GEC, Names on Blades, Good or Bad?

I find that I hesitate to use a knife that has the blade etch. I prefer no etch, but I don't worry about it much.
 
I am not a fan of their current application of etches. Rather than offer the same weak etch on about every knife made of a pattern, I say mix it up a bit. How about some of each run be left naked for those who prefer subtle and some done with either a deep etch or stamping for those who prefer the markings. I for one love the old New York Knife blade markings and IMO the current JBF Champlin models excel in this area. I think the key to having an etch be desirable is it has to be both well done and fairly limited in numbers.
 
david childers said:
The wording on the blade comes across as a wee bit tacky IMHO, on an otherwise beautiful knife. Kind of like a tattoo on a beautiful woman.
Click to expand...

That's an interesting analogy. My feelings about both are the same. They can be downright attractive if tastefully designed and appropriately sized. At the other end of the spectrum, they can be gaudy and take away from the overall appearance when overdone. Thankfully, GEC's blade etches are easier to remove.:D
 
They don't bother me, but I use a majority of my knives anyway. I know how to remove them.
 
This etch will not be coming off anytime soon...not due to lack of use, because I do carry and use it occasionally, its because its carved into the steel...pretty deep too!

2.jpg
 
I like the etches just fine, but am pleased to notice them getting smaller on most of GECs latest production runs. As mentioned, they're traditional and cutlery manufacturers have been using them for over 100 years.

I will say the big block letters indicating 1 OF 50 on early GECs looked horrible and I'm extremely glad they've discontinued such a gaudy and bold text style.
 
I love the etching on my Charlow and I am sad that it is faded and almost gone. Some of them do look tacky.
 
akadave2 said:
This etch will not be coming off anytime soon...not due to lack of use, because I do carry and use it occasionally, its because its carved into the steel...pretty deep too!
Click to expand...

Even though it is sorta large, that engraving looks good on that knife. Even though it is engraved, it will fade somewhat under a patina but will still be readable over time. Very nice knife.
 
akadave2 said:
This etch will not be coming off anytime soon...not due to lack of use, because I do carry and use it occasionally, its because its carved into the steel...pretty deep too!

2.jpg
Click to expand...

Great etch! Nice and deep, and is in the style of the original!
 
I don't like the etchings, and I'd prefer them without. But the etchings won't stop me being a customer.
 
Is that an etch on the Eureka? It almost looks stamped, no getting rid of those:D

Most of GEC's etches are good, there are some kitsch ones of course. I like the squirrel&acorns on their stainless and the Sheepfoot Charlow has an excellent etch! Total kool:cool:
 
Some of them are ok and others I can't wait until they wear off and/or the patina hides them. It would never keep me from buying a particular pattern though as they do come off relatively easily.
 
I don't care for the names, I remove it when I get the knife. They should just stick to tang stamps!
 
Etches don't bother me at all, therefore never a deal breaker. I actually like them, the fact they disappear doesn't bother me either as it reflects character :thumbup:

I also love a beautiful woman with a beautiful tattoo, that's my wife ;)

Paul
 
In general, I don't care for words anywhere on a knife. I think it's because my appreciation of the line and flow of the knife is a right-brain process, while parsing and interpreting words is a left-brain process. So I think the words are always jarging and out of place.
 
Never really paid them much mind. As other have said, they fade over time with use, traded for an honest patina. Such is the life of a well used knife.
 
waynorth said:
I quite like them actually.
They are traditional - blades have been marked, besides the tang stamps, for centuries. They do not hinder the function in any way, sometimes have a bit of humor in them, and some (not all) are very artistic.
They are often a reflection of the pride a cutler has in what he has created.
I find plain knives a little boring, actually.
As an etch fades, you can feel the passing of time, and the creation of memories!

I have suggested to custom makers that they etch their blades, but have so far seen few who have taken me up on the idea - I'll keep working on it!!
Click to expand...

Well said! I like most etchings and passed up buying a couple of knives on the exchange that had the etchings removed. Worn off over time is one thing, but removal is another thing altogether, IMO. It is part of the personality of the knife and, as Waynorth suggests, is something that has gone on for as long as the ability to etch info has existed.

As far as the BJM knife goes - I have one in cocobolo wood. I find Bullwinkle etch gives the #66 (which GEC calls the Moose or BJM for Bullwinkle J. Moose in this form) a little touch of humor and, IMHO, that is a good thing. It never fails to put a smile on my face and it is the favorite of my entire crew of grandkids. I always keep it handy, or carry it, when the munchkins come to visit. "Can I see Bullwinkle, Paw Paw?" Yeah. Big smile. :D

JMO.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top