I have found that this is a topic that comes up with some regularity. It usually descends into somewhat of an argument between GEC's fans and detractors.
Like with any cutlery firm, GEC offers their dealers the opportunity to arrange SFOs. This makes certain runs smaller and in most cases, more desirable. The same principles behind a Spyderco sprint run are at work here where a dealer announces their exclusive SFO, the SFO "drops", and a mad scramble ensues to gobble up every last one of them. The predictable results being that several immediately end up on the Exchange or the big auction site for absurd markups and the rest of those who were fortunate enough to obtain one, will post on Instagram, here on the Forums, etc.
GEC has their main production runs, differentiated by the various trims/lines: GEC, Northfield, Tidioute, and Farm & Field. Usually (not always), these runs are larger as there aren't any SFOs attached to them. As has been mentioned already, some patterns are far more popular than others, the regular jacks (boys knives) and Barlows being amongst the most sought after (particularly if they are single blade variants). Other patterns do not have the same following, yet they were produced in large numbers; the recent run of #66s being an excellent example of this (you can still find available SFOs on shelves for this pattern).
GEC produces enough knives these days to satisfy everyone, from the ever diligent collector to the most casual of users. They make a robust knife with quality materials and beautifully executed patterns for a price point that is beyond reasonable.
My advice would be to go to GEC's sites (keep in mind, there are two of them), find their dealers, get in touch with said dealers, get on their mailing lists and/or take advantage of their early reserve programs (if available).
I have been involved with GEC knives since I was introduced to them when joining these forums. There are a number of things that I have discovered about myself and my own personal tastes/needs:
- I have developed my interests and tastes and purchase accordingly.
- It isn't worth getting flustered at missing out on a "drop" or an "early reserve". Lots of fantastic knives out there, I have realized it is pointless to get hung up on the missed ones.
- I have had great success in acquiring knives that I otherwise missed out on by being patient and developing good relationships with members here on the forums.
- Part of GEC's appeal to me is the quality that I get for my dollar. That value goes out the window when I see a knife being sold for double and triple what it sold at retail. It is my personal preference and opinion but I refuse to purchase a GEC at such a markup (I might as well look at getting a custom at that point). Hence why patience is a necessity...
- Knife collecting is supposed to be fun and the hunt for a specific knife, the discussion of certain patterns, and the eventual acquisition are all part of what can be a very rewarding experience.
So with that said, I wish thee the best of luck! Have fun!