comments on Greco knives found on the bay?

S

scriverdog

Joined
Jan 10, 2009
Messages
23
Hi,
I'm new to the forum and a novice struggling to learn to distinquish a quality knife from junk. I'm doing lots of reading to understand different steels and blade profiles. still have lots to learn.

I currently own two SOG knives which I'm quite happy with and a Spyderco Civilian which has very limited usefulness. I'm quite pleased with the SOG's (twitch xl and vulcan)

I came across knives on ebay by John Greco that are reasonably priced. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who may have one of his knives or anyone wishing to comment on the specs posted in the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=310114772172

thanks
 
I've never handled one personally, but here are my thoughts anyway:

Although the knives appear to be useless for most applications, I really like the sleek design, especially the blade shape. This would make a fine "looking at" knife.

And I think the materials-to-cost ratio is very good as well.

I do wonder if they're really handmade, or put together from ready-to-assemble kits? That's something I'd want to research before buying one. Maybe someone here knows?

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Here's his website: http://www.grecoknives.com/
Lots of pretty pictures, but I found this very disturbing: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO EXCHANGES, NO REFUNDS. What kind of maker doesn't stand behind his work?!?
The website also contains exactly zero information about the maker, his shop, his methods, his credentials...
 
You can't go wrong with Greco knives.
Very nice looking, thought out designs, and exceptionally tough.
I have greco whisper myself but would love to also have Green river and boot knife.
 
I have a couple of John Greco's knives. He's a nice guy as well. I asked for one knife to be modified to my liking and he did it for no charge. This was after I had taken delivery of the knife. I sent it back and he took care of the modification quickly and had the knife back to me in under 2 weeks.

I disagree with the earlier statement that the knives "appear to be useless for most applications." I've used my Greco's for quite a while and they performed well. John makes a quality knife at a reasonable price.
 
I disagree with the earlier statement that the knives "appear to be useless for most applications."
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Everyone has different knife needs, obviously.

In terms of my own EDC needs, I can't imagine dropping a Greco "tactical survival" knife into my jeans pocket for opening foil coffee packs at work. :D
 
Bob W said:
Everyone has different knife needs, obviously.

In terms of my own EDC needs, I can't imagine dropping a Greco "tactical survival" knife into my jeans pocket for opening foil coffee packs at work. :D
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To be honest, I don't own any of his tactical looking models. His more traditional knives and smaller models like the Danglers are very functional. I've had my eye on his Companion and boot knives for some time. They are on my ever growing "list O knives" to buy. :p
 
I have a trio of his friction folders. I dealt with John directly, and he is a real gentleman. I called him out of the blue to ask about these knives, as they were not listed for sale anywhere. He took the time to discuss the merits of the pieces, and how I would be using them.

To put it plainly, the knives I received are outstanding and fine value for money. The handles are of the same steel as the blade, and both are coated (not stain resistant steel). They are definitely not just for looking at.
 
I have a couple of John's knives (MST & Whisper Folder). The MST is my second favorite carry/user fixed blade(RAT-3 being #1). What I have found is that Greco knives are basic, well thought out tools. That fits the bill for me.

The only thing I would add to his knives would be a kydex/platic sheath. My MST came with a Survival Sheath and makes adjustable carrying much easier.

Oh yeah, thanks for the Ebay links. Just what I need, more places to buy knives.:rolleyes::rolleyes::D
 
If you're looking for a fighter it would be hard to do better than his Whisper model. Great value/price ratio on his stuff and it's built with care.
 
I have an Alamo Bowie
One of the first custom knives I ever bought
It is great to use, I forget what type of steel he uses
If you call him he will fill you with any info you need, real nice man
makes a solid sheath too
I say get one
 
John's eBay auctions are one of the best deals in the industry. His knives at full price are still a fantastic bargain. They are known for their toughness. You can find out a lot on his work through Google.

Bob W said:
Although the knives appear to be useless for most applications, I really like the sleek design, especially the blade shape. This would make a fine "looking at" knife.
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Nonsense. Greco makes everything from folders to 1-2" fixed blades to swords. Basic scaleless steel to gorgeous scagel style blades. They are considered by many to be some of the toughest knives out there and are anything but a "looking at" knife.

I do wonder if they're really handmade, or put together from ready-to-assemble kits? That's something I'd want to research before buying one. Maybe someone here knows?
Click to expand...

I may be wrong on this, so someone can correct me if I am. I believe that as of right now, He has most of his blanks cut for him and does the finishing himself.

What kind of maker doesn't stand behind his work?!?
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His policy is not hidden. It's right there in big bold letters, so I don't have a problem with it. He had some major health problems a few years ago and I'm just happy that he's still making knives.
 
I got the Midnight Whisper off of Ebay.Very well made ,solid knife.The return addy on my knife was John Greco of KY.
 
I think he would be willing to stand behind his work. I suspect his stated policy on his website is for the benefit of the occasional unreasonable jerk who just can't be satisfied.

I'll bet he's like Ruger: they don't even offer a warranty on their guns, but they will happily stand behind them if there's a problem.
 
Nonsense. Greco makes everything from folders to 1-2" fixed blades to swords. Basic scaleless steel to gorgeous scagel style blades. They are considered by many to be some of the toughest knives out there and are anything but a "looking at" knife.
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I was referring only to the 'combat' styled knife in the eBay auction, which was the OP's question.

I may be wrong on this, so someone can correct me if I am. I believe that as of right now, He has most of his blanks cut for him and does the finishing himself.
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That's good. The very low prices are what made me initially suspicious. I am no longer doubtful though, after reading the many reviews of his knives and service.
It would benefit him though to make that clear at his website. Photos of a knifemaker at work are a selling point too.

His policy is not hidden. It's right there in big bold letters, so I don't have a problem with it.
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Based on BF member reviews and comments, John Greco does stand behind his work and offers a level of service that's well beyond what's minimally expected. I still didn't like reading his warranty though...

Like I said in my follow-up post, I would buy one of his knives based on BF member reviews and comments.
 
Bob W said:
I was referring only to the 'combat' styled knife in the eBay auction, which was the OP's question.
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I see. For what it's worth, I have owned that knife and it's very nice in the hand.

That's good. The very low prices are what made me initially suspicious. I am no longer doubtful though, after reading the many reviews of his knives and service.
It would benefit him though to make that clear at his website. Photos of a knifemaker at work are a selling point too.
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Like I said, I could be completely wrong on that. He's been around quite a while and may be doing different things at different times.

Based on BF member reviews and comments, John Greco does stand behind his work and offers a level of service that's well beyond what's minimally expected. I still didn't like reading his warranty though...
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Good to hear.

Like I said in my follow-up post, I would buy one of his knives based on BF member reviews and comments.
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I missed that post. No worries. I only wish he would switch his steel over to Rasta Frei. Then he would be the best mon. ;)
 
I bought three knives from John Greco five years ago, the Whisper folder, Falcon folder and Explorer, a 9.5" bladed survival knife. All three of the knives have performed admirably in their intended role for five years. None of them show any signs of wearing out any time soon. I highly recommend any knife from John Greco.
 
Where does 8670 high carbon steel fit in the steel hierarchy? This is the first time I have seen its mention. My preferred steel right now is Swamp Rat SR101, how does it compare.
 
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