GEC

[stevekolt]

Do the Northfield and Tidioute lines from GEC generally have the same level of fit and finish? What differentiates them? Do they hold their value equally?
New to the traditional side of this hobby, so any and all help is much appreciated.

 

[Fox79]

I would say the fit and finish is the same for both. They are both made by the same craftsmen in the same shop.

It’s my understanding that Northfield Trim is the fancier or upscale version while the Tidioute line is your more straight forward simple finish knife.

Example - Northfield’s typically have fancy bolsters, and polished blades.

Value is very subjective. These days it seems the SFO’s or desirable patterns truly hold value. You’ll have to do your homework in this area.

Study a pattern in each version and buy what you like. I have knives in Tidioute and Northfield versions and enjoy them each for different reasons.

 

[kamagong]

Same level of fit. Northfield tends to be finished a little more, with a few extra aesthetic touches. Things like lined as opposed to plain bolsters.

By and large I prefer the Tidioute knives. The extra polish on the Northfields tend to round out the lines a bit. I'd rather have the crisper swedges of a satin finished blade. The finish ends up getting obscured by patina anyways, whereas the quality of the swedging still remains evident.

 

[Ajd3530]

One thing to consider, especially for new patterns or patterns that aren't produced frequently, is the the Tidioutes are almost always produced BEFORE the Northfileds. So by the time the craftsmen/women get around to making the Northfields, they have hit their rythym for that pattern and worked out any potential bugs.

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

Northfields are usually a few dollars more when new, but my highest valued GEC on the secondary market is a Tidioute.

The advice to buy what you like is pretty bullet proof.

 

[mrknife]

there is a difference in the finishing and materials offered between Northfield and Tidioute knives. The northfields are more of the collector pieces due to their level of finishing (high polish/ slab materials) while the tidioutes would be classified more as users. However all of this is subject to interpretation and the heart wants what the heart wants. It is difficult to put a price on what makes one happy. I will abstain from price discussion though as this is not the place for that.

 

[Jody744]

Northfield line has long pulls!!!!

 

[rdg]

I use all mine, I buy what I like without regard for potential resale value. We all have our own views on these things. My feeling is life is short, enjoy it.
Bob

 

[biomed]

The best advice is to buy what you like as stated by several posters. Most of my GEC knives are Tidioutes. I prefer the "simpler" look to them. I do buy Northfields when IMHO the bolsters and polished blades enhance the design. Quality wise there isn't much differences except for cosmetics. You can more than likely recover your initial cost on the secondary market; on some models significantly more if online prices are any indication.
Mike

 

[kamagong]

Northfield line has long pulls!!!!

Not always.