Explain GEC to Me Please

They don't make as many knives as Case... Maybe that's where the limited edition feel comes from?? As far as I have seen they cycle through their patterns and release new patterns mixed along the way.

Sure they may say 1 of 25 or something but that's a crazy reason NOT to buy a knife...if you like it.
 
There are certain model Case knives that I like, but in my experience GEC's fit and finish has been far superior overall. I'm also of the opposite mind to the OP when it comes to the dying of scales. I find nothing appealing about the "semi" dyed scales found on many Case knives. Amber, molasses, even the red bone scales that seem to peter out in color when approaching the edges of the scales into pink or white. I don't know, just doesn't get the job done for me. Different strokes!

Nathan
 
GEC has done lots of stag bone, besides the many different jigging patterns they use.

Burnt Carved Stag Bone
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Original Grizzly Cut Bone
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Antique Amber Bone
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Brown Winterbottom Bone
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Carved Pumpkin Stag Bone
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Brimstone Stag Bone
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I've got five GEC knives, and they are superb. None sit on the dresser--all rotate for daily use. My favorite is the calf roper stockman. Tough and well made, each of them. Love the fact they are made in the USA.
 
Does anyone here have a #85 with stag handles? If yes can you please take a picture showing the thickness of the knife, and tell me wether it is uncomfortable in the pocket? Trying to decide if I should get bone or stag.
 
As for patterns, I like Stockmen (rounded ends and a subtle S shaped frame), Trappers (single and double blade).
Also would like it to be 4" or less.
Lighter bone is better.
Thanks
Lenny


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#65 Hogans are included ;) But even single blade #23s can be $70 shipped. Wood or acrylic though.

But back to Lenny... Is there a particular pattern you like more than others? Perhaps we can find something for you to take the plunge on. Also, have you seen the previews of the #76 Outlaw jack? http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/963502-WANTED-DEAD-OR-ALIVE-GEC-Outlaw-Jack-76
Click to expand...
 
Hi Lenny...

Great questions..as far as a round end serpentine stockman the #66 pattern is it at 3 1/2" closed....and if you look again at post #4 you'll see the #48 Dogleg Trapper pattern compared to a Schrade at 3 7/8" closed and the bone choice went from lighter Antique colors to darker reds......

Rimfire you're right on GEC did make the Bradford Cutlery Brand for SMKW..a#36 Sunfish,#73's and #23's..rather short lived maybe into the third year..probably had something to do with the name? But don't get the Northwoods Brand confused with GEC..these are it so far...Northwoods/Scagel have been in the past and present manufactured by Queen Cutlery.

Northwoods Knives (Derrick/Wendy Bohn)
#54 Gladiator Double End Jack (Big Horn Moose) in Burnt Stag,S60v, Arrow Shield and Scagel style nail nick in blade 2010-2011

Scagel Knives (Derrick/Wendy Bohn)
#48 1bl.Fruitport (Dogleg Trapper)Clip or Whancliffe in Burnt Stag,Exterior Rams Horn,Smooth Oiled Bone, Arrow Shield and Scagel style nail nick in blade 2010-2011
#48 1bl.Fruitport (Dogleg Trapper)Clip in Elephant Ivory, Arrow Shield and Scagel style nail nick in blade 2010-2011
#73 2bl.Barehead Jack in Burnt Stag, Arrow Shield and Scagel style nail nick in blade 2010-2011
 
These are links to GEC's site that shows examples of the different knives they've produced. For a serpentine stockman, you're best bet is the #66 frame. It is 3 1/2" closed (#53s cuban stockmen are 4 1/8" Cattle knives). I've only got 2 of these, 1 in black paper micarta and the other in ebony.

#66 Calf Ropers - Serpentine Stockmen
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/patterns/66-equal-end-serpentine/

GEC has produced slim and remmington bullet style trappers. The #48's link should be pretty complete. GEC produced many more #73s so that one isn't too complete.

#48 Slim Trappers 3 7/8" closed
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/patterns/48-slim-dog-leg/

#73 Scout Trappers 3 3/4" closed.
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/patterns/73-scout-square-end-trapper/

Here are some of my #48s and #73s but I don't have all of them.

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IMG_2071.jpg

IMG_2636.jpg

IMG_2562.jpg


IMG_1778.jpg

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The acorn shielded #73s and #48s (bottom 2 slim trapper pics, bottom #73 pic) were recently released so they should still be widely available. These are in 440c. Some of the others may not be easily found but may still be out there.
 
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I respect the OP's opinion, think he is very right to question what could be seen as uncritical worship. But I can't agree with his reaction.

Today I was using a Tidioute 56 Dogleg in Amber Jigged Bone. When I first got this knife the jigging was a bit sharp in places, this soon smoothed down and that with patina and an enriching of the colour it's just a wonderful working knife. Beautiful rich toffee colour. Sturdy, not too bulky and excellent in the hand.

I think they offer the most comprehensive range of handle materials of any current manufacturer. And, as has been pointed out, the dye colour doesn't fade to anaemia at the bolster like a lot of CASE's current stuff. The jigging often goes right up to/into the bolster too. I don't see their bone as all dull or black, and they do a decent dark red bone unlike most others. Burnt Orange, Denim Blue, Tractor Green/Red are tastefully bright. Much of their stag is enviable, and many of their acrylic knives are wonderful modern day renderings of that tricky stuff, cell.

Only this week, two new bone releases caught my eye: Smooth Amber and Calico Bone, really interesting tints.

Of course, some GEC knives leave me cold, I certainly don't fancy these huge bulky knives they've been putting out lately. But, as I wrote, their range of handles and patterns are comprehensive, many people like these big knives. The patterns I do like are the 73, 68, 66, 56,33, 26 and 25. All of these see regular use. Not bad for a company that only started up in 06, 2006 that is :D:thumbup:

Regards, Will
 
I happen to love their jig and the quality is outstanding. I personally like the company and the knives and like the pricing so that's why I was sold on them. But to each their own.
 
Here you go guys, I don't own a GEC BUT,

At the Blade Show they were in a smaller booth over by the Buck Collectors Club area. I would go by the booth to the concession stand and eyeball the knives. They always had several people in the booth to talk to customers, they had lots of knives out to handle, they didn't have lazer shows or whip a crowd like a rave event and throw out black multi-collored T-shirts. They represented their knives with class. I was impressed, should I ever get a Buck divorce I think I will visit GEC to get on my feet and go on living......(: - ) 300Bucks
 
Knife ascetics are so personal that it's only natural that some people love them while others are left cold. No big deal.

For me personally the conductor & white owl are two of the best thought out traditional knives I've seen. Nothing I've seen from other brands compares comfort and utility wise. Someone else might just shrug. :p It will take one whale of a knife to get the owl out of my pocket.

Every knife maker has flaws they're prone to as well as strengths. Nothing in the world wrong with Case if you like them. They've made some of the most beautiful folders ever.

Will
 
I feel that the aesthetics of a particular knife, regardless of brand, are the initial draw. GEC is engaged in the manufacture of several old patterns, patterns based on old styles, and pseudo-old patterns. Jigging is really an endless opportunity to try new things out, while adhering to established patterns. Bone colorization is rife with the possibility of flaws, due to the inherent individuality of the medium. All these things serve to make the knife you buy "yours", even if there are a couple dozen (or hundred thousand) just like it. Give it some pocket love!

I like GECs, I like CASE, I plan to branch out to other makers.

Just a quick pic; this is everybody ('ceptin the one in my pocket, of course!)

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They are most certainly meant to be used, yet still nice enough to collect if that's what a person prefers. Here's a thread I started a while back to see some that have been put to use. I agree that some of the blade profiles look a little strange on a few of the patterns. The choice of different patterns is quite impressive for the amount of time they have been in business. Purchasing new tooling is a large investment, especially for a small company that doesn't make a massive number of knives to offset that cost.

I think the biggest reason that GEC gets so much love here is simply because of their consistent quality. You can certainly get a very nice knife from other manufacturers also. The odds of getting a GEC with issues seems to be lower, which is nice when buying over the internet.

In the end, I say buy what appeals to you. There's no point in trying to force yourself into liking something just because other people do.
 
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Thanks, P. I fixed it now. Not sure what happened there, I usually double check it when I preview the post.:confused:
 
I think GEC is their own unique flavor of knives. Just because it isnt your flavor doesnt mean it tastes bad to everyone. Personally, I am the opposite of you and I find case knives are not my favorite. There are a couple patterns they offer that I like, but most of them I would not even consider. GEC knives do make great users, and I carry one almost everyday. If you find a pattern that sings to you, give it a try, I dont think you will be disappointed. As the ol' saying goes: different strokes for different folks :D
 
"The jigging looks like a machine did it and doesn't look natural at all.
Pretty much all of the jigging marks line up like rows of corn."

My understanding of the the term "jigging" is to have something fixed in place (on a jig) so that it can be machined or worked on.
The purpose of this when producing many items is to ensure uniformity or an equal standard of quality on each one.

I don't think GEC claim to be custom individual knives or hand jigged also the variation in their patterns is as shown above enormous.
Can I ask what it is you expect from jigged bone knife handles?

I also second what has been said regarding the comparison between Case colour and GEC colour

With that in mind I'm eagerly awaiting the new Case black bone Saddlehorn. :)
 
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