GEC vs Northfield vs Tidioute

[draperfish]

Hey guys, I'm new to traditionals, well besides the ones I had as a kid. I recently purchased a few of GECs, a GEC #42, and a Tidioute #74 and # 23, I also got a Northfield # 42 unXld with stag handles but the stag was too thick for my liking so I sent it back. I want to get another stag, thinking about a #99 cause I prefer single blade lock backs. Of those 4 knives I actually think the fit and finish was nicer on the Tidioute models. Is there supposed to be better f&f on the unXld, or should I just save the money and skip the stag and get another Tidioute?

 

[Markesharp]

They are all made by GEC. No difference in production quality.

 

[KBA]

I would contact the seller and ask a few questions about the stag you are looking at. They may even be able to send additional pics. I haven't had any issues with the dealers provided on the GEC website and I have bought from most all of them. There's a motto of, "buy what you like," but it can be tricky with stag.

 

[MercyfulfateXX]

I didn't know Stag being too thick was possible?

 

[Woodrow F Call]

All are made by GEC, fit and finish are the same.

In general but not a hard rule:

Tidioute = no frills carbon steel line

Northfield = Fancy carbon steel line. Lined or pinched bolsters, polished blades, long nail nicks, swedged blades, fancy cover material.

Farm and Field = work horse knives in carbon steel, usually O1 steel and delrin... sometimes micarta.

GEC = stainless line


I'm really picky about stag. In general, it comes in various thicknesses and, it is just the nature of the beast. I don't often order it because of the hit or miss nature.

 

[draperfish]

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.

All are made by GEC, fit and finish are the same.

In general but not a hard rule:

Tidioute = no frills carbon steel line

Northfield = Fancy carbon steel line. Lined or pinched bolsters, polished blades, long nail nicks, swedged blades, fancy cover material.

Farm and Field = work horse knives in carbon steel, usually O1 steel and delrin... sometimes micarta.

GEC = stainless line


I'm really picky about stag. In general, it comes in various thicknesses and, it is just the nature of the beast. I don't often order it because of the hit or miss nature.