Fit and finish, Case vs. GEC

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manowar669

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Oct 1, 2002
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Just got my first traditional knife (unless you count a Vic Soldier). A GEC conductor in burnt stag. Anyway, I like a Case design, and was wondering about the overall fit and finish of Case knives. The knife in question is a Case mini-trapper with a wharncliffe CV blade, in stag with silver bolsters.
 
All brands have a dud slip out. I have not had any issues with the few I have and both brands come recommended. Biggest difference in the two brands is design. I feel that GEC produces a stouter knife that will hold up to more use over a longer time. That said plenty of CASE knives have gone the distance over the decades and this is just my conclusion over a short period of time. Most likely its just in my head but I wouldnt hesitate to carry a CASE or GEC for the rest of my life. Really comes down to what you said already "I like a Case design". All the reason you need to pick it up and give it a try :).
 
My preference is to GEC's 1095 from my limited use but have absolutely no complaint with the CV from CASE. They both sharpen very easily and will treat you right as long as you take care of them. Again I wouldnt use either as a pro or con against the other. Really does come down to personal taste. I know I can easily get a good weeks work out of GEC's 1095 and still use it efficiently. My last case purchase(full size trapper) was the sharpest production knife I have ever received. Tree topped hair from my arm :thumbup:
 
My Case Swayback Jack is a "titch" better fit & finish than my new GEC Outlaw Jack IMO.
 
I have about 10 GECs and about 10 new production Cases along with 5 pre-80's. My opinion is that a new production case has more variation in fit and finish than the GECS. I have cases that are on par or below, but none that exceed the GEC. Of course, I am paying 2X-3X the cost for the GEC. I would not hesitate to buy another from either brand.
 
manowar669 said:
Just got my first traditional knife (unless you count a Vic Soldier). A GEC conductor in burnt stag. Anyway, I like a Case design, and was wondering about the overall fit and finish of Case knives. The knife in question is a Case mini-trapper with a wharncliffe CV blade, in stag with silver bolsters.
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I have likely a half dozen of each brand. The fit and finish of the GECs is hands down better, but the fit and finish of my Case knives is quite acceptable.

manowar669 said:
How is Case CV vs. 1095?
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GEC hardens their 1095 to a higher hardness than Case runs CV. I find the difference noticeable in daily use, but the Case CV is certainly useable.
 
My last Case was a full size traper I got last year. The fit and finish was top notch.
 
Only speaking from my own experience, but new Case knives can certainly be excellent. I'm just not sure I would buy one without personally seeing it first.

On the other hand, GECs are much more consistently excellent, and I have a lot more confidence buying a GEC online these days, and being reasonable certain of what I'm getting.
 
GEC makes better knives in a bunch of really cool patterns at a higher price. Case makes a fine knife and a lower price. Both have their pluses. Own a few of each and want a few more of each. You'll find some Cases that are fit/finished better than some GECs, but that's not usual.
 
knarfeng said:
I have likely a half dozen of each brand. The fit and finish of the GECs is hands down better, but the fit and finish of my Case knives is quite acceptable.
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I have to concur with this statement when comparing current production of each. GEC is taking it up a notch all the way around.
 
Honestly, I had had issues with each. That said, i believe GEC's to be significantly above par on fit and finish...while Case not so much (small sample of 6 knives). I have bought all my knives via internet...so I get what I get. Buy locally, inspect what your buying, and those issues will pretty much resolve themselves.

I'm a bit surprised by Groove's comment on the GEC Outlaw....It's only one of the lot, but I found my Outlaw Jack to be as close to custom quality as ANY knife I have bought. My Outlaw is perrrrfect! I do hear that the Case Swayback if among the best of brand...so....there you go.

Peter
 
Regular production run Case knives are just that,regular in regard to fit and finish. There will be some that are excellent and some poorly made. Considering the large quantities made that's normal. GEC, because they make smaller runs of all their knives, are able to maintain a level of fit and finish that regular production knives Case will not.
 
Must say, the only thing I can think of in regards to GEC, in my experience, is that they don't always come sharp, and sometimes the grind can be a bit off - other than that, nothing.
 
I find that on average the GECs are better built, but being on average more expensive, they should be. Case builds a good knife; I have a bunch; most of which I have come by in the last 10 years. They build a decent knife for the price, but not as high quality as the GEC. Again on the average. I have some Case knives that are stellar and some that have some "issues", but I like Case and will continue to buy Case as well as GEC. I am GEC poor this month as I have 5 of their knives coming to me. A whole years worth of knife budget.

Ed J
 
I have dealt with only a couple of lemons from GEC, but that was out of the 10 or so GECs that I have owned which were all near perfect. I returned one to a retailer for unacceptable blade play, and the other I sent to GEC for repairs. The one that I sent to the factory for repair work came back to me flawless, and is good as new (which left me thoroughly impressed with GEC's customer service and their lifetime guarantee).

I have only owned one modern made Case which was a peanut, and the fit and finish was right up there with GEC's fit and finish. All of my knives right now are currently GEC, and they are all near flawless if not perfect. I think there is a good reason why myself and others keep buying them besides the fact that they can be very addicting (I'm not a serious/real collector, more of an acquirer/user).

I personally lean more towards the design of GEC knives over Case knives, but I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend, or buy a Case CV folder. For my personal tastes, I much prefer GEC for the solid feel and for the variety of selection they provide. GEC knives just feel more solid to me, and they are generally more aesthetically pleasing to my eyes than any of Case's offerings.
 
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knarfeng said:
I have likely a half dozen of each brand. The fit and finish of the GECs is hands down better, but the fit and finish of my Case knives is quite acceptable.

GEC hardens their 1095 to a higher hardness than Case runs CV. I find the difference noticeable in daily use, but the Case CV is certainly useable.
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Significantly better
The price is at least half as much higher, so is the quality
 
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