I have a (GEC) jigging question ...

[Elgatodeacero]

I wish GEC would do this—-

 

[waynorth]

My GEC collection is rather small, but I've been around this place long enough to see hundreds if not thousands of fantastic examples of bone sided GEC knives... which brings me to my question.

The vintage fans among us have an affinity for the authentic Rogers bone style jigging patterns. It's peculiar that GEC's business model seems to be to bring back, improve or perhaps use old out of production patterns as the idea / foundation for their offerings .... but ... I haven't seen a very good attempt from GEC at trying their hand at recreating the more typical Rogers bone jigging patterns.

They don't even seem to use the typical modern jigging that everybody's familiar with that Case uses (there seems to be a conscious effort to avoid any jigging that remotely resembles modern Case jigging). I guess GEC likes to do their own thing when it comes to jigging. I just think their bone sided knives would be so much more visually appealing with a more vintage type jigging applied ... anybody have any thoughts or intel on why they don't go more vintage with their jigging ?

Designing a machine, and cutters to do a specific type of jigging, is a difficult task! If you wanted a painter to be as good as Salvador Dali (admittedly an acquired taste!) you would have to find both talent, and the desire to copy another, in one person! Then you'd have to dodge the slings and arrows of those who object on many grounds!!
Much better to appreciate the artistry of GEC in producing subtly improved old patterns! One must admit Bill has done better than most humans could do, to give us a world of outstanding traditionals in a dizzying array of choices! Never in the next two or three lifetimes will he exhaust all the possibilities of what could be produced!!
Taking inspiration from history is admirable, but exact duplication is nigh-on impossible!!

 

[JA5544]

When times weren't so hectic for GEC, Bill made me a small handful of Moose and Stockman knives with his version of Peachseed bone!
The year was 2011. The knives received a good response that led to more knives with similar jigging! Another request that came out well were the Sailors' rope knives who's handles were like some of the old time jigging. (will show later)View attachment 1270785

Every time I see these my mouth starts watering.

 

[kamagong]

Designing a machine, and cutters to do a specific type of jigging, is a difficult task! If you wanted a painter to be as good as Salvador Dali (admittedly an acquired taste!) you would have to find both talent, and the desire to copy another, in one person! Then you'd have to dodge the slings and arrows of those who object on many grounds!!
Much better to appreciate the artistry of GEC in producing subtly improved old patterns! One must admit Bill has done better than most humans could do, to give us a world of outstanding traditionals in a dizzying array of choices! Never in the next two or three lifetimes will he exhaust all the possibilities of what could be produced!!
Taking inspiration from history is admirable, but exact duplication is nigh-on impossible!!

Thanks for that insightful viewpoint Charlie.

Lost in this discussion of bone is an all too often ignored aspect -- namely color. Oh how I wish they offered covers with these beautiful butterscotch/caramel tones.

image by chuko

image by chuko​

 

[Markeologist]

Ponycut / horsecut is my favorite.

Antique amber 14s feel great in hand, just enough texture for a nice grip.

Charlie's beautiful jigged bone lambsfoot is similiar to the bone on the Navy knives. Bails hurt the Navy's popularity, like they seem to do on all GECs.

Throwing a pony cut TC out there is cheat'n...that is a very very lovely knife! You have some of the greatest 15s around!!

Exception to your thoughts on bails is the Beer Scout, they flew off of the shelves while the bail-less Crown Lifters languished for quite some time. I think it was the blade on the rope knives that held them back...I love them and the history behind the design...the exquisite jigging makes them all the better.