Lets talk GEC!

[JohnDF]

Lol...

 

[Ramrodmb]

But it sounds like they're doing something to the shield, so it won't stay like that. Thank goodness, because the rest of the knife looks great.

I don't see them doing anything to the shield after the fact but I guess stranger things have happened.

 

[JTB_5]

The shield probably goes with the "English Whittler" name. It could be an English shield, i.e. coat of arms. Maybe they'll etch the "Royal arms of England" on it?

 

[akaMatt]

Be kinda funny if the shields had a protective film on them in those pics, so they just look blank but are already engraved/stamped. Just to cause a stir. Gotta think they won’t leave like that...

 

[JohnDF]

About the new tombstone shield...
GEC got tired of everybody complaining about their shields,
so now each knife will come with a variety of stickers to decorate the shield as they see fit.

 

[Wharn]

I’m not sure there’s much point in selecting “notify” any more (unless you’d like the to be notified that they all sold out to the folks who selected “sure.”)

Yeah I fully understood when I did it there was no point.

At first glance I wasn’t 100% thrilled with the 38 announcement so when I got the notification I just selected notify, figuring I would leave space for someone else that actually wanted it more.

 

[traumkommode]

I don't see them doing anything to the shield after the fact but I guess stranger things have happened.

I didn't either and my heart sank at first when I saw it, but then this post happened.

 

[Jiki]

Oh, GEC is doing something different....

 

[JB in LV]

I’d love a GEC funeral knife, just leave the headstone shield blank and I’ll have it etched in (hopefully much) later.

 

[Pàdruig]

Oh, GEC is doing something different....

Honestly, I am not sure why folks would be surprised at this point. GEC has demonstrated in the last year or so that they are completely unconcerned with doing new and even quirky things (i.e. B&S, Hipster Jack, bottle shields...). I think it demonstrates that Bill is doing what he set out to do - making the knives that he wants to make.

Doesn't keep us from having strong opinions, however. The new shield on the 38 has me curious - as it looks in the production pics, it looks unfinished. If they are leaving it as is, I think it clashes with the sinuous nature of the pattern. Even if they do etch or engrave it, I still think it doesn't quite jive but we shall see.

 

[Peregrin]

This has been posted elsewhere, but thought it should be in the GEC thread as well.

FINALLY!! With the most gracious help of Mike Latham (knifeswapper), this week I added the last two pieces to my GEC #53 Cuban Stockman collection. Thirteen years it took me to gather up one each of the 53 different handle variations, many of which were only made in single digits. The knives are displayed from top down and then by columns, in the same order as they are listed in the GEC production totals.

2007

2008

2011

Thank you again, Mike, you've made me very happy to achieve such a long-term goal.

That's really impressive, Jeff! Congratulations!

 

[tstaut]

This shield, upside-down, would be perfect for a GEC coffin jack!

 

[Pàdruig]

I thought I would interject with a bit of color.

Among a couple of other points, one thing that will generally make or break a knife for me from GEC is the quality of the dyed bone. I generally prefer rich hues with uniform coverage - as a result, I tend to get burned whenever GEC decides to do something different (i.e. Camel Bone, Natural Bone, etc.). Even with that said, I've been disappointed with regular jigged in the past as well.

The three knives pictured below have excellent color, the #12 being Camel Bone and the other two being Smooth Natural Bone. I was very fortunate with my Toothpick - when I heard these were going to be Camel Bone, I cringed considerably at the time as I already had a reserve locked in. I received a superb example. The knives in Natural Bone are not as uniform with regards to coverage but after some thought, I have concluded personally that I think it adds a lot to the knife's character - especially considering the texture and appearance of "natural" bone.

 

[black mamba]

Quiet and Gary, thank you for the nice words! I have a dead skunk caplifter coming, and it easily has the most white of any dead skunk I've ever seen. I have two older dead skunk Cubans, a Northfield that is mostly black and a Tidioute that has a lot of red.

This whitish one will make a nice trio.

 

[joeradza]

That's really impressive, Jeff! Congratulations!

That’s fantastic. Ever since I joined Bladeforums and early on when we first spoke I’ve kept a list of three of the rarest 53’s that you needed. I never got a lead on them. I admire your determination and glad to see the collection completed.

 

[E40]

This has been posted elsewhere, but thought it should be in the GEC thread as well.

FINALLY!! With the most gracious help of Mike Latham (knifeswapper), this week I added the last two pieces to my GEC #53 Cuban Stockman collection. Thirteen years it took me to gather up one each of the 53 different handle variations, many of which were only made in single digits. The knives are displayed from top down and then by columns, in the same order as they are listed in the GEC production totals.

2007

2008

2011

Thank you again, Mike, you've made me very happy to achieve such a long-term goal.

Congrats!

On a sad note, your life is now over. RIP. (just kidding!)

An excellent example of dedication and resolve to accomplish a goal. That is a great, great collection of knives.

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[black mamba]

Thanks, Alan and Fred! My life is nearly over, but . . . now I can die in peace!

 

[EngrSorenson]

Thanks, Alan and Fred! My life is nearly over, but . . . now I can die in peace!

... that took a dark turn...
Do you mean because your significant other is going to press you to death under the weight of all your 53's?
I know mine would.

 

[Jiki]

... that took a dark turn...
Do you mean because your significant other is going to press you to death under the weight of all your 53's?
I know mine would.

You could have said no when she proposed. Don't project your knife issues on others.