GEC #77 Medium Barlow Impressions

[FW JSB]

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.

It can also be said that GEC has done this to themselves, by setting the bar pretty high with regards to fit and finish and that they sell their knives in good part based on this reputation. So, for many who spend their hard-earned dollars expecting a certain level of quality, it is not a non-issue. Things like back spring gaps, blade centering, from-the-factory-sharpness, evenness of dye coloring, jigging, etc, etc, are discussed ad infinitum on this forum; therefore it's perfectly reasonable for a buyer to expect these things from GEC, especially on an SFO run.

 

[Pokerface]

It can also be said that GEC has done this to themselves, by setting the bar pretty high with regards to fit and finish and that they sell their knives in good part based on this reputation. So, for many who spend their hard-earned dollars expecting a certain level of quality, it is not a non-issue. Things like back spring gaps, blade centering, from-the-factory-sharpness, evenness of dye coloring, jigging, etc, etc, are discussed ad infinitum on this forum; therefore it's perfectly reasonable for a buyer to expect these things from GEC, especially on an SFO run.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[knifeswapper]

I am mad as hell. I had no idea that we dealers should expect the SFO runs to be better than the production runs that made GEC what they are. I even tell them that I do not want anything that can be construed as a problem when I place these contracts. I completely agree that the next run of GEC's should be at least as good as, and really better than, any run they have ever done before; regardless of employee turnover / schedule / et.al. I am calling first thing in the morning!!

Sorry, been a hectic week and that may not be a completely discernible delivery of humor.

Employees do not wake and walk into the factory doors saying "today is the day that we get to show a sliver of daylight in a couple of our backsprings" or "hey, these are SFO's - we should really do our best on these". Whether they are Tidioute or Northfield; SFO or production run; they do their best every day. And I have no reason to believe their best today is better than it was six months ago. They make a lot of knives and when a certain pattern has been built up online, there will be disappointment when someone expecting perfection does a close inspection. I have not seen a knife that I couldn't find something I didn't feel could be done better. Thus, if I only shipped out knives that were perfect in my eyes; all orders would be refunded.

If there is something you do not like about yours, please shoot it back. They are knives made by humans; they have a price tag - you have to decide if the knife is worth that price tag. Not a forum of 100's of generally supportive friends... If not, get that thing out of your hands so that it doesn't make you sick every time you rub it. That is what I do as a collector, and that is what I expect customers to do.

I agree that GEC has garnered a lot of customers with water-tight backsprings, centered blades, and generally excellent fit/finish at the same time other factories seem to be probing to see just how bad a knife customers will quietly purchase. But there will be non-defect cosmetic issues from time to time; and if those periodic issues (or the fact that it may cost you a little more to have the factory perfect it for you) are a problem, today's factories are probably going to bring you ongoing misery. But for my part in this hobby that brings many of us so much joy, I want each of you to be happy. If not, send it back to whence it came.

 

[Txjohn]

I got three of the 77 clips and only issue ( non issue for me ) is swirl marks on bolster. No gaps and centered blades on all three . I don't expect perfection when I buy Gec . Just a well made knife that I'm glade to carry. I only have one gec knife with gap in spring . I admit I dont go out looking for imprefections either .As mike pointed out , Gec doesn't change their standards for any of their brands or SFO's .

 

[Peregrin]

I am mad as hell. I had no idea that we dealers should expect the SFO runs to be better than the production runs that made GEC what they are. I even tell them that I do not want anything that can be construed as a problem when I place these contracts. I completely agree that the next run of GEC's should be at least as good as, and really better than, any run they have ever done before; regardless of employee turnover / schedule / et.al. I am calling first thing in the morning!!

Sorry, been a hectic week and that may not be a completely discernible delivery of humor.

Employees do not wake and walk into the factory doors saying "today is the day that we get to show a sliver of daylight in a couple of our backsprings" or "hey, these are SFO's - we should really do our best on these". Whether they are Tidioute or Northfield; SFO or production run; they do their best every day. And I have no reason to believe their best today is better than it was six months ago. They make a lot of knives and when a certain pattern has been built up online, there will be disappointment when someone expecting perfection does a close inspection. I have not seen a knife that I couldn't find something I didn't feel could be done better. Thus, if I only shipped out knives that were perfect in my eyes; all orders would be refunded.

If there is something you do not like about yours, please shoot it back. They are knives made by humans; they have a price tag - you have to decide if the knife is worth that price tag. Not a forum of 100's of generally supportive friends... If not, get that thing out of your hands so that it doesn't make you sick every time you rub it. That is what I do as a collector, and that is what I expect customers to do.

I agree that GEC has garnered a lot of customers with water-tight backsprings, centered blades, and generally excellent fit/finish at the same time other factories seem to be probing to see just how bad a knife customers will quietly purchase. But there will be non-defect cosmetic issues from time to time; and if those periodic issues (or the fact that it may cost you a little more to have the factory perfect it for you) are a problem, today's factories are probably going to bring you ongoing misery. But for my part in this hobby that brings many of us so much joy, I want each of you to be happy. If not, send it back to whence it came.

It needed to be said, Mike. Thanks for saying it so well.

 

[Dr. Scott]

...They are knives made by humans; they have a price tag - you have to decide if the knife is worth that price tag...

I love this line. Sums up my philosophy when it comes to using or collecting factory production pocket knives. :thumbup:

I love your business, Mike. And I really admire people who make their work out of something they love. Keep up the good work!

 

[arizonaranchman]

I love this line. Sums up my philosophy when it comes to using or collecting factory production pocket knives. :thumbup:

I love your business, Mike. And I really admire people who make their work out of something they love. Keep up the good work!

Ditto. GEC quality spanks any company anywhere near it's price range. If you want perfection you need to spend another $300-$400.

My 77 Barlow is outstanding :thumbup:

 

[BigBiscuit]

I am mad as hell. I had no idea that we dealers should expect the SFO runs to be better than the production runs that made GEC what they are. I even tell them that I do not want anything that can be construed as a problem when I place these contracts. I completely agree that the next run of GEC's should be at least as good as, and really better than, any run they have ever done before; regardless of employee turnover / schedule / et.al. I am calling first thing in the morning!!

Sorry, been a hectic week and that may not be a completely discernible delivery of humor.

Employees do not wake and walk into the factory doors saying "today is the day that we get to show a sliver of daylight in a couple of our backsprings" or "hey, these are SFO's - we should really do our best on these". Whether they are Tidioute or Northfield; SFO or production run; they do their best every day. And I have no reason to believe their best today is better than it was six months ago. They make a lot of knives and when a certain pattern has been built up online, there will be disappointment when someone expecting perfection does a close inspection. I have not seen a knife that I couldn't find something I didn't feel could be done better. Thus, if I only shipped out knives that were perfect in my eyes; all orders would be refunded.

If there is something you do not like about yours, please shoot it back. They are knives made by humans; they have a price tag - you have to decide if the knife is worth that price tag. Not a forum of 100's of generally supportive friends... If not, get that thing out of your hands so that it doesn't make you sick every time you rub it. That is what I do as a collector, and that is what I expect customers to do.

I agree that GEC has garnered a lot of customers with water-tight backsprings, centered blades, and generally excellent fit/finish at the same time other factories seem to be probing to see just how bad a knife customers will quietly purchase. But there will be non-defect cosmetic issues from time to time; and if those periodic issues (or the fact that it may cost you a little more to have the factory perfect it for you) are a problem, today's factories are probably going to bring you ongoing misery. But for my part in this hobby that brings many of us so much joy, I want each of you to be happy. If not, send it back to whence it came.

Good for you Mike! Well stated in my opinion.

 

[singin50]

Unfortunately though, for some reason, some knife runs turn out flawless and some don't. Sure wish I knew what makes the difference.

 

[FW JSB]

I've no doubt GEC goes about their business every day with the intention of producing the best product possible. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't own 20 of them, many purchased from Mr. Latham's business, with more in the shoot. But that does not mean that one purchaser should be chastized for being disappointed with gaps in the back springs of his knife or any other problem, and told his concern is a 'non-issue.' For him it is an issue.

Clearly GEC's history of producing top-flight pocketknives has made them susceptible to such complaints, whether they're warranted or not. All of you frequent this sub-forum and cannot deny the level of discussion that constantly goes on about various cosmetic issues. That discussion serves to elevate expectations, which leads to some of the comments posted here. I purchased 2 of the 2nd run #77's from Mr. Latham, one with a couple of gaps in the back springs, one without. I won't be sending it back, because the knife otherwise functions as it should and I like it.

If it's unreasonable to expect more from an SFO run than a regular run, well, then I've learned something here today and that pleases me because I don't like getting things wrong. I'd be interested to hear if it's also unreasonable to expect a different level of quality from Northfield versus Tidioute, another idea being bandied about here.

I'm just clarifying my position here. No need to get defensive folks.

 

[BigBiscuit]

I don't believe Mike is chastising anyone for being disappointed with a purchase. He stated quite the contrary in that if you're unhappy with any purchase, shoot it back to him and he'll make it right to the best of his ability.

 

[knarfeng]

To my understanding, Northfield and Tidioute are built to the same level of fit and finish. The Northfields have more flourishes in the design.

 

[knifeswapper]

Unfortunately though, for some reason, some knife runs turn out flawless and some don't. Sure wish I knew what makes the difference.

That's easy... the flaws.

 

[singin50]

Lol, I meant to say what action.

 

[singin50]

There should be absolutely no difference at all. Whether SFO or regular run, you did learn something, FW. They should all be of consistent greatness. The only difference should be the specs that are asked by the person or persons contracting GEC to make their SFOs.

 

[MerryMadMonk]

"Consistent Greatness"... I like it, Perry!

 

[Fire Beard]

Mine has been my EDC since I got it. My favorite knife. It's well used, smooth and takes an incredible edge. Like others have said, the Blackwood has chocolate brown streaks, but they're tough to capture in photos. This knife has saved me money. Lots of awesome stuff has come out lately, but nothing that's going to replace this one for pocket time.

 

[singin50]

Very very fine collection, AL! You've got all the blade configurations on the Autumn Bone too! That took some doin, my friend!:thumbup:

Nice one in Blackwood, Fire Beard! I have the same one that was gifted by the Bisquit!

 

[Ryouchijtx]

Mine has been my EDC since I got it. My favorite knife. It's well used, smooth and takes an incredible edge. Like others have said, the Blackwood has chocolate brown streaks, but they're tough to capture in photos. This knife has saved me money. Lots of awesome stuff has come out lately, but nothing that's going to replace this one for pocket time.
View attachment 546896
View attachment 546897

Love the way the blue patina came out near the tang of blade Fire Beard, looks like forced untreated steel right there.

I am mad as hell. I had no idea that we dealers should expect the SFO runs to be better than the production runs that made GEC what they are. I even tell them that I do not want anything that can be construed as a problem when I place these contracts. I completely agree that the next run of GEC's should be at least as good as, and really better than, any run they have ever done before; regardless of employee turnover / schedule / et.al. I am calling first thing in the morning!!

Sorry, been a hectic week and that may not be a completely discernible delivery of humor.

Employees do not wake and walk into the factory doors saying "today is the day that we get to show a sliver of daylight in a couple of our backsprings" or "hey, these are SFO's - we should really do our best on these". Whether they are Tidioute or Northfield; SFO or production run; they do their best every day. And I have no reason to believe their best today is better than it was six months ago. They make a lot of knives and when a certain pattern has been built up online, there will be disappointment when someone expecting perfection does a close inspection. I have not seen a knife that I couldn't find something I didn't feel could be done better. Thus, if I only shipped out knives that were perfect in my eyes; all orders would be refunded.

If there is something you do not like about yours, please shoot it back. They are knives made by humans; they have a price tag - you have to decide if the knife is worth that price tag. Not a forum of 100's of generally supportive friends... If not, get that thing out of your hands so that it doesn't make you sick every time you rub it. That is what I do as a collector, and that is what I expect customers to do.

I agree that GEC has garnered a lot of customers with water-tight backsprings, centered blades, and generally excellent fit/finish at the same time other factories seem to be probing to see just how bad a knife customers will quietly purchase. But there will be non-defect cosmetic issues from time to time; and if those periodic issues (or the fact that it may cost you a little more to have the factory perfect it for you) are a problem, today's factories are probably going to bring you ongoing misery. But for my part in this hobby that brings many of us so much joy, I want each of you to be happy. If not, send it back to whence it came.

I was one of the ones that posted about fit and finish and stated in my OP that Mike did everything to make it right immediately as I emailed him, even with the inventory he was doing at the time.

 

[FW JSB]

I don't believe Mike is chastising anyone for being disappointed with a purchase. He stated quite the contrary in that if you're unhappy with any purchase, shoot it back to him and he'll make it right to the best of his ability.

Not Mike, someone from the previous page of this thread. I've had nothing but good dealings with Mike.