Do you have an older John Greco piece?

Mongrel

Mongrel

Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
407
As a newbie Greco fan, I'm curious as to what some of his older designs and work looked like. I have tried in earnest to locate pictures online, and have seen some of his models from his ads in Tactical Knives, but other than that there doesn't seem to be many pics of his work.

If you have any of his older stuff, it would really make my day if you could post a pic or two.

Thanks...

Mongrel

last one I promise ;)
 
From what I have seen, the older models look like the new ones, except the steel stock used is 1/4 inch. I have the older Companion, and the picture on the website of the new one looks like mine.
 
Ditto what Mr.Beck said.I also have an older Companion and it seems the blade steel is thicker.:)
I like it because of the extra heft.
 
Not quite sure about "why did I phrase the question that way?"...

Basically, John Greco has been making knives for over 20 years I believe, and I thought some forum member\s might have one of those older 'pieces' i.e.-knives that they could share pics of.

I have seen the models on Bladeart.com and some of the older stuff in TK. I have also seen some of his knives done in damascus, and others that do not resemble his 'standard' models.

That is why I ask if anyone had one of his 'older pieces' :)

I believe John Greco is a more versatile knifemaker than we might think because we have only seen his standard models, and thought it would be cool to see something different.

Mongrel
 
Those are great pictures, not2sharp. Is that your personal collection?

Sure would be nice if Mr. Greco again offered a utility knife with finger grooves like the one in your picture. (Yes, I have seen the ad for the "Dangler" with finger groves, but the knife in your picture looks to be a larger one in comparision to the "Dangler").
 
Thanks Not2Sharp!!! Great Pics!

Someday you'll have to write down what models they are. I did recognize at least one type of La Duena, and it looked like a 7" Companion, and a nice cord-wrapped Defender was in there also. Most of what you have doesn't look like the models being offered now. I especially like the stag handled Bowie. Whole lot of big blades in that collection, is it me or has John scaled down in size lately?

Thanks again, I'll try to post my 'collection' soon, pretty standard stuff though.

Hey, Not2Sharp-do you mind if I 'save' your posts\pics for reference? I can put your name on them if you like. I swear I won't make claim to your beautiful collection...

Anymore anyone?

Mongrel

PS-ARE THEY ALL USERS?
 
I especially like the stag handled Bowie.
Click to expand...

That one is fully sharpened (both edges), and has a face carved into the stag. The joke used to be that it was a self potrait of John. You will find an article featuring some of John's earlier works in Knives Illustrated Spring 1994. The sickle shaped blade was his "Edge of Darkness" model.

n2s

Oh, I found some more.....
 

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I think I speak for all of us when I say: We're still waiting for a good explanation as to why you phrased your question that way. ;)
 
Hello Mongrel,

I thought I would mention something, although you might have already noticed it if you have read much about Greco knives on the forums.
Previously Mr. Greco used 1/4 inch stock for the knives that were advertised on Bladeart last year. I bought a 1/4 inch thick Companion from Mr. Greco himself last June at the Atlanta Blade Show.

Some folks, including myself, felt the 1/4 inch stock knives were too thick and heavy. I bought the Companion to use as an all purpose utility knive, but found the weight made using it rather clumsy.

Obviously Mr. Greco had customers who liked the heaviness (note nifrand's comments above).

Still, you will find comments by those who like the switch to thinner stock. I like the new Recon I just bought much better than last year's Companion. It just feels better in my hand, and the stock seems to be still thick enough to make it almost indestructible. At the sale price of $50, I have never gotten more knife for the money. And my opinion of it would be just as high if I had paid more.
 
Ottawafireguy said:
If anyone is still watching this thread, I recently acquired what I believe to be a Greco Xplorer / X-plorer. If anyone can confirm or provide more details, it would be appreciated
https://imgur.com/a/OdDRyPh
Click to expand...
That’s a great find!

Definitely a Greco imo based on the handle alone.

The first custom I ever purchased was a Greco camp knife. I did a good deal of research before deciding, but his knives had great reviews and his prices were amazingly low.

Very sad to say I lost it. :( Would love another some day and always have an eye out…

Yours looks like it’ll chop - if you use it please post more pics and impressions.
 
Ottawafireguy said:
If anyone is still watching this thread, I recently acquired what I believe to be a Greco Xplorer / X-plorer. If anyone can confirm or provide more details, it would be appreciated
https://imgur.com/a/OdDRyPh
Click to expand...

That appears to be a John Greco "La Duena". It also might be a prototype. There is another version with cocobolo handles. The steel used is described as 8670.

The versions pictured below with black micarta handles are described as prototypes.

I don't see any evidence that Greco ever produced a knife called "Xplorer".

dY1wReD.jpg
 
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