GEC "Redneck" Out,

pertinux

pertinux

Joined
Feb 1, 2012
Messages
11,783
"Farm & Field Tool" in, as per GEC:

FarmField.png


More here.

I'm interested to see what's next in the line, and welcome the name change. Not necessarily in that order. ;)

~ P.
 
That's pretty awesome. I'm all for some other patterns in synthetic handles and a lower price.
 
I think this is great! But my bank account just groaned. I wonder what steel they'll use in these and what patterns they'll be doing. I would imagine they would certainly do a stockman pattern of some sort.
 
Interesting development, though I hope that this does not lead Great Eastern in a direction away from the niche it has carved out for itself -- as a maker of fine knives, offering premium materials, and crafted by skilled cutlers. Their knives are already great as is and appeal both to the hard core collector market as well as to discriminating users.

I guess I don't understand this decision. GEC already holds an enviable position. Their knives have an excellent reputation. Why cheapen it with a budget line? Maybe it's because I remember seeing Old Timers around and always thinking, "I really wish these knives with awesome 1095 blades were offered with better looking covers. Stag would be wonderful, but a nice jigged bone would do." I'm probably just the type that prefers the Wingmaster to the cheaper 870 Express. There are already plenty of cheaper options out there, I like the idea of a current slipjoint manufacturer that offers something different, something nicer that is a testament to times past when companies took pride in craftsmanship instead of embracing the Wal-Mart "let's see how we can make this cheaper" mentality this is so prevalent nowadays.

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
Interesting development, though I hope that this does not lead Great Eastern in a direction away from the niche it has carved out for itself -- as a maker of fine knives, offering premium materials, and crafted by skilled cutlers. Their knives are already great as is and appeal both to the hard core collector market as well as to discriminating users.

I guess I don't understand this decision. GEC already holds an enviable position. Their knives have an excellent reputation. Why cheapen it with a budget line? Maybe it's because I remember seeing Old Timers around and always thinking, "I really wish these knives with awesome 1095 blades were offered with better looking covers. Stag would be wonderful, but a nice jigged bone would do." I'm probably just the type that prefers the Wingmaster to the cheaper 870 Express. There are already plenty of cheaper options out there, I like the idea of a current slipjoint manufacturer that offers something different, something nicer that is a testament to times past when companies took pride in craftsmanship instead of embracing the Wal-Mart "let's see how we can make this cheaper" mentality this is so prevalent nowadays.

- Christian
Click to expand...


I kind of get what you are saying, but I don't think a Sodbuster belongs anywhere other than a budget line.
I drew the line at $50, and when the black ones sold just under that (plus shipping) I thought that that was about right for the CLEAR upgrade in quality over Case and Queen so I bought one.
I wouldn't care if they were made with Walrus tusk covers, titanium liners, and exotic stainless damascus blade, it wouldn't be worth more than $49.99 to me because a Sodbuster is just a cheap knife in my mind.
If Norman Rockwell made a Velvet Elvis painting, it would still be just a Velvet Elvis. Just sayin'.

What knife historically (traditionally if you will), was the "Wingmaster" of the Sodbuster knife pattern? Not to say there can't or shouldn't be one, but isn't the idea of an "upscale" Sodbuster a recent phenomenon?
 
FLymon said:
What knife historically (traditionally if you will), was the "Wingmaster" of the Sodbuster knife pattern? Not to say there can't or shouldn't be one, but isn't the idea of an "upscale" Sodbuster a recent phenomenon?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't know to be honest with you. Maybe the Laguiole is a good example, but it no longer holds up as the design has been embraced by the wine and cheese crowd and is now a relatively expensive knife.

Don't take me too seriously, the comments above are merely the ravings of an incorrigible knife enthusiast. I just hope Great Eastern stays true to its origins -

The manufacturing of natural handled, traditional, pocket knives was a common business throughout the United States during most of the 20th century, but now, that has become uncommon as there are only a small handful of cutlery manufacturers still remaining...we use only the finest materials to build a knife that will look, feel, and perform like an authentic American pocket knife from the late 19th and early 20th century, the golden age of pocket cutlery.
Click to expand...

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
Don't take me too seriously, the comments above are merely the ravings of an incorrigible knife enthusiast. I just hope Great Eastern stays true to its origins - Christian
Click to expand...

If you (you used as a general word) go to GEC's site, click on the link to their new "Farm & Field" tool, and read their entire release there is no way that it can be assumed that GEC is leaving their roots behind to field cheap knives.

Christian -as to your statement; "I guess I don't understand this decision", it (the decision) I think is based on the fact that they and their dealers sell them as fast as GEC can make them.

I don't think we have anything to worry about as I believe GEC will continue to build first-rate knives.

Corey - I liked your point that you're glad you have one marked "Red Neck". They were made in limited numbers and I too am glad I picked up a couple of them.
 
I foresee picking up a Farm & Field Bull Nose and moving the Red Neck Bull Nose to the safe with the few other safe queens I have.
 
There were dime knives or value knives and the idea of a value line is a very old concept but collectors are a more recent phenomenon. In 1938, a Remington R1123 cost $2.50 ($30 per dozen). The CPI inflation calculator estimates that $2.50 in 1938 had the same buying power as $40.62 in 2012. Most of the yeller handle knives from Case are in that ball park price and some are less expensive. A GEC 23 trapper is around $100... some cost more than $200. The CPI calculator just gives an estimate but... Aside from knife collectors, I know very few people that are willing to spend a $100 on a cutting tool. An $18 sodbuster will satisfy most (and for good reason, at least in my opinion). Based on what I've seen in TSA auctions, I doubt most people are carrying $100 knives. I suspect that GEC will increase its customer base by adding a line of somewhat more affordable knives. I don't think they're damaging their reputation... or sticking their redneck out ;) ...actually, introducing a value line that's made in the US should be praised in my opinion.

http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm
 
Modoc ED said:
If you (you used as a general word) go to GEC's site, click on the link to their new "Farm & Field" tool, and read their entire release there is no way that it can be assumed that GEC is leaving their roots behind to field cheap knives.
Click to expand...

Yes. I linked to the entire article in my original post for that reason:
pertinux said:
More here.
Click to expand...

The press release is posted as an image, not selectable text; I didn't post the entire copy here so as to 1) hone in on the subject (of this thread)-- the name change and 2) forestall the appearance of shilling for GEC.

I agree with your estimation, and am grateful for the name change just because ("Farm & Field" evokes more agreeable fundamental associations than "Redneck").

~ P.
 
Hey Christian, I think one possible reason is that the less expensive knives could work as a type of gateway knife into the GEC brand for those who wouldn't generally dish out the cash for one of their regular models, or question if their higher priced knives are really worth the money. Now these people can buy stockman from them for about the same price as a Case or Queen, and once they handle them, understand that the superior craftsmanship that come out of GEC.
 
"redneck" conjures up good memories for me. ;) ...but the name "Farm & Field" is pleasant and probably less provocative.

In some ways having a provocative name might be good for attention... but the new name might save y'all from a heap o' trouble and lots of explainin' if the knife is a gift for a brother/brother-in-law. ;)
 
supratentorial said:
"redneck" conjures up good memories for me. ;) ...but the name "Farm & Field" is pleasant and probably less provocative.

In some ways having a provocative name might be good for attention... but the new name might save y'all from a heap o' trouble and lots of explainin' if the knife is a gift for a brother/brother-in-law. ;)
Click to expand...

Especially if he's the same person!

No, wait, that would probably save some 'splainin'.

th_Nanners.gif


~ P.
 
I have 2 orange and 2 black already. Now I'm going to have to buy more with the new markings...Stop the Madness!!!!! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top