GEC farm and field... anyone have experience with GEC's 01 steel?

[kdstrick]

Hey fellas, I'm a fan of GEC's 1095 and was hoping someone has used GEC's 1095 GEC's 01 and would share their experience.

Specifically, I'm curious how they compare in terms of edge retention.

Any other opinions and experiences with this model are very welcome. I'm thinking i need one.


I'm also looking at the farm, field and fish knife but have some reservations about the 420hc. Stainless is great for a fish knife but I don't recall it being very good for retaining an edge. Maybe GEC has a different/improved heat treatment protocol than some of the other 420hc. Any experience?

Thanks in advance for your help!



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[knarfeng]

I have both and have used both, but have not tested them side-by-side.

In daily use they seem about the same as far as edge retention.

 

[bonky]

Hey, first post I've seen from you, nice to meet you! I've a #47 in 01 that impressed me enough that I bought two more to gift. Mine is a two blade version in acrylic, which I wound up liking much better than the two I bought in delrin. The delrin would have been fine had I not had the acrylic for comparison, but since my wife and daughter preferred the colors of delrin, I got the glow-in-the-dark acrylic by default.

Compared to 1095, it seems to take a finer edge and hold it a little longer in my experience, although GE's 1095 is no slouch. Far from it. Their 440c, while harder to sharpen, holds an edge even better for me, although that may be different for other people and their usage. It's been in my pocket probably 3 days out of 7 since I bought it in November (and I usually carry more than one knife at a time) because it just does the job. For me, only one knife has a higher daily carry record, and that's a #53 stockman in genuine stag and 1095.

I've no experience with their 420hc, although I have read favorable reports from others who have. Hopefully we'll hear from some members soon who may be able to share some experience and opinions that will help you with your decision.

Cheers!

 

[roninelh]

I like the 01 a lot, it rusts really aggressively even by carbon standards. It seems to sharpen up a bit better and take a finer edge. The difference is not that noticeable in my experience. I just have a soft spot for 01. These are fantastic working knives. I cut up a bunch of scotch brite pads with my farm & field tool and it stayed pretty sharp for the amount of abuse.

 

[kdstrick]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking I read where this particular knife is one of the GEC's that does not have a half-stop. Is that correct?

Also, I'm wondering if this is GEC's first venture into 01? I don't recall any others, but do not claim to have great memory.


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[Planterz]

The #47 and #71 have half-stops. The #99 lockback does not. I can't speak for the FF&F tool.