GEC #86 2021: Angus Jack, 2AB, Spring Street Barlow (BF Knife)

I assume the blank gets dyed before being trimmed (or is it hafted?) to its final size.

Assuming the dye doesn’t go all the way through, the length and the width of the blank (relative to its final size) dictates how much undyed bone is revealed when it is trimmed.

If correct, this may explain why the butt shows more undyed bone than the sides.


I think thats exactly it. Makes perfect sense and is understandable.
 
Snagged one. I feel extremely lucky to have a shot at this one. But I’m just not sure I am liking the stamp on the bolster or the stainless. The fit and finish on this thing is top notch and the walk and talk is phenomenal. I’m not sure if I’m gonna let it go or not. First world problems…lol.

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Snagged one. I feel extremely lucky to have a shot at this one. But I’m just not sure I am liking the stamp on the bolster or the stainless. The fit and finish on this thing is top notch and the walk and talk is phenomenal. I’m not sure if I’m gonna let it go or not. First world problems…lol.

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Keep it.
stainless is practical and that stamp on the bolsters is one of the best.❤️
 
GEC did a phenomenal job with these 2ABs, really just perfect if you prefer to carry larger single blades as I do. And thanks to Wharn Wharn I was able to trade for a green micarta and complete the run of each cover material. If it was down to looks alone, for me the rust orange bone is the winner. I really like the look and feel of this material. But you'll notice in my pic that the green micarta sits at the top. I suspect I will carry, use, and enjoy that one the most, because a knife is more than just the object itself. It's also a story, it's how and where you got it, and who you got it from, and what you've done with it. Thanks to the opportunity to make another connection with the community here, I already like the story of my green micarta the best. I've seen a number of photos of these 2ABs taken with a pile of acorns. Quite appropriate, but I live in Alaska where it is far too cold for oak trees. So I've arranged mine with some macadamia nuts instead. They don't grow here either, but they do where Steve lives and he very thoughtfully included this treat in his package :)

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GEC did a phenomenal job with these 2ABs, really just perfect if you prefer to carry larger single blades as I do. And thanks to Wharn Wharn I was able to trade for a green micarta and complete the run of each cover material. If it was down to looks alone, for me the rust orange bone is the winner. I really like the look and feel of this material. But you'll notice in my pic that the green micarta sits at the top. I suspect I will carry, use, and enjoy that one the most, because a knife is more than just the object itself. It's also a story, it's how and where you got it, and who you got it from, and what you've done with it. Thanks to the opportunity to make another connection with the community here, I already like the story of my green micarta the best. I've seen a number of photos of these 2ABs taken with a pile of acorns. Quite appropriate, but I live in Alaska where it is far too cold for oak trees. So I've arranged mine with some macadamia nuts instead. They don't grow here either, but they do where Steve lives and he very thoughtfully included this treat in his package :)

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Nice example of the Rust Orange Bone. I've been liking the ones with variation in color and shape. Mine, on the other hand, is pretty flat in color and in shape. However, as I look out and see the variation in leaves, I accept it for what it is.

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Nice example of the Rust Orange Bone. I've been liking the ones with variation in color and shape. Mine, on the other hand, is pretty flat in color and in shape. However, as I look out and see the variation in leaves, I accept it for what it is.

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Your sample may not have a lot of surface texture but I think the color is beautiful. The colors outside your window too! I wasn't born and raised in AK, I grew up in MN with the full palette of Fall, and one thing I really miss living up here is that whole spectrum. The only trees we have here that turn are birch and aspen, nothing that goes orange or red, so autumns up north are entirely yellow. But I accept it for what it is, pure gold :)

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This pic is NOT current, all the leaves are down and we are well into winter by now!
 
im keeping my eyes peeled for the eventuality that some one lets one go for a fair price. i like to keep my mint ones mint unless Ive had mod work done. In which case. I have one mint and one modded to my liking for use.
 
Just curious as to how many are actually using the 2AB's opposed to keeping them mint for the collection,or maybe fortunate to have multiples and do both?

Used mine the other day at work to pop nylon strapping, cut poly-wrap, and break down cardboard. :)

With the stainless 440c and stout construction, it’s one of the few traditional knives in my collection I’m comfortable bringing to work.
 
I got home from a kind of exhausting work trip last night to find a parcel waiting for me. A pair of #86 2ABs put the spring back in my step! I was worried that they would be a little too big for me, but they are nice and slender so that's not a problem. The fit and finish is superb, with the (minor, in my opinion) exception that the springs are slightly proud at the half-stop on both (perfectly flush opened or closed, though). Zero gaps, smooth transitions, well-matched handles, and excellent action. Considering how great these are, and how hard it is to land new GECs in Europe (or, really, anywhere), I am really psyched I was able to get these.

Now, all I have to do is track down a reasonably priced OD green micarta version to complete the set (and add to my collection of stainless GECs). Ha! Not holding my breath...

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The AAPK Barlow is very nice looking.
But it's got to be an absolute pocket anchor.

I'm sure you wouldn't forget if it's in your pocket :) Personally I don't mind hefty/chunky knives, but I have 2XL hands and love to carry GEC 23s and even GEC's Whaler some days just for the grin, but I know many people feel differently. The Spring St and the 2AB run are a whole different species for sure, svelte sprinter class.
 
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