huge difference in "handling".... here are before and after pics on my yeller one... sorry that the "after" pic is so dark....

I am absolutely looking forward to this new pattern.... two blade, three blade, single.... I'll take one of each...

IGg0XF.jpg
IGgjlr.jpg

IGTqvq.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice modification!.....
 
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