Is there a market for more GEC traditional knives with extra features?

Camillus

Camillus

Joined
Jun 3, 2015
Messages
2,119
The GEC #15 is a beautiful knife that clearly a lot of people have bought, notwithstanding the "Beer Scout Knife" label is a bit gimmicky/quirky/silly (depending on your point of view). Some people, like me, don't care much for the shield but like the knife enough to buy it all the same.

For my mind, the success of this pattern is down to the fact that this knife has a lot of personality and this gives it a lot of appeal compared to some of the other GEC patterns. Its obvious from just looking at this knife what its meant to be used for, and with all of its neat features its just a fun little knife that is going to do that job really well.

Would people like to see GEC produce knives with more 'personality' and distinctive features? Similar to a Camillus TL29, or Camillus Boy Scout knife? Or is that too much of a slippery slope given there are as many people that won't like them as people that will?

I haven't been following GEC production for long, but it doesn't seem that the #48 bird knife has sold well, and nor does it seem the Mako has found much interest. Is that due to the execution or is there not enough market for those style of knives?
 
I think the fish tail is a turn off. Also the length of the knife may put some off. I don't like long traditionals except for the Ben Hogan and Babylon Hill.

Mike
 
GEC has made something along the lines of TL29. I don't consider it gimmicky, and it fits in the definition of 'traditional' around here. Perhaps not for everyone:

 
Jumping from the other thread what I like about GEC is they pick up from classic patterns, at times with their own tweaks others spot on the original designs, and are making generally timeless products that never go out of style, that's their niche.

What I did not like about the "Beer Scout Knife" shield was first it's a knife so don't need to identify as such and generally "beer" is a bit gimmicky as it goes without saying you can open a beer with it (I actually don't drink beer)

Case makes 100's of themed knives all kinds of different collector series, Ford, Religious, Holiday themes, and that's their niche, I like Case knives and I like some of the themes and will collect them.

To me "Beer Scout Knife" jumps the fence into Case territory.

I buy/collect each brand individually for different reasons.

To me it would be like Filson making a new bag and labeling it "bird hunting bag"

Either way the pattern of the new beer scout and the bail is awesome great knife, always wanted one, so this was my chance, on the forums when they come up they sell within 15 mins sometimes

but honestly as soon as can get a similar #15 without "beer" on it am nabbing it and throwing the beer scout up for sale

And it will be a good deal as I like to use my knives so will have wear and tear as I have no idea where the tube and wax paper went :)
 
There's been quite a bit of interest for GEC to do a Scout Knife pattern - me among them.

I don't think the Mako is selling well do to it's size. It's more a throw in the tacklebox than pocket knife.

I do wish GEC would do another run of the #15 Electrician as I missed out.

The Beer Scout I have on the way is due in part to 2 reasons - I've been lusting after a knife in tortoiseshell, and the tongue-in-cheek humor of it.
 
I only buy knives that I like everything about, particularly at the GEC price point. They have had a number of knives that I might have bought but they added a "feature" that soured the deal for me. The Beer Scout knife had two of those features - the bail, and the shield. I would have loved the EO #15 2-blade in a chestnut jigged bone if it didn't have those features. For the Mako, it was the size and the fish-tail.

I never, ever need a bottle-opener on a pocket knife. However, the screwdriver can be useful. Since I carry a Victorinox SAK every day anyway, I have those two needs covered. I would actually prefer a 15 EO sheepsfoot+pen in a nice jigged bone, dual bolsters, and either no shield or at least not one that implies I drink all the time.

GEC makes what they make. I doubt they care at all whether I am interested in their knives. They seem to have no shortage of willing customers for whatever they turn out. When they happen to produce a knife that hits all of my buttons, I buy one. If not, I leave them for others who like those features.
 
Camillus said:
The GEC #15 is a beautiful knife that clearly a lot of people have bought, notwithstanding the "Beer Scout Knife" label is a bit gimmicky/quirky/silly (depending on your point of view). Some people, like me, don't care much for the shield but like the knife enough to buy it all the same.

I haven't been following GEC production for long, but it doesn't seem that the #48 bird knife has sold well, and nor does it seem the Mako has found much interest. Is that due to the execution or is there not enough market for those style of knives?
Click to expand...

Maybe the "Beer Scout Knife" logo is a bit "gimmicky/quirky/silly" as you say, but the guys and gals seem to like it and it is selling like hot cakes. I've got one coming myself.

As to the Mako, it's a very nice knife and a nice size - maybe a tad long for some. Here's mine.

Js34W7k.jpg


Now, what's not to like about that and they seem to be selling well at some dealers. Of course you'd have to know exactly how many were sent to each dealer and how many each dealer has sold to know just how well they're doing. Perhaps Bob (rma100) could give us some insight into the Mako sales.

There's a "Lets Talk GEC" thread running that has more info on the Mako and a "Beer Scout Knife" thread running that has more info on that knife. Both great threads.
 
Mako is classic am pretty sure that's an antique design, I debated it pretty hard , definitely a gentlemanly knife be a nice carry for suite and tie carry, end of the day was not totally into that fish tail.

But if he shield had on it "Gentleman's Suite Knife" that would be silly as is "Beer Scout Knife"

The design and potential uses for the knife speak for themselves is my only point why label it as such ?
 
I think that to some degree the more prominent billboard touches (wordy shields and etches, etc.) have to be aimed at those who will collect the knife and keep it as pristine as possible. The etch or shield on a knife has no bearing at all on its function as a tool, only on how it looks. While the Beer Scout may be considered rather gaudy for GEC on these points I don't think it's really making any ripples in the larger ocean of knives. There are other companies that make a lot of pieces that stand out like a flashing red clown nose. ;)
 
texasshipagent said:
but honestly as soon as can get a similar #15 without "beer" on it am nabbing it and throwing the beer scout up for sale.
Click to expand...

Did you see Mikes sfo of this knife that uses the shield that just says "scout" on it?

I have a Mako and I really feel it's one of those knives that has to be held to be appreciated.
 
What Bill Howard has accomplished is truly remarkable. They've come a long way but they also have a long way to go.

In my honest opinion, their best work has been the result of someone else whispering in Bill's ear. But I don't think that's the case with the "Beer Scout Knife". The association with "beer" may have come from Evan and other forum members but the rest was GEC's idea. I don't recall anyone asking for a large shield, fancy script, or a blade etch. Some of the original Scouts were selling for 2-3 times the original price and I bet they could even etch "BS" on the blades and they'd still sell... oh wait... they actually did it. ;)

I don't agree that these are "extra" features. Many of their other knives have etches and shields... most of them do. I think it's a matter of taste and choices and knowledge about old knives. And that's why I think the SFOs have been some of GECs best knives. I think the SFOs have also improved GEC as a whole.
 
Last edited:
I agree with Jake. GEC produced quality knives from the beginning, yet time and SFO's helped them steer their production towards patterns that sold (and sell) better.
Now, as for the extra features...it's pretty much a matter of taste. Some tools/implements have been added to slipjoints for very long, and I'm more than sure there are many people anxiously waiting for a GEC scout/camper knife. GEC seems to be doing better (at least considering their production numbers) compared to their first years, so their strategy seems to be working, be it etches or added tools or anything else :)
We'll see :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Modoc ED said:
...As to the Mako, it's a very nice knife and a nice size - maybe a tad long for some. Here's mine.

Js34W7k.jpg
...
Click to expand...

It's a beautiful knife. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about it. It's just not the right pattern for me. I wish they'd make some of the stock knives with the same combination of shield and jigged bone and plain or lined bolsters (not pinched or slanted).
 
jkulysses said:
Did you see Mikes sfo of this knife that uses the shield that just says "scout" on it?

I have a Mako and I really feel it's one of those knives that has to be held to be appreciated.
Click to expand...

No did not see Mikes SFO, but that's precisely my point to me the SFO would of been special run for GEC fanboys in the forums wanting a Beer Scout Knife where the production run could of stuck to just the traditional and more appropriate "Scout"

I any end up one day with a Mako can appreciate that knife
 
supratentorial said:
What Bill Howard has accomplished is truly remarkable. They've come a long way but they also have a long way to go.

In my honest opinion, their best work has been the result of someone else whispering in Bill's ear. But I don't think that's the case with the "Beer Scout Knife". The association with "beer" may have come from Evan and other forum members but the rest was GEC's idea. I don't recall anyone asking for a large shield, fancy script, or a blade etch. Some of the original Scouts were selling for 2-3 times the original price and I bet they could even etch "BS" on the blades and they'd still sell... oh wait... they actually did it. ;)

I don't agree that these are "extra" features. Many of their other knives have etches and shields... most of them do. I think it's a matter of taste and choices and knowledge about old knives. And that's why I think the SFOs have been some of GECs best knives. I think the SFOs have also improved GEC as a whole.
Click to expand...

I mean am I gonna pass down his knife to my little boy with "Beer" on it ? The type script is fine just "Beer" is objectionable
 
texasshipagent said:
I mean am I gonna pass down his knife to my little boy with "Beer" on it ? The type script is fine just "Beer" is objectionable
Click to expand...

Objectionable to you and some others. No need to buy one. Beer has been part of human culture for more than 7,000 years. It is legal in all 50 States to anyone over the age of 21.

153215CL%20sunbrite_zpstz4wxibx.jpg
 
Get him a bottle opener without 'beer' written on it then.Be aware that no matter what YOU think your son may think differently.
 
Really?? The word Beer is objectionable? Personally I find the original intended use of tacticools much more objectionable than the word Beer. Each to their own I guess.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top