GEC Fire Fighter

[philllll]

I'm thinking a barlow-style larger bolster stamped with the maltese cross, and then a single large shield for engraving department numbers, etc.

 

[black mamba]

Although the large Barlow bolster is a good idea, it wouldn't really look right on the #72 pattern.
Much better on the swell end #78 pattern, which is pretty much the same size.

 

[philllll]

Although the large Barlow bolster is a good idea, it wouldn't really look right on the #72 pattern.
Much better on the swell end #78 pattern, which is pretty much the same size.

I think it could work on the 72. It would look sort of like that new Northwoods Madison Barlow.

 

[meako]

I'm thinking a barlow-style larger bolster stamped with the maltese cross, and then a single large shield for engraving department numbers, etc.

Are you suggesting shields both sides? Good idea.
Now does anyone not agree that it would be less expensive (notice I didn't say cheaper?) to get an existing pattern?

 

[philllll]

I was thinking just 1 side actually, but 2 would work just the same. I was just suggesting that the cross shape be moved to the bolster stamp, so the shield could be more plain for engraving.

 

[philllll]

Here is my feeble MSPaint attempt at sort of getting my idea across. Colors are wrong obviously.

 

[philllll]

A custom "fire fighter" etch for the blade would be cool, too.

 

[scruffuk]

I like this idea, and although not a firefighter is trained o'er three years at the international Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh. And, due to the nature of my work have links with fire authorities up and down the country.

I agree, if you ask nicely, old hose can be had for free by local stations. They even donated some brand new second hand to us when our old fire engine finally gave up the ghost and we switched to a wee pump and bowsers last year.

I like the idea of the #72 and I think the below is a great idea to incorporate the complexity of the St Florian Cross (NB. St Florian is the patron saint of firefighters) into the design rather than having to pay for the tooling to create a shield and recess.

I was thinking just 1 side actually, but 2 would work just the same. I was just suggesting that the cross shape be moved to the bolster stamp, so the shield could be more plain for engraving.

:thumbup:

A simple bar shield would be nice and more universal to me than a federal shield which I think would be more popular in the US FD's??

But then of course, the opposite side of the bolster would provide ample real estate for your service or fire house number.

Good luck with the project!
I look forward to seeing more.

 

[Jack Black]

Interesting project, good luck with it guys :thumbup:

Hi I'm Mike from the UK.

I got your email and just like to say that the UK isn't the largest GEC market but depending on how this turned out I'd pick up 5-10 pieces for the UK.

It would depend on how international the chosen design is. I mean the Case with American Firefighters on the blade just isn't relevant here.

I like the fire hose idea and I don't know anything about fire hose but is it lined and would that be a PITA to separate?

Nice to see you post here Mike :thumbup:

I like this idea, and although not a firefighter is trained o'er three years at the international Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh. And, due to the nature of my work have links with fire authorities up and down the country..

Not a fire-fighter, but he's caused a few fires!

 

[meako]

So to sum up -its the cross of St Florian which is known as the "maltese cross" on firefighter decals across the world not the actual maltese cross. thanks scruff -and here he is-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FlorianCross_1.svg hope that works.not hard to find .
Yes lets stamp it on the bolster. I believe the one side idea is better ,less expensive than two shields.
Might be time to stop and do the sums -these things get costly and someone usually has to wear it.
I will work on some art to get a picture of what it will be.
Lot of good vibe with this -i'm liking it a lot.

 

[ea42]

Just a little heads up regarding the bolster idea; you can't just stamp the cross into a bolster, the cross pattern needs to be incorporated into the bolster pressing fixture itself, which means that a whole new bolster block need to be made. No doubt that would add a substantial amount of money to the cost of the knife. You also can't just swap bolsters between patterns, they're precisely designed to fit the scales they're made for, with tommy-on pins matched up to holes in the scales. Again you'd need to redesign bolsters and scales to fit, and then make new bolster blocks AND scale piercing fixtures, also a huge expense. Your best bet is to work with what's out there, new shields are far less expensive than re-working patterns.

Eric

 

[Fanglekai]

My brother is working towards becoming a firefighter. I'll be watching this thread.

 

[Hondo.3]

I got a reply for a dealer who is very interested. He mentioned thatbhe is soon going to have an engraving laser, and would be able to engrave things like badge numbers for a modest sum. That could eliminate the need for a bar shield on the opposite side.

 

[meako]

Thanks Eric.your knowledge and experience of this process are invaluable.This means it would be better to etch or engrave the cross Or do the two side shield thing. I think etch. Remember -I'm a firey and if can't be kicked in stamped on and hosed with large amounts of water and completely ruined I don't really understand it.The stooges picture could well have been taken last week at my station.And yes we have got a pole.

Just a little heads up regarding the bolster idea; you can't just stamp the cross into a bolster, the cross pattern needs to be incorporated into the bolster pressing fixture itself, which means that a whole new bolster block need to be made. No doubt that would add a substantial amount of money to the cost of the knife. You also can't just swap bolsters between patterns, they're precisely designed to fit the scales they're made for, with tommy-on pins matched up to holes in the scales. Again you'd need to redesign bolsters and scales to fit, and then make new bolster blocks AND scale piercing fixtures, also a huge expense. Your best bet is to work with what's out there, new shields are far less expensive than re-working patterns.

Eric

 

[Hondo.3]

I found a second source for custom layered resin handle material. I sent him a message yesterday, and am waiting for a response.

The unlined hose material that I found on the auction site has a blue double stripe running lengthwise. From what I understand about making your own resinous layered handle material, I think it might not be that difficult to make sure that every piece had the stripe exposed. I'm envisioning it running on a diagonal. It might look pretty damn awesome. Of course, if we could get our hands on some unlined hose with a red stripe instead, that would be even better.

I've had some more interest expressed by dealers. There shouldn't be an issue getting a large enough order for GEC to run.

TC

 

[Bob Warfield]

It might look pretty good but I'm thinking if you get a stripe, 2 shields, a cross, etc. , you're getting a pretty busy looking knife.

Bob

 

[Hondo.3]

The vision is one St. Florian cross shield on one side, and a bar shield on the other. As far as I can tell, interest in an etch is somewhat limited, so that will not be a design complication. I think the relative "busyness" of the design would be comparable to an etched knife with an acrylic handle.

TC

 

[meako]

The words "busy" and "firefighter" do not sit well together in any sentence. With that in mind I myself have been busy(shudder) and come up with this photoshopped frankenstein.Its rough but has an inner beauty to those who can see past the hideousness of my new found talent.

Kinda?
Having read the last couple of comments I'm inclined to think of stripe on one side St Florian shield on the other -remember if they come laser etched with names and numbers they can be tiny enough to fit. Also a good engraver can do miniscule script as well. Heres an example which I think looks quite good.

Tidioute 66Mink Skinner 3.5in long

 

[fod]

Cool project Hondo. We are on it.

We are getting in contact with GEC to see what they need from us and are looking to source hose locally. As long as the hose does not have some anti rot or waterproofing treatment and allows the resins to soak in fully, it should work.

I think we should be able to make something very interesting.:thumbup:

 

[philllll]

It's REALLY exciting to hear that this is moving along! The fire hose micarta would be really unique.