2022 GEC Bayou Trapper #88 Thread

Decision weekend. Do I keep this and keep it in it's tube, keep it, pocket it, and use it or, pass it along to someone looking for one? Don't understand why someone can't get one if they want one, as they're a dime a dozen on the net right now. Just looked. Several available. Anybody got any idea of how many of each version of these Bayou Trappers were made?

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cigarrodog said:
Thank you kindly Brent.

That DIW looks so good, I don’t have one in my hand (yet), but I think the Ironwood is my favorite. All the covers are beautiful, but the Ironwood has that old timer look.
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DIW has been a favorite wood of mine since I got into pocket knives again. It just has so much character.
 
I love sowbellies, so when these were announced I knew immediately that I wanted one (and posted that here). Living in Europe, I also knew that my chances were slim. At that point, a generous BF member PM'ed me to say that, if he could score an extra, he would grab one for me. As the months passed and the knives started to trickle out, I kept my eye on the EU distributor's site and thought about the generous offer that had been made previously. I am the sort of person that doesn't want to impose on anyone, so I hesitated to contact the aforementioned BF member, but he reached out to me to inquire about my cover preferences. The EU distributor listed the black linen micarta, but they were gone in the blink of an eye (I suspect they only got a couple). Well, to my astonishment said member offered me a (very) lightly used black linen and a new Yeti ivory at an awesome price. I couldn't refuse! He was even willing to ship them to me at my hotel in the US (where I am visiting family), which saved me a bundle in shipping/VAT/duties/fees.

The knives are great, with excellent fit and finish. Perfect pulls and no gaps. If I were to nitpick, the springs are slightly proud at the half-stop, but I don't really care about that; they are flush opened and closed. I am really thrilled with these and thankful to add them to my sowbelly collection. The black and white combination has a Yin-Yang feel to me. Here is a crappy photo, on my hotel desk, with lots of flotsam and jetsam in the background. I will try to take some better ones when I get home.

So, many thousand thanks Jiki Jiki ! I am in your debt and appreciate your kindness and generosity tremendously!

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aji1 said:
I love sowbellies, so when these were announced I knew immediately that I wanted one (and posted that here). Living in Europe, I also knew that my chances were slim. At that point, a generous BF member PM'ed me to say that, if he could score an extra, he would grab one for me. As the months passed and the knives started to trickle out, I kept my eye on the EU distributor's site and thought about the generous offer that had been made previously. I am the sort of person that doesn't want to impose on anyone, so I hesitated to contact the aforementioned BF member, but he reached out to me to inquire about my cover preferences. The EU distributor listed the black linen micarta, but they were gone in the blink of an eye (I suspect they only got a couple). Well, to my astonishment said member offered me a (very) lightly used black linen and a new Yeti ivory at an awesome price. I couldn't refuse! He was even willing to ship them to me at my hotel in the US (where I am visiting family), which saved me a bundle in shipping/VAT/duties/fees.

The knives are great, with excellent fit and finish. Perfect pulls and no gaps. If I were to nitpick, the springs are slightly proud at the half-stop, but I don't really care about that; they are flush opened and closed. I am really thrilled with these and thankful to add them to my sowbelly collection. The black and white combination has a Yin-Yang feel to me. Here is a crappy photo, on my hotel desk, with lots of flotsam and jetsam in the background. I will try to take some better ones when I get home.

So, many thousand thanks Jiki Jiki ! I am in your debt and appreciate your kindness and generosity tremendously!

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Very good of Jiki Jiki to do that.
 
Modoc ED said:
Don't understand why someone can't get one if they want one, as they're a dime a dozen on the net right now.
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You had me all excited... not that I want to buy one, but it would be a good sign for future runs.
But alas, I visited every one of the GEC dealers and only saw two white acrylics for sale, and they were well North of $200.00.
But you're right, there were a couple to be had, sitting on the shelves, so maybe things are improving... a little.
 
Pàdruig said:
For fans of the Sowbelly, you will find that this 88 runs on the larger side. Comparing it to the Queen-made Winchester, you can see the obvious similarities - it is just oversized.

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One of my regular users that I find most comparable in size and utility is my 82 Dixie Stockman. I think the 88 to be more robust overall but I'd say pocketability and efficiency run in the 82's favor.
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Spot on observation. Two of my most carried knives are the Dixie stockman and a Winchester sowbelly.I had a Yeti waiting when I got home this evening. After a quick once over, out came the Dixie and Winchester for comparison. The 88 feels large in hand. Pulls and action are impressive. A keeper for sure. I'm torn as to where this will sit as far as rotation goes. The feel screams work/user, aesthetic says Sunday in a slip cary. Oh well, good problem to have.
 
Couldn't leave the spare clip blade alone, so decided to try and make a new folder with it. Still a lot of finish work to do, but it works and has a good action. Had some scrap ebony in the shop, which will polish up nice once I get the handle shaped the rest of the way.
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So ended up with 2 single blade knives from the ace of spades 88. Very different feel to them. I made the covers on the clip blade much thicker and it fills my hand. Not sure if I will go thinner or not. The lambsfoot blade is very slim and pockets very well. Most importantly, I learned a lot doing this. First time disassembling one and first time ever attempting to make one. Hard part was already done since the blade and spring were already made, just had to make the liners and covers.

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jdraizor said:
Couldn't leave the spare clip blade alone, so decided to try and make a new folder with it. Still a lot of finish work to do, but it works and has a good action. Had some scrap ebony in the shop, which will polish up nice once I get the handle shaped the rest of the way.
View attachment 1813162

So ended up with 2 single blade knives from the ace of spades 88. Very different feel to them. I made the covers on the clip blade much thicker and it fills my hand. Not sure if I will go thinner or not. The lambsfoot blade is very slim and pockets very well. Most importantly, I learned a lot doing this. First time disassembling one and first time ever attempting to make one. Hard part was already done since the blade and spring were already made, just had to make the liners and covers.

View attachment 1813165

View attachment 1813166
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I wish I could "like" this twice.... very nicely done! I can't wait to see the ebony once it's polished out... :thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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