Am I Nuts?

A.P.F.

A.P.F.

Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
7,132
I have fallen in love with GEC knives and a nice burnt stag trapper is in my pocket at this moment, as a 'user'. I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a $170 ancient bone GEC that will be a 'user' as well. Am I nuts for using these beautiful slip-joints rather than collecting them? Does anyone else consider all their knives as 'users'?
 
It's one of my golden rules regarding knives. Every single knife I own is a user. If I don't use a knife within a few months to a year then I'll sell it, trade it, or give it away.

Of course that doesn't mean I'll be using my nicest knives to scrape a crusty old gasket, but I will happily use any knife I own for EDC tasks and food prep (that's what I use em for 99% of the time anyway).
 
If by "ancient" bone, you're referring to GEC's "Primitive" (50+ year old naturally distressed and stabilized) bone, I have two EDCs in that material. It's a little heavier/denser than regular bone due to the stabilization, but both of mine are holding up beautifully after several years of regular carry and use.

YMMV, but I personally draw the line at carrying GEC rarities (very short runs, special factory test materials, etc.), but their regular production stuff just begs to be used.
 
All users here, although only 1 GEC (until the 2012 BF knife gets here). They stay new in the box for a while, then I either sharpen and use or they go to someone else. Matter of fact, I've got one in the exchange right now that I couldn't bring myself to use, time for something different.
 
Rick said:
If by "ancient" bone, you're referring to GEC's "Primitive" (50+ year old naturally distressed and stabilized) bone, I have two EDCs in that material. It's a little heavier/denser than regular bone due to the stabilization, but both of mine are holding up beautifully after several years of regular carry and use.

YMMV, but I personally draw the line at carrying GEC rarities (very short runs, special factory test materials, etc.), but their regular production stuff just begs to be used.
Click to expand...

Yup, that is the right word, Rick. My bones are 'ancient', the GEC's are 'Primitive'. :) Thanks for the info on the bone as well.

@ Vic - Yup, that is pretty much my philosophy as well. I am a lousy collector.
 
All my knives are users, think of it like this, is it worth .46 cents a day? People spend more on a crappy cup off coffee each day, if you have it two years . 23 cents a day, life is short don 't pine over it, it's just a tool, enjoy it.
 
If you are, I am too.

My primitive bone Nothfield 65 Ben Hogan on the day I received it back in April:

BenHogan1.jpg


One week later:

BenHoganApr12a.jpg


Five months later:

BenHoganSep19fr_zpsadaf7a8a.jpg
 
Doug Add said:
If you are, I am too.

My primitive bone Nothfield 65 Ben Hogan on the day I received it back in April:

BenHogan1.jpg


One week later:

BenHoganApr12a.jpg


Five months later:

BenHoganSep19fr_zpsadaf7a8a.jpg
Click to expand...

Doug is it the lighting or is it from age that the bone is darker in the last picture. I have a #25 Barlow in Primitive bone and is nice to see that the bone takes age well.
 
doug add: thats a very nice progression you documented there. i dont know if its just me but i dont favor the "rainbow" patina, which is usually the first stages of the patina, ie cutting into that first steak \ acidic food, but seeing as you've kept using it and developed that dark patina that i (and others) love, it looks primo to me :thumbup:. (id like to thank you for orienting the knife the same way in each photo it makes distinguishing the changes better; also it looks as if you've utilized the same lighting in all three (looks to be natural light; outside).

I also posted what im about to say in another similar thread, and i think i literally have a problem, because i have to have 2 of each knife....one as a user and one to keep new and cherish. It kind of sucks sometimes because of the cost, but what can you do?
 
OddFuture said:
Doug is it the lighting or is it from age that the bone is darker in the last picture. I have a #25 Barlow in Primitive bone and is nice to see that the bone takes age well.
Click to expand...

I'm sure the difference in lighting has something to do with it, but the bone has definitely darkened over time. It may have as much to do with the mineral oil I use to treat the knife after cleaning as with actual use, but it has changed.

To keep from stepping all over Al's thread, I'll point you to this thread I posted about the Hogan's developing patina.
 
Use it, that's what it's for. There are only a few knives I won't use. Most of them due to sentimental value and not market value. I regularly carry and use a $300+ knife. I figure if I'm not going to enjoy using it, then someone else at some point will. I don't have any kids to pass things on to, so if I don't enjoy it then someone will probably just beat the crap out of it later without even realizing what it is.
 
I have several GEC folders and all are "users". My next GEC is going to be genuine stag (still making up my mind on the pattern) - regardless, it will take it's place in the EDC rotation. I've got a few knives that I have not carried yet - they will get used or go to new homes. If you see a knife (irrespective of cost ... if its in your budget) that seems to resonate with you buy it and use it - enjoy owning and carrying it.
 
IMO, there is no better way to enjoy your purchase than too carry it and use it. I mean, $170 seems like a steep price for a fancy paper weight. I say use the heck out of it, that's what they are made for.

If you are concerned about using a GEC as a work knife, you could even get a Bullnose. I freaking love mine. It is the first 'nice' (I mean, it is GEC quality) knife I own that I am not afraid of plunging into the dirt using it as a scraper...heck, I just realized that there are small specks of rust appearing but strangely...I DON'T CARE!!! :cool:

Trust me, you will be happy if you make it a user!
 
I carry everything, and the sprint-run knives are no exception. I carry an ancient Kauri conductor, an amber bone corn cob jigged cattle baron, and a tortoise shell 440C half congress (low numbers made, the baron being about 3 or 4 made).

I feel guilty owning rare knives and not using them. Its like the princess who is never let out of her castle... Too beautiful to experience real life... I just can't allow that for my knives. They will live a full and useful life in my hands.

Just maybe, in some distant future, when the blades have been reduced to toothpicks, will these knives be placed in a case, to be admired for a lifetime of service, with the scars to prove it.
 
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Some great posts everyone and thanks for re-affirming my sanity! I am going to thoroughly use and enjoy the new GEC.
 
Hey Al,
I'd had the same worry a while ago, and started THIS thread it's not the same but it would clarify something
Regards
Mateo
 
Thanks for the link, Mateo! That was a good read that gave me a valuable perspective.

@Mike - My motto too. ;)
 
Especially should production knives be users in my book.
Now customs I can go either way as regards to 'users' versus 'safe queens'.
 
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