A question about GEC #97

el gigantor

el gigantor

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I've been a fan of Great Eastern Cutlery since I first heard about them. My #23 landed a few days ago, and I'm in love! I had a question about the #97..

Why are these readily available? It seems GEC sells out their runs very quickly, but I've seen more than one website just this morning that had multiple handle variations of the #97 ready to ship.

I like the large coke bottle pattern, and the price seems reasonable. The reviews I've read are favourable too. What am I missing?

(To be clear, I'm not complaining. It just seems like an anomaly.)
 
Because theyre huge which to some detracts from its carry purposes. No doubt about it, certain models sell like hot cakes, some models couldnt give em away. i believe the 06 templars is another example.
 
Because they’re big and people say they have light pulls. The pulls are lighter than many GEC models, but I’ve had 3 or 4 and all had nice snappy action.

The saber grind is slightly thicker, but it’s also traditional for the pattern.
 
I have wondered why the they are still on the shelves and have a few contributing factors;
1) Production was quite high in numbers
2) large knives generally sell slower than small-medium size knives for GEC
3) spring/action a little soft
4) sabre grind

As far as the knife goes, I like mine fine. Not quite the handful of the #23 but still a substantial knife. Pulls are softer at 4-5 and the blade can be pinched open. While no where near the slicer the #23 is it does have a beefier blade and heavier edge. Very well constructed knife and worth the price. FCA0497F-17D8-491B-BC4F-5F84690831F0.jpeg
 
I have two, and both are great!
The pull is lighter on my beavertail than my micarta knife. However that is probably a knife to knife difference.
I prefer a thicker knife so I favor multi blades, but the 97 is good.
They made a slew of em, so there is still good availability.
 
A divisive sort of pattern- loathe or adore :D nothing wrong with that and they cannot be despised as being bland;) Too big and Sabre puts them out of my approval, don't much like the look of them either :D But a fine pattern with a long history :thumbsup:
 
I think it’s a good looking knife, just not practical or exciting enough to actually spend money on, when the 23 is a more practical user and the 97 is really too big to carry on a daily basis but also too big to be anything but a big work knife/user.
 
For myself, I passed. I really don't like a knife much over 3-3/4 inches.
I made an exception for the #23 because of it's historical significance to the company and I'll be carrying it in my Jeep... not on my person.
 
They are actually not readily available, in the sense that there were many cover variations of the 97 and only a couple are available anywhere, usually just the micarta.

The prize for 97’s is either a nice stag or the Waynorth African Blackwood SFO.
 
It’s the weak pull and the lack of snap. I have handled one that I would rate as a 1 -2 and the closing snap was completely anemic. That one was sent back. I have handled two others which were little better. One had a 2 pull the other was a 3. For me, still well under acceptable.
 
akxwR4T.jpg

There are versions that are full flat instead of saber, and in my opinion it carries well for a big'n. The really rounded end cap bolster and overall thinness is deceiving for its length. Its no thicker in cross section than 2019 forum knife. Pull on mine is middle of the road not strong but I wouldn't call it weak myself, it snaps into all 3 positions nicely. This 97 beavertail is one of my favorite knives actually.
 
I am afraid that I do not have many pictures of my one and only 97 . Here is a comparative shot of 3 Northfields . Going down 73 /// 43 /// and the 97 .

Just the 97

Well made , blade centered , soft pull but still snaps . Never carry it or use it . I needed more Stag and the Pattern in my meager collection and I kind of like the Sabre Grind and the unique Double Pulls .
I normally try to get 2 of a pattern , but I did not try to get 2 of the 97s.

Harry
 
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