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

[22-rimfire]

Would love to see GEC make a scout knife similar to the Tuna Valley one, but at a lower price point. If I recall, it was $400. The Beer Scout knife name has zero appeal to me.

 

[JSutter]

The GEC #15 is a beautiful knife that clearly a lot of people have bought,

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

Would people like to see GEC produce knives with more 'personality' and distinctive features?

To answer the question, yes.
I have bought some #15's and not others. Same as every other thing I spend my money on.

What brand and model car (pickup, SUV, etc) do I buy. What extras? What kind of store bought bread do I bring home? A house with attached garage - is the garage in front or towards the rear? Ice cream? Politics and religion? Etc....

GEC will decide for themselves what to sell or not, and I will decide how to spend my money - which is exactly what the USA is all about.

 

[supratentorial]

Here you go , a gift from Charlie.

Best regards

Robin

Nice tool kit knife, Robin.

I bet it would fit on the 53 pattern.

 

[MerryMadMonk]

With GEC, there's potentially something for just about everyone. In this small sample, alone, you'll find:

- Regular Jack, Barlow, Sleeveboard Jack, Congress Jack, Crown Jack, Fishtail Jack, Sway Back Jack, Swell End Jack, Equal End Jack, Harness Jack, Serpentine Jack, Slim Serpentine Jack, Figural Jack, Eureka Jack, Easy Open Jack, Stockman, Congress, Congress Pen, Sleeveboard Whittler, Wharncliffe Whittler, Large Trapper, Farmer's Clasp... I may have missed a couple

- Smooth Cattle Bone, Jigged Cattle Bone, Sawcut Cattle Bone, Natural Stag, Genuine Stag, Burnt Stag, Smooth Polished Stag, Elephant Ivory, Mammoth Ivory, Camel Bone, Gabon Ebony, Ivory Micarta, Delrin.

- Clip Point, Spear, Wharncliffe, Sheepsfoot, "Bohncliffe", Skinner master blades... with Pen, Coping, Spey, Punch, Caplifter secondaries.

- Cut Swedges, Drawn Swedges, Nail Nicks, Long Pulls, Long Long Pulls, Short Long Pulls, Square Tangs, Cam Tangs, Highly Polsihed Blades, Satin Polished Blades, Blades with Heat Treat Remnants.

- Smooth Bolsters, Pinched Bolsters, Threaded Bolsters, Stamped Bolsters, Long Bolsters, Squared Bolsters, Rounded Bolsters, Flat Bolsters, No Bolsters... and even a Bolster That Is Also A Caplifter!

- Brass, Steel and Nickel Silver Liners and Pins and a variety of Shields.

To me, they are all brimming with personality... but that's just me.

Depending on individual tastes, the best may already be in your pocket/collection or on a dealer's shelf or on the exchange or... yet to be made.

At any rate, these are exciting times for traditional pocket knife enthusiasts, IMHO.

 

[Will Power]

Actually, I like my original Scout without any extras thanks

I does now carry patina as an optional feature......

 

[Jack Black]

Interesting knives guys :thumbup:

 

[singin50]

With GEC, there's potentially something for just about everyone. In this small sample, alone, you'll find:

- Regular Jack, Barlow, Sleeveboard Jack, Congress Jack, Crown Jack, Fishtail Jack, Sway Back Jack, Swell End Jack, Equal End Jack, Harness Jack, Serpentine Jack, Slim Serpentine Jack, Figural Jack, Eureka Jack, Easy Open Jack, Stockman, Congress, Congress Pen, Sleeveboard Whittler, Wharncliffe Whittler, Large Trapper, Farmer's Clasp... I may have missed a couple

- Smooth Cattle Bone, Jigged Cattle Bone, Sawcut Cattle Bone, Natural Stag, Genuine Stag, Burnt Stag, Smooth Polished Stag, Elephant Ivory, Mammoth Ivory, Camel Bone, Gabon Ebony, Ivory Micarta, Delrin.

- Clip Point, Spear, Wharncliffe, Sheepsfoot, "Bohncliffe", Skinner master blades... with Pen, Coping, Spey, Punch, Caplifter secondaries.

- Cut Swedges, Drawn Swedges, Nail Nicks, Long Pulls, Long Long Pulls, Short Long Pulls, Square Tangs, Cam Tangs, Highly Polsihed Blades, Satin Polished Blades, Blades with Heat Treat Remnants.

- Smooth Bolsters, Pinched Bolsters, Threaded Bolsters, Stamped Bolsters, Long Bolsters, Squared Bolsters, Rounded Bolsters, Flat Bolsters, No Bolsters... and even a Bolster That Is Also A Caplifter!

- Brass, Steel and Nickel Silver Liners and Pins and a variety of Shields.

To me, they are all brimming with personality... but that's just me.

Depending on individual tastes, the best may already be in your pocket/collection or on a dealer's shelf or on the exchange or... yet to be made.

At any rate, these are exciting times for traditional pocket knife enthusiasts, IMHO.

Exactly, well stated and illustrated, AL! The Beer Scout Knife is indeed a gimmick knife, it's supposed to be! That's the whole point.

 

[MerryMadMonk]

Thanks, Perry. I smile every time I see a Beer Scout Knife... fun stuff!

 

[rma100]

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.

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.

First let me say that the Fish Tail pattern is a very old, very traditional pattern. Sargents "Knives and Razors" 7th Edition has it going back to at LEAST the WR Case & SON tang stamp. Circa 1903-1904? Many of the switchblades of the 40's and 50's were based on this pattern, including many from Case. As to the 63 Mako, it seems to have a certain popularity. I think the popularity lies more for the non-collecting user than for the serious "Forum" type collector. It has been popular in other venues. Not every knife made, even by GEC, can be a TC Barlow or a Beer Scout. Having said that, the 63 Mako by GEC is a Fine pocket Knife, and a fine Fish Knife. What a great clip blade!

Possibly a Beer Fish?

 

[texasshipagent]

I have debated buying the Mako hard I agree it has a really cool period feel to it, think would be a very classy knife for more dressy gentleman carry, would look great with cuff links, a suit, nice watch and fountain pen

 

[Old Engineer]

As many other people have pointed out , GEC makes many patterns and many options.Some I like and some I don't.On some patterns , I like shields and some I do not. I buy only what I like and do not buy what I do not like. I have never followed like a sheep and I do not think that many people on this thread do. If we would look at all the production numbers at the end of the year , I doubt that we would see that GEC's business was swayed much by the addition of a Beer Scout.They are making some quantity and they are selling them all . Just look at it as a Market Test.

Harry

 

[singin50]

Very true Harry! And considering the Mako, my opinion is that it is a very well made and durable knife. So much more than its predecessors!

 

[singin50]

Hey AL, I would love to see a closeup of that stunning Fremont Jack in mammoth Ivory! Just unbelievable!:thumbup:

 

[meako]

It has been interesting on a couple levels for me anyway. One is how quickly we as a group jump to the defence of GEC when a challenge is issued or perceived-and that's good.
Also TSA has answered the debate in a reasonable manner. I appreciate that. I appreciate other peoples views although sometimes struggle to understand them (not in this case though -just to clarify).
The whole caplifter thing is strange to me because I drink beer and have noticed the virtual extinction of crown seals on beer bottles in the last few years. I can't remember the last bottle of wine I uncorked either. It's OK because I have a trusty supplier -when I feel like using my BF 2011? was it with its cap lifter I simply go get a case of some Serbian or Croatian brew from the bottlo. The sad part is that it is better and cheaper than most of the mainstream Aussie beer. Finding pop bottles that need an opener would be a challenge and though there are some available they are expensive imports.
Beer is probably a healthier option than that stuff that used to be made of Coca.

 

[TinyDog]

Forgive me, if you don't care what I say. I have no beef here. This said I am a true supporter of GEC Knives. initially they produced exactly what the company was about. Today, not so much, they have fell into what I will call the CASE MENTALLITY. I am not happy with, this, I suspect as many others who are not so vocal. GEC Have the means to do exactly what they set out to do..... Original or the best interpretation of traditional knive patterns as we al know them. They did well initially IMO, However it seems that the million handle materials, with the million blades styles are ok now... Sorry I am not alone, not bashing, but this is exactly what it is. Look at the recent releases. As a GEC Fan, I am much as others in close communication very disappointed.

 

[r8shell]

It has been interesting on a couple levels for me anyway. One is how quickly we as a group jump to the defence of GEC when a challenge is issued or perceived-and that's good.
Also TSA has answered the debate in a reasonable manner. I appreciate that. I appreciate other peoples views although sometimes struggle to understand them (not in this case though -just to clarify).
The whole caplifter thing is strange to me because I drink beer and have noticed the virtual extinction of crown seals on beer bottles in the last few years. I can't remember the last bottle of wine I uncorked either. It's OK because I have a trusty supplier -when I feel like using my BF 2011? was it with its cap lifter I simply go get a case of some Serbian or Croatian brew from the bottlo. The sad part is that it is better and cheaper than most of the mainstream Aussie beer. Finding pop bottles that need an opener would be a challenge and though there are some available they are expensive imports.
Beer is probably a healthier option than that stuff that used to be made of Coca.

I encounter bottles that need an opener pretty often. I think someone upthread mentioned Mexican Cokes, Jarritos and Topo Chico soft drinks. And a Dos Equis Lager sounds pretty good right about now. :thumbup: It might depend on where you live.

In truth, I probably use the caplifter/screwdriver most often to pry open split rings. You know, those things on keychains and the cat's collar tags that she's always losing? Also, opening pistachios. It's another of those tools you can use instead of messing up your good blade edge or breaking a thumbnail.

And while we're on the subject. Y'all got your Beer Scout, When do I get my PunchNut?

 

[rma100]

Forgive me, if you don't care what I say. I have no beef here. This said I am a true supporter of GEC Knives. initially they produced exactly what the company was about. Today, not so much, they have fell into what I will call the CASE MENTALLITY. I am not happy with, this, I suspect as many others who are not so vocal. GEC Have the means to do exactly what they set out to do..... Original or the best interpretation of traditional knive patterns as we al know them. They did well initially IMO, However it seems that the million handle materials, with the million blades styles are ok now... Sorry I am not alone, not bashing, but this is exactly what it is. Look at the recent releases. As a GEC Fan, I am much as others in close communication very disappointed.[/QUOTE


GEC hasn't made a million knives in the 9 years they've been in business.

 

[Modoc ED]

Thanks for your insight posted above Bob. I almost went with the second blade when I got mine but decided I liked it better with just the clip blade.

 

[thawk]

Forgive me, if you don't care what I say. I have no beef here. This said I am a true supporter of GEC Knives. initially they produced exactly what the company was about. Today, not so much, they have fell into what I will call the CASE MENTALLITY. I am not happy with, this, I suspect as many others who are not so vocal. GEC Have the means to do exactly what they set out to do..... Original or the best interpretation of traditional knive patterns as we al know them. They did well initially IMO, However it seems that the million handle materials, with the million blades styles are ok now... Sorry I am not alone, not bashing, but this is exactly what it is. Look at the recent releases. As a GEC Fan, I am much as others in close communication very disappointed.

RMA100 posted:
GEC hasn't made a million knives in the 9 years they've been in business.

So everyone can see who said what. Use the preview before you post...

 

[Camillus]

For me personally, the bail or lanyard hole is a major improvement that allows the knife to be carried or used in a far more functional way. I also like the easy open notch that allows a pinch open.

I would probably buy a GEC knife that offered scissors (e.g. a #22 pattern ) and I think, carry it all the time on a key ring.

I think the beer scout also has appeal because knives with bottle openers are perceived as more legitimate and less likely to arouse concern in public. Even though, like others, I don't use a bottle opener often anymore. Most beers I drink are now screw open caps.

I wonder if a clam packet opener or Phillips screwdriver is too modern for GEC? These are both far more useful than a fish scaler or a can opener, but are they an accepted part of the knife tradition that GEC is part of? I think not.