Just ordered my first GEC

W

War Eagle

Joined
Jan 7, 2005
Messages
325
I just placed an order for my first "high end" traditional folder, a GEC Northfield Barlow with Snakewood handle. I'm not really into traditional knives as this is the first one of any kind I've bought in years. I'm usually a Benchmade or Spyderco guy but I saw this one and just had to give it a try. Anyway guys I know this thread is kinda pointless but I'm just pumped to get the knife. Any good GEC barlow thoughts are welcome. Thanks guys
 
Congrats! No barlows in my collection, but I think you will like yours. Pics when you get it if you can :)
 
I never was much for sub-3.5" knives but I love the GEC barlows. They have a husky feel despite being 3" and are perfect church/dress slacks pocketknives. I have three variations. Enjoy your new knife!
 
I have the Stag version and it is a little beast. Great walk + talk with strong snap.
 
I know I'm probably suppose to know this but like I said I've never been into "traditional" pocket knives so what does "walk and talk" mean? Also thanks for all the replies so far.
 
Welcome to the Traditional Forum. I think you'll be very much pleased with your choice. GEC makes some fantastic knives. "Walk" refers to how smoothly the blade opens and closes while "talk" is the snap the knife has when it fully engages the open position.
 
Congrats, a great choice for a first.:thumbup:
The barlow is a Beast, it disappears in the pocket, but with a good edge, it will handle anything and everything throw it's way. Tough and tight, thats my experience with the barlow, it goes and goes and goes.
 
richstag said:
The barlows have steel liners and pins right?
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From my shopping, some do, and some don't. The site I buy them from says which models are steel liners and bolsters.

I ordered a steel liner/bolster/stag Northfield barlow, and an all steel/bone sunfish from the same place.

I am so excited for Christmas!
 
Well I didn't know to check for that so I guess I'll find out when mine gets here next week. Does it really make that much difference in the quality of the knife? I'm still really excited to get it. Just in the last week I've seen so many traditional pocket knives that I think I would love to try. So many floating around out there it makes it so hard not to go on spending spree.
 
According to the GEC website, the 2011 Northfield Barlow has all steel liners & bolsters.
 
War Eagle said:
Does it really make that much difference in the quality of the knife?
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I would think that the all steel bolsters and liners would probably add a little strength to an already sturdy knife but I would probably never notice the difference.

The main difference is that the bolsters (and liners) will eventually take on a patina similar to that of the backsprings.
 
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Another very good variant of the GEC Barlow 25, is the single blade version and particularly, the EZ-Open knife.
Small they are but sturdy and very likeable with credible blades. I have the Spear/Longpull UNXLD and the Tidioute with Sheepfoot, wouldn't sell these or trade them!
Also have the Barlow 2blade UNXLD in Stag, boastful I know it sounds but this has Stag from another age,deep bark like going into the bolsters. The secondary Pen blade is a brute to get open though even though I like a tough spring.:eek:
 
Thanks for the info guys. I went back to the web site I ordered my knife from and it does say that this particular knife does have the all steel construction. Like I said the bug for some traditionals has really got me good right now and I haven't even received my first one yet. I've been looking at all sorts of GEC knives as my possible next purchase, I like the looks of the one blade 25 but also a few other models as well. I'll wait and see how I like the Barlow first then go from there. I'm sure this wont be my last GEC though.

willgoy, I've read about the springs on these knives being tough but I think I'm going to like that as well. Although I haven't gotten mine so I can't say for sure yet. I was looking at the stag handles myself but I'm really a wood guy so when I came across the snakewood handle I just had to pick it up. I do think I will get the burnt stag on my next GEC though, it looks very good in the pictures.
 
GECBarlowSnakewood.jpg


Ok this is my first time posting pics so I hope I did it correctly. Anyway got the knife today and it is everything you all told me it would be. Great fit and finish. The wood is very nice, it is the best traditional knife I've ever personally seen. I know this won't be my last GEC. Now my only problem is trying to decide which one to get next. I'm thinking a model 72 lockback. I know you also told me how "stiff" the springs on these things are but man you can't really know until you've tried one. The main blade is a real pain to open. Anyway guys sorry for the bad pic, cell phone is all I have right now.
 
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Great looking barlow!! A 72 lockback would have almost no pull compared to it.
 
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