GEC vs Case

E

embeth

Joined
May 10, 2009
Messages
70
I want to get my dad a trapper pattern to replace his old Buck. I hear that Case makes beautiful knives as does GEC. I am unsure about the durability of the GEC. I've seen a #73 in person, how well built are they vs a Case. The Case would be around $85CDN, the GEC I can get for $92CDN. He would use this on everything from fish to moose. In other words it would be a working knife.
Thanks.
 
Well I have 3 Case knives ad 2 GECs and to my taste GEC feels better, heftier than the Case. Not to reduce the Cases, they are nice indeed, but my 2 GECs feel really special. A subjective thing for sure.
 
Hmmmm.... tough call there. With my recent experiences with CASE, would want to take a look at any CASE knife I bought in person before purchasing, though.

Getting good examples of both knives, I would think the tie breaker would go to design preference and utility value for a working knife.

Robert
 
If he will use it as an EDC user I would go with a Case. I have two GECs and they are very well made but for me they are nail busters when trying to open them.
 
GEC seems to have the reputation of the highest quality around and mine is no exception. Has a very solid feel to it.

I also like the fact that they are not sold in every hardware store making them more unique.
 
embeth said:
I want to get my dad a trapper pattern to replace his old Buck. I hear that Case makes beautiful knives as does GEC. I am unsure about the durability of the GEC. I've seen a #73 in person, how well built are they vs a Case. The Case would be around $85CDN, the GEC I can get for $92CDN. He would use this on everything from fish to moose. In other words it would be a working knife.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

GEC makes knives in both 440C and 1095. I haven't tried their 440C, but I have the 1095. It beats Case CV all hollow for holding an edge. That GEC 1095 is great stuff. I can't imagine any 440C not holding an edge WAY better than Case Tru-Sharp. Tru-Sharp is lack luster to say the least at edge retention, though it is VERY easy to sharpen. The 440C would have to be better at holding an edge.

The GEC knives seem very well built. I've used one in the garden and on projects and it is very solid. The fit and finish is excellent. I will say the springs are strong. I have tried two and they are both strong, but not nail breakers.

I think the GEC would be well worth the price difference.
 
Hi,

I have both brands too. And I would rate my GEC as better made than my Case. Not that my Case knives aren't well made, they are. But the fit and finish of the GEC is noticeably better.

dalee
 
Carrying a Case knife is a tradition in my family that I continue to uphold. However it pains me to say that buying one without handling it first is risky. Quality has gotten better at Case lately but some stinkers still get through. If you can check it out firsthand a Case with CV blades is a fine knife.
 
Norty said:
Carrying a Case knife is a tradition in my family that I continue to uphold. However it pains me to say that buying one without handling it first is risky. Quality has gotten better at Case lately but some stinkers still get through. If you can check it out firsthand a Case with CV blades is a fine knife.
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We prefer the stainless. It is easier to maintain.
 
From my experience, I would go with GEC. It is just a better working blade. I have both, and GEC knives are much better in every arena - F&F, Steel, and materials. If the GEC patterns do not float your boat, I would go with Queen, or one of the brands that they make. Case has failed to impress me at this time.
 
embeth said:
I want to get my dad a trapper pattern to replace his old Buck. I hear that Case makes beautiful knives as does GEC. I am unsure about the durability of the GEC. I've seen a #73 in person, how well built are they vs a Case. The Case would be around $85CDN, the GEC I can get for $92CDN. He would use this on everything from fish to moose. In other words it would be a working knife.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

embeth said:
We prefer the stainless. It is easier to maintain.
Click to expand...

You want a working knife with stainless blades that can be used to skin a moose? Then by all means get the GEC in 440C.
 
I have to favour GEC if you want a working knife, and for the very same reason that others prefer Case: the backsprings. Absolutely excellent pull, and instills real confidence. The 1095 ain't too shabby either.;)
 
I'll admit to being a collector and a user. I trried carrying an older Case and collecting New Case for a very short time and was not happy. I now carry and collect GEC.
 
Hey, I know you like GEC and Case, but why not Queen?

Queen F&F is excellent and their D2 blades are awesome. D2 is semi-stainless, though not as stainless as 440c I've never had my queen rust on me. D2 is one of the best edge holders, which obviously would be great for skinning a moose. Draw back to that is it's a pain to sharpen, and queen edges come pretty thick and need to be sharpened to a thinner angle.
 
Hey, I know you like GEC and Case, but why not Queen?

Queen F&F is excellent and their D2 blades are awesome. D2 is semi-stainless, though not as stainless as 440c I've never had my queen rust on me. D2 is one of the best edge holders, which obviously would be great for skinning a moose. Draw back to that is it's a pain to sharpen, and queen edges come pretty thick and need to be sharpened to a thinner angle.
 
If your worried about rust than by all means get a GEC. The stainless they use is superior to Case (IMHO.)
 
gec is built stronger & in 1095 will cut right up with the alphabet steels. i have'nt tried the 440c from gec but will soon. the heattreats from gec are superior in 1095 so i expect the 440 to be good. i suggest their 2 blade 4.5 in model #23. fish in canada tend to be large so the stainless is a better option around h2o.the 4.5 in . i've used on elk & WILL PROBABLY WORK ON MOOSE IF YOU HAVE TIME. i usually have both a straight & folder. if one is not processing an elk or moose by themselves & has a coupal of hours then the mdl23 is plenty.
 
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