GEC Questions: SS Bolsters/Liners and "NF"?

AFAustin

AFAustin

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Jun 8, 2004
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I hope you gentlemen can kindly continue educating me on the way of GECs. I noticed a #73 Scout that has stainless bolsters and liners, and also has "NF" in the name.

I would appreciate any background or thoughts on these two variations (I'm probably missing something obvious on the "NF":o) .

Thanks,

Andrew
 
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I could very easily be wrong about this so please take it with a grain of salt.

The NF is probably short for Northfield, one of GEC's brands. As far as I know, GEC has never produced any Northfield knives with stainless steel bolsters and liners. I have seen at least one dealer list them as such but they should be listed as "All Steel" liners and bolsters. (as opposed to nickel silver or brass) I'm not sure exactly what the steel is but I don't think it is stainless steel. I believe it's an error in the dealers listing.
 
Rick and Trand, yep, "NF" must be Northfield (I had a feeling it was obvious!).

And I was wrong about the "stainless" part. The knife is described as simply having "steel" bolsters/liners.

So, what is the advantage or disadvantage of steel bolsters and liners as opposed to the more common nickel silver and brass? Would they be a less expensive option?

Thanks for your help.

Andrew
 
Andrew, I think the biggest advantage, for those who consider it an advantage, is that the bolsters will gradually take on a patina similar to that of the backsprings. The steel they are made of might be a little more robust in weight and strength as well.

I'm not sure about the cost.
 
Another plus, steel liners result in a more ridgid, stronger knife. They are less likely to warp or get bend with time and use.
 
AFAustin said:
Rick and Trand, yep, "NF" must be Northfield (I had a feeling it was obvious!).

And I was wrong about the "stainless" part. The knife is described as simply having "steel" bolsters/liners.

So, what is the advantage or disadvantage of steel bolsters and liners as opposed to the more common nickel silver and brass? Would they be a less expensive option?

Thanks for your help.

Andrew
Click to expand...

I have a Steel bolster and liner elephant toe/steel toenail with brown bone, and a steel bolster/liner Barlow with stag.

They are both Stellar!

The steel feels heavier and more solid than the nickle silver with brass liners. I can't say enough good things about them.

So far, no finish issues with the steel bolsters/liners rusting. I don't believe they are 1095, but a lower carbon steel?

I have had them in my pocket while getting all sweaty at the roller rink all day.


I also had them in my pockets ice skating for hours. All sweaty, in the cold in my Jeans pocket, and no rust or tarnish issues.

I think eventually the wear will start an aged finish on the bolsters. But nothing worse than nickel silver, which will also discolor, or tarnish (I believe).

I believe they would be a more expensive option. (just from looking at them, and how well they are machined).

Definitely not a "downgrade". A total upgrade to my mind!

I recommend GEC, and so far, these steel bolster/liners are my favorite!

IMG_4171.jpg

IMG_4176.jpg

IMG_4178.jpg


IMG_4212.jpg




The steel bolsters feel much "harder" to me. Less scratch prone than my nickle silver bolsters.
 
Thanks for the additional comments, guys. And thanks, Bigfattyt, for the great pics and ringing endorsement. You have definitely warmed me to the "up" side of steel bolsters/liners.

Andrew
 
AFAustin said:
Thanks for the additional comments, guys. And thanks, Bigfattyt, for the great pics and ringing endorsement. You have definitely warmed me to the "up" side of steel bolsters/liners.

Andrew
Click to expand...

I really can't oversell them. Instant favorites!

I will be on the look out for any new releases in the all steel. I am considering ordering a few more.
 
The steel liners and bolsters on some GEC knives are used for all the above reasons,but are used mainly as a throwback to the golden era of American pocket cutlery. Most pocket knives prior to 1910 were made with steel bolsters and liners. The steel in the GEC knives bolsters and liners is a carbon steel,not stainless.
 
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