Lets talk GEC!

I already have a Forest Jack with Mammoth handles so i thought i did not need a Freemont Jack as they are similar in size and blade profile. However, i just 'broke down' when i saw the Freemont in elephant ivory, so soon i will have one of each.
Based on forum chat it seems that the Freemont is more popular than the Forest Jack. Does anyone know why the Freemont wins over the Forest ?
kj
 
kootenay joe said:
I already have a Forest Jack with Mammoth handles so i thought i did not need a Freemont Jack as they are similar in size and blade profile. However, i just 'broke down' when i saw the Freemont in elephant ivory, so soon i will have one of each.
Based on forum chat it seems that the Freemont is more popular than the Forest Jack. Does anyone know why the Freemont wins over the Forest ?
kj
Click to expand...

of course, I could be totally wrong, but I believe it's because the Fremont is smaller.
 
The Forest is 4" closed with a 2.9" blade (mine is 3 1/16" measured from end of bolster).
The Fremont is 3 3/4" closed with a 2 1/2" blade.
When i was trying to decide between these 2, i thought the Forest, only 1/4" longer, gives you an extra 1/2" of blade, so it seemed 'better' to me.
The Forest has a reputation for having an overly stiff spring. I have not heard this mentioned of the Fremont. Might this be the deciding factor for many buyers ?
kj
 
kootenay joe said:
The Forest is 4" closed with a 2.9" blade (mine is 3 1/16" measured from end of bolster).
The Fremont is 3 3/4" closed with a 2 1/2" blade.
When i was trying to decide between these 2, i thought the Forest, only 1/4" longer, gives you an extra 1/2" of blade, so it seemed 'better' to me.
The Forest has a reputation for having an overly stiff spring. I have not heard this mentioned of the Fremont. Might this be the deciding factor for many buyers ?
kj
Click to expand...
The Fremont has a slightly easier pull, but both are strong due to the width of the blade/spring. This last run of forest jacks introduced the Wharncliffe blade. The Fremont has always had it's modified sheepsfoot/Wharncliffe blade.
 
Can anyone give me the low down on what the specifics are regarding the #38 Farmer Jack? Not much info available considering it is in production. Inquiring minds need to know....
 
My guess would be simple why folks prefer the Fremont over the Forest Jack, bolsters on both ends, its wierd but that's my belief. The Forest is the better choice IMO.
 
And here I thought I was in remission, not having purchased any new pocket knives in several months, convincing myself I had enough. Then I look at this thread and see the #38 John Chapman, dangit there goes that idea. Any idea of cover options/if there will be any shadow patterns(no bolsters)? Would these most likely be available in mid March?
 
kootenay joe said:
I already have a Forest Jack with Mammoth handles so i thought i did not need a Freemont Jack as they are similar in size and blade profile. However, i just 'broke down' when i saw the Freemont in elephant ivory, so soon i will have one of each.
Based on forum chat it seems that the Freemont is more popular than the Forest Jack. Does anyone know why the Freemont wins over the Forest ?
kj
Click to expand...

The Fremont was the first Northwoods knife with that blade profile, and there have been at least 2 runs before the current one. The previous Forest Jacks had a drop point, which didn't make it as distinctive or interesting.

As someone mentioned, the capped end looks great on the sleeveboards and balances the knives well. I like my capped end 15s better than my bareheads as well. Personal preference.

My yellow bone Fremont has developed a little blade wobble (side to side) but it's also the knife I've used the hardest as the stout little wharncliffe lends itself to boxcutting and other utility-type chores. I need to look into getting it tightened up I guess.

Nice pickup on the ivory Fremont. I think that will be an amazing knife - I just can't justify the investment on a knife identical to one I already own except for the scales. Can't wait to see pics.
 
I have got a few GEC & Northwoods with elephant ivory and the quality of the ivory is universally excellent. I say this because some of the production and semi-custom knives of the last ~ 15(?) years or so, have used a flat white uninteresting ivory. There was only one ivory Fremont shown in a picture so i do not know what mine will be like. I think the source for this ivory is different from the Madison Barlows which are next most recent ivory run i can recall. I am only speaking of elephant ivory, not the mammoth/mastadon. Maybe the GURU himself might give us some words that best describe this Fremont ivory ?
salut, kj
 
Hey poly, you say " I just can't justify the investment on a knife identical to one I already own except for the scales."
Let go of justification.
If you like elephant ivory this is likely a good batch and it might be the last production knife with elephant ivory to be made in USA for maybe a long time. Not many companies want to take the chance as the ban could come into effect while the knife is in production.
kj
 
My photography leaves a ton to be desired, but here is my very small GEC collection (all users). I will definitely buy more GEC knives.

GEC #71 Bullnose models (I hadn't gotten my Nifebrite model yet when I took this)
kPLatjF.jpg



GEC #71 Bullnose Nifebrite
DXdi4Lp.jpg


agkLQlB.jpg
 
Z0mbiSl4y3r said:
My photography leaves a ton to be desired, but here is my very small GEC collection (all users). I will definitely buy more GEC knives.

GEC #71 Bullnose models (I hadn't gotten my Nifebrite model yet when I took this)
kPLatjF.jpg



GEC #71 Bullnose Nifebrite
DXdi4Lp.jpg


agkLQlB.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice little collection there. I really like that maroon linen micarta! :thumbup:
 
I just got my Fremont jack in smooth oiled bone and I am pretty impressed. It has a much lighter pull than my forest and hawthorn jacks and the blade came shaving sharp.

The bone covers are fantastic. Does anyone know if they are cow or camel bone? They are very smooth and well finished.
 
I see an array of interesting looking 48s on the website, including some Northfield Tortoise acrylics:thumbup: Wonder if these are singles?

Regards, Will
 
I was hoping some of those trappers would be of the "improved" variety. Regardless, it's nice to see the GEC ebony coming out black again. Some of the more recent stuff (yankee jacks, some 15s) had a "chocolate brown" that was really not appealing to me.
 
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