GEC Fixed Blades (H20014)

[knifeswapper]

Can you show us a photo of this setup Mike?

Don't have a pic of the neck sheath with the H20 in it; but here is the front pocket / boot.

 

[hamsco]

The third one down is really nice, hamsco. That drop point, I think they might call it a skinner, blade is the best that GEC has on a fixed blade in my opinion. Is that a 23? The H20 on the bottom is identical to the one I have.

I didn't mean to make out like the H20 is a bad knife. It's a fine knife for what it is. I just wanted to give an honest opinion comparing it to other fixed blades I have.

Yes, the third one down is a 23 (H23210). " Canoe Pattern Hunter". It is a great user around camp ( I don't hunt ) Glad you like it.

But for day hikes the H20 works fine.

 

[pertinux]

Padruig, I think you've answered your own questions, here.

I like Wharncliffe style blades and OD canvas micarta, plus the seemingly slim construction looks like it would make for an easy carrying piece.

... the price point seems pretty good and they possess a "function over form" charm that I find to be attractive.

I mostly was wanting to know if I happen to come across the H20 in question, is it going to be a good enough knife for me to try and scoop up and give it a go.

Based on your stated criteria and inclinations, and with reasonable alternatives to GEC's proposed sheath barf, I recommend going for it!

I don't have the wharncliffe, but the drop point. Here it is, new:

With a #15:

I use mine primarily in the kitchen, not because it itsn't well-suited for many of the tasks that come to hand out and about but simply so I can use it more often than I would otherwise.

[As a point of reference, the fixed blades that I carry day-to-day do tend to have more style points. ]

I really like the knife's straightforward lines, proportions, and substantive presence relative to its size. I wouldn't say it punches it above its weight, but it carries itself well, feeling like much more knife than others of similar size-- a simple joy to use.


For whatever reason, likely its utter lack of pretension, my H20 has been subjected to more indignities than any other in my kitchen array.

I thought it was bad when other(s) left it in standing water in the sink-- and it was!-- but that paled in comparison to its trip through the caustic hurricane that is the dishwasher.

A more recent picture, between the Grohmann belt knife and Russell Green River/VCM patch knife that I also use mostly for food:

(More cleanup indicated.)


Short Version, I agree with Mike:

Are there better knives in the size - sure. Are there better values - not convinced.

If you think you'd enjoy the wharncliffe version, you probably will! I hope you get the opportunity to find out for yourself.

~ P.

 

[FOG2]

I really like the Wharncliff!

 

[leghog]

GEC makes blades for Hess Knifeworks.

Yes, yet I find the Hess to have better FF and are extremley sharp out of the box. Imo Hess is a step up due to the attention given, the ergos, and the oveall patterns.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Hess' quality is that of the Marble's of old. You can immediately see, feel, and sense the connection. That said, there's still a GEC manufactured fixed blade I have my eye on.

 

[jmh33]

Used my orange handled drop point to clean the rabbit I shot yesterday.. Very light carry on the belt.. Perfect in my hand.. John :thumbup:

 

[screened porch]

I'm really not qualified to bash GEC FBs. The only one I was aware of is apparently the H10, the one that looks so much like the Utica Sportsmans and the similar Imperials, which is why I can't get interested at a GEC price.

 

[Pàdruig]

Thanks guys for all of the feed back. And thank you Mike (knifeswapper) and Pertinux very much for taking the time to lend your thoughts and experience with these knives, it is greatly appreciated. I think I will not pass one up, should I have the opportunity to find one available.

 

[Camillus]

I recommend you re-read Cory Hess' and Mike's posts and think carefully about what they are saying. If you still want to buy one, do it, but don't over-estimate this blade.

 

[Pàdruig]

I recommend you re-read Cory Hess' and Mike's posts and think carefully about what they are saying. If you still want to buy one, do it, but don't over-estimate this blade.

I think I have a pretty good idea what they are conveying with their posts. Perhaps I am just not being clear with my responses.

I asked for input on the knife, and folks were kind enough to provide such. I am not looking for the grail-ish "knife to replace all other knives". Like many folks here, I have lots of knives and what I carry on my person is dictated by what I am feeling like carrying that particular day. I came across this particular knife when doing cursory research on what GEC has offered in the past. It piqued my interest and thought that the best way to learn about its merits or lack thereof was to inquire here about it.

Those that have taken the time to lend their thoughts and experiences have conveyed mixed feelings regarding it and I absolutely acknowledge that. The impression I get is that it is not a grand knife, nor a great knife, but a non-pretentious, no frills, functional knife and when originally released, was priced rather inexpensively.

When I said this:

I think I will not pass one up, should I have the opportunity to find one available.

I was not saying "OMG, I have to have this knife!!!" I was merely stating that should I find one that is available, I will not pass it by. Much the same as if I were to find an old Schrade at an antique store that is in good condition and comes at a fair price, I will, more than likely, scoop it up.

So, my apologies if I came across as ignoring sound advice as that certainly was not my intention. I value everyone's input regarding my inquiry and hopefully this response explains myself a bit better.

 

[knifeswapper]

I recommend you re-read Cory Hess' and Mike's posts and think carefully about what they are saying. If you still want to buy one, do it, but don't over-estimate this blade.

I am generally very careful when someone asks "personal preference" questions to just reply with my impression. But in this case I don't know what I said that would insinuate pause. My personal opinion is that there is no better general use knife in the $35 range (shipped); as my sheath adds nearly $20. So when you consider you probably have less than $30 in the knife - I can't imaging over-estimating this little gem.

 

[Camillus]

Perhaps over-estimating its capability, not its value. Anyway, buy it and tell us what you think.

 

[leghog]

Instead of the Hunter I opted for the GEC #1 440C stainless paring knife with micarta scales. With it, I might actually take a fixed blade backpacking.

GEC's single sheath truly sucks. I had to modify it to make it possibly just acceptable, but the vote is still out on that.

 

[b2edhmep]

Having a hard time finding anyone with the H20 in stock. I hope it hasn't been discontinued.