GEC #47 stag questions

Bladenoobie1

Bladenoobie1

Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
1,261
Hi,

I'm considering on adding a GEC #47 viper to my traditional collection (not much of a collection yet) and was interested in some of the handle materials like stag. That said while I like the look of stag, from some photos I've looked at the stag often appears to be of different thickness from each scale. I was wondering to those who have gec stag knives or specifically the #47, how comfortable/ergonomic are the handles? I use all my knives, and even if it'll look nice I don't want to buy a knife with an uncomfortable handle.

Thanks,
BN
 
Comfort & ergonomics are an individual assessment. Big hands, small hands, size does matter! I have a 47 natural stag and it's a fatter handle than it would be with wood or composite. I have fairly big hands and I find it very easy to use & hold. Here are some pics of mine. The handle is fatter at the cap end. I think the builders do this purposely. I like this as the fat end fits nicely in the cup of your palm. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the knife, just look around for what appeals to you. The great thing about GEC's is they are nearly a liquid asset. If you want to sell it you can get a good percentage of your investment back here on the exchange.



 
One option is to pick the one you like in terms of the view the dealer has and ask if they can take a picture from above.
 
Stag is so individual, people's tastes in it vary as much as the material, that's why it's important to study pictures of both sides and the thickness. The dealers on the GEC site offer very good pictures, and with good reason: they likely don't want a prolonged to and fro with a knife having to be returned because the buyer didn't like the look of the stag. Some people talk of 'matching' stag I think it's pretty elusive unless you are commissioning a custom knife, even then....Myself I don't mind at all if the mark & pile sides don't match on a stag knife provided both sides are attractive. At least what I think is attractive! Then there's the fraught question of handle thickness, some abhor thick slabs others like them because of grip/comfort. What I dislike is one side fat and bulbous and the other thin and skimpy, some have suggested it was intentional in the 'old days' but I think not. Fact is though, when you get stag to your liking, very little else comes close.:thumbup:

IMG_2210.jpg


For instance, I feel really lucky to have got this early 73 linerlock in this extremely grooved stag. Somebody else might be repelled by it and might have been put off the pattern and the material. Motto: study the form.
Thanks, Will
 
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Thanks for the replies guys. I've looked through multiple GEC dealers and I found a #47 stag I really like. That said a top view was available and handle appeared to be uneven hence why I was worried that it may not be comfortable. Also at Derrick at KSF I might take you up on a top view on a particular #47 stag. At the moment I'm still trying to decide on which #47 to get. I would really love a blackwood/ebony model but I can't find any of those in stock anywhere.
 
Ok here is the picture I'm talking about. This is a GEC dealer, but I'm not sure if its a BF dealer so I won't mention the name. I love the look of the stag on this particular model, but on the provided top shot you can clearly see that the stag is uneven. My concern is that will this be awkward to hold in hand?
stag_zps60e5619a.jpg
 
This is not unusual. If it bugs you, find another. Be patient. I don't think it will be "uncomfortable". You wouldn't notice a weight imbalance, the balance is in the steel. Stag has been used for 100's of years because it is comfortable, durable and gives a good wet or dry grip. The feel in your hand you can get used to, but if you don't like the lopsided look, it might haunt you :-)
 
Sherman01 said:
This is not unusual. If it bugs you, find another. Be patient. I don't think it will be "uncomfortable". You wouldn't notice a weight imbalance, the balance is in the steel. Stag has been used for 100's of years because it is comfortable, durable and gives a good wet or dry grip. The feel in your hand you can get used to, but if you don't like the lopsided look, it might haunt you :-)
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The looks don't bother me all too much. Out of all the GEC dealers and stag #47s this to me has the most attractive scales. It just needs to be comfortable, but I'm still looking around.
 
Well guys I'm probably going to pull the trigger on this one. If it turns out I don't like it or it doesn't fit my hand well I'll likely list it on the exchange.

I've always liked the look of stag, but I'm extremely picky about it. The particular one I'm ordering has to me the best looking stag out of all the GEC dealers I looked at. I like rich colors, minimal glossyness, and an overal clean look(no speckles or "stained" coloration).

I considered wood, but I can't find blackwood/ebony available and being that the wood is also not stabilized I'm concerned with moisture or occasionally washing the knife damaging the wood. This will be my first GEC guys.
 
Bladenoobie1 said:
This will be my first GEC guys.
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Uh oh, you're done for now :-) I was astonished at the first one I held in hand. I've other modern made traditionals, but none beat Great Eastern Cutlery in my humble opinion. Not every single one is perfect, but a so-so GEC is better than the best of many other brands.
 
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