GEC 26s - Let's see 'em

[Cambertree]

Thinking a bit more about my previously posted mighty-mite...

This 26 is

-Probably in my top three most carried and used GECs.

-Definitely my number one worry-stone.

-And though it pains me to say it now - it was my least liked GEC when I first got it.

In my defence, it is a bit of an ugly duckling...or it did seem that way at first. But beautiful is as beautiful does - now I can say I will never sell this or give it away! Because of it's size and looks I can use it in more environments than nearly any other knife, save maybe a peanut.

The way it tucks away in the hand, with your forefinger resting out almost at the tip, is perfect for use around NKP. The other day in the post office, the postmistress informed me I could send my parcel as a regular letter if it was a shade thinner. I smoothly deployed the coping blade and popped some air out of the inner packaging, then put it away and sealed the postpak without her batting an eyelid. Not a lot of pocket knives you can do that with, in this day and age.

 

[kenspen]

Thinking a bit more about my previously posted mighty-mite...

This 26 is

-Probably in my top three most carried and used GECs.

-Definitely my number one worry-stone.

-And though it pains me to say it now - it was my least liked GEC when I first got it.

In my defence, it is a bit of an ugly duckling...or it did seem that way at first. But beautiful is as beautiful does - now I can say I will never sell this or give it away! Because of it's size and looks I can use it in more environments than nearly any other knife, save maybe a peanut.

The way it tucks away in the hand, with your forefinger resting out almost at the tip, is perfect for use around NKP. The other day in the post office, the postmistress informed me I could send my parcel as a regular letter if it was a shade thinner. I smoothly deployed the coping blade and popped some air out of the inner packaging, then put it away and sealed the postpak without her batting an eyelid. Not a lot of pocket knives you can do that with, in this day and age.

Since I started this thread, I feel it is my responsibility to issue a public service announcement, mate. If you've not yet discovered it, these little boogers are like potato chips - near impossible to quit after just one Btw, the stag on your WWLF is stunning!

 

[CrowCounty]

Just like with my 25s I prefer the spear point for my 26s. I only have 3... so far.

This one I bought off BF. Recovered in mammoth.

Pioneer bone.

Stag.

 

[pertinux]

I need to get a better picture of my two together.

Here they are swimmin' with the Big Fish:

The Tacky Tango®, fired up in the sunlight:

And:

... There ain't nothing like the real thing.

~ P.

 

[kenspen]

Just like with my 25s I prefer the spear point for my 26s. I only have 3... so far.

This one I bought off BF. Recovered in mammoth.

Pioneer bone.

Stag.

Beautiful trio CrowCounty! The mammoth recover is stunning!

I need to get a better picture of my two together.

Here they are swimmin' with the Big Fish:

The Tacky Tango®, fired up in the sunlight:

And:

... There ain't nothing like the real thing.

~ P.

~P., the Tacky Tango® always makes me smile and the ivory raises my blood pressure- one of my grail knives!

 

[Dr-Mabuse]

Really digging this sunny little fish.

 

[pertinux]

My Tacky Tango® catching the last of yesterday's light...

I appreciate that the #26s sport one of the few 'true' wharncliffe blades I've seen, a curved spine throughout its length.

I would prefer a pen (or swoopy clip) secondary to complement the main wharncliffe-- something with some belly-- but then, the wee coping blade *is* useful.

I've got it: a #26 Whittler!

~ P.

 

[joeradza]

I don't have any 26s but some really nice photos here showing a well proportioned knife.

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

No 26's here either, but I'm trying to find a little carver.

 

[glocktenman]

I haven't posted to this thread in awhile so, since my collection has grown a bit, I thought I'd do an update.




Group shot

This is a cool picture! I like the golden rod 26. Do they make any single blade 26s?

 

[kenspen]

This is a cool picture! I like the golden rod 26. Do they make any single blade 26s?

Thanks Randy. To date, the 26s have all been 2 blade models. However, since they're a single spring sleeve-board, they're as thin as a single blade.

 

[black mamba]

I just have one, in blue denim acrylic.

 

[kenspen]

I just have one, in blue denim acrylic.

wow....Wow.....WOW!!!

 

[Cambertree]

Since I started this thread, I feel it is my responsibility to issue a public service announcement, mate. If you've not yet discovered it, these little boogers are like potato chips - near impossible to quit after just one Btw, the stag on your WWLF is stunning!

Ken, mate, I give you belated thanks - both for your compliments and your warning. Funny: of all GEC knife patterns there's not a one that I could say has been more useful in a hard workin' job situation, and yet, which I've less felt the need to replicate.

To me this Wedge Tailed Eagle Talon - don't laugh - but this was one one of my first three GECs and I was so astonished at their quality and beauty, that, in considering them for the first time I decided they needed to be named: Norse Viking style - Aquila Audax I called this one.

So here it is, my one and only stumpy li'l ugly Eagle Talon razor blade, that I've never felt the need to replicate or replace.

 

[kenspen]

Some challenging life circumstances are keeping me from spending much time on the Porch these days. However, I'm long overdue for an update to this thread. I've few additions and especially want to acknowledge a few of our friends here on the Porch who have assisted/enabled me in my obsession Hope you enjoy the update, I'll still be dropping by, pull up a chair, and sit spell when I'm able!

First up is a re-post but want to give a shout out to Paul (pmew) for the generous gift:

Cocobolo Little Carver



Next up, Jeff (black mamba) agreed to part with this one:

Blue Denim Acrylic



Next, a very generous trade offer from Will (Will Power) sent this one to Ohio. Will demonstrated amazing patience on this as I received his knife in a couple of weeks and his sat in a black-hole in Chicago for a month and a half.

Primitive Bone Clip



Last, but not least, Daniel (Tilley Knife) put this one up on the Exchange and Steve (kysteve) snagged it. I reached out to Steve and told him if did't suit him, I'd take it off his hands. Trade made, and this little ebony beauty was on its way from Kentucky to Ohio.

Ebony spear:



Tractor green spear:



Natural stag clip:



Ebony clip:



The family:

 

[joeradza]

Great collection, photos, and dedication. Call me crazy but the clip point Primitive Bone is numero uno.

 

[Txjohn]

Nice thread , I need to find one of those little carvers

 

[pmew]

Ken that's quite the gaggle! Love those wheel shots

I too am struggling to find time to tarry amongst these pages, but quickly browse every once in a while.

 

[Will Power]

Ken Great update there, glad the Primitive likes its new home:thumbup: But that Tractor Green....YES!

 

[kenspen]

Great collection, photos, and dedication. Call me crazy but the clip point Primitive Bone is numero uno.

Thanks Alan. The clip point Primitive Bone is absolutely Primo!

Nice thread , I need to find one of those little carvers

Good luck Txjohn! They show up now again on the secondary markets but frequently command premium prices.

Ken that's quite the gaggle! Love those wheel shots

I too am struggling to find time to tarry amongst these pages, but quickly browse every once in a while.

Thanks Paul! Here's hoping for things to settle down for both of us!

Ken Great update there, glad the Primitive likes its new home:thumbup: But that Tractor Green....YES!

Thanks Will! The Primitive Clip loves its new home. My first 26 that started the obsession was the Primitive Bone Spear serialized #25. Then the clip arrived from you and, yep, serialized #25. Pretty cool coincidence! Can't argue with you about the Tractor Green - it is a knock out!