How does GEC respond to quality control issues with their knives?

brownshoe said:
Per the original poster, I think your problems are not that big of a deal, unless the un-centered blade rubs the liner. It is kind of disappointing though to get a new knife and have "crud" on it or coming out.

Some of the other comments are interesting. I've been told by cutlers that cracked covers around pins is due to poor design or poor construction, usually poor construction. The cracks are not usually due to poor materials, unless the design called for the wrong material. Any knife with covers cracked around pins shouldn't need to wait until "the next run" to be fixed. It's a factory defect and handle material should be readily available to cut/fit/repair. Making someone wait until the next run for a scale replacement is bull. Case and Buck can repair knives w/o waiting for "the next run", they stock parts and fix cracked covers. Buck just remodeled their knife repair shop to make sure all their stored parts are accessible, improve the work done in the facility and keep the employees happy. Check out the thread in the Buck forum.

When it comes to lockbacks, people used to put down Queen for movement in their lockbacks, particularly their classic, the Mt. Man. Why would it be acceptable for GEC lockbacks to have play in similar designs? The Buck and Case lockbacks I've bought or played with don't have play unless they are well worn.
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Except for: There is a specific caveat on the GEC website stating the policy against warranty of natural handle materials, after they have been used.
 
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Ramrodmb said:
Except for: There is a specific caveat on the GEC website stating the policy against warranty of natural handle materials, after they have been used.
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Cracked pins on a bone handled knife are not due to use, but due to poor construction. Since most of the GEC handle material is "natural", does this mean that once you use a GEC knife you are out-of-luck for any problems with the covers? Hope not.
 
Will Power said:
Actually, I 'd like to use this thread to ask about others' experiences with regard to GEC's policy on fixing things.

Three years ago I bought one of the famed Beer Scout knives in Ivory Bone. I decided not to keep it unused in the tube but to put it to careful use. It's been in my kitchen hanging on a nail as my bottle opener and sometime slicer of citrus fruits, so it has seen use and developed patina. It's NEVER been dropped on banged down but the Mark side developed a big crack around the centre pin, a kind of splinter which if it breaks off will leave a large chunk. I put glue into this, but it's messy but I've cleaned it up. Last week the Pile side centre pin also exhibits a crack. Frankly, I'm VERY disappointed by this as it has not been abused, another one of my GEC's has developed centre pin cracks and this makes me question the durability of their bone. I suppose it's the stress of the bottle opener which is about a 7, but still.

I've had a number of Rough Rider knives develop cracks, especially their delrin, but RR are very inexpensive knives so you can't be too surprised. GEC knives are not cheap to buy though and I'd expect better quality bone. As it is, this knife is worthless second hand and can't be used for trade either. Well suck it up and use it to death I hear someone say, not good enough for a knife worth this money I'd reply.

So I ask abut their warranty. Some years back I damaged an Ivory Bone 73 and cracked the handle, this was totally my fault. I emailed GEC a few times before getting a reply, explained the situation and said I'd pay for the work and postage. Then I was told I'd have to 'wait' until there's another run of 73s as they keep no spare parts... 73 was then a common run and think about it, Smooth Ivory Bone is THE simplest of scales, no dyeing no jigging to match. The knife never did get fixed as my later e-mails got no response except WAIT. Now here I am again with a cracked Ivory Bone knife but this time I feel it's not my fault and not due to my damaging it either.

Do you think I am entitled to ask them to replace both handles?Or is three years(nearly) too long and if they won't fix stuff at my expense what's the prospect of getting it done at theirs?:rolleyes: What's your experiences?

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Wow, I missed it on first read, THREE YEARS! :edit:
So did you send it in, or have you been waiting for the OK to send it in? :end edit:

The beer scout looks like the pins for the spring were hammered in, probably has too much pin swell which stressed the bone...poor construction. If I had waited three years on a knife that still hasn't been repaired, I'd be looking at other options on getting the knife fixed, and also on future purchases... Good Luck to you.

GEC seems to be a boutique MFG for the drooling collectors. They make a fine product, but do have a quirky way about how they market them.
 
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Duane,

I don't think Will sent either one of the knives to GEC. He simply inquired about repair on the #73 and was told to wait.

That's the way I'm reading it anyway.
 
Railsplitter said:
Duane,

I don't think Will sent either one of the knives to GEC. He simply inquired about repair on the #73 and was told to wait.

That's the way I'm reading it anyway.
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Ah, well that's a different story altogether then...I'll edit out my post awaiting word from Will...
 
OK clarification: The Beer Scout is nearly three years old and has developed stress fractures in the past 6 months on both sides and not due to dropping or banging down at all!

The 73 got damaged by me, I waited a long time - over a year for any development on sending it in (at my cost) but never got anywhere with them because of this 'wait till the next run mantra' I was annoyed by this as it is plain undyed unjigged bone, the simplest of replacements. Got fed up and gave it to someone on the forum who was desperate for the pattern-it had a very nice corset shield.

Seems as if the paragraph stating no warranty for any natural handles after they've been used (what does used mean, it could be just like left the factory) means they don't cover anything at all, so much for premium materials. CASE certainly offers better cover than this. I'll contact GEC and see what it will cost, but what with overseas postage and more customs duty I'm not holding any breath...:rolleyes:
 
Will Power said:
OK clarification: The Beer Scout is nearly three years old and has developed stress fractures in the past 6 months on both sides and not due to dropping or banging down at all!

The 73 got damaged by me, I waited a long time - over a year for any development on sending it in (at my cost) but never got anywhere with them because of this 'wait till the next run mantra' I was annoyed by this as it is plain undyed unjigged bone, the simplest of replacements. Got fed up and gave it to someone on the forum who was desperate for the pattern-it had a very nice corset shield.

Seems as if the paragraph stating no warranty for any natural handles after they've been used (what does used mean, it could be just like left the factory) means they don't cover anything at all, so much for premium materials. CASE certainly offers better cover than this. I'll contact GEC and see what it will cost, but what with overseas postage and more customs duty I'm not holding any breath...:rolleyes:
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Here's wishing you better luck on the beer scout. Seems you've had a bad run of luck with GEC's.
 
sitflyer said:
Wow, I missed it on first read, THREE YEARS! :edit:
So did you send it in, or have you been waiting for the OK to send it in? :end edit:

The beer scout looks like the pins for the spring were hammered in, probably has too much pin swell which stressed the bone...poor construction. If I had waited three years on a knife that still hasn't been repaired, I'd be looking at other options on getting the knife fixed, and also on future purchases... Good Luck to you.

GEC seems to be a boutique MFG for the drooling collectors. They make a fine product, but do have a quirky way about how they market them.
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Could you give examples of the quirky marketing? I've been seeing people report negative opinions on the rarity of GECs and somehow blaming marketing.
 
L.H.S said:
Could you give examples of the quirky marketing? I've been seeing people report negative opinions on the rarity of GECs and somehow blaming marketing.
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L.H.S said:
Could you give examples of the quirky marketing? I've been seeing people report negative opinions on the rarity of GECs and somehow blaming marketing.
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That's it right there. They make very limited numbers, a lot of times dealers have waiting lists and pre orders...by the time they hit the streets, most are already sold, or soon will be. I don't fault them for the way they run the production of their knives, by constantly changing and offering different patterns, materials etc. , they keep product going out the door. It's actually a brilliant plan, and what makes them interesting. as long as collectors are snapping them up. So yeah, a boutique manufacturer of collectible knives. That's kind of quirky, no?
 
sitflyer said:
That's it right there. They make very limited numbers, a lot of times dealers have waiting lists and pre orders...by the time they hit the streets, most are already sold, or soon will be. I don't fault them for the way they run the production of their knives, by constantly changing and offering different patterns, materials etc. , they keep product going out the door. It's actually a brilliant plan, and what makes them interesting. as long as collectors are snapping them up. So yeah, a boutique manufacturer of collectible knives. That's kind of quirky, no?
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Five patterns in yellow delrin ran 365 days a year - that would fix that. They would be broke, but it be a whole different set of folks calling them much worse names than "quirky". Problem solved.

I have talked to them at length, and it does bother them so that they are selling every knife they are making ;)

I guess there are a few people that collect Franklin Mint knives, but for the most part collectors buy knives because they have intrinsic value as knives - whether a Case, Benchmade, or GEC. Not that I agree whatsoever with the inference that all are being bought by collectors.
 
sitflyer said:
That's it right there. They make very limited numbers, a lot of times dealers have waiting lists and pre orders...by the time they hit the streets, most are already sold, or soon will be. I don't fault them for the way they run the production of their knives, by constantly changing and offering different patterns, materials etc. , they keep product going out the door. It's actually a brilliant plan, and what makes them interesting. as long as collectors are snapping them up. So yeah, a boutique manufacturer of collectible knives. That's kind of quirky, no?
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Some might disagree with that.
Quote taken from GEC website: "We have intentionally manufactured them for those individuals who need a tough and durable pocket knife to carry and use on a day to day basis"

Its 'funny' when people act like they are not running at full capacity, making every single knife they can make. What would you have them do?
 
knifeswapper said:
Five patterns in yellow delrin ran 365 days a year - that would fix that. They would be broke, but it be a whole different set of folks calling them much worse names than "quirky". Problem solved.

I have talked to them at length, and it does bother them so that they are selling every knife they are making ;)

I guess there are a few people that collect Franklin Mint knives, but for the most part collectors buy knives because they have intrinsic value as knives - whether a Case, Benchmade, or GEC. Not that I agree whatsoever with the inference that all are being bought by collectors.
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Funny, but I do totally agree with you on how it would play out if they followed that old business model, and I even said that is what makes them interesting, i both collect, and use GEC knives. Love 'em, they make a great product.
How long would they be open if the collectors stopped buying them? Perhaps I should say they are rather unique, instead of quirky, however, I don't attach a negative connotation when I say quirky...
 
Well, I wouldn't say I've been unlucky with GEC as I have several of their patterns. But I've got to question this' tough&durable product to use and carry' in the case of my Beer Scout, or should I say BS?:eek:;)

Maybe I should steer towards wood and mic as their bone is flaky?:D
 
Ramrodmb said:
Some might disagree with that.
Quote taken from GEC website: "We have intentionally manufactured them for those individuals who need a tough and durable pocket knife to carry and use on a day to day basis"

Its 'funny' when people act like they are not running at full capacity, making every single knife they can make. What would you have them do?
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I'd have them just keep doing what has made them a great company and brand, but if you break one...well, then it's kinda like you bought an old timey knife, and getting it fixed might not be all that easy if they don't have that one in the production schedule for some time coming...it is ...what it is.
 
Slabs broken by a customer. What is the common sense way for a factory to handle that?
A) Prepare one set of bone and dedicate a cutler for 3 hours to break down and repair the knife at a high cost to the customer?
B) Prepare one set of bone and break down the knife to be ran back thru the standard production line for economy of scale?
Even natural bone is oiled in much the same manner as a dye bath. It is not cut off the shin and slapped on a knife.

Slabs displaying pin cracks after 30 months of periodic use. What is the statute of limitations for natural materials to be warrantied per "factory defect"? I don't know and the factory would be the folks to answer that instead of me speculating on what their warranty covers. But I can take a 10 year old perfectly made knife and cause a pin crack without misuse. Is that the factory's responsibility as well. If a knife develops a pin crack after 15 years of normal use - is that the factory's responsibility? I don't know the answers, but at some point in time the natural components of a knife have to become the owners responsibility.
 
knifeswapper said:
Slabs broken by a customer. What is the common sense way for a factory to handle that?
A) Prepare one set of bone and dedicate a cutler for 3 hours to break down and repair the knife at a high cost to the customer?
B) Prepare one set of bone and break down the knife to be ran back thru the standard production line for economy of scale?
Even natural bone is oiled in much the same manner as a dye bath. It is not cut off the shin and slapped on a knife.

Slabs displaying pin cracks after 30 months of periodic use. What is the statute of limitations for natural materials to be warrantied per "factory defect"? I don't know and the factory would be the folks to answer that instead of me speculating on what their warranty covers. But I can take a 10 year old perfectly made knife and cause a pin crack without misuse. Is that the factory's responsibility as well. If a knife develops a pin crack after 15 years of normal use - is that the factory's responsibility? I don't know the answers, but at some point in time the natural components of a knife have to become the owners responsibility.
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Both good points, and well stated.
 
sitflyer said:
How long would they be open if the collectors stopped buying them? Perhaps I should say they are rather unique, instead of quirky, however, I don't attach a negative connotation when I say quirky...
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How long would any cutlery company be open if every person that required a knife - just needed one knife?

When I see "quirky" I think of my aunt that buys chocolate covered peanuts and just sucks the chocolate off then leaves the peanuts in a bowl for her guests.
 
Well, looks like we might need a pair of kid-gloves for handling them too...;) And I am aware that Ivory Bone is not just slapped on straight from the Cow or Bull..at least I hope not! ;) But it's an easier match than other bones.

I still think that after 10 years in production they might've built up a small stock of parts by now to cover some repair needs but that seems not to be the case.
 
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