GEC 86’s for 2023

Does anyone use this type of wax on their knives?
I’ve used it recently on my axes and outdoor knives and it does what it says on the tin just fine. First time on a folder though but the mineral oil I was using just didn’t seem to stay put long enough for me? Maybe I’m fondling too much?

Anyway, here’s a N°86 HJ update.

 
Does anyone use this type of wax on their knives?
I’ve used it recently on my axes and outdoor knives and it does what it says on the tin just fine. First time on a folder though but the mineral oil I was using just didn’t seem to stay put long enough for me? Maybe I’m fondling too much?

Anyway, here’s a N°86 HJ update.


I use, and sell it on my site. I like it a lot for wood, but I've had mixed results on blades. I prefer camellia/tsubaki oil for blades. For wood handles, Axe Wax is my "go to" right now (I used to use Ren Wax, or sometimes Johnson's paste wax). It's a true hardening wax, so application is a little more involved then some other types of waxes... But it last SIGNFICANTLY longer. Think of it as similar to linseed oil, as far as hardening goes. It's like a true finish. It will darken the wood a little, so that's something to keep in mind though.

I’d avoid using stuff like mineral oil on wood handles. It will temporarily make them look nice, but you run the risk of softening the wood fibers too much (especially around things like pins and shields).

To apply, warm up the handle of the knife with a heat gun or blow dryer (fairly warm, but not hot). DO NOT heat up the tin of wax. Apply the wax with a cloth, or finger (it is food safe). Let the wax set for ten to fifteen minutes. Remove the excess wax with a cloth, and you're ready to go! Great stuff.

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Well I was beginning to think I wouldn't find one of these but I managed to grab an S model. Looks like it was made an S for a small blemish in the punch best I can tell. GEC did a good job with them. Thanks Charlie for having them made, you sure do come up with some great knives.
k8lf7lQ.jpg
 
I use Skidmores leather cream. It’s a natural beeswax product. They also use the same formulation for a wood restorer. Boots, leather, natural materials all do well with it. I also use Otterwax which is another beeswax product that I’d assume is real similar to the Axe wax. 57EE5023-B050-4C67-BCE3-154F40C5A5A3.jpeg
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Well I was beginning to think I wouldn't find one of these but I managed to grab an S model. Looks like it was made an S for a small blemish in the punch best I can tell. GEC did a good job with them. Thanks Charlie for having them made, you sure do come up with some great knives.
k8lf7lQ.jpg

I picked up a GEC #73 Cody Scout from Mike awhile back that was a seconds, and for the life of me, I still can’t figure out why in the heck it was designated a second.

I hope to be able to hold myself to GECs standards someday. 😂
 
I use Skidmores leather cream. It’s a natural beeswax product. They also use the same formulation for a wood restorer. Boots, leather, natural materials all do well with it. I also use Otterwax which is another beeswax product that I’d assume is real similar to the Axe wax. View attachment 2290748
View attachment 2290751

Axe wax is a bit different than those two, as it's a true hardening wax. It's more like a finish, than a wax. Once you apply it, you can wash the knives and the finish stays. With the way it darkens the wood a bit, that can be both a pro, or con.

Otter Wax is some good stuff. It's more like Wicked Wax, in that it's a non-hardening, bees wax based formula (which I am currently testing out). If you don't want your wood to be darkened, I'd recommend it over Axe Wax, but you have to apply it more frequently to protect the wood.

I've not used Skidmore's, but it sounds like it is a similar type of product.

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As know one seemed to want one when I offered I bought 2 more HJs for myself as I may never get the chance again. 😁

Not being greedy or bragging folks.

Mike the UK distributer has been doing a great job,I have bought from him before, but only met him once at last years Knife show where we traded.

When PP held up my payment to him he trusted me and sent them in advance anyway,hopefully it will clear soon.


My favourite is the Gabon Ebony,I like how the smooth bone has character and isnt bleached white.

As for the Red the colour is spot on I wasn't sure I would like it.

I didnt open the awls in case I scratched them,as you know I am using the ebony model.

In my opinion my 1949 issued SAK holds its own in this company.

It is a as tough,chunky and well built as the HJs and the same size.:cool:

Who knows how many Toblerones its opened or cuckoo clocks its help build,maybe the awl was used to make another hole in a cow bell harness...🤣




Bunny on tube opening duty's 😍
































 
As know one seemed to want one when I offered I bought 2 more HJs for myself as I may never get the chance again. 😁

Not being greedy or bragging folks.

Mike the UK distributer has been doing a great job,I have bought from him before, but only met him once at last years Knife show where we traded.

When PP held up my payment to him he trusted me and sent them in advance anyway,hopefully it will clear soon.


My favourite is the Gabon Ebony,I like how the smooth bone has character and isnt bleached white.

As for the Red the colour is spot on I wasn't sure I would like it.

I didnt open the awls in case I scratched them,as you know I am using the ebony model.

In my opinion my 1949 issued SAK holds its own in this company.

It is a as tough,chunky and well built as the HJs and the same size.:cool:

Who knows how many Toblerones its opened or cuckoo clocks its help build,maybe the awl was used to make another hole in a cow bell harness...🤣




Bunny on tube opening duty's 😍
































A Bonafide HJ collector!!
 
As know one seemed to want one when I offered I bought 2 more HJs for myself as I may never get the chance again. 😁

Not being greedy or bragging folks.

Mike the UK distributer has been doing a great job,I have bought from him before, but only met him once at last years Knife show where we traded.

When PP held up my payment to him he trusted me and sent them in advance anyway,hopefully it will clear soon.


My favourite is the Gabon Ebony,I like how the smooth bone has character and isnt bleached white.

As for the Red the colour is spot on I wasn't sure I would like it.

I didnt open the awls in case I scratched them,as you know I am using the ebony model.

In my opinion my 1949 issued SAK holds its own in this company.

It is a as tough,chunky and well built as the HJs and the same size.:cool:

Who knows how many Toblerones its opened or cuckoo clocks its help build,maybe the awl was used to make another hole in a cow bell harness...🤣




Bunny on tube opening duty's 😍
































Thanks for sharing those pics! What a neat comparison between the current 86s and the historic swiss equivalent. Gorgeous every which way! It's uncanny how similar the dimensions appear, and yet the austere styling of the Swiss juxtaposed to waynorth waynorth 's indulgent flair really highlights the best of both! Very cool!
 
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