GEC questions

[TheJon]

Alright time to educate me boys (and girls).
I've lately being carry a buck stockman that my father gave me years ago, but after a short scare I decided I'd much rather retire it, and get both a nicer knife and preserve the sentimental value. After a few days of carrying my spyderco, I got to thinking about it and realize, as much as I love my paramilitary, it's lifeless, just a knife. No no this isn't a recommend me thread, I just have a few questions, I'm debating between a GEC 54 and a GEC 14.

My first question is in regards to the acrylic that GEC uses. I've looked around and can't seem to find a consensus on whether it last as long as bone or similar stuff. So does anyone have a daily carry that they can comment on about this?

My second question is more opened ended about a comparison of the GEC 54 vs GEC 14. I've enjoyed my medium stockman but I've always felt the clip point was just a little small, I know the 14 is around the same size but the blade shape seems a little better. On the other hand I'm afraid the GEC 54 will be to big.

Sorry for the rambling post. Any comment is appreciated, especially ones with pictures, traditionals are the porn stars of the knife world after all.

 

[Railsplitter]

I can't help with your question about acrylics but you're right about the size difference between the 14 and 54. I don't have an in hand pic of either pattern but below is an in hand pic of a 53 which is the same size as the 54. Pretty big knife but it does have an excellent feel when using it. Plenty of handle to grab onto. It's the weight and bulk in the pocket that might push the limits for some folks.
View attachment 763275

The 14's are great knives too and I've never found mine to be too small. The blade is well sized for a knife that's barely over 3 inches closed.
View attachment 763278

 

[supratentorial]

My first question is in regards to the acrylic that GEC uses. I've looked around and can't seem to find a consensus on whether it last as long as bone or similar stuff. So does anyone have a daily carry that they can comment on about this?

It is reasonably durable. It will scratch. Personally, I don't care for acrylic. I don't like the plexiglass feel of acrylic. I prefer Delrin or Valox or Micarta.

My second question is more opened ended about a comparison of the GEC 54 vs GEC 14. I've enjoyed my medium stockman but I've always felt the clip point was just a little small, I know the 14 is around the same size but the blade shape seems a little better. On the other hand I'm afraid the GEC 54 will be to big.

What interests you about those patterns? I'd recommend the 66 Calf Roper. It's a stockman that's a little bigger than the Buck 303 but still smaller than the Buck 301.

traditionals are the porn stars of the knife world after all.

With those key words, you just tripled the website traffic to this topic.

 

[traumkommode]

GEC's acrylics are just fine. If anything, they're more durable than bone, as they won't crack if you drop it. I would be surprised, unless you leave it out in the sun for a long time, to see any warpage or shrinkage.

As to the 14 vs 54... 2 completely different knives, not really comparable other than "big knife" vs. "small knife." Do you want a big knife or a small pocket friendly knife? The 54s are chunks unless you get a single spring. And that's relative, too. Even a double spring 54 is lighter than a lot of modern folders.

Seems like you want a small knife from your post. Also, watch for the 78 American Jacks and the 81 Moose that's coming out. 81 is close to 54 size, but with a slight serpentine and a leaner frame. the 78 is a touch smaller, and substantial compared to the 14, but kinda in the sweet spot for EDC before you hit that large knife size. There will be plenty of those on a single spring frame.

Personally, I would get a 14 if you like that size, and then get a larger one, any of these discussed. The 48 weasels that are available are kinda a happy medium - large knife length but small knife weight and slimness.

 

[traumkommode]

What interests you about those patterns? I'd recommend the 66 Calf Roper. It's a stockman that's a little bigger than the Buck 303 but still smaller than the Buck 301.

Jake is right about the 66, too. That's one of my favorite patterns. It's a little more substantial than the buck, but it's a work knife that's still elegant and pocket friendly. I like them covered in wood.

 

[TheJon]

With my medium stockman I've always paired it with another larger knife, but I was hoping I could find a traditional that would fulfill both worlds. As for the GEC 66 I looked at it, and it looks very nice I've just found that I tend to not use the spey blade on it, so I decided I'd try and find a two bladed jack of some sort. This might seem like a slightly silly question but is the blade on the 14 large enough that you could spread peanut butter or the like with it? Just a small thing that bothered me about the clip point on the buck stockman, the blade didn't have enough width to comfortable to something like that. Thanks for the reply guys. And thanks for the pictures railsplitter, those 14s look amazing, and wow if the 54 is similar in size to the 53 its a hair larger than i thought. Truth be told I'm really looking forward to the new GEC 35 Churchhill. That seems about perfect. Anyone know when they're suppose to start production?

 

[Dschal]

The upcoming 35 frame will be just right.

 

[Railsplitter]

With my medium stockman I've always paired it with another larger knife, but I was hoping I could find a traditional that would fulfill both worlds. As for the GEC 66 I looked at it, and it looks very nice I've just found that I tend to not use the spey blade on it, so I decided I'd try and find a two bladed jack of some sort. This might seem like a slightly silly question but is the blade on the 14 large enough that you could spread peanut butter or the like with it? Just a small thing that bothered me about the clip point on the buck stockman, the blade didn't have enough width to comfortable to something like that. Thanks for the reply guys. And thanks for the pictures railsplitter, those 14s look amazing, and wow if the 54 is similar in size to the 53 its a hair larger than i thought. Truth be told I'm really looking forward to the new GEC 35 Churchhill. That seems about perfect. Anyone know when they're suppose to start production?

You're welcome. I don't think the blade on the 14's is big enough to spread peanut butter but if you like the 35 Churchill frame, maybe you would like the 2016 Bladeforum knife. Built on the 35 frame with a fat Spear blade perfect for spreading peanut butter and great for cutting chores as well. It even comes with a really sharp punch.

My 35 Bladeforum knife has recently found a new home and I've deleted all my photos but for a look at one, see post number 4149 in the linked thread below. These still pop up on The Exchange from time to time.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...l-picture-show.1023176/page-208#post-17444201

 

[Camillus]

By the sounds of things you are after a knife that is 'just right'. I wouldn't go for either a 14 or a 54. The American Jack that has been mentioned would be a far better pick imo.

 

[Will Power]

Some GEC acrylics look really good - Tortoise, Dead Skunk, Kryptonite et al. The won't chip like bone, nor shrink like woods can. If you don't keep the knife with coins&key bunches, it should last very well.

As others have pointed out, the 54 is a thick bulky knife whereas the 14 is small and thin. I suggest a pattern with a Spear blade or Sheepfoot master if you want to spread stuff. Jack knives, 2 blades from one end might well be better but consider Pen types- blade each end one spring as well. Have a look at the 68 White Owl with Spear master, 85 Jack with Spear/Pen, the 15 frame has many variants including Sheepfoot master. The 35 frame is a single spring so the Churchill could suit you, a broad handle too.

Here's the 35 as last year's Forum Knife, good broad spreader blade

Then consider the 38 frame, sleek, Clip master and Pen & Coping secpndries yet not thick or heavy.