GEC All Steel Knives

J

jth250

Joined
Jun 27, 2011
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I looking for some feedback on GEC all steel knives. For you guys that have used them how do you like them compared to knives with brass pins and liners. Have you all had any trouble with the liners and bolsters rusting? Thanks
 
The fact that the whole knife can patina is really cool for me, reminds me of the much older generations with iron bolsters and the like. It also has a really clean and uniform look that reminds me of some customs! I have a few unused/uncarried 'steelies' that have some pepper spots on the bolsters, though--they're susceptible to oxidation like carbon steel used anywhere else. Of course the majority of my stuff has brass liners which is of course perfectly fine, but I especially like the steel ones.
 
Another vote for the all steel knives here. I like the look and I find that the pivots are stronger than the brass and nickel construction. The steel bolster also don't scratch nearly as easily as the nickel silver ones, so I don't feel so bad if I toss the knife in a pocket with coins or keys.

Here are some shots of my favorite all steel knife, a 73 trapper. I've used this knife for all manner of task, working around the house, plenty of food prep, working on my car. I accidentally got the whole thing covered in brake fluid, but it came out just fine.

relatively new with shiny bolster
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after some more use (notice the light gray patina on the bolster now, the bolster also has scratches from carrying it):
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Is there an easy way to determine which GEC knives have all steel contruction, aside from photographs?
 
ilmonster said:
Is there an easy way to determine which GEC knives have all steel contruction, aside from photographs?
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There is usually an 'STL' at the end of the model#, if that helps. There really haven't been all that many. Someone with more knowledge than me will likely chime in.
 
Here's an all steel knife that I did a gun blue treatment on, followed by flitz to get the darkest parts off, leaving only a nice grey patina on the whole knife, bolsters and all. I had some issues with red rust appearing on the bolsters so I decided to take a preemptive strike, I like the look this way anyway, its a user!

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I like both but would say if you live in a high humidity area then you would be wise to take some precautions against the scales rusting by introducing a coat of oil to the inside of the knife.
 
avoidspam said:
I like both but would say if you live in a high humidity area then you would be wise to take some precautions against the scales rusting by introducing a coat of oil to the inside of the knife.
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That's a good point. I use either simple mineral oil or sometimes renwax inside the the knife to keep the rust away. The oil lasts a pretty long time inside the knife since it rarely makes contact with anything
 
I also like the way the whole knife patinas. I had some issues with my Charlow peppering so I just cleaned up the rust and forced a patina on the blade, bolster, liner, and spring with lemon juice.

Looks much cooler now IMO. Will have to post a picture.
 
I love my Boy's Knife with all-steel construction. The bolster and spring look very dignified oxidizing along with the blade (single bolster, single blade). If I could, I'd want all my knives to be constructed this way.
 
GEC's #15's are all-steel. Not sure of other models (although someone above said the #73 is all-steel, I was unaware of this).

A little TLC will keep your knife in tip-top shape. I don't worry about patina, etc. I just let the knife age naturally over time. It will take on it's own character based on it's environment and how it's used.

On my 15's I just use a toothpick with a piece of paper tissue to swab some mineral oil into the liners once in awhile. After using it a quick wipe on my sleeve or tshirt, etc before I close it and return it to my pocket. If your knife needs more than this it will tell you.
 
I have a couple. I don't like them any better or worse than the typical nickle silver and brass GEC. I do like the way they age.

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- Christian
 
Absolutely beautiful Christian! That picture right there is reason enough to give an all steel knife a try!
 
Sonnemann said:
Only a few from one or two runs. There is also a #25, the 92 Eurekas...I know there are a lot more I'm missing.
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OK, I learned something tonight :) Now my 92 Eureka (Northfield) is brass lined and NS bolsters, so is it the Tidioute line of 92's and 25's? I'm sure others will chime in also.

Oh now on another point... It seems I recall hearing in the past that the steel of the bolsters (not sure about the liners) is not the same as the 1095 steel of the blades. It's carbon steel but not exactly the same as the blade? Anyone able to confirm or elaborate on that?
 
The #68 pattern Pony Jacks were all steel as well.

Not quite feeling the love for all steel knives myself, but add enough pictures to this thread like the one by Christian and I might have to change my mind! That's a nice one!
 
arizonaranchman said:
OK, I learned something tonight :) Now my 92 Eureka (Northfield) is brass lined and NS bolsters, so is it the Tidioute line of 92's and 25's? I'm sure others will chime in also.

/QUOTE]

Yes, the Tidoute 92 are steel, and the 253113 (the one with the sheepfoot blade) is, as well.
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Sonnemann said:
There is usually an 'STL' at the end of the model#, if that helps. There really haven't been all that many. Someone with more knowledge than me will likely chime in.
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There's been a ton of them. All of the #15 boys knives & barlows are all steel. The 92s in ebony & smooth bone are all steel. They made some 25s, 68s, 73s, & 36s, with all steel construction. It's not a hard & fast rule, but if there's no shield on the knife (one exception is the 36 sunfish) it's typically all steel.
 
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