Buck vs Case vs GEC vs Canal Street Cutlery

[jwh]

Very helpful info Nathan.

jwh

 

[jwh]

Mind if I join ya?

In light of what has already been said about this, one can only imagine.

Remember, it's all in fun Rick. If you have something productive to add to this thread please do so.

jwh

 

[Rick]

Jeez, relax and have some of that 'fun' you were talking about. I just thought that Ed would find the pic amusing, seeing as how he uses a variation of it as his avatar.

 

[TomTerrific]

Great thread and isn't it wonderful there hasn't been any heat?

My slight downgrading of GECs was from being picky about how the pins and shield were done on one knife. I didn't have any of those problems, which, again, were picky, with the CSCs.

I like single bladed knives and don't like jigged bone, so that limits me.

I really like the Case tiny toothpicks with natural handles and the fit and finish on them has been good, not up to GEC and CSC, but good. The Schatt and Morgans are better.

The CSC abalone half moon trappers and pinch lockbacks are striking looking knives. Their sunset bone is a wonderful medium.

I recently purchased two GEC #72s, one a Northfield, the other a Tridiout, in ebony and cocobolo, both clip points. I was surprised in the difference in the blades. The Northfield was a nicer blade with details I liked and the prices were close.

One request I make of dealers is to inspect the knife before shipping to ensure the blade is centered and the fit and finish is acceptable. I ordered the last of a line of Scagels and they told me is wasn't up to stuff and didn't ship it.

Knife collecting can really be interesting. I appreciate all the comments. I carried a Buck Squire from 1980 until a few years ago, a really nice knife. When we relate experiences rather than opinions, the forum mood is better.

 

[jwh]

Agreed.

jwh

 

[jwh]

Jeez, relax .

I would still like to hear about your thoughts and experiences with the knives in question.

jwh

 

[supratentorial]

That is one I have not looked into. More research to do. Thanks.

jwh

Here are some examples of some of my favorite handle materials from GEC and Queen/Schatt&Morgan.

GEC Stag

Queen Stag (branded Winchester)

Taste is purely subjective of course and your opinion may vary but I don't care for a lot of the jigged bone that's being used on modern production but Queen/Schatt&Morgan does some impressive work. There are also a few examples from GEC that I like a lot, especially Charlie's "peach seed".

Here's a close up of the bone on two of Charlie's Harness Jacks. GEC peach seed on the left. Schatt&Morgan on the right. Two beauties. Excellent fit and finish on both knives.

Here are two more examples of beautiful jigged bone from both companies. A Dog Paw (GEC) on the left and a Schatt&Morgan on the right. The fit and finish on both knives is excellent.

As with any knife from any company fit and finish varies. GEC does seem to have an edge with consistency but I'm glad that I didn't let that hold me back from purchasing the Schatt&Morgan knives that I posted. When Queen is at the top of its game, it's just as impressive. They're definitely pros at jigging/dying bone and stag. I think Queen could make a piece of ugly stag look good by the time they've finished it.

I'd recommend reading the Winchester (Queen) black box thread and Charlie's Harness Jack thread if you haven't already.

 

[Bob W]

I only have one Great Eastern knife, a couple of Canal Street knives, and a few Case. All of my Buck knives are either hunting knife fixed blades or 'modern' knives, so I'm not comparing these.

The Great Eastern is excellent. It's as good as the best from Canal Street, and as good as the best from Queen or Boker. Any of these are better made than the average Case knife.

 

[supratentorial]

Also, make sure that you treat yourself to some Case/Bose collaboration knives...

...and some customs. Lot's of talented makers here.

 

[jwh]

You have some beautiful examples there Jake.

jwh

 

[jwh]

IThe Great Eastern is excellent. It's as good as the best from Canal Street, and as good as the best from Queen or Boker. Any of these are better made than the average Case knife.

Thanks Bob.

 

[TomTerrific]

Here are some examples of some of my favorite handle materials from GEC and Queen/Schatt&Morgan.

GEC Stag

Queen Stag (branded Winchester)

Taste is purely subjective of course and your opinion may vary but I don't care for a lot of the jigged bone that's being used on modern production but Queen/Schatt&Morgan does some impressive work. There are also a few examples from GEC that I like a lot, especially Charlie's "peach seed".

Here's a close up of the bone on two of Charlie's Harness Jacks. GEC peach seed on the left. Schatt&Morgan on the right. Two beauties. Excellent fit and finish on both knives.

Here are two more examples of beautiful jigged bone from both companies. A Dog Paw (GEC) on the left and a Schatt&Morgan on the right. The fit and finish on both knives is excellent.

As with any knife from any company fit and finish varies. GEC does seem to have an edge with consistency but I'm glad that I didn't let that hold me back from purchasing the Schatt&Morgan knives that I posted. When Queen is at the top of its game, it's just as impressive. They're definitely pros at jigging/dying bone and stag. I think Queen could make a piece of ugly stag look good by the time they've finished it.

I'd recommend reading the Winchester (Queen) black box thread and Charlie's Harness Jack thread if you haven't already.

I think I'm beginning to like jigged bone. Wonderful examples.

 

[knarfeng]

I wouldn't put Buck into this group from a collectors standpoint.

I agree. Buck is a different animal. To me, Buck knives are all about function, with a modicum of esthetics.

I have knives from both GEC and Canal Street.
If both those companies made the same design, I'd probably opt for the Canal Street. To me the Canal Street feels more "refined", while the GEC feels more "classic". I like both, and I have more GECs than I have Canal Streets, mostly because GEC makes more patterns and variants than Canal Street.

 

[2Dead]

I think GEC and CSC compete closest with their single blade trappers. The CSC is 3 3/4, stainless steel, more of a curved pattern than serpentine, much lower on the pull scale so easier to open but also less snap, and does not have half stops. The GECs are 3 7/8", right now only 1095, serpentine, pretty even at a 5 on the pull scale, and has half stops. I have more CSC Half Moons than GEC single blade #48s but CSC has made more... I found the F&F to be pretty uniform on the GECs where as my CSCs have been a little more variable. I've become more comfortable with 1095 pocket knives than I was when I bought the CSCs below. I only have 4 more CSCs not pictured below where as I have about 100 more GECs (many in 440c though). I'll be more likely to buy more GECs going forward but would buy a new CSC if they introduce new patterns that I like (like a jack on the half moon frame in 14-4Cr).

One thing I find funny is that GEC has ex Queen employees but their single and 2 blade trappers do not resemble Queen's. They are closer to Schrade. And CSC has ex Schrade employees but their single and 2 blade trappers do not resemble the ones they used to make...

CSC Half Moons

GEC single blade #48s

 

[Will Power]

From my experience, GEC is very reliable indeed when it comes to QC. As said already, their stag is superior to others at the moment.Lets not forget their Primitive Bone or the Acyrilics either, these can be most impressive. Good range of scales, limited steel (not nearly enough stainless options in my view) constantly evolving pattern range too. Early models have uber springs that some dislike, these days they're milder but not weak. The stock they use tends for a heavier knife, that might not suit everyone.

Not been that struck on CS or very pleased with them.Limited pattern range, can't stand their cheap coin shield, not always very varied scales across the range. Offers some interesting steels though. Too many gaps and odd finish on the ones I had and where's the snap?? Very weakly sprung knives unsuited to my tastes.

CASE turns out vast numbers, I'm pleased with most of mine, annoyed by a few. I like the choice they offer-which can be important for the newcomer.

Buck make a decent worker, they are followed by many but I don't drool over their slipjoints. Fixed knives are very good though.

Queen. Here I can never really make up my mind. They're often blunt or very poorly ground-indefensible frankly. Some have their quality issues too, play,gaps bad inletting. On the other hand IF they get it right they make a really wonderful lifetimer knife. I've got some I would never part with at all: Muskrat, Copperhead, Teardrop, HJ. Problem is, you do take a risk with them and it's such a shame given their heritage and potential.

Like to put a word in for current Böker Germany carbon knives. All the ones I own are quality beyond their price, I like them a lot.

 

[Cisco Kid]

That is something you'll never hear about a GEC.

Well, I've sent two knives to GEC for repair. Sent one for blade centering, which came back repaired, but the blade was all scratched up. The second had bad blade rubbing (an easy pocket congress), came back as bad as was sent in, but with an additional gap at the back, between the spring and one of the liners. So, nobody is perfect. But I sent knives for similar adjustments and repair to Case, and they always came back perfect.

My advice is: if you're picky, don't buy a factory knife without having a chance to inspect it, no matter the brand.

 

[johnny twoshoes]

People are people and make mistakes, I understand this and I'm not trying to say that GEC is perfect and above failing.
My point is, that as long as I have studied, handled and bought GECs I have never had one with a weak snap.

 

[jwh]

I agree. Buck is a different animal. To me, Buck knives are all about function, with a modicum of esthetics.

I have knives from both GEC and Canal Street.
If both those companies made the same design, I'd probably opt for the Canal Street. To me the Canal Street feels more "refined", while the GEC feels more "classic". I like both, and I have more GECs than I have Canal Streets, mostly because GEC makes more patterns and variants than Canal Street.

Thanks for your input. I have Bucks, Buck/Tops and Buck/Hoods. All look good and function as needed. I am starting to think I will have to get one of each to decided. LOL

jwh

 

[jwh]

I think GEC and CSC compete closest with their single blade trappers. The CSC is 3 3/4, stainless steel, more of a curved pattern than serpentine, much lower on the pull scale so easier to open but also less snap, and does not have half stops. The GECs are 3 7/8", right now only 1095, serpentine, pretty even at a 5 on the pull scale, and has half stops. I have more CSC Half Moons than GEC single blade #48s but CSC has made more... I found the F&F to be pretty uniform on the GECs where as my CSCs have been a little more variable. I've become more comfortable with 1095 pocket knives than I was when I bought the CSCs below. I only have 4 more CSCs not pictured below where as I have about 100 more GECs (many in 440c though). I'll be more likely to buy more GECs going forward but would buy a new CSC if they introduce new patterns that I like (like a jack on the half moon frame in 14-4Cr).

One thing I find funny is that GEC has ex Queen employees but their single and 2 blade trappers do not resemble Queen's. They are closer to Schrade. And CSC has ex Schrade employees but their single and 2 blade trappers do not resemble the ones they used to make...
]

Those are just too dang purdy. I'll give you my address if you want to mail them here for safe keeping. Thanks for your info.

jwh

 

[jwh]

From my experience,.

Thanks for sharing your experiences willgoy.

jwh