First two GECs on their way, and some questions

VermontEdge

VermontEdge

Joined
Jun 10, 2015
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Hey there traditional people! After thinking about going down the GEC road for a long time I finally scored a couple, a 25 in ebony and a 14 in green micarta in a trade and they should arrive next week. Just wanted to share my joy and excitement with you all and ask some questions.

Any tips on caring for them? I have a fixed blade in A2 and have had other carbon steel fixies but nothing in a folder. Anything to keep in mind besides keeping them wiped down and oiling them occasionally?

How about sharpening? I have a sharpmaker that I usually use with good results. Should I use the 15 dps setting? Or the 20? I usually strop as well.

I'm also thinking about picking up an "insider pocket slip" from KSF. Anyone tried that carrying set up?

Also, would love to hear any other tips or info about GEC and slippies in general.

Anyway, woohoo! Super excited to start this new addiction.


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I'm relatively new to slippies as well, but it's a lot of fun. Insider pocket slips are nice for carrying. I just recently got two new slipjoints (a Northfield and a Northwoods) on the way this weekend.

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Sounds like you have good ideas already how to sharpen and care for your new knifes. Watch out though because buying GEC knives can quickly become addictive! They are just so good!
I have used the Sharpmaker with good results. GEC steel will do just fine with the 15 degrees; a few passes on the 20 will refresh the edge nicely for touch ups. Stropping works well too, I use green polishing on an old four cherries 4 sided strop.
For maintenance, I just use some plain old mineral oil from the laxative section of the supermarket. Cheap and fine to use if you use your knife for eating.
Enjoy your new knifes! You have chosen wisely!
 
ScottGabrielli-08746.jpg
I snapped a picture of a #25 next to two #14s with a Df2 and a Delica for comparison. The 1095 will patina quickly if you use it for food prep. I use the sharpmaker like I would for any other plain edge knife and then strop in between sharpenings.
 
Just thought I'd put my 2 cents in here.I think you will like the fit and finish of GEC knives.
And don't be afraid to use them.
I am a big fan of the insider pocket slip and I highly reccomend it to anyone.
 
redcanoe said:
I am a big fan of the insider pocket slip and I highly reccomend it to anyone.
Click to expand...

That's great to hear! It functions well and stays put? And works well even for smaller knives like the 14 and 25?


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Sharpmaker is fine for sharpening them. If I need to rebevel, I prefer to use oil stones - Norton India and a natural Arkansas. Strop on loaded leather.

I use a little light mineral oil in the pivots and blades now and then. Norton Honing Oil is my preference. Just a drop in the pivot, rub the excess on the blade with my fingers, then wipe off lightly. If I have just sharpened on oil stones then the knife has plenty of oil on it already so I just wipe the excess off.

I don't like a patina and polish the blades with a metal polish when needed. Simichrome is what I use. I use a little Renaissance Wax on the handles when I first get a knife. Optional, just makes it look a little nicer.
 
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Here are some thoughts about your questions first 1095 it is my favorite carbon steel for slipjoints and GEC does it well good heat treat they take a edge well and have good retention. Carbon does however require a little more maintenance than stainless. If not cared for it tends to patina or even develop red rust. By this I mean left in a moister rich environment, while I also like pocket slips carbon knives should not be stored in them, Foods will also patina them if not wiped down immediately after use particularly acidic foods. JC57 has some good advice only I use Flitz Metal Polish I freehand and have never used a sharpmaker but it should be fine. 20 degrees will give you a great edge I don't know if I would use two different degrees of sharpening as there is no secondary bevel. I have a habit when I have used a knife some to stroop it a few times and it stays razor sharp. The #25 and #14 are both great knives but they are on the small side, too small for me. I have read a lot of your post in the General forum as to what you like and have. I hope these are not so small you do not continue to explore traditional knives. I also came from the folder world but fell in love with traditional knives but I did have a transitional period where I only carried only larger traditional knives and still prefer close to 3 inches in a blade. Good luck and welcome to the porch.
 
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