GEC Bullnose in Canvas Micarta and Linen Micarata have arrived-comparison pics!

trevytrev

trevytrev

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May 4, 2010
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My post man was good to me today, my new GEC Bullnoses in canvas & linen micarta arrived today. I figured I take a few pics and let you know my thoughts. Not the best pics but it snowed last night and I usually like to do these outdoors so I made due with what light I had. The linen micarata version is available through all of GEC's network of dealers and the canvas micarata version was a SFO order by Mike at Collectorknives.net. Both new versions are very nice and I think micarta takes the Bullnose up to another level. That said, I think the canvas micarta really stands out. The rougher texture of the canvas gives a more rugged/workman look & feel plus it adds a bit of grip. Fit and finish on all four copies(2 Canvas, 2Linen)are great, walk&talk is nice, solid lockup with no blade blade, no gaps and the blade is centered. The canvas seems just a tad thicker than the linen but nothing noticeable while holding, imo. The only thing I will say that may be an issue for some is the new pivot pin. The F&F USA part of the pin sits recessed below the scale while the pin sits proud. You can't really notice it while holding the knife normally but if you run your thumb over the pivot it it's not smooth and will hang up on the pin, it's a hard edge. I'm not certain the reason why GEC when to the prouder pin, maybe there is a functional purposes someone could fill us in on. While I do prefer the smoother/flush pivot pins from the previous runs of the Bullnoses, this new version isn't a deal breaker for me by any stretch. I'm extremely pleased with these and very happy that GEC expanded the handle choices on this pattern all while keeping the price close to the same . Here's hoping they keep up that trend! Now for the pics

Some pics of the Canvas.
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Pic of proud pin
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Pics of the Linen

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Pics of the new with the old Bullnose handle choices

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All the pivot pins
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Sorry for the bail, it sort of skews the pic.
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Some pics of the Bullnoses with the Queen Country Cousin and Case Sodbuster jr for size references

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Pics of the canvas & linen Bullnoses with the Queen linen micarta version

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Just for reference, the middle knife is the linen Bullnose and I didn't do a good job of lining them up so it is sitting a bit forward. This is giving the illusion that it is bigger than the left, it is the same size except for being a bit thinner.
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There you have it! Let me know what you think of the new versions!
 

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Great pics TrevyTrev! I too am stumped as to why GEC sunk the pivot on the new run of these, I do like the older style, but it doesn't really bother me. Did you taper the tip on your orange Bullnose? It looks great and I've been considering doing exactly this to my new Linen bullnose. How did you go about it?

~Jim
 
That's a real attractive sodbuster. Micarta, is really fitting on that knife. You have an addiction to Sodbusters, if you didn't already know. I always appreciate seeing pics of your collection it's impressive.
 
Trevy, you beat me to it - I came in here just now to post pics of my two. I echo all of your comments - these are excellent knives. Although, like you, that edge on the canvas one caught me up, but I guess it's due to not polishing the knife hard like the linen version. I can see both of these becoming long-term favorites.
 
That new pivot pin looks like a mistake. I much prefer the original plain pin on your black Bullnose.
 
Outstanding comparison photos. Mine arrived today, as well, and I'm very pleased. I had expected to like the canvas quite a bit more than the linen, but after seeing them in person and handling both, its more of a toss up than I would've thought. I'm going to give one to my Dad, but now am going to have spend a bit more time figuring out which one he'll get.

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It looks like the canvas micarta scales were polished and finished prior to the the knife being assembled, unlike the acrylic and delrin version, which were buffed on a wheel to make them shine. It's just a guess on my part, I may be wrong.:confused: I am still waiting for the postman to deliver my canvas bullnose.
 
I like it. I have one on the way - hoping for tomorrow but the snow and cold weather we are getting might slow the mail down a bit. I will settle for Saturday as long as the postman (and knife) stay safe.
 
Nice to see the pic's Trev, thanks for taking the time.

I would think 5 mins with some 800 grit flat on a table would take any edges off the pivot pin (if there are any). Followed by a strop to shine everything back up if needed:)

Sam
 
Thanks guys!

Jim, I have used the orange one the most so it's been sharpened a few times. It was not intentional re profiling the edge but it seems I got a little sloppy on the paperwheel:D

Whetrock, not that you mention it....:D It's definitely an illness

Blaine, feel free to post pics. The more the merrier!

Stephen, you have a tough decision! Nice pics and thanks for posting.

The canvas version was left unpolished at the request of Mike so that it probably why that version has a bit more edge to the pivot. The linen version is smoother and less edgy but still a bit proud on the pin and recessed on the outer part of the pin(not sure what the different parts are officially called). If the pin is of concern, then the linen version is a better bet since its more polished and refined. It may not make a difference though since I canvas version may be sold out by now anyway to to it's limited number.
 
trevytrev, Great photos! Thanks for the review. I've had my linen micarta for about 3 or 4 days now and I really like it. It is a beast of a knife for being so light and small. I'm looking forward to getting many years of hard work out of it.
 
Great pics and write up Trev! I grabbed a linen and absolutely love the way it looks and feels. It's definitely the nicest Sodbuster I have ever handled :D
 
My canvas bullnose arrived today. Favorite sodbuster pattern so far! I believe I have a new office EDC now. :thumbup:
 
Great review & pics trevytrev! I got my canvas micarta today and I'll echo everything you said - blade centered, no wobble, no gaps … excellent F&F for a production knife - especially at this price! (The pivot pins on mine are exactly as you described them, too).

This is my first Bullnose, first micarta, and first O1 all rolled into one impressive package ... and I am impressed - more than I thought I'd be.
 
Great review and awesome pic's Trev!!! My canvas arrived today so I'll try to take advantage of the light tomorrow and post some pictures.

As others mentioned---proud pin---don't see any issue, but curious as to why? Super sharp out of the tube, centered blade and ZERO blade play at all :thumbup:

Really like this one...

Paul
 
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Thanks for the pics and review! Now I have to go spend some Christmas money.
 
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