GEC Jack question

filedog

filedog

Joined
Sep 3, 2002
Messages
518
I've picked up a few traditional knives, mostly inexpensive ones. GEC's knives look great, and I'd like one.
Something missing from my collection so far is an equal end, or serpentine jack. The GEC I like so far is the
#69 Pony Jack. I like the blade shapes, overall size etc. I was actually ready to buy one, but I noticed they
say "all steel". Newbie question - does that mean the bolsters are steel, or just the liners? Any other models
I may have missed?
 
bolsters and liners are steel, carbon steel that stains a little. They age really well, so I wouldn't hesitate, most of my GECs are steel.
 
Just means no brass liners. I have a few of both, no issues either way. Of you want brass liners try to find a 66 jack :D


 
If you prefer to stay away from the all steel GECs, the GEC website does have a tab on the home page that says "Search by Series". Under that drop down, one of the choices is "All Steel". I am sure it isn't 100% all inclusive, but one of the better ways to see which are steel.

The #66 serpentine jack pattern is a winner, although I don't know how many are available from the dealers at this time (a quick review of a couple dealers only showed the three blade configuation. The #68 White Owl looks like a great knife as well, but more of a pen than jack pattern, and very few choices at this time. If it were me, I would wait on another run of the #66 Jacks, or keep your eye on the for sale forum for one. Or give steel a try with the Pony Jack.

Good luck!
 
I'm fine with steel liners, but I don't like steel bolsters......darn. Thanks for the info guys.
 
The All Steel knives are exactly what they, all steel. Steel Bolsters, Pins and Liners. This also means that the Pivot Pin is Steel instead of Nickel Silver, which is somewhat stronger than Nickel Silver. Go with the Pony Jack.
 
Another vote for the #68 Pony Jack... :thumbup:

pony02_zps8b46c1b4.jpg


-Brett
 
rma100 said:
The All Steel knives are exactly what they, all steel. Steel Bolsters, Pins and Liners. This also means that the Pivot Pin is Steel instead of Nickel Silver, which is somewhat stronger than Nickel Silver. Go with the Pony Jack.
Click to expand...

I thought GEC used steel pivot pins on all their knives regardless of whether they had steel bolsters or nickle silver bolsters. Since you're a dealer and probably correspond with GEC regulary, could you double check that the next time you call GEC? Acturally, it's something I've never put much thought into - just assumed all pivot pins were steel. Thanks.
 
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All steel is a premium construction compared to brass or nickel silver (which is really just white brass). It is stronger, more scratch resistant, and develops a nice patina over time which will hide scratches as they, too, will patina. i wish all my carbon-bladed knives had low-carbon steel construction.

FYI, Canal Street also makes steel bolsters now. I just picked up a sweet Half-Moon Trapper with 14-4 CroMo (154CM) and stainless bolsters--probably 420 but I'm not sure. Good to see two premier knife makers improving their already excellent offerings!
 
Well, this is interesting info. Since I started re-exploring traditionals, I really appreciate the brass and silver metals used.
I bought a Remington (probably Rough Rider re-badged) Canoe with wood scales. I was surprised it had steel liners and bolsters.
I was initially turned off by that, since it doesn't look "traditional". You guys have given me food for thought. I never thought
of it as "premium".
 
You will not find better fit and finish than in a GEC all steel knife. I hear what you're saying about the brass liners and hesitation about the steel bolsters rather than nickel ones but what are you going to do with the knife? Pocket jewelry or use it? The fit is very close to a custom made knife IMO.
 
Don't forget the Eureka Jack either, a very good option.

All steel is an interesting choice, but what I'd like is stainless springs, NS bolsters and liners. If you want stainless springs, liners and bolsters then it seems custom only. I'm not a huge fan of brass due to its corroding abilities, can really mess up stag and light bone.
 
This is a Barlow pattern not the Pony Jack but the quality would be the same. All steel used on this #25 Barlow except for the pins. Closest I've ever seen from a production knife.
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Modoc ED said:
I thought GEC used steel pivot pins on all their knives regardless of whether they had steel bolsters or nickle silver bolsters. Since you're a dealer and probably correspond with GEC regulary, could you double check that the next time you call GEC? Acturally, it's something I've never put much thought into - just assumed all pivot pins were steel. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Nope, Wrong. The Pivot Pins are made of the same material as the Bolsters. That way they can be blended in the finishing process. I don't need to double check. Once is enough.
 
Singing50, that's a beauty! I've been searching for an all steel ebony #25 with a single sheepsfoot blade ever since I missed the last run, don't think I'll ever find one :(

Paul
 
Thank you Paul! Don't say never, you never know when one may show up some day. Although there were probably less made of the sheepfoot version.
 
Iron and then low-carbon steel was used as bolsters/liners long before brass and white brass. In that sense, they have a deeper history as "traditional".

filedog said:
Well, this is interesting info. Since I started re-exploring traditionals, I really appreciate the brass and silver metals used.
I bought a Remington (probably Rough Rider re-badged) Canoe with wood scales. I was surprised it had steel liners and bolsters.
I was initially turned off by that, since it doesn't look "traditional". You guys have given me food for thought. I never thought
of it as "premium".
Click to expand...
 
Very true RobbW, I have an old NYKC Barlow that's completely steel and man what a knife. Built about 100 years ago.
 
If you search "my little pony show" you'll see pictures of my pony jack. Great knife. All steel construction is just fine, and I love the way it patinas with the knife. It won't get as dark as the blades, but they form a nice, slightly darker than new look that is very attractive. I love the way they look after a few months of daily carry.
 
Well, I have been looking at the soon to be released 78 American Jack, which is a little larger, NS bolsters, so I'm interested in that one too.
 
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