GEC Conductor

[coyote711]

I wanted to start a thread in praise of the GEC Conductor. I think they're a pretty classy looking pen knife. The swell center gives it just enough distinction, and "old-timey-feeling" to make it stand out in a crowd. At 3 5/16" closed length, with a single spring, they ride virtually unnoticed in either your watch pocket or regular pocket. For such a small knife the main clip blade is surprising - (almost as long as the one on the #56 Dogleg Jack - see attached pics).

There's no half-stops, and the pull is probably one of the (if not the) easiest of any GEC knife. Certainly not wimpy, but it's no nail-breaker either. It would make a fine introduction to GEC if you've been scared off by the reputation they have for rather stiff pulls.

I normally don't buy duplicate patterns of knives, but I've got three Conductors and they're all outstanding. The attached Natural Smooth Bone, a Jigged Apple Red Bone Tidioute, and a Gaboon Ebony Northfield with a coping blade secondary. I somehow lost my picture down-loading ability, and only have these previously down-loaded pics to post. So if you've got some Conductor pics to share that would be great! Even if ya don't have pics, stop in and tell everyone what you think of the Conductor!

 

[Bigfattyt]

Nice! The smooth bone looks great in that tan color.

 

[Will Power]

I agree, it's an outstanding pattern. The one you show in white Bone looks like ivory, and will look better with age I'll be bound. I have one in faux Tortoise acrylic which now that it has patina, makes it look really Old School. Impressive quality in fit and finish and as you remark, a surprisingly decent sized Clip blade and no blade rub here. The Pen blade opens out excellently, lined up with the spring with no irritating 'droop' downwards (is it called cant?) as can be found on other Pen type knives. I'd like to get more of these 33s, would like a Northfield but without the bail-something I don't care for at all-GEC do cater for many tastes,to their credit. Talking of which, I see a range of stainless GEC Conductors with acorn shield have just been released.

 

[Jug Johnson]

Most of y'all have seen these before, but here they are again. #33 in Golden Rod Micarta.

 

[knarfeng]

Putting next to the dogleg jack helps me a lot as to actual size. (I have a dogleg jack.)
I have been put off a bit by the hard pulls on the GECs. I might have to look at one of those conductors.

 

[Rick]

Nice examples of a beautiful, timeless design.

I've been hankerin' for one for a long time, especially with a bail, but I keep being seduced away by GEC's Wharncliffe offerings. I would love to grab one of the new ivory #33s, but it will probably be prohibitively expensive.

 

[2Dead]

Stag, Gabon Ebony, Tortoiseshell Acrylic and Ancient Kauri wood in the top pic. The next is the Ebony one that I've been carrying mostly since October.

Will, you may want to check out the Elk #33's being released. Under, What's Happening Today, you can see this pic with the caption "GEC #33 Elk ready to be shaped." Maybe the elk will have more of the Northfield trimmings while the bone looks like a Tidioute? If so, I really hope its without the bail too.

 

[StuntDouble]

How big is the conductor compared to a Case small Texas Jack?

This is the one model that I keep coming back to, and if it's around the same size, I might be sold on it.

 

[coyote711]

How big is the conductor compared to a Case small Texas Jack?

This is the one model that I keep coming back to, and if it's around the same size, I might be sold on it.

It's only 3/16" shorter ..... 3 5/16" vs 3 1/2" for the Small Texas Jack. That's a noticeable difference, but not a huge difference IMO. The Conductor has a single backspring; the Jack has a double backspring making it a bit thicker. So between the length & width difference the Small Texas Jack does feel a fair bit more substantial in hand. Surprisingly the main clip blade on both knives are virtually identical in length.

And to all the other posters so far ..... nice pics & comments, guys - thanks! :thumbup: Keep 'em coming!

 

[Peruna1998]

I love the Conductor and have six. Anxiously awaiting the stainless versions.

 

[whetrock]

I've got one in burnt stag and It's my favorite small knife if you like pen knives, peanuts or even smaller Jack knives you'll like the #33 .

 

[Gevonovich]

Excellent thread idea coyote...another pattern after my heart. The Elk with acorn shield will be beautiful I'm betting.

 

[sappyg]

For me the Conductor became an instant classic the first day I carried it. It totes well in the pocket and has that old school feel that's hard to describe. There is absolutly nothing I don't like about the pattern and can find no fault whatever in the construction. Here is another Golden Rod Micarta.

 

[AFAustin]

Beautiful pics, gents---those golden rod micartas seem to absolutely glow!

Mine was in my pocket all weekend. Great companions......

Andrew

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

As soon as I started reading this thread the Willie Nelson version of "City of New Orleans" started playing in my head. LOL.

That's a pattern I never gave much thought too. I may have to at some point. The bone and golden rod scales are beautiful.

 

[2Dead]

Ok, it doesn't appear to have Northfield attributes as it appeared in the information pic. I'm not complaining though as I like this look as well.

 

[mshambone]

I bought one of the Ebony ones awhile back and sold it off to downsize my collection. I missed it so bad that I went and bought another just like it a short time later. This one won't be sold and get's most of the riding time in my pants pocket as my go to knife. I was using a Peanut for awhile at work because of its size and comfort in docker type pants. I upsized to the Conductor and haven't regretted it yet! I like the extra bit of handle and how it looks and feels in the hand.

Matt

 

[richstag]

Thank you for the pics and write up Keith! I think a conductor is next on my list after seeing this.

 

[seadweller]

Hi Trand,

Is the secondary blade a sheepfoot on the Gabon Ebony?

Stag, Gabon Ebony, Tortoiseshell Acrylic and Ancient Kauri wood in the top pic. The next is the Ebony one that I've been carrying mostly since October.

 

[2Dead]

Hi seadweller,

Not a sheepsfoot but a coping blade like the ones usually found on whittlers. Both of them were part of a special run for a dealer/forum but it looks like GEC is releasing a Buffalo Horn Tidioute too.