Lets talk GEC!

[Danke42]

One knife each. In store pickup and photo ID only. $1000 security deposit in gold coins. Have to send a photo of you and the knife in every year or they cash your deposit.

More to follow.

 

[KnifeandEasy]

When I read your post I really liked the idea. As I think thru it I can tell you that it would be ripe for cheaters. Even the random draw with very clear rules attracts those that would cheat the system. The "one per household" is very hard to police; especially across drops. Flippers would have several email addresses and be careful to not use more than one on each drop so the shipping address wouldn't get flagged. It could be developed to be less prone to cheating; but there are other small issues. People would camp out at the top of the list so that you had to include them in every offer for a year until something finally came up that they wanted.

I do appreciate the post as it gives me something to think about. But I genuinely believe an increased production per cover will solve most of the problems and that sounds like Bill's plan going forward.

Appreciate your thoughts Mike. I agree, there would be people who camp at the top. That would definitely translate to more work and delayed sales on the dealers behalf for less desirable runs and that could get frustrating.
I agree with your solution as well and hope to see it happen, as that would make everyone happy!

 

[bbfish]

When I read your post I really liked the idea. As I think thru it I can tell you that it would be ripe for cheaters. Even the random draw with very clear rules attracts those that would cheat the system. The "one per household" is very hard to police; especially across drops. Flippers would have several email addresses and be careful to not use more than one on each drop so the shipping address wouldn't get flagged. It could be developed to be less prone to cheating; but there are other small issues. People would camp out at the top of the list so that you had to include them in every offer for a year until something finally came up that they wanted.

I do appreciate the post as it gives me something to think about. But I genuinely believe an increased production per cover will solve most of the problems and that sounds like Bill's plan going forward.

That’s great news about increasing production per cover. Any idea what the numbers on the newly announced production schedules might be?

 

[bbfish]

When I read your post I really liked the idea. As I think thru it I can tell you that it would be ripe for cheaters. Even the random draw with very clear rules attracts those that would cheat the system. The "one per household" is very hard to police; especially across drops. Flippers would have several email addresses and be careful to not use more than one on each drop so the shipping address wouldn't get flagged. It could be developed to be less prone to cheating; but there are other small issues. People would camp out at the top of the list so that you had to include them in every offer for a year until something finally came up that they wanted.

I do appreciate the post as it gives me something to think about. But I genuinely believe an increased production per cover will solve most of the problems and that sounds like Bill's plan going forward.

That’s great news about increasing production per cover. Any idea what the numbers on the newly announced production schedules might be?

 

[TexasTomcat]

The availability issue arises every single new run, not every few years!

GEC has been at max capacity for at least 3 years, and demand continues to go up but the factory seems really maxed out around 20k knives per year. A nearly maxed out production line is just about perfect in real life.

I started enjoying GEC knives around 2017, and back then you could go to all the dealer websites and literally pick a pattern and a cover (often the exact knife with each being pictured separately) with complete leisure.

I remember seeing the two blade 14’s from 2016 in many covers at many dealer sites and thinking it would be fun to buy one of those, then getting it and realizing it was a lovely knife so back to the dealer site a week or two later to try the red one or the ebony version.

My very first GEC was a 78 that I bought on a whim as a gift and as soon as I checked it out before wrapping it I was blown away by how cool it was.

And the stag! So many different stag patterns collecting dust, I ordered more old patterns than new runs back in 2017. I faintly recall checking out dozens of stag knives of each pattern on multiple dealer websites before choosing one I wanted- so much fun I should have just bought everything.

The good old days are loooong gone, but GEC has found its sure footing and Bill Howard and the whole team deserve their success. The fact that GEC recovered so quickly from the forced shutdowns tells me Bill H. is a very skilled businessman as well as knife maker. Only 14 long years to be an overnight success!

Collectors usually want one of every knife pattern and every cover, but now you have to accept you may be lucky to get a single copy of a pattern instead of each cover.

I am coping with this by ignoring all micarta knives and all non-GEC branded knives. During 2020 I decided to sell all my micarta knives, and a few other categories to narrow my collection (can’t let the Maher & Grosch knives go).

People that have been GEC fans for years have seen this crazy increase in customer base, and we are spoiled by the reality that you can buy a Buck 110 in 20 variations any day of the week, but a GEC pattern will only come around once every few years and maybe never again.

I don’t think GEC should do anything different. Just keep making your 20k knives and switching up the patterns, covers, pulls, blades, etc. Maybe raise the wholesale price 10 bucks per knife for the coming inflation.

GEC should ignore the complainers and just keep doing it the way they do.

Except they gotta bring back UnXLD shields on stag.

And maybe now we can all finally admit GEC collecting is war.
@onearmedbladenut had an open and sincere honesty about all this that I will miss. I hope he returns soon.

Not to mention some of you are kinda cranky and opinionated, so get off my lawn.

Here is the first GEC I bought for myself - still one of my favorites.
View attachment 1495784
View attachment 1495785

"...some of you are kinda cranky and opinionated, so get off my lawn!" Now THAT's funny and fitting after reading pages and pages of this discussion !! (....and a great movie.)

 

[btb01]

I'd really like to see a Barlow in a larger pattern size, along the lines of a 44. Make it a clip point and in a good sized run so the average GEC fan could get it easily. And since I'm wishing give it a half stop and a long pull instead of a nail nick.

Are you sure you mean the #44? GEC lists both as 3 1/2” closed length. Comparing two of mine, I’d say the #44 is actually about 1/8” longer than the #15, and of course it’s a bit broader at the butt end, but it’s essentially the same size (and certainly smaller than, say, the #77 Barlow).

 

[Chief]

What in the world are you talking about?

After looking closer at your avatar, realized it is not my photo. Very close but not mine, I apologize for that mistake. Did you take it?

Never said GEC was in the "Fix all the problems inherent in a capitalist system" business that you quoted. Don't try to put words in my mouth. GEC is responsible for GEC's (mis)management. If you are satisfied with GEC's current distribution system, my opinion is you are in a small minority.

 

[Lander boy Matt]

IMO we are lucky GEC is making knives at all given the situation we've all had to endure in the past year. I suppose I dont take this hobby as serious as some, and its starting to feel like a blessing! My hope is simply that they can continue to do what's best for GEC. The #44 is a great knife, think it maybe time to insert it into the rotation.

 

[EngrSorenson]

After working on nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles for over 24 years _and_ being a knife dealer for several years ... selling and shipping knives isn't rocket science and doesn't require "1000" rules.

I wouldn’t crap on Mike- he’s a very respected knife guy who for some reason elected to get into the knife business and doesn’t spike the prices when it’s trendy.

I’m looking forward to seeing your knife company.

 

[Chief]

EngrSorenson who invited you to stick up for Mike? FYI, I was a Microtech Certified Dealer 20 years ago with a link to my website on their web site. Sold hundreds of them here and paid to advertise on Bladeforums and Knifeforums. Am retired three times with over six figures income yearly, running a knife company is below me. Don't crap on me.

 

[skx013k2]

I’ve been looking for my first GEC over the last few months without any luck. Why am I looking? Made in the state I live in, old school, non tactical, *and I want to actually use the knife*.

My impression is that last part is what is going to cause me to move to another brand. I’m not a collector so I’m quickly losing interest with the crazy process of acquiring a GEC. I’m also starting to think I’d feel odd actually using a knife that is valued like a rare commodity.

Question for the group - will this ultimately hurt GEC as their customer base will likely remain a small group of collectors (with that small group buying a lot of knives individually), but they will be unlikely to expand their base because of lack of supply and more importantly lack of interest in the purchasing process for newbies?

EDIT: I still think they are great knifes and would love to own one. Just rambling I guess.

 

[solphilos]

IMO we are lucky GEC is making knives at all given the situation we've all had to endure in the past year. I suppose I dont take this hobby as serious as some, and its starting to feel like a blessing! My hope is simply that they can continue to do what's best for GEC. The #44 is a great knife, think it maybe time to insert it into the rotation. View attachment 1495878

Absolutely. I might miss out on most of their new releases but am happy that they are being kept in business. This past year has been hard on everyone and I won’t pretend to understand their situation, or that of the dealers. I’m grateful to own what I have and will absolutely continue to pursue them, but if I miss out, oh well. It’s just a hobby after all.

 

[JohnDF]

Just curious, since I'm out of the GEC game and haven't been keeping track...
Of the ~20 GEC dealers, how many of them had actual drops for the TC Barlows?

 

[Fixall]

I’ve been looking for my first GEC over the last few months without any luck. Why am I looking? Made in the state I live in, old school, non tactical, *and I want to actually use the knife*.

My impression is that last part is what is going to cause me to move to another brand. I’m not a collector so I’m quickly losing interest with the crazy process of acquiring a GEC. I’m also starting to think I’d feel odd actually using a knife that is valued like a rare commodity.

Question for the group - will this ultimately hurt GEC as their customer base will likely remain a small group of collectors (with that small group buying a lot of knives individually), but they will be unlikely to expand their base because of lack or supply and more importantly lack of interest in the purchasing process for newbies?

There is a page on the GEC website listing all of their dealers.

What is it your having trouble finding in a GEC dealer? DLT trading and Collector Knives are two absolutely fantastic ones I can think of off the top of my head. DLT does drops with email notifications sent out when it happens and they don’t gouge. Collector Knives has an phenomenal app notification with early reserves and drawing for the more in demand models, and they also don’t partake in gouging.

There are other dealers that you email or call the moment you hear about a drop to be out on the reserve list. You’re not likely to find a dealer that will put your name on the list automatically for every drop unless without calling, unless you intend to buy literally every GEC model that is released. Their list would be several thousand names long if they were to do that.

 

[EngrSorenson]

EngrSorenson who invited you to stick up for Mike? FYI, I was a Microtech Certified Dealer 20 years ago with a link to my website on their web site. Sold hundreds of them here and paid to advertise on Bladeforums and Knifeforums. Am retired three times with over six figures income yearly, running a knife company is below me. Don't crap on me.

I wasn’t referring to a distribution company, I mean a knife company. Clearly you’ve got some credentials: warheads, military background, money, a successful knife distribution business. If you’ve got a better idea of how GEC can run their business model, then I suggest you go for it.

in the mean time while you’re doing that the rest of us will discuss our GECs.

 

[t.willy]

Sorry. I wasn't thinking about the rules agents talking about the buying of the knives. ✌

 

[knife_fan]

Just curious, since I'm out of the GEC game and haven't been keeping track...
Of the ~20 GEC dealers, how many of them had actual drops for the TC Barlows?

Only nine of the GEC dealers get an allotment of Charlie's SFO knives. Seven of them are in the US, and two are in Europe. Of the seven dealers in the US, I believe three dealers did drops, and Mike did a lottery. The rest supposedly took reservations, but people are finding out some of them are flipping them on the bay.

 

[EngrSorenson]

Yeah I remember coming around in 2015 and there were #25 Barlows at nearly every GEC Dealer along with #78's and my all time favorite The #16 Canoe. (Witch is long over due for another run if anybody from GEC might be listening lol)

my deepest regret is that I wasn’t aware of GEC in time to snag one of those #25’s.

 

[Chief]

S skx013k2 if you are close enough to the factory to make the trip, many folks are reporting success buying current production knives in person. Which pattern are you looking for? Maybe I can help.

EngrSorenson to clarify, I'm retired and very happy that way. Wouldn't work for GEC nor anyone else for any amount, my taxes already go up every year. It's simple. Sell direct to customers. Not rocket science.

 

[solphilos]

I’m also starting to think I’d feel odd actually using a knife that is valued like a rare commodity.

That’s a real possibility. I have a 5 GECs and use them all with the exception of the new TC Barlow. I bought it to use, but now that they are fetching $400+ on the secondary market I am hesitant.
I have no plans to sell it but that makes it real hard to drop it in my pocket.