GEC #77 Medium Barlow Impressions

I think you're right, Scott. In general I think the Northfields are well built knives. I believe there might be a problem with this "make up" build, though. As far as long term problems, I don't think that's an issue. These knives will function and last as long as the tighter built ones. It's just the idea that, for some reason , these knives didn't get the usual attention to detail or QC. That's my take on it. I am disappointed, but not particularly bothered with it. What does kind of bother me is the fact that I emailed Chris @ GEC, earlier this week about the issue and as yet, not even received an acknowledgement, in return. I expected better. I realize they are busy...but...?
 
jlhoffman74 said:
After reading about other people having QC problems I checked both my new Tan Sawcut and my earlier Blackwood sheepsfoot blades for spacing in the backspring, I must have got lucky because absolutely no light shining through. Are there any long term problems with spaces in the backspring/liners?
But I do have a question (I hope I can ask this here) I tried to use a dye marker, two different brands actually, on my newer Tan Sawcut to dye the bone and I left the stain on for 30 mins+ and nothing. All of it just wiped off. It feels like it has a clear coating on the bone covers, did anyone have this problem? If this not the right place please pm me. Thanks for any input!
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Did you wipe the bone off first with alcohol? There is likely wax on it that you will need to clean off before the dye will penetrate.
 
Honestly, this is really a non issue IMO. I have many knives, old and new and it is rare to find even three that don't show some light showing through them when checking. I think this is a little too much to expect from a production folder.
 
I'm beginning to think you're right, Perry. I may have expected too much from a production knife. But, I have several Tidioutes that are tighter than the #77 Barlows. I guess I expect more from a Northfield.
 
I hear you, I too have some TCs that are perfect and others that are not. It is the luck of the draw and even though I believe that Bill Howard strives for perfection, it's still a mostly newer crew he's having to train and this takes time and years.
 
LastRodeo said:
Did you wipe the bone off first with alcohol? There is likely wax on it that you will need to clean off before the dye will penetrate.
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No I didn't, but I will try it for sure. If it doesn't work I'm sure it will age beautifully anyway without the dye job. Thanks!
 
nugun55 said:
I think you're right, Scott. In general I think the Northfields are well built knives. I believe there might be a problem with this "make up" build, though. As far as long term problems, I don't think that's an issue. These knives will function and last as long as the tighter built ones. It's just the idea that, for some reason , these knives didn't get the usual attention to detail or QC. That's my take on it. I am disappointed, but not particularly bothered with it. What does kind of bother me is the fact that I emailed Chris @ GEC, earlier this week about the issue and as yet, not even received an acknowledgement, in return. I expected better. I realize they are busy...but...?
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They were closed yesterday and will be closed Monday.
 
jlhoffman74 said:
After reading about other people having QC problems I checked both my new Tan Sawcut and my earlier Blackwood sheepsfoot blades for spacing in the backspring, I must have got lucky because absolutely no light shining through. Are there any long term problems with spaces in the backspring/liners?
But I do have a question (I hope I can ask this here) I tried to use a dye marker, two different brands actually, on my newer Tan Sawcut to dye the bone and I left the stain on for 30 mins+ and nothing. All of it just wiped off. It feels like it has a clear coating on the bone covers, did anyone have this problem? If this not the right place please pm me. Thanks for
any input!
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Jeff : You can go back to posting Paul Hilburns posting #788 and start reading his other postings after that and read what he has to say about his dye jobs.

Harry
 
nugun55 said:
I'm beginning to think you're right, Perry. I may have expected too much from a production knife. But, I have several Tidioutes that are tighter than the #77 Barlows. I guess I expect more from a Northfield.
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I agree with you. I think at the pricepoint, I expected more, only because that's what GEC and all of you guys have me accustomed to :D

My dad was a ranch hand for many, many years; and, he only stopped working as such until after he met my mother. In the last 40+ years, he's castrated dozens (if not more) horses, bulls, goats, and hogs... I think the nicest knife he ever had was an old Boker Stockman and a couple different Bucks from the 80's to now. My point is that he actually used his knife, and I'm not talking about an apple-a-day just to snap a picture for Bladeforums, (hey take a joke, I'm guilty too). So, the edges will do the same tasks...the difference between GEC and others is in the aesthetics.

When I joined the forums, it was because I was looking for a keepsake quality knife for my father and my two little kids. All of the very helpful members steered me towards GEC, and IMO, they are the best out there. I've had 20-30 different GEC's, and even the worst one, will beat out something like a standard Buck...this is why I have paid GEC prices. However, these last 77's and my last 15 have slipped a little in fit-and-finish. I still support the brand...love the 77's...and will buy more in the future. If they keep slipping in their QC, though...I will find myself going for the cheaper knives like Buck and Boker because there will no longer be a difference in quality, yet GEC will still cost twice as much.

The scales on the Old Red had to be cleaned because they felt like sticky sandpaper, and there's no way that this is acceptable for an SFO.

To lighten the mood...
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Very true Armando, I will add that it should not be the case but Bill can't be everywhere at all times and some will slip thru the cracks from time to time. Hopefully one day this will no longer happen, who knows. The fact that Bill, with the help of only a handful of other skilled employees, has had to train the new workers and this takes a great deal of time and attention away from watching each one's individual progress. The knives are inspected yes, but who is inspecting them, I don't know. Still, the overall quality is very high when you consider all these factors.
 
dispatch184 said:
Thank you Harry, I love the red one I have.

I have to say Arizona your dedication and love for that knife of yours is what I want to feel for one of mine. I am getting close on a couple:thumbup:
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It's hard to know when a knife will just "fit" you. Finding that ideal pocket knife - The One - is an elusive quest many spend years or even a lifetime in search of. Not all find it. I've had a number of gorgeous, quality GEC's and appreciated them all to one degree or another, but this sheepfoot 77 Barlow in blackwood just seems to have all the right qualities for my taste. The swedged, long-pull sheepfoot blade, the nickle-silver bolsters with elegant Northfield stamping, the rounded contours of the wood scales, etc all combine to make for a wonderfully slim knife that's so very pocketable.

I do really like how beautiful those Old Red bone scales turned out - makes me want one! Also, the clip blade makes for a very slim profile which I like. But I've always wanted a long-pull single blade sheepfoot Barlow... It's easily pinched open (I almost never use the nail pull) and easily sharpened with it's straight edge. When this 77 came along I was delighted and am very impressed with it.

I do still love my Stockmans though! :D
 
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I think everyone has valid points, and we all feel that in general these are fantastic knives. Just the passion to engage with our opinions shows that. I sent mine to GEC hoping for some minor fixes but if it comes back the same it just is what it is. Valued part of my collection regardless. Now if I could only get a blackwood...:D
 
dispatch184 said:
I think everyone has valid points, and we all feel that in general these are fantastic knives. Just the passion to engage with our opinions shows that. I sent mine to GEC hoping for some minor fixes but if it comes back the same it just is what it is. Valued part of my collection regardless. Now if I could only get a blackwood...:D
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My sentiments remain identical on both parts ;) about the knife coming back and the blackwood.
 
My 77s:

5a0d9eaf-94b5-4a98-b3fd-36af0850a957_zpsjfhposfe.jpg


Photos look worse with the latest software update... I'm going to have to go back to camera school.
 
Dr. Scott said:
My 77s:

5a0d9eaf-94b5-4a98-b3fd-36af0850a957_zpsjfhposfe.jpg


Photos look worse with the latest software update... I'm going to have to go back to camera school.
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Nice looking knives !!!!!! Your photos are in focus , but maybe you need to take them in outdoor lighting. In a past life , we had to use either natural light or special lamps to judge paint color quality.

Harry
 
Dr. Scott said:
My 77s:

Photos look worse with the latest software update... I'm going to have to go back to camera school.
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You're right, Scott. That looks pretty bad. Send that Sheep Stag my way...I'll see if I can take a good picture of it :D
 
Scott is that a blackwood? If so it looks horrible, like Armando I would be willing to take it off your hands I guess... hee hee, lucky dog those are great knives for sure!
 
Old Engineer said:
Nice looking knives !!!!!! Your photos are in focus , but maybe you need to take them in outdoor lighting. In a past life , we had to use either natural light or special lamps to judge paint color quality.

Harry
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It was outdoors, but in the shade.

Pokerface said:
You're right, Scott. That looks pretty bad. Send that Sheep Stag my way...I'll see if I can take a good picture of it :D
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I am unfortunately quite attached to those knives. Just can't seem to let 'em outta my sight.

dispatch184 said:
Scott is that a blackwood? If so it looks horrible, like Armando I would be willing to take it off your hands I guess... hee hee, lucky dog those are great knives for sure!
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That's the Blackwood sheepfoot that GB Packer gifted me. Now it sits in my back pocket, where it is so thin that I don't notice it. [emoji106][emoji2]
 
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