GEC Fire Fighter

I think that looks like a winner. Nicely done.

Earlier today, I spoke with Bill at GEC. We talked about the St. Florian cross shield, brass bolster, individual etches for dealers or distributors who want a bunch. He said that it is all doable. The price for the shield tooling will likely add no more than $5 per knife. He needs to get his hands on a piece of material so that he can make sure that it works with their processes. He couldn't commit to a price at this point. It doesn't sound like it be out of line with their typical prices, though.

TC
 
No offers to sell may be made in the discussion forums. Affected posts have been removed.
 
We found some retired (and very dirty) hose from the local firehouse. We laid it up so the dirty fold ran down the center. Came out very cool.

We have washed a section (under the laminate in second pic) and will be laying it up to see how that looks.

Our customers come up with some great ideas :thumbup:






Sorry about the sales rule transgression Knarfeng.:o
 
Whoa that looks AWESOME! The dirt almost looks like a snakeskin pattern. Great job, fod!
 
Thats what I thought too phill.
What happened to the polls I can't seem to find them.?
 
The poll option is a check box on the "post a new thread" page, towards the bottom.
 
The polls have been moved offline due to some concerns of the moderating staff.
 
The polls will remain off line. The concerns have been confirmed by the super mods.
 
I was trying an approach I learned in a research methods class I took last summer. I looked through the anecdotal and qualitative data from this thread, and used it to create polls that would gather qualitative data about what you would like this knife to look like. My plan was to use that data to inform the final design of the knife, and provide reassurance to the dealers that this endeavour is grounded a legitimate and verifiable demand.

I believe that my methodology was too formal, perhaps suggesting commercial market research. That does not reflect the spirit and purpose of this discussion forum.

My intention was to contribute to the forum community, not to degrade or pervert it. I apologize for my transgressions, and setting additional work for the moderators. I would like to thank the moderators for taking the time to help set me on the right course.

Please continue to discuss this project, what you like and what you think. Consider the principles of direct democracy. Vote with your voice--rather than a click.

The next step in this process is for GEC to test out FOD's material.

TC
 
I'm interested to see what the washed hose material will look like, but I am really liking the dirty hose. I'm also still leaning towards 1095 over SS. I think a patina would look great with the dirty hose handles and the brass bolster that will no doubt get a little tarnished. Blade etch doesn't seem too important to me because it will fade away with the patina anyways.
 
Brass is an important feature of traditional firefighting equipment- nozzles ,branches ,standpipes,adaptors and such.
research methods class ? I would have been clocking out Zs after "Good morning people. My name is Mr...zzzzzzz-" sorry Hondo but thanks for your hard work I for one am super keen for this to be made a reality.
:)
 
Great concept, I've enjoyed this thread.

One thought.... Re the pattern, how about incorporating some features which feature on modern rescue knives but in a traditional way? For example include a decent sized pen blade but with a rounded tip as a seat belt cutter? Perhaps you could even include a glass breaker if done right...?

Just thoughts and I'm sure whatever comes from this project will be mighty fine:)
 
I think brass for the bolster is important too. It is a traditional companion to a fire hose.

Incorporating modern rescue sensibilities is an interesting idea. The challenge would be that we need to work largely within the scope of what has already been dine by GEC. It does give me a thought, though. I like the Model 72 mini kickback because I think it would appeal to the firefighters I know. I was envisioning a clip point because I thought it would be accessible to the broadest audience. However, I've always had a soft spot for wharncliffes. That blade shape is very utilitarian, and would also work well when cutting close to a patient. For that application, it isn't quite as good as a sheepsfoot, but it is a close second.

On the other hand, what about a Weaver Jack? It would provide an interesting opportunity. When I spoke with Bill at GEC, I asked if he'd consider having a 1095 blade and a 440C blade on the same knife. My thought was that you could etch the stainless blade, and let the main blade acquire a patina. Bill said that he wouldn't do it on one of his own knives, but he'd do it for a customer.

TC
 
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Can I just knock the whole modern aspects thing on the head right now?or next will come aluminium bolsters and lightweight plastic blades with non pointy points.i definitely oppose any knife thar attempts to replace all the gear on the appliance in one pocket sized unit.we started off off duty.let the management buy the work tools.
 
This thread treads right along the edge of the line of what can be discussed in a discussion forum. Generalities of what would make a good fireman's knife can be discussed freely. If it becomes the specifics of a single knife which somebody is going to be selling, the thread will likely be shut down.
 
Are there any tools like a screwdriver (with a bottle opener) that would be especially useful for a firefighter?

As for the knife Hondo.3 wants to have made, I don't envision it as an on duty knife, but more as a tool for when they're off duty. Sheepsfoot or wharncliffe blades would be useful, and a reminder of the rescue part of being a FF. 1095 or O1 is what I would choose.
 
I'm not usually a fan of clip blades, but I like it in this instance. The shape kind of reminds me of a fire helmet for some reason.

Since I have no firefighting experience, I'm having trouble thinking of what kind of tool (that you'd find on a traditional pocket knife) would be most useful to a fire fighter. Screwdriver? Saw? Some sort of shackle key?
 
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