Lets talk GEC!

Although I added a bunch of 35 and 74 frames this year, this is still my all time favorite GEC. Despite the frenzy surrounding GEC drops this year, I've been able to add a bunch of great knives to my collection. Still, when I don't know which knife to stick in my pocket for the day, I know I can't go wrong with this one ...
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AnW said:
Although I added a bunch of 35 and 74 frames this year, this is still my all time favorite GEC. Despite the frenzy surrounding GEC drops this year, I've been able to add a bunch of great knives to my collection. Still, when I don't know which knife to stick in my pocket for the day, I know I can't go wrong with this one ...
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Indeed can't go wrong with that one.
 
I missed out on the early reserves for all of the 74s and fully intended to skip the drop completely. Then this happened ...
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I guess the moral of the story is don't ever give up - only one of these is from the secondary market. Turns out, this pattern checks a lot of boxes for me and I carry the Micarta and the Black Plum fairly often. I also missed out on the reserves for the 47s, and while I don't intend to try to get all the cover options I hope to land one or two. If I miss out, I guess I don't have much room to complain. I do hope the frenzy eases up in 2021 but I'm not sure I believe it will.
 
Jiki said:
@mbkr you inspired my carry today. After all we are baking cookies today and I am in charge of cutting the butter. Everyone knows the precision of the butter cuts is the most important for a good Christmas cookie.
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Of course it is, and it looks like you are going to do it in style!
 
JohnDF said:
Thank you. :)
I wrestle with that same issue. I'd love to pick just one to carry every day for years and watch it age and bond with it completely. But alas my wandering eye gets the best of me each time i try it.
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I carried this one from 1961 into 2001 because I never had the need or time or the money to get another knife .

Then in 2014 I started collecting Barlows and then I discovered GEC and Northfield 77 Barlows . Today I have enough GEC knives but tomorrow they may make more Stag that I like . This is picture is from 2018 . And there are people out there who have mannnny more than this . I CAN STOP ANYTIME ???? There are other brands to buy , but I prefer Northfields from GEC .



Harry
 
Leslie Tomville said:
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I hope no one ends a relationship with a company that makes knives like these just because they are hard to get. The very reason GEC knives are difficult to obtain is because they are so darn nice. There are other brands that I like quite a bit, but there is no doubt in my mind that GEC is making the best and most beautiful knives available today. You would only be hurting yourself to pass on them.

I view it as a positive that they are valuable and highly sought after. Isn’t is a good thing to buy something that immediately appreciates in value?

It is not as hard to get these knives as some seem to think, and not nearly as time consuming. Just take a few minutes to beef up on your computer skills, keep somewhat abreast of what’s happening, and take the time to develop a relationship with one or two dealers and make a few friends on the Porch. It only takes a little effort. I have the computer skills of someone my age, over 60. I have a full time job, a family, and lots of animals to take care of. Yet, I am still successful at least 50% of the time. That’s good enough for me. I do not need every variation of every pattern. They are like buses, (or street cars in New Orleans), if you miss one, another one will come along soon enough.

Yes, they cost more. But I would rather have fewer really nice knives than a larger number of inferior knives. One great advantage of GEC is the ability to easily sell them without losing money. That allows me to try new knives without having to retain a huge expensive inventory. I never have more than 20 at any given time. I have taken a beating selling very nice knives of other brands just because no one really wants them.

And of course, if you find the aftermarket prices offensive, there is a simple solution; don’t go there. I primarily buy retail from reputable dealers. All of GEC’s patterns will roll around again sooner or later. There is no need to go to the secondary market.

It is disappointing to see so many people become disillusioned with GEC. However, a pretty girlfriend can be expensive, time consuming, and a bit difficult. To me, that is worth putting up with to avoid the alternative. ( Unless you agree with the song lyrics, “if you wanna be happy for the rest of your life never make a pretty woman your wife....)

I am willing to help anyone who is having difficulty with new releases. Simply send me a message. In others words, if I can do it, ANYONE can. When I started collecting a few years ago, I thought I would never figure it out, but it is not that difficult if you put in a small amount of effort. The rewards are worth it.
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Lander boy Matt said:
If this #82 was my only slipjoint i think I would be just fine. Between this and my #92 have been my favorites since they were purchased.View attachment 1467828
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Beautifully put. The "difficulty" attaining them, at least for me, makes collecting them a more fleshed out hobby. If they were more widely available I don't think I'd enjoy collecting them as much. My favorite part about adding to my collection is "the hunt." Pour a drink, youtube reviews on the pattern in the background, and multiple tabs open, scouring the web. When you finally come across the right pattern it makes the experience more worth while and almost more intimate when you actually acquire the knife. It also forces more time in between purchases, which is better for the bank account.
 
Another vote for the #29. I hate to say favorite, but it has been carried the most.
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When I think about what other GEC might be coming up, and if I want to try to get one, I start to think I'd rather keep an eye out for a spare #29. Maybe in wood covers...
 
JohnDF said:
That's what I'm talking about... you and that knife probably have many stories to tell together. :cool::thumbsup:
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Thanks for the kind comments John .
Yes !!! It has cleaned a lot of rabbits , squirrels , and quail and then went to a lot of places with me . As an engineer for a large construction and agriculture equipment company , it was called on to do a lot of stuff , both in this country and others . Some day , that knife will probably go to one of my Great Grandsons .
So , which of the GEC's is your favorite of having or Would Like To Have ?????????????

Harry
 
Old Engineer said:
So , which of the GEC's is your favorite of having or Would Like To Have ?????????????
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Wonderful history between you and that knife. :cool::thumbsup:
If pressed really hard, I'd say the #66 Jack would be my pick for the "one knife".
I really like the #76 Jack but the Clip Blade needs to be re-profiled to get rid of so much belly and bring the point into action. Then it would be my all-time favorite.

 
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JohnDF said:
Wonderful history between you and that knife. :cool::thumbsup:
If pressed really hard, I'd say the #66 Jack would be my pick for the "one knife".
I really like the #76 Jack but the Clip Blade needs to be re-profiled to get rid of so much belly and bring the point into action. Then it would be my all-time favorite.

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Those are nice looking knives John !!! I also prefer Jacks , but I do not have either one of them . Carry them in good health my friend .

Harry
 
Went to the factory during my vacation slash bear camp slash deer camp trip. Lol. Picked up a pioneer and belt sheath. I am loving the crap out of this knife. Great size for me too. Very robust but still does fine tasks well. Love it. Also picked up a paring knife in white handle for my girlfriend to inspire her. Lol. Also got one for camp kitchen duty.
 
The pioneer is basically same size as a Buck 110 but a drop point and much lighter. I like I can open the 110 one handed but other than that I like the pioneer much better. The balance and weight are very nice in the hand.
 
r8shell said:
Another vote for the #29. I hate to say favorite, but it has been carried the most.
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When I think about what other GEC might be coming up, and if I want to try to get one, I start to think I'd rather keep an eye out for a spare #29. Maybe in wood covers...
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Can't argue with that. My 29 in stag may be my most carried knife of 2020. Great tool.
 
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