Different lines from Makers? - GEC

[dougkn]

Forgive my ignorance - but this is the place to be educated right?
I see that GEC has 3 "lines' Great Eastern Cutlery, Northfield and Tidioute Cutlery, what are the main differences? Trim, handle materials?

I did just purchase a GEC Northfield UN-X-LD 235111LT and noticed several "23's" under the different "brands"

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Stich2442]

This should help
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/about/about-our-brands/

 

[dougkn]

Very helpful, thank you

 

[pertinux]

Very helpful, thank you

Don't be limited by GEC's stated parameters, however. For example, they write this about their Tidioute line:

"Like all Great Eastern Cutlery knives, the Tidioute Cutlery brand knives are classically styled and of exceptional craftsmanship and quality. They are good enough to collect, but our emphasis with this brand is with function and performance rather than cosmetic beauty. We have intentionally manufactured them for those individuals who need a tough and durable pocket knife to carry and use on a day to day basis."

I freely carry and use my beloved Northfields daily, like the foo' I am.

~ P.

 

[Nauplios]

Tidioute Cutlery brand knives are classically styled and of exceptional craftsmanship and quality. They are good enough to collect, but our emphasis with this brand is with function and performance rather than cosmetic beauty. We have intentionally manufactured them for those individuals who need a tough and durable pocket knife to carry and use on a day to day basis

That said, by no means is the Tidioute line a slacker in the looks and fit/finish department. There are even a couple of instances where I would choose the Tidioute over the Northfield (but then, I'm a user and not a collector). An example of that would be in the model #33 Conductor. I personally feel the Northfield just has too much going on with their decorative flourishes on such a small knife. The Tidioute has a somewhat tidier look (again, in my eyes) with the plain bolsters and lack of bail. This is a small knife to begin with, so when it comes to embellishments, I feel less is more.

This is an example of the #33 Conductor in all three GEC lines. Note the Tidioute and Great Eastern Cutlery (acorn) are very similar; the main difference being that the Great Eastern Cutlery line only comes in 440C stainless.