GSO 4.1 vs 4.7 vs 5

Silver Needle

Silver Needle

Joined
Jul 14, 2014
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For a while I've felt that the GSO 5 could be the perfect knife for me, especially if I just have one knife on me. Anyone who has a 4.1 can't shut up about how great it is, so I started thinking I'd also get a 4.1 and pair it up with a larger knife or ax when I need to do a bigger variety of work. So, I had my mind made up: get a 5 and 4.1.

Now they released specs on the 4.7 and I'm torn! What are your thoughts about functionality between the 4.1, new 4.7 and 5?

I had really thought the 5 would be my perfect knife, but if Guy is replacing it with the 4.7 I'm sure there is a really good reason it is getting retired. Specs between the 4.1 and 4.7 don't seem different enough for me to get both right now.

From what we know, how do you think the 4.7 would be different in use from the 4.1 and 5?
 
For me personally, it's about traveling light and packing light.
The 4.1 which I've had for over two years is 100% dependable and the size is perfect for me, bigger/longer would be for me not necessary.
If I didn't feel that it's currently a bit overpriced, I'd additionally purchase a 3.5.

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Silver Needle said:
For a while I've felt that the GSO 5 could be the perfect knife for me, especially if I just have one knife on me. Anyone who has a 4.1 can't shut up about how great it is, so I started thinking I'd also get a 4.1 and pair it up with a larger knife or ax when I need to do a bigger variety of work. So, I had my mind made up: get a 5 and 4.1.

Now they released specs on the 4.7 and I'm torn! What are your thoughts about functionality between the 4.1, new 4.7 and 5?

I had really thought the 5 would be my perfect knife, but if Guy is replacing it with the 4.7 I'm sure there is a really good reason it is getting retired. Specs between the 4.1 and 4.7 don't seem different enough for me to get both right now.

From what we know, how do you think the 4.7 would be different in use from the 4.1 and 5?
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You are right, the GSO-4.1 and the GSO-4.7 are very similar in size, especially after the redesign of the GSO-4.1 and there is a good bit of overlap. It will really come down to your personal preference. The GSO-4.1 has been even further tuned to be a great all arounder. Pretty much a do anything medium utility knife.

The GSO-4.7 is like a GSO-4.1 on steroids. The GSO-4.7s construction is more robust, slightly larger, and the handle profile contouring is much more exaggerated to promote greater retention with either a bare or gloved hand. It is really my take on a SERE style knife. The GSO-4.7 blade is about .25" shorter than the GSO-5 but with the way the handle is shaped, the effective cutting length is still very similar. The overall length of the two was so identical, less than 1/8" difference, that I just chose to eliminate the GSO-5 in new production.
 
Guy, first of all, thanks so much for the detailed response. Having you and Ellie so active here means a lot.

Secondly, if you're bored today and check back in, could you say if the next (last) run of 5's will have the old tumbled finish? Only new or updated models will have the new finish and 90 degree spines, right?

If I'm reading your thoughts correctly, you do think there is enough similarity between the 4.1 and 4.7 to only pick one, right?

Thanks Guy!
 
Where are the specs on these new releases?
I can't seem to find them.
Thanks
 
Silver Needle said:
Guy, first of all, thanks so much for the detailed response. Having you and Ellie so active here means a lot.

Secondly, if you're bored today and check back in, could you say if the next (last) run of 5's will have the old tumbled finish? Only new or updated models will have the new finish and 90 degree spines, right?

If I'm reading your thoughts correctly, you do think there is enough similarity between the 4.1 and 4.7 to only pick one, right?

Thanks Guy!
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I'm a bit under the weather today, so I'll be around here quite a bit. lol

This last run of GSO-5 blades were already tumbled a bit after being surface ground, so yes they will still have the old tumble. All new production after those will have the new surface finishing, that is much more crisp. We'll probably still offer a tumble in the future in addition to the peened finish but we'll still peen the blades first, which drastically reduces the tumbling cycle time. The corners get rounded a tiny bit but it will still throw a spark on a ferro rod. I just need time to get the exact method perfected before offering it, which is why you won't see it being offered for the SURVIVE! Starter. You'll be able to send blades back in for refinishing down the road.

Yeah, I would probably get either a GSO-4.1 or a GSO-4.7, unless you have a use for both independent of one another.
 
SURVIVE! said:
I'm a bit under the weather today, so I'll be around here quite a bit. lol

This last run of GSO-5 blades were already tumbled a bit after being surface ground, so yes they will still have the old tumble. All new production after those will have the new surface finishing, that is much more crisp. We'll probably still offer a tumble in the future in addition to the peened finish but we'll still peen the blades first, which drastically reduces the tumbling cycle time. The corners get rounded a tiny bit but it will still throw a spark on a ferro rod. I just need time to get the exact method perfected before offering it, which is why you won't see it being offered for the SURVIVE! Starter. You'll be able to send blades back in for refinishing down the road.

Yeah, I would probably get either a GSO-4.1 or a GSO-4.7, unless you have a use for both independent of one another.
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Your response was a lot of help. Tumble finish is fine for a 5, and I'll also be looking forward to the new finish on a starter. I'm really glad to see things moving in this positive direction for your company.

Rest up and get well soon!


Chambelona, thanks for the pics. Everyone loves their 4.1's!
 
SURVIVE! said:
Never! I just revised that one for new production. Just some slight tweaks to really get it dialed in.
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I dont know how you could make it better! It is literally my perfect "1 knife" knife. I am very interested in this new finish too. I really like the matte stonewash on my 5.1.

Also... I know that waiting on kydex has been an issue. The sheathes you offer are excellent, but have you ever concidered offering sheathes similar to the ESEE sheathes. They could be mass produced and would probably reduce cost. I had an ESEE 6 and its sheath was actually really nice
 
Riz2530 said:
I dont know how you could make it better! It is literally my perfect "1 knife" knife. I am very interested in this new finish too. I really like the matte stonewash on my 5.1.

Also... I know that waiting on kydex has been an issue. The sheathes you offer are excellent, but have you ever concidered offering sheathes similar to the ESEE sheathes. They could be mass produced and would probably reduce cost. I had an ESEE 6 and its sheath was actually really nice
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Sure but who makes them? lol
 
I had an Esee 6 for a short period and personally I wasnt a fan of the molded plastic sheath.
 
I have no clue who makes their sheathes. I often wondered if it was bladetech.

It was just a thought, only because I love your products so much and want your company to be as successful as Bark River, ESEE, and Kershaw/ZT!

I always regretted not buying one of the 3V Convex Ground 5.1's when Edgeworks had a couple. It would be like having an original Vangough or Picasso! Back to the original topic. I like the sound of the 4.7
 
So no more 6's?! :(

I have one and it's my favorite "big knife". But I'd like another for my BOB. I'd also like to see what the 12 is like before I place some cash on the starter. Sounds like it'll be fantastic.
 
Sorry. Just found the other thread about the starter. Glad they'll be back. And the 8 sounds awesome too
 
ManOfSteel89 said:
So no more 6's?! :(

I have one and it's my favorite "big knife". But I'd like another for my BOB. I'd also like to see what the 12 is like before I place some cash on the starter. Sounds like it'll be fantastic.
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Am I right in thinking that the 6 will be in normal production later on, just not part of the starter? Will any other models be added to the starter?
 
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