Gec 891212

Rockon75

Rockon75

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2008
Messages
2,084
As many are aware, I was fortunate enough to win Cory's recent Riverboat Gambler GAW. I've been carrying it ever since, and liking it more and more. I've not had the opportunity to handle, let alone EDC any variety of this pattern before Cory's generosity.

In doing some research, I came across a great youtube-overview of the Riverboat Gambler. What really caught my attention, and why I'm asking for those members that know more of the history of these knives becomes evident a little over halfway through. All the Gamblers that I've seen are single spring knives. Now, I know they made an Executive Whittler with split backsprings, but the individual in this video shows #1-A stainless GEC Gambler (not on the pattern page at GEC's website) and #2-He has a 2 blade 2 spring knife (i.e. the main uses both, the secondary rides on one and there is no wedge to split the springs). The secondary on his, has a half stop, while the single spring versions do not.

On to the questions, did GEC have left over springs from the 2010 Executive Whittler? Does this individual have a "spare parts" knife, or did they offer both single spring and 2 spring versions in 2012? Very peculiar.

Check out 7:25 into his video here for more detail:

[video=youtube;NFJJ6yVPgco]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFJJ6yVPgco[/video]

Here is the beautiful knife I've been carrying and has motivated me to delve deeper into these #89's:

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Thanks Cory!!
 
That's a beaut...I love this pattern and my #89 two spring American Elk is always in my right front pants pocket.





Good for you and Cory!!!

Mike
 
Mike:
Yours is a two spring-two blade as well? And it is a stainless GEC? They must have run the GEC stainless with two backsprings and the Northfields and Tidioutes with singles.......
 
Rockon75 said:
Mike:
Yours is a two spring-two blade as well? And it is a stainless GEC? They must have run the GEC stainless with two backsprings and the Northfields and Tidioutes with singles.......
Click to expand...

I think yes all around. It's really hard (at times) to follow GEC production. It's not always clear from their web site. I really liked the video you posted...made me appreciate my knife even more.

Mike
 
I seem to recall they had some production problems with the Spear version multi blade and this might explain the use of some two spring frames on other models?

A fantastic win that stag Rockon - must say I'm envious. Mike's stainless Elk is a wonderful example too. I know what's looming in my future buying:D
 
This same conversation came up in the Halfstop thread. I don't know if we'll ever get a straight answer to that other than these stainless versions have half stops and 2 thin springs like the whittlers while the others do not. I have one just like Stefan's. Here's a pic of the backsprings.
 
Thanks Trand-As I respect your knowledge on everything GEC, info regarding this topic may in fact be a mystery. Perhaps a Rendezvous attendee could query the owner himself for us.......
 
This #89 continues to ride shotgun-FRP. It's long slender clip reminded me of a knife of my childhood.

When I was 10, we annually visited my uncles and cousins in North-Western PA. Part of the pilgrimage included a frog hunting trip to Geneva Swamp. In PA you may not cast artificial light on a frog-so that means daylight hours-that in turn means .22LR hollow points (and you hunt frogs on a fishing lic. thus 10yrs old was allowed). Anyhow, my relatives (of Meadville) were always Queen men. In fact they could have been great salesmen for Queen, because you'd have thought the Queen was the only knife to have in your pocket. For separating frog legs from body we all had a little tiny Queen #85. I myself was gifted one as a youngster.

I couldn't help the last few days remembering that Queen and how this #89 reminded me of it so much. I happened to drop by Dad's this evening and asked where "our" #85's were. He pulled them out and boy, sharpening was not a skill I had then, and I'm still working on it, but here is a pic of the two (I think you'll understand why this #89 is growing on me-along with its outstanding design and build, it reminds me of those annual family trips):

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I'm really glad that you're liking that knife so much. It really is a fine pattern, and after carrying it for a while it surprises me that it doesn't get more attention. It is a bit longer than most prefer, but it's so slim and easy to carry. You get all of the benefits of a larger knife with none of the drawbacks. I'm happy to see that it's getting some use. :thumbup:
 
This pattern has had my attention for months. Ive always seen it as a public friendly pattern that would go well in an enviroment that required a little more class. Im enjoying the info and hope to see more. :thumbup:

Thanks
 
My executive Whittler is always with me, if not in pocket then in my backpack. Glad to see the pattern get some love. Just recently picked up a used gambler on the exchange, but to to divorce/moving I haven't gotten it out of storage yet!
69F4C409-85CB-454E-A0C2-AE96BA9BDFA3.jpg
 
I've never seen one of these before. Cool looking knife. It reminds me of a melon knife a bit. In the pictures it looks like a small toothpick type knife but when I saw it next to the fixed blade Queen I realized how long it was.
 
It was a gorgeous Calico bone example that captured my interest in the #89. Unfortunately it was just a picture, and was sold. Still without one. (for now)
That walnut and the 2 stags look amazing!
 
glocktenman said:
I've never seen one of these before. Cool looking knife. It reminds me of a melon knife a bit. In the pictures it looks like a small toothpick type knife but when I saw it next to the fixed blade Queen I realized how long it was.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that the Queen is the smallest fixed blade they make. The Riverboat Gambler has a Turkish/California Style Clip that has a 2 7/8" cutting edge. The pen has a 1 5/8" cutting edge. The frame (blades closed) is 4".
GEC calls this there Mellon Knife Pattern, it's shorter than most other manufacture's.
 
May I add a spear to the thread? I wasn't looking for an #89 but when this #892210 in Gabon ebony came into view I snapped it up on a lark. I wasn't really intending to hang onto it, but the handsome devil is growing on me. I better not spend too much time sharpening the pen---not much girth to spare!

Andrew

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In an effort to share my experience with this melon knife, I thought I'd share some pics from time to time to capture the character that it is obtaining and share additional thoughts.....

The knife is the perfect office knife, at least for me. It has been riding FRP into the office, and ocasionally it gets lost and then I realize it disappeared into my shirt pocket. Yes, it disappears on me regularly, but I seem to find it in a pocket other than the RFP. Honest, it vanishes.

She is starting to take on character. The initial patina, as usual with these knives, is taking on that "case hardened steel" look right now. Hard to capture, but those that are into vintage firearms know what I'm talking about. These knives seem to take on this "case hardened" look before going "gun-metal grey".

Take care all,
Josh

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Looks great Josh! :thumbup:

The 89 in on my list now thanks to you and Stephen. :D

I have to save for a couple Puukkos first. :eek:
 
I'm so glad to hear that you're still liking that knife. I must say, you make it look and sound pretty good. The patina is coming along quite nicely, and I look forward to your continued updates. I know what you mean about it disappearing on you. It really isn't noticeable when you carry it at all. Perfect for your office setting. :thumbup:
 
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