GEC New Aged

Railsplitter · Jan 31, 2011

I just noticed this on the GEC website. Looks like you can now buy a new GEC that already has a patina on it. They call it "New Aged".

I'm not sure what to think about this but it is an interesting concept. I guess some might like it.

What do you folks think?

Daniel · Jan 31, 2011

They look pretty neat. Interesting idea!

Core Knife Co. · Jan 31, 2011

I'm not sure what to think of it either. I have a patina on my GEC's from use and I like the look better with a patina. What I'm not sure of is that I like how the patina forms differently on each knife I own depending on its use. It's kind of like owning jeans that you wear a hole into. I'm cool with that. Buying jeans with a hole already in them? Yeah, not so much.

dannyp · Jan 31, 2011

It's not my kind of thing. If I buy a new knife, I want it to look new and break it in myself. If I want a used looking knife then I'll look for a vintage one. I just don't see the reasoning behind it.

Cisco Kid · Jan 31, 2011

Not my kind of thing either, but because I like my knives shiny and free of stains or oxidation.

Triq · Jan 31, 2011

" The look without the lifestyle" My Dad used to say that about things and people that liked to be percieved some way that was different than they are, kind of a nice way of saying something is phony. While i like the look and utility of a patina on a knife i think putting it there at the fatory gives the impression that the knife had a life previous to me. Just knowing that it doesnt would sorta take somehting away from it. Just my .02

Stelth · Jan 31, 2011

I won't buy any nonstainless because I don't want that look. I only own one GEC so far because so few are offered in 440.

buckthorn · Jan 31, 2011

I, too, wish they (GEC) would offer more models made from contemporary stainless steels. In the past there were certain performance advantages in the simpler low (or no) chromium steels but I'd bet the newer stainless grades, properly heat treated, can hold thelr own with any production non-stainless grades and there's no worry about chemical dulling caused by corrosion of the edge. No matter how carefully I've cared for non-stainless knives I've always ended up with some rust, eventually leading to unsightly small pits. I suppose for some folks there's an aesthetic appeal to patinas but I just don't see the point of encouraging the formation what is really just early stages of degradation.

Stelth · Jan 31, 2011

I keep hearing the "character" argument from the carbon steel fans, but that is just nonsense to me. A knife doesn't have to look stained for me to know I've used it.

hoopster · Jan 31, 2011

I love a good patina but
prefer to put it on myself. It wouldn't be a deal breaker if I really liked the knife though.

Rick · Jan 31, 2011

The oxidized surface is a relatively effective rust preventative, so the forced patina is more than a faux lifestyle gimmick, but it's so easy to DIY that I don't see why GEC would bother. Any greenhorn with a cup o' hot vinegar can nail it on their first try

.

I'd be much more interested in some nicely blued and polished 1095, if only for the aesthetic novelty. They could call it their "Python" grade finish.

zerogee · Jan 31, 2011

You guys are missing a very important point: IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY BLADE ETCHING. Most likely they cannot do both processes - one would erase/obscure the other -- I'm totally cool with it just for that plus.

cnas122 · Jan 31, 2011

not a big fan of the shield either. But to each their own....a lot of people drop dead and drool when they see one of Kerry's knives role out etched and darkened (which I think look awesome BTW). People buy knives based on the look of handles, etc. Some people may just like they way the look with the darker blades and don't want to spend years developing a natural patina. I say go for it if it will sell some more knives and keep GEC going strong

JAlexander · Jan 31, 2011

I'm sort of indifferent to it, really. I mean, I'm one of those folks who vastly prefers carbon steels, but I prefer to let my knives develop a patina originally. The pre-patina'd knives aren't a deal breaker for me, and I like the idea of no blade etch, but it seems like an unnecessary step.

Stelth said:
I keep hearing the "character" argument from the carbon steel fans, but that is just nonsense to me. A knife doesn't have to look stained for me to know I've used it.

Nonsense to you, good sense to me. I think there's room for patina and no patina folks.

Y'all's point about the lack of new stainless steels is a valid one, though. I'd think GEC could use 154CM and still meet their target price. Then again, I've never priced steels.

cnas122 said:
... People buy knives based on the look of handles, etc. Some people may just like they way the look with the darker blades and don't want to spend years developing a natural patina. I say go for it if it will sell some more knives and keep GEC going strong

And here's the real bit of wisdom amongst all this speculation. If GEC sells more knives by adding patinas, wacky colored scales, or modern super steels, more power to 'em. They make a good product, and that's the important thing.

James

Thalestin · Feb 1, 2011

I love carbon steel because it develops a nice Patina. To me this is a real defining point of traditional blades. If I were to go for stainless, id just go for a new age pattern as well. As for the pre-patina, I don't care to much either way. Its more about the pattern in my books. Although, I wouldnt pay extra to have that put on as I prefer to just let a patina come naturally with use.

nevermind35 · Feb 1, 2011

I agree with Thalestin above^. Carbon steels and patinas are a bit part of why I'm drawn to the "traditional" knife scene. If a knife had the perfect pattern and size and everything yet it was stainless I'd probably still buy it but I would vastly prefer it in a good carbon steel.

As to the "new aged" finish I think it looks really cool. I like that it has a nice even shade everywhere instead of spots of light and dark. However I'll probably still steer clear of them because its so fun earning my patinas.

waynorth · Feb 1, 2011

I am a "form follows function" kind of person, so those knives look good to me.
I like acid etched blades on a user. It will help prevent corrosion and pits. Especially the acid etch as it will hold a film of oil better.
And I like bluing for preventing rust also. It's why they blue guns.
If you collect, either is good for your safe queens as well.
Moot on most modern stainless though, if that is your preference.
And I buy stone washed jeans, because I find them more comfortable, but not with pre - holes!

Oh, and I'm not my wife's first - but I'm her last!!

cj65 · Feb 1, 2011

Patina grows on you slowly. When I first joined BF, the thought of a beautiful shiny knife turning all dull grey just made no sense to me. It took me more than a year and a half to even let one of my cv blades do that. I can now let it happen, but it was not a quick or easy transition for me. I applaud GEC for stimulating excitement and expirementing with products in this way. I would rather start out shiny, and then decide which path it would take on it's own.

jazub · Feb 1, 2011

waynorth said:
...I buy stone washed jeans, because I find them more comfortable, but not with pre - holes!
Oh, and I'm not my wife's first - but I'm her last!!

haha. well said, sir.
how can this be bad? same excellent steel but more rust resistant from the factory. if you're not into it, plenty of new, unstained models flowing out of Titusville.
thumbs up for fresh ideas, GEC :thumbup::thumbup:

Campbellclanman · Feb 1, 2011

cj65 said:
Patina grows on you slowly. When I first joined BF, the thought of a beautiful shiny knife turning all dull grey just made no sense to me. It took me more than a year and a half to even let one of my cv blades do that. I can now let it happen, but it was not a quick or easy transition for me. I applaud GEC for stimulating excitement and expirementing with products in this way. I would rather start out shiny, and then decide which path it would take on it's own.

Yes!!...bang on Chris, i did also start with wanting the ever shiny new-looking blade, but...as my taste matures with collecting ( and its only new days in Traditionals...but compared to my fixed blade obsessive days ) I like to use my knife, wipe as soon as I have used it, and to keep it oiled...thats all it gets, and I must admit, patina is welcomed, as long as its self earned and honest.
Great topic and discussion :thumbup: