Buck vs Case vs GEC vs Canal Street Cutlery

Well, I have a couple of Case. A couple of Buck. And just one GEC. But no CSC. So I just can place my opinion about theese three and no word about CSC.

Case are nice knives with a good finish. The springs are mostly strong enough making a good user to the knife. But during buying and using some of their knives it seems, there are some pretty heavy tolerances in the different production "runs" (I don´t know exactelly how to say, maybe my English is too bad). The blades OOTB were sharp, no question. But after some time they get blade wobbling and some of the blades are not centered, after a couple of months. Would I buy any Case knife again?! Yes! Why? I like how the knives feel. I like how they are in hands.

Buck have a finder F&F OOTB. The blades seem to be sharper and there´s no question about any spaces between handles and the bolster, for example. Buck´s seem to be bomb proof and hard as nails. My Buck 301 have pretty weak springs. But, ok! Would I buy any Buck? Yes! Why? I like the solid feeling and the nice finishing on them. So very good users! Buck makes fine cuterly, no question. j

I just only own one GEC (thank You Will!!). They are absolutely perfect. And I mean, what I say. Everything is solid. The scales are nice. The blades are sharp and centered, with no wobbling. They feel so great in hand. I have never been such impressed by any knife like my #66. Would I buy any GEC? Yes, without any question!

I didn´t want to post in this thread, but it was a case of heart posting my thoughts and impressions, though I have nothing to say about CSC.

No I lean back and drink some fine bavarian beer :)

Kind regards
Andi
 
Humppa said:
Well, I have a couple of Case. A couple of Buck. And just one GEC. But no CSC. So I just can place my opinion about theese three and no word about CSC.
Kind regards
Andi
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I'm glad you shared your thoughts. Much appreciated.

jwh
 
Hello, just my thoughts. I don't have a Canal Street knife so don't have much to report. I'm not sure I like their shield or the way they grind out the opening for it. That's what keeps me from buying. I have a few GEC knives. I like the pinned shields. They are a little bulky at times. A real pocketful. I really like my rotten banana 66 pattern. I don't care for plastic handles. That kind of leaves out Buck. I just picked up a W.R. Case "prime stag" swayback. That knife blows me away. Wasn't sure Case could make such a nice knife. I wouldn't overlook the queen knives also.

now not a bavarian beer but a victory headwater pale ale. yum.
 
I just received my first Canal Street Cutlery knife....a 3 3/4" Pinch lock back; polished D-2; polished buffalo horn; very sharp and very nice. The size is a very useful size. And, it is nicer than the Case and Buck knives that I have, though I still like those as well. I will not buy GEC products anymore. I bought three of them (D-2)....much more expensive I might add.... and although pretty, they were as dull as butter knives. I could not get them sharp on Spyderco Sharpmaker. I will start buying more CSC knives for sure. They would make nice gifts as well.
 
dan oliver said:
I just received my first Canal Street Cutlery knife....a 3 3/4" Pinch lock back; polished D-2; polished buffalo horn; very sharp and very nice. The size is a very useful size. And, it is nicer than the Case and Buck knives that I have, though I still like those as well. I will not buy GEC products anymore. I bought three of them (D-2)....much more expensive I might add.... and although pretty, they were as dull as butter knives. I could not get them sharp on Spyderco Sharpmaker. I will start buying more CSC knives for sure. They would make nice gifts as well.
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Sorry to say Dan, GEC has never made a knife with D2 Steel blades.
 
dan oliver said:
rma100....thank you. it must have been 1095. Does that sound right? It was a few years ago.
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If you can't get 1095 sharp I'd avoid CSC knives. D2 is much less forgiving than 1095

personaly I've owned 3 of the batch and liked them all

the first one of them who makes a two blade trapper with a saw blade will get my vote :D

seriously though my EDC is a Queen sodbuster Jr in D2 - it just feels right and lasts the longest when the work needs doing

after that its my GEC lockback mini hunter - I just trust it a bit more and it splits hairs

I'd be happy to split wood and do other damage with my Buck 112. I know it'll take the abuse

CSC pinchlock is on my wanted list as is another Queen probably a Q City copperlock if somones ever happy to ship to the UK....
 
Thanks Corso, but my CSC Pinch came sharp out of the box...like a any knife should. I will be able to maintain the edge. My GEC's had no edge. Simple as that. And I agree that Buck does make a great knife. Every Case I have has a very nice edge as well.
 
Thats good to know i quite fancy a CSC pinchlock but was put off after spending alot of energy getting my Queen Sodbuster jr hair poping

I have 2 GEC's 72 + 73 they were paper slicing out the box and only took a strop to get the same hair poping edge
 
Let's see, I own GEC, Buck, Case, Camillus, Schrade, Queen, Bear & Sons, but no Canal Street Cutlery. Will have to take a look at their knives. Of all those previously mentioned, the Bear & Sons Trapper does the least for me. I generally start with a large Trapper pattern first.
 
Case Bose annual collaborations;
Great Eastern;
Canal Streel;
Queen/Schatt and Morgan;
Case Bose CV, SS;
Buck/Case CV regular series tie;
Case regular series ss

That's just for the US makers. I've only had one Canal Street, a canittler I believe.
 
I own all three and rating them for my personal enjoyment and pride of ownership I would rate them in the following order:

GEC
CSC
Case

With all the knives that I own the one thing that really stands out is that the GEC's and CSC's all FEEL and LOOK more substantial. The Case just seems more delicate. I also think that the Case today is not made quite the same as it was IMHO.
 
I just received about a week ago, a Ben Hogan clip point lock back from Tidioute in subdued Spring Green bone. I love the fit and finish and can't wrap it...stays in my pocket. I just ordered a CSC stockman with recovered Chestnut handle. I'm gonna carry it since it's stainless. I'll let you know about the CSC. Ya know I really intended to buy a Queen stockman, but their handles are boring and I only have a wooden handle on a Buck folding hunter so I really needed this one.
 
being able to inspect a knife is tough for someone who doesn't have any knife stores nearby. very rarely if any will i come across a store that sells a nice assortment of knives to look at or choose from. sometimes you have no choice but to order from the factory online.
 
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