2022 GEC Bayou Trapper #88 Thread

If anybody happens to land a spare green bone or micarta, I’d be happy to buy it from them, I’d hate for any of y’all to suffer having too many knives😉 Easily the nicest out of the bunch, the micarta has a distinctive “western gambler” feel to it, whereas the green bone is just great! I’m a little biased, I’ve always been amazed by alligators and crocodiles.
 
I was able to land 3 88’s (one is with Glenn for a recover - which is funny because I used to think recovering a new GEC was for kooks), and they all have really good walk and talk. On all of them the clip is about a 6.5 and the lamb is a 6.25.

I was very skeptical of the 88 and the gator shield, but I was completely wrong. GEC is still at the top of their game. I am glad the dealers are participating more in GEC’s success - if anyone deserves a little larger piece of pie it is the faithful dealers that have supported GEC all these years. But I draw the line at MSRP.

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Everything is more expensive these days, and those cost increases probably impact a company the size of GEC more than Case or Rough Ryder. In turn, smaller knife shops are going to be impacted by the changing economy as well. Is the markup on GEC higher than other knives relative to them? In some cases it is an obvious yes, but in others it is less obviously the case. Lionsteel and Viper knives are made of "higher end" material and use modern machining to achieve tight tolerances, but I find GEC quality and experience to be superior to those knives whose MSRP is similar. Rather than scrutinize the market, or judge motives where very little information is known, I'd prefer to enjoy the hobby as much as my budget allows and to enjoy other enthusiasts's collections. The world is ugly enough without dwelling upon speculations of ugliness where none may exist.

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HEMI 49 HEMI 49 raises some good points. I have found little joy in posting pictures of my knives in recent months, particularly pictures of GECs. It seems that with every GEC centric thread, I have to wade through a fair bit of muck before I get to the actual knives - and when the moment arrives where I might post something, my enthusiasm has faded and I move on to doing or reading something else.

It's hard to feel enthusiastic about sharing one's collection these days - I've simply resorted to keeping the knives in my pocket and opted to mostly just read. Our mutual hobby is supposed to be fun, not full of aggravation and discontent.

With no small bit of irony, here's a pic of what's been in my pocket.

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Pàdruig said:
HEMI 49 HEMI 49 raises some good points. I have found little joy in posting pictures of my knives in recent months, particularly pictures of GECs. It seems that with every GEC centric thread, I have to wade through a fair bit of muck before I get to the actual knives - and when the moment arrives where I might post something, my enthusiasm has faded and I move on to doing or reading something else.

It's hard to feel enthusiastic about sharing one's collection these days - I've simply resorted to keeping the knives in my pocket and opted to mostly just read. Our mutual hobby is supposed to be fun, not full of aggravation and discontent.

With no small bit of irony, here's a pic of what's been in my pocket.

Edv0bej.jpg
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Very nice.... it's good to see them be used. Those might be the most stylish of the run... tough to beat the ironwood, though... again.... very nice...
 
Modoc ED said:
Gotta note that all three of the Bayou Trappers as received, needed about 5-minutes each on a stone for their final hone.

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Impressive trio for sure, look well together. To my mind the Micarta is the Ace in all senses of the word, hot! The GECs I got last year arrived sharp enough, I just stropped them, perhaps this run is different?

Have to say I don't quite understand what/why some people are saying they're leery of posting pix of their knives for fear of criticism or censure?? Without debate, discussion, controversy and images there's no point in a forum surely? Who can have all they want? And if they do, they're likely still distraught 😆
 
Lots of beautiful examples here. For those of you lucky enough to have landed different covers for this run. Have you noticed any difference in action? I was able to land a micarta one and the action is perfection. However it was quickly claimed by my son so I am on the hunt for the gator but was wandering about the action. Thank you in advance.
 
JohnDF said:
I agree with Jeff...
It's the people that are willing to spend $200.00 plus that are the problem... NOT the sellers.
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JohnDF said:
If you feel that a new pocket knife is worth that and much more... Go for it.
But the more people willing to spend insane amounts to obtain one will never get the demand and prices down... it will only increase.
You can't blame the retailers and flippers for hiking up their prices because people are willing to spend the money. When people become unwilling to spend the money, the prices and availability will adjust. You can't just blame the sellers, it takes two to tango. Buying over retail just adds to the problem.
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John I agree with you. Unfortunately I had no luck with the "out of stock dealers". Seems to be the way now. I too was very generously offered trades from a couple of members...but yeah with postage and gst(the aussie tax that keeps on taking) its now my 3rd most costly knife purchase after Case TB Cattle knife and GEC Mammoth Ivory 79.....as I said to a prospective lawn mowing client.."its not worth getting out of bed for 50 bux anymore."
 
Pàdruig said:
HEMI 49 HEMI 49 raises some good points. I have found little joy in posting pictures of my knives in recent months, particularly pictures of GECs. It seems that with every GEC centric thread, I have to wade through a fair bit of muck before I get to the actual knives - and when the moment arrives where I might post something, my enthusiasm has faded and I move on to doing or reading something else.

It's hard to feel enthusiastic about sharing one's collection these days - I've simply resorted to keeping the knives in my pocket and opted to mostly just read. Our mutual hobby is supposed to be fun, not full of aggravation and discontent.

With no small bit of irony, here's a pic of what's been in my pocket.

Edv0bej.jpg
Click to expand...
It looks like you're using the clip blade more than the lambsfoot. Or perhaps the lambsfoot is for utility work and the clip is for cutting sandwiches? At any rate, that Ace is aces! Almost making me second think my gator choice.
 
Will Power said:
Have to say I don't quite understand what/why some people are saying they're leery of posting pix of their knives for fear of criticism or censure?? Without debate, discussion, controversy and images there's no point in a forum surely? Who can have all they want? And if they do, they're likely still distraught 😆
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The negativity towards those who are more successful than you is a form of bullying. In this case more successful at acquiring knives. It is an attempt to make those who are successful feel guilt about their hard work and effort. To make them want to work less hard. Do not give in, be proud of your work, be proud of your collection, and share it here on the platform built to share.

I'm not a set collector, not a completist if you will. It's just not how I am wired, however I certainly understand that are some are and admire your determination to accomplish your goals. Myself, I like to wander around the different types and patterns and collect the ones that strike my fancy. I like to learn the history of different patterns and learn how to use them. That's what makes it fun for me. So if those of you who have large collections don't share pictures. I lose the opportunity to learn and explore the many different types of knives out there, so please do not stop sharing.
 
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