Gec bullnose

The only Bullnose I owned was a knifebrite many years ago that I traded for some reason or another. I didn't realize how much thicker the micarta scales were than the knifebrites. I was thrown off a bit by the thickness when I took my red linen out of the tube the first time. I need to play with it some more but this might end up being a catch and release for me.

Centering on mine was fine, but the tip needs to be touched up on a stone to even out the grind. I had such high hopes for this one.
 
Maverick299 said:
The only Bullnose I owned was a knifebrite many years ago that I traded for some reason or another. I didn't realize how much thicker the micarta scales were than the knifebrites. I was thrown off a bit by the thickness when I took my red linen out of the tube the first time. I need to play with it some more but this might end up being a catch and release for me.

Centering on mine was fine, but the tip needs to be touched up on a stone to even out the grind. I had such high hopes for this one.
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Same observations here. Just got my burlap micarta today. I guess I had a picture in my mind of a matte to dull finish which I prefer, and this thing is GLOSSY. Glossy and micarta just don't go together. So I'm on the fence and may let it go. I'm considering just sanding off the gloss.
 
I got the OD linen micarta and though I do not have any previous runs to compare to, I am not deterred by the scale thickness. If I were to be critical about anything, it would be in regards to the following:

1.) It was smaller than I was expecting it to be (Not GEC's fault, just me not having a point of reference)
2.) The blade pull was and is quite stout (though it has been getting a bit easier with daily use)
3.) The edges of the micarta alongside the backspring are rough/dull compared to the otherwise polished appearance.

Blade is centered fine and though it came plenty sharp from factory, some touch up was needed. Regardless, my critiques are nitpicking. I bought this knife to experience the pattern and put it to work and I am overall very happy with it. The small size doesn't deter me, the thicker scales fill the hand nicely and it just means I get to carry more knives ;) The pull will get easier with use, plus I have stout thumbnails so it isn't that big of deal. And since I bought this thing to work, I expect that the micarta will only get better with use.
 
Received some of my Bullnoses today, including the Burlap and the proto burlap. Both are really nice but I prefer the unfinished burlap, looks more rugged gritty. I also prefer the thinner profile of the proto. I'm really excited I got to add the 1/1 proto to my bullnose collection, a great addition! I'll get some better pics later

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Possibly, though the burlap in this run of bullnoses seems to have a bit of a sheen in the unsanded photos as well, and is much darker than the proto burlap. This burlap may just have a high resin content. The proto I have in the photo was a different burlap and it was passed on due to the minor holes and gaps in the burlap pattern where resin didn't quite penetrate the whole fabric. Personally, after physically handling the knife and looking at the minor imperfections, I don't think it was much of an issue, especially for a workhorse knife like the Bullnose. It will be interesting to see if someone sands their bullnose and roughs it up, but repeated use will eventual make it smooth again, much like the canvas micartas which start out rough and smooth out over time and use.
 
Great pics & great grouping there, trevytrey. I have the same bunch, but for the proto, of course. I too really like the rugged & less finished, more open weave(?) look of the prototype.

I doubt the production burlap could be sanded to look like the protype, but I'm only guessing, as it looks like there's less resin in the proto.

Regardless, I'm tickled w' mine. Be interesting to see what new & different scale materials they'll come up w' for the next run whenever that is.
 
Thanks bass, I'm with you on your assessment! I'm hoping for a run of the bone micarta next but I'm game for anything new!
 
trevytrev said:
It will be interesting to see if someone sands their bullnose and roughs it up,
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I would love to see one sanded.
For references sake, here is my sanded maroon linen:

 
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Well I just got mine, and I LOVE it! My first Burlap micarta anything, but I did not like the "slick" gloss so I sanded it with some scothbrite pads, and I like it a lot better now. It feels grippy, but a silky satin finish. I may sand it more in the future though. The leather lanyard and desert ironwood fits well with these covers. Thanks Mike @CK for this one! The canvas ones look great as well, may have to track one down.
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I'll let you know what I think of the Burgundy when it arrives here in Europe.

Just a couple of thoughts about some of the observations I've read here. Possibly certain posters are not used to Traditional knives, some dismay at a firm pull etc. Well, on a work-knife without a lock, it's a good thing to have a heavy spring. Note also, this is the FARM & FIELD series of Sodbuster type knives i.e. working knives not pocket jewellery that costs a lot and is intended to be an object of cosseting. Blades being really marginally off centre are not a thing to be wondered at. As for thick scales, this is highly desirable in an outdoor work-knife that will give greater comfort in prolonged use-cutting. Thin skimpy scales are a no no. If the micarta is too polished, yes some have sanded it for preference, if you study the production processes on GEC's website, you can see what cut and unbuffed micartas will look like.

Regards, Will
 
Just got a box from CK with both natural canvas and burlap Micarta 71s. Wow both are nice.

My traditional journey started with a black delrin user 71 I grabbed from the exchange. I've now added an orange and the two above. The 71 is such a great knife.

It's the largest slipjoint I've had that wasn't too big. And because of the construction it's so so light. Pocket carries imo like even smaller knives.

By the way, the burlap is high polished. It feels like delrin to me, but with some visual depth. The canvas Micarta is a bit more rough or matte. Both are amazing.

Lastly in my ramblings, over the last week I've been building a cardboard boat for the 4th annual YMCA cardboard boat race. Only tools used were cardboard, a loft of duct tape, a ruler, a board for bending strips, a marker, and the trusty 71. A lot of cutting. It's now quite dull but still cuts because of the thin blade. One more reason to love traditionals. They cut!



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