Can someone explain GEC to me

simple6

simple6

Joined
Oct 6, 2002
Messages
458
Whats with the goofy names and numbers? How do you buy one, they seem to be out od stock everywhere. The yellow rose interests me but I think I missed the boat.
 
I'm not sure what names and numbers you consider goofy, but the six digit pattern numbers accurately describe the knife. The first two digits are the frame number, the third digit is the code number for the main blade, the fourth digit is the number of blades, and the final two digits are the year. So for this Powderhorn Jack #121211, it has a #12 frame, a clip main (1) two blades (2) and made in 2011 (11).

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GEC makes very limited numbers of knives, and they often sell out within weeks or even days, so finding one that you see a photo of is problematic. They do come up for sale on secondary sites, but usually with a substantial markup over the original price.
 
Find a dealer like collectorknives.net and get on a pre order list. Otherwise you can buy whatever is left on a dealer's site. You can also buy from the exchange here on bladeforums. Good luck.
 
Bladeforums advertising dealer @gunstockjack at https://gunstockjacksknives.com/ still has some 15s you can preorder in micarta. Barry is a great guy and forum supporter. Might also try a WTB ad or keep an eye out on the big auction site.

When GEC makes a run of knives that is it, they don't ever repeat patterns / cover materials. This marketing strategy keeps their value high on the secondary market and has resulted in the oft maligned flipper. If you don't get lucky when they are first posted, suck it up, pay secondary market prices and embrace the flipper. With the rising popularity of traditional knives, GECs in particular, more collectors have entered the traditional knife arena, increasing demand for early, low run patterns / materials.
 
black mamba said:
...So for this Powderhorn Jack #121211, it has a #12 frame, a clip main (1) two blades (2) and made in 2011 (11)...
Click to expand...

It's a shame that one wasn't made in 2012 rather than 2011. :D

I would add that not all GEC knives sell out right away, just the most popular patterns. There are plenty of knives from the last year or two are so that are still readily available from the various GEC dealers. Just from a quick glance at a couple dealer's sites, there are #15s, #71s, #43s, #56s, #78s, #81s, #38s, #66s, #48s and a few others available.
 
Here's some information about the numbering.
tang number: http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/pocket-knives/tang-number-chart/
abbreviations: http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/pocket-knives/gec-knife-abbreviations/
terminology: http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/pocket-knives/knife-terminology/

Watch the product schedule:
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/production-schedule/

Check the dealer list and reserve or buy the knives as they are released:
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/our-gec-distributors/

After the dealers are sold out check the secondary market. One place is the Exchange here:
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/for-sale-traditionals-slipjoints-old-timey.875/

The secondary market can be a bit rough. Here's an actual photo of the secondary market for the most popular pattern. ;)

4eyibgO.jpg
 
GEC dealer stocks are as high as they’ve been in years.

You currently have an abundance of GEC in dealers in some amazing patterns such as the 66, 48, 35 and 43.

Don’t get sucked in by the hype around the collectors favourite patterns and new releases - the good patterns tend to establish themselves over time, and right now they are plentiful
 
Camillus said:
You currently have an abundance of GEC in dealers in some amazing patterns such as the 66, 48, 35 and 43
Click to expand...
Isn't it amazing that these are still so abundant. Especially the 66 and 48 patterns, Stockmans and Trappers are so iconic. Everybody wants the "secret squirrel" patterns.
 
Its ironic - I spent hours trying to find a 48 when I first started looking for a GEC. And back then the calf ropers were non-existent mystery knives (like the 81 is now). Careful collecting enabled me to build up a good collection, and also learned along the way that some GEC patterns just weren’t for me, no matter how much others liked them.
 
Camillus said:
GEC dealer stocks are as high as they’ve been in years.

You currently have an abundance of GEC in dealers in some amazing patterns such as the 66, 48, 35 and 43.

Don’t get sucked in by the hype around the collectors favourite patterns and new releases - the good patterns tend to establish themselves over time, and right now they are plentiful
Click to expand...
This is a great comment. It's human nature to want what's hard to get and what's popular. And there will certainly be some sold out patterns you really like. But some of that hype is artificial. You will find patterns in stock right now that are real treasures. #81s, #78s, #35 Churchill.

Mark my words, one year from now Churchills will be very sought-after and will go go inflated prices, even as they still still on dealers shelves now, months after their release. Just an example.

As others mentioned, watch the production schedule and when you see something announced that you like, try to get one. There can be a bit of a leaning curve, figuring out which dealer you like and how they work. Don't get frustrated. It a part of the hobby. Welcome! And have fun. GECs are like tiny treasures you can carry in your pocket. :thumbsup:
 
OP, by 'goofy names' were you referring to 'Tidioute' & 'Northfield UN X LD'? These are the basic and premium lines respectively of GEC's issues. They may be produced together in a given run, such as this year's 44 Gunstock issue, or in one or the other only. One thing they have in common are carbon steel blades.

There are others:
- Farm & Field, a basic value line.
- Great Eastern Cutlery, a premium line of stainless steel knives.
- Northwoods, a brand made under contract.

Tidioute & Northfield UN X LD however make up the bulk of GEC's business.
 
The other catch is of you fancy a pattern, just order and don't wait.

Some folks will order 2 or 3 extras and flip them for double as soon as the dealers are sold out or the run is finished. I'm not judging now, just noting what happens in real life.
 
Thanks guys, great info, funny too.

Yes tidouete threw me for a loop,I couldnt figure out what was what.

Is there a reason certain models are sought over others? I just want a really nice pocket knife that exudes quality. Something you can hand down.
Pkt_Rkt said:
OP, by 'goofy names' were you referring to 'Tidioute' & 'Northfield UN X LD'? These are the basic and premium lines respectively of GEC's issues. They may be produced together in a given run, such as this year's 44 Gunstock issue, or in one or the other only. One thing they have in common are carbon steel blades.

There are others:
- Farm & Field, a basic value line.
- Great Eastern Cutlery, a premium line of stainless steel knives.
- Northwoods, a brand made under contract.

Tidioute & Northfield UN X LD however make up the bulk of GEC's business.
Click to expand...
 
Though the UN-X-LD knives is GEC's premium brand, I'd say all their brands exude quality in their own way. Their Farm & Field, for example, have a simple style and humble charm to them that draws me toward them moreso than their other brands.

Meanwhile, for why a pattern is more desirable than another... I'd chalk it up to personal taste.
 
The Special Factory Orders (SFO) seem to be the most desirable. Blade shape and configuration, handle materials, and sheilds play a part in how desirable a GEC becomes. A run-of-the-mill #15 with micarta handles and a #15 TC Barlow with soup bone handles are basically built the same and will handle the same chores, but the latter will bring a lot more money on the secondary market.
 
With Canal Street Cutlery gone, and Queen/Schatt & Morgan biting the dust, GEC is one of the last in the production traditional knife game with solid quality and reputation, still around. Made in the good ole U.S. of A in Titusville, PA by hardworking and dedicated folks. Nice knives to give, receive, trade and for some, even using. Happy Hunting.
 
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