Gec, 1095 steel... But wonder if other steel is planned...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

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Aug 4, 2013
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It's awesome that GEC uses 1095 and keeps their knives very traditional in appearance and craftsmanship. Their straight Gec brand is 440c (I believe) stainless, which is nice to have the option. But, I wonder if they will ever offer their Tidioute and Northridge lines with other steel options. They could keep those options non stainless steel, reserving the Gec brand for that, but other steels, like D2, which just falls short of being considered stainless.... and maybe some other steels, just as options, or just on certain models. Again, I am glad that Gec makes such traditional knives... just wondering if maybe the talk of steel options has been considered by gec (maybe someone has heard something likw that from them).
 
I have read that the powers that be at GEC are quite adamant about maintaining the traditional use of 1095 primarily with a smattering of 440C, 420, and O1, eg we won't see any more S60V/440V as was seen on the Northwoods Gladiator. I am ok with that, though I wish they expanded the use of O1. D2 would be nice but I imagine expensive to work with.

I think the primary reason for GEC being relatively conservative with steel choices is because their emphasis is diversifying patterns and materials (and sub-brands.)
 
I'm fine with the old school offerings, like 1095, and 01, as well as 440C, but I'm really fond of 52100, and wish they might pick up on this superb steel, but I'm not holding my breath. They like to stick with the tried and true, and to a certain degree they wouldn't be a traditional pocket knife otherwise. I'm hankering for traditional patterns, in modern steal.
 
I love the steady supply of traditional 1095. But I wouldn't mind a smattering of other stainless or tool steel choices too.
 
I don't think we will see anything any time soon. I would love to make a line of pocket knives with super steels.... marrying old and new.
 
Getting Bill to just make a few 440C is like pullin teeth. 1095, some O1 and a few 440C, IMHO, will be about it for steel variety.
 
Honestly I don't like fancy steels. 1095 and 420/440 is easy to sharpen and works well. The new stuff I just can't get to take an edge.
 
Maybe if they ever quit coming up with new patterns and twists on the patterns they already make..... if you're waiting, it might take a long time.
 
I am a recovering steel snob with a love of A2 and CPM154. 1095, O1 and 440C are easier to sharpen and maintain, and a patina looks good to boot. I believe GEC is a step below Cases annual Bose line in terms of fit and finish. Add a high end super steel to the mix and you could have a $400 knife on your hands. Maybe some higher end steels like 12C27, middle of the road steels. 154CM isn't cheap but I have come to prefer it over S30V. 1095 and O1 just feel right on a slip joint too. Conundrum. I want a super steel but have no use for it. I carry a Charlow and a 73, both with forced patina. I also carry a Tribal Spear, with 154CM blade. The carbon steel is used more often.
 
okbohn said:
I don't think we will see anything any time soon. I would love to make a line of pocket knives with super steels.... marrying old and new.
Click to expand...

Go for it Derrick...
I like 1095, 440c...meh, as my daughter would say, these days if I want stainless I'd like to have at least cpm154, if not some other cool steels, and yes I understand I don't need them in a traditional folder; but my recently purchased Menefee back pocket (cpm154) and Wiseman sodbuster (D2) are getting some extra pocket time solely due to their steel. Of course my TC barlow and #85 SFO are happy to compete with them, not to mention my 2010 BF moose and 2012 BF Saddle trapper...sheesh, maybe I need more pockets.
 
I don't want any super steels or any stainless. I am more than happy with 1095 and O1. I love a good patina and blades that are easy to sharpen. There are already so many good knives out there I would love if not for the stainless steel they use, it ruins it for me in most cases.
 
I think that some cutlers get very familiar working with their "pet cat" steels

and are slow to change. That's ok with me. I like O1 and A2 and have been

curious about the ATS-34 steel.

I just like a blade that:

Takes an edge
Holds an edge
Dosen't roll
Good heat treatment
Fair price

Most of my powdered modern steels are on my modern knives.
 
I just figure if a traditional maker like Queen Cutlery, with a long history in making traditional knives, feels okay with using 1095, D2, ats34, and other steels... then it can't be all too wrong ;-)
 
I have S&M's Ats34. I like it.

I have a Custom in CMP154. I really do like it.

I have a Queen in D2. I really really like the D2, but the grind is not thin enough for my tastes. A D2 blade with a thin grind would knock my socks off! It really is basically stainless in my use. In nearly two years, I have not had any patina form on my D2 blades, and I don't oil them. I actually like patina, and may just try forcing one. More importantly, the edge holding is just great.
 
I don't see any need for a change in steels, honestly. However, for some of the very fancy Northfied offerings I would rather have a stainless option. I like a patina as well, but it does not look good on some very classy acrylic handle covers and such.
 
You can always e-mail them or call them with your recommendations or questions.

I don't mind the two steels that they use today. I'd like to see more options in the 440C variety occasionally but they seem to prefer carbon steel for most of their production runs and patterns. That's up to them.
 
I am hesitant when I see a great looking knife and learn that it has 420HC, SS or 420 stainless. I realize that Buck has the heat treat down pat for 420HC, I still would like to see a higher quality steel used. Case's SS isn't terrible but I would like to see a higher quality steel. Queen is really pumping out the 420 stainless knives, I'd like to see them just go ahead and use 440C. Or save the 420 for the working knives. I'm hoping that they're not using 420J2, or wouldn't adopt 440A. Can a large companies factory handle stamping out 440C? Is it any different than stamping out 420HC/J2?
 
I've been quite happy with Queen/Schatt's 420HC, and would love to see GEC make more 440C, but it doesn't look like it. D2 would be nice too.
 
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