GEC #77 Medium Barlow Impressions

[rye_a]

Very pleased overall with my single AGB... I was hoping it would have a hint of the dark butterscotch that the 2 blades have and I think it does . Fit and finish is good, no liner gaps!!!! (always makes me happy) I am actually able to pinch this open as well.:thumbup: The one slightly odd thing is the red dot near the butt of one end.. almost like it got a little frisky with one of the red sawcuts during the dye process lol. Kinda reminds me of the red storm on Jupiter with the colors.. but what do you guys/gals think of that? Flaw or added character?

Love the color!

The red dot..

Great added character, and a nice reminder that they are nice natural materials that are unpredictable from time to time.

 

[Acadian]

this is the only flaw I could find.

On my 2b, GEC botched the grind on the tip of the spear blade

 

[KBA]

Luc, if you look at the tip of the blade on mine you will see that the grind isn't perfect either. I didn't notice it until I took a strawberry to it. It almost looks chipped. I figure it will sharpen out eventually

[/QUOTE]

 

[Acadian]

Luc, if you look at the tip of the blade on mine you will see that the grind isn't perfect either. I didn't notice it until I took a strawberry to it. It almost looks chipped. I figure it will sharpen out eventually

[/QUOTE]

Brett,

yup - figured the same. After sharpening it a few times it should look normal again.

so did you put anything on your micarta to make it darker?

 

[KBA]

It looks a lot darker than it is, bathroom lighting. I just rubbed it down for a few minutes with a cut strawberry, patted it dry, repeated that a couple times. Touched up the edge on a medium and fine stone.

 

[spycycle]

Got home from work just a few minutes ago and raced to the mailbox to retrieve my 2B micarta, and boy what a treat. Such a gorgeous, well-executed knife!! Fits so comfortably in both hand and pocket (no sheath for me), I'm really looking forward to breaking it in in my everyday routines.

Like everyone else has already mentioned, the factory edge is nice and sharp, although the coping blade needs a little help. Nothing a few minutes sharpening and stropping can't fix. Hats off to GEC for the construction and to Mike for the design.

And to echo another poster earlier, an EO notch might make for a real nice mod to this one...

 

[Ramrodmb]

No slip for me either. :sorrow:
Was kinda looking forward to that after seeing the first couple pics. Oh well.
Good looking knife! Not perfect, but well executed.
Thx
Mark

 

[MCar]

Some of the best 77s I've had the pleasure to fondle... A job truly well done. Though I am a bit unhappy with the stag, since it has a huge valley that puts the covers totally asymmetric, the fit and finish is terrific.

Choombak, which one is your favorite?

 

[T_MAC686]

I'm loving the looks of those single blade micartas.. maybe someday things will align just right and I'll own my first GEC.. I think I now know exactly which one it will be now! Great pictures everyone

 

[T_MAC686]

I suppose Ill put one up too... My micarta #77, also picked one up in blackwood. They are OUTSTANDING!

Amazing work Mike/GEC - supper happy with these.

This knife is just about perfect fit and finish wise. I thought about having some wood covers put on, but this canvas micarta is awesome. Love the pull (a stiff 6 imo) and it has great snap.

Mark, it may be better than the 73 imo. I do love the 73 but this one may be right there with it.

I couldn't help myself.

For example... Great stuff guys, making me envious!

 

[Pokerface]

Some of the best 77s I've had the pleasure to fondle... A job truly well done. Though I am a bit unhappy with the stag, since it has a huge valley that puts the covers totally asymmetric, the fit and finish is terrific.

Great collection Choombak. I never know if I want one type of covers with all the different blade types, OR one of each type of scales, regardless of blade type...I'm currently between both ideas.

 

[Baldy McBalders]

I didn't yet get a chance for photos, but my single blade micarta is probably my favorite one (I also got 1 and 2 blade blackwood, which are both very fine, other than a mis-sharpened tip on my 2 blade spear, but that's an easy fix).
The satin bolsters on the Micarta are just simply outstanding! Such a nice, thoughtful touch.
I really like the S&M heritage knives, but the quality is hit and miss, and the blade to handle ratio is really bad. This spear 77 run is better in both these regards, to say the least.
Instant classic.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[Luger1952]

Few observations on the two 1B 77s Bone and Micarta I acquired. First, the overall build quality fit and finish is superb. No liner/spring gaps visible even with a strong flashlight beaming down on the blade channel. Transitions from handle material (Bone or Micarta) to steel bolsters, liners and springs FLAWLESS. Virtually no perceptible transition finger skin catching from handle matrerial to bolsters except a little more sense of warmth with the Mircata. GEC has really got this figured out now compared to just a couple of years ago. Blade grind on Bone blade somewhat non symmetrical but sharper than the Micarta. Easily fixable. Blade (Bone) can be pinched open--sitting slightly to high and can catch finger when passing over in closed position. Again easily adjusted/fixable. Bolsters on Bone version more highly polished than the some what frosty polish on the Micarta bolsters. Blade on Micarta more symmetrical but not as sharp as the Bone version. I can easily fix this. The Micarta can not be pinched open (at least by me) sitting at just about the right depth when closed. Blade does not catch finger when rubbed across barrel channel like on Bone. Nothing to adjust here. Pull on both is a healthy 8.5 I would call it--hope it weakens slightly over time. Overall outstanding quality and I would rank them a 9.5 IMHO. Great job Mike and GEC and the slips are a VERY nice touch. Thanks Mike and GEC--great value/quality. Lloyd

 

[4thpoint]

Boy... these are great. I got all of the 2b versions, except the stag. I think all will get some pocket time.

Mike, you and GEC did a great job...kudos.

 

[Ryouchijtx]

Thanks Mike for such a well organized delivery of the new 77, which really is upping the the game for GEC.:thumbup:
Got my two...the sawcut ( on the right) is truly blood-red on mine, even more so than the wharncliffe 77. Love the color!

My first Micarta knife (thanks Tim and Luc) and impressed on this canvas...so much so that I changed my Viper pre-order.
Great walk and talk (7) , and yes very sharp.

That Autumn bone is a stunner! All of the covers have been very good.

Haha can't go wrong with micarta, I think it seems to be the hit of this run. Beautiful trio you've got now~

 

[arizonaranchman]

Haha can't go wrong with micarta, I think it seems to be the hit of this run. Beautiful trio you've got now~

Yes I've noticed there's ALOT of micarta here, like 50% of the knives appear to be micarta?? Second is either Red or Autumn Gold.

 

[Ryouchijtx]

Yes I've noticed there's ALOT of micarta here, like 50% of the knives appear to be micarta?? Second is either Red or Autumn Gold.

Mm I believe those were some of the most popular picks after photos surfaced. Really enjoy everyone's photos and I had a guess in my head this spear run would kick the sheepsfoot out of pocket ARanchMan

this is the only flaw I could find.

On my 2b, GEC botched the grind on the tip of the spear blade

I just inspected mine as well Luc and it seems to be the norm as Brett pointed out. A bit of a toothy grind. Haven't remedied it yet on the WEPS but it'll go away with one sharpening/reprofling

 

[archertl]

This is the first spear blade trad I've owned. I typically carry warncliff sheepfoot or droppoints. I am happy surprised by the usefulness of the spear point blade. I have in been able to find any flaws with mine unless you hold it up to a light you can see a few pin holes of light but who cares. Ck and gec did a great job. This knife is a real value at its price point all things considered.

 

[arizonaranchman]

Mm I believe those were some of the most popular picks after photos surfaced. Really enjoy everyone's photos and I had a guess in my head this spear run would kick the sheepsfoot out of pocket ARanchMan


I just inspected mine as well Luc and it seems to be the norm as Brett pointed out. A bit of a toothy grind. Haven't remedied it yet on the WEPS but it'll go away with one sharpening/reprofling

Indeed it has displaced the sheepfoot 77 Barlow, which has totally OWNED my right front pocket since it's arrival. I'm in a dilemma as I dearly love that sheepfoot 77 in AB, but this spear/coping combo is my absolute favorite and so is the blood red bone! This is just a dream knife for me: long-pull?, spear/coping?, Barlow?, dark red sawcut bone? YES! YES! YES! YES!!!

 

[arizonaranchman]

Sipping my morning coffee here, new 2B old red in my pocket on an early Fall morning. I'm sure appreciating this cooler weather, sick of the heat.