Buying a GEC should I get a serialized knife?

B Hess

B Hess

Joined
Feb 20, 2006
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I see that there are serialized and unserialized GEC knives. Is there a reason why I might want a serialized knife?
 
I think its because they put out a limited edition say for instance snakewood whiteowl.
If you want that special handle it will be serialised.There might only be 25 made.
If you want a run of the mill example of which there will be many its non serialised.
Would that be correct.
 
None that I can see. Are the serialized versions built any better? I don't see any maker making that claim. Extra expense for nothing at all if you ask me.
 
The knives I was looking at were identical except one was serialized and one was unserialized. The serialized was around $10 more.
 
I don't think it makes a difference as far as Fit + Finish.
Pretty little numbers may add to the collector value and ease of collecting though.
 
I agree as far as quality goes -whats the difference?
Am I correct about the limted edition business?
 
I like the look of the bolsters better without the numbers.

I love stamped bolsters (IE like the barlow version with Un-X-ld stamped) on them, but don't really like the style of the numbers.

I have several with, and several without.

some times, the un numbered can be more rare and collectible. But I don't know which, or really care, I buy, and use.
 
Maybe I'm alone in this, but I'd rather have a non-serialized knife.

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
Maybe I'm alone in this, but I'd rather have a non-serialized knife.

- Christian
Click to expand...
No you are not! I'm not keen on numbers on the bolster and numbered ones are no better made. There are however, fanatics who like to collect solely by number (all the same...) that's fine for them, doesn't move me.

Regards, Will
 
I remember reading where it is (was?) pretty common that the there can actually be more serialized knives than non serialized in any particular run.
 
FLymon said:
I remember reading where it is (was?) pretty common that the there can actually be more serialized knives than non serialized in any particular run.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is true in many cases. A quick look at the yearly production totals on GEC's website will confirm this. Some runs like Primitive Bone, for example, are commonly only offered in serialized versions so you have no choice with those.

I opt for non serialized whenever I can unless a particular serialized knife looks better than the rest.
 
Railsplitter said:
Yes, this is true in many cases. A quick look at the yearly production totals on GEC's website will confirm this. Some runs like Primitive Bone, for example, are commonly only offered in serialized versions so you have no choice with those.

I opt for non serialized whenever I can unless a particular serialized knife looks better than the rest.
Click to expand...

I think GEC said they were going to try and stop making more unserialized than serialized in newer runs. I'm with you on the second line.
 
By far I prefer to save the extra 8-10 bucks and buy unserialized whenever possible. I will say I wish GEC would be consistent on the font of the serial numbers. The script style looks much better than the block style IMO.
 
I prefer non. However, I will get the serialized if it's in the pattern and material I want. One exception was with my snake wood white owl. It was number 30 and that happens to be the age I'm turning this year so I picked that one up on purpose :)
 
I agree with going non-serialized. However, I just so happened to pick up a #13 Ebony Conductor and have been using the heck out of it. I once had the notion that if I got a #12 that it would help me remember the year I got the knife--many years down the road when I would be wondering that question. I don't hold onto them long enough for that to happen though. All in all, I prefer non-serialized-but if the knife I want--when I want it only comes in serialized--then I am going to have numbers on it.

Matt
 
Users no, collectors knives, maybe. I have started to carry and use more of my knives lately (thanks guys! :D). I used to be a collector and displayed all of my knives except the one I EDC. Now I like to carry multiple knives and enjoy making them old. I still have some hanging up, because they bring back special memories. I still have to carry and use my Case trapper on all plumbing jobs. If I don't, a 30 minute job turns into a 3 hour job. I think it gets jealous! Just an observation. :p
 
Several months ago I purchased a #65 Ben Hogan. The blade was off center and there were some scratches on it as a result.

The vendor replaced the knife posthaste.

The newer knife was manufactured on 7/14/11, the anniversary of my membership in a twelve step program, and the SN was 20. 7/14/11 was my 20th anniversary.

I considered it a very nice touch.
:sentimental:
 
Some series have a smaller number of non-serialized knives made that serialized knives made. I almost never order a serialized knife. Save a couple of bucks and don't believe in the long run that a serialized knife will be more valuable than a non-serialized knife.
 
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