Lets talk GEC!

I have assumed the steel liners are stainless as they are in higher end knives. It is more difficult to dry the liners than the blade so carbon steel liners would be prone to rust.
kj
 
The liners or springs on mine don't show any patina , yet. The blade on the natural handled knife is just starting to show signs of patina.
 
For their backsprings they use carbon steel. It is seen on the almost black backsprings of some well loved GECs.
Their bolsters (if steel) are also carbon - at least I have seen some with nice patina as are liners. But the liners and bolsters (if steel, again) are not made of 1095 and show the patina not that fast. IIRC a member here, with more knowledge than me, told use the steel they use.
 
I thought the #77 medium northfield barlow had nickle silver liners, along with their pins.
 
Rockon75 said:
I thought the #77 medium northfield barlow had nickle silver liners, along with their pins.
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They do. GEC uses steel, brass and sometimes NS for the scales and pins. Usually steel scales are indicated by the 'STL' at the end of the the model #. Although it's probably not totally complete, there is a very good explanation of GEC pattern numbers and abbreviations here: http://www.collectorknives.net/gec-explained?fullSite=1 (hopefully I am not breaking rules here..... CkNet is a paid dealer here, so I think it's okay).
 
I've been accumulating traditional knives for a couple years now. Some of you folks have been collecting for decades longer than me and it shows with some of the knowledge you have..... also shows with some of my lack of knowledge. :o

When I first started being interested in these knives, I desperately wanted a barlow. Back then, it seemed there weren't many barlows available and I didn't really know where to look. It took me a while, but I finally found a few here and there. Last year I finally figured out the reservation process and was able to acquire the celebrated TC Barlow and a few of the 77 Barlows. Along the way, I accumulated a pretty good size inventory of GEC knives. When I finally did get those barlows, I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed by them.... I understand why they are so loved, but they will never match the grace of a 48 or a 54 in my eyes. I also admit that I like the standard 15's better. :eek:

How many other folks aren't huge fans of the barlows?

Another thing I've been wondering is why does GEC make every single run of 15's with virtually the same covers? Rust red, antique yellow, ebony and nifebrite. I really wish they would switch it up. There are a few short runs in other materials, but I'm talking about standard runs. Maybe they figure if it ain't broke, don't fix it but one of the things I love about GEC is the vast variety they put out.

Sorry about the rambling post, just wondering who else feels the same way about barlows..... Here's a few recent acquisitions to look at. I know some don't care for acrylics, but they are what I look for most.

This Western Outlaw is one of my favorites. Sometimes the double main blade knives aren't very comfortable to use but this one is. Even the etch is great.







it was a miracle that I acquired this 48. This combo is a grail knife for me. Can't say enough thanks for the man who made it possible! The 68 Dead Skunk was a birthday present from my wife. She's the greatest!



 
GEC makes very few "Standard Production" patterns. For instance, Case makes "Standard Production" knives that are always in stock. Their regular patterns are ALWAYS available in Yellow Composite. The CV regular pattern knives are ALWAYS available in Amber Jigged Bone, and so on. The Farm & Field Knives and the #15 Boy's Knives, are GEC's variation on a theme. The F&F Knives are usually the same on each run. The #15 Boy's Knives, while the blade configuration changes, and some are barehead, some are not, remain basically a "Standard Production", SFO's not withstanding.
 
draggat said:
How many other folks aren't huge fans of the barlows?
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You probably have a great reputation here so you are OK saying you don't care for Barlows - but I have no rep here and will probably be burned at the stake for saying I agree with you! I don't get it, but you know what? I didn't get GEC at all for a long time. I always thought that the Case knives were much better looking and with better variety. Every Case that I bought has been near perfect so I couldn't see how GEC could possibly be any better. And it took me a long time to buy one after I decided to give them a shot because I honestly didn't care for most of the patterns.

Now I have a new perspective. I finally have a GEC and I am in love. Now I get it. Now I am looking at the catalog and even remembering he pattern numbers. Now the patterns look nicer and I find myself wanting a LOT of them. Since it took me this long to see the GEC light, maybe I am just a slow learner that will own a Barlow in a couple years and be telling everyone how awesome it is!

And how about this, I dare say that I LIKE the #28 French Kate! It may well be my 2nd GEC knife! (giving myself a couple weeks to think about it because I know that it is generally unliked).


Anyway, here is my new love...already showing pocket wear after owning it for 6 days.


yRkCA8.jpg




And I just want to thank ALL of you guys in the traditional forum. I have learned so much and I want to say Thank You!

Eric
 
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Ah, the #42. Great first GEC IMHO.

I waited a long time for the right barlow to come along and am fond of both GEC offerings with the #77 sheepsfoot being my current favorite. Don't be afraid to try one as you may become a fan.
 
Beautiful pics!!

I like the barlows but others like them a lot more than I do. I had a pair from the first run but I let those go to those who missed out. I have a few barlows still but I don't think I'll expand that collection much. I like end caps. I have knives with some nice sized dings that I wonder what would look like had they been bareheaded barlows.

I never picked up a #28 but thought hard about getting one in with the Evening Blue Fishnet jigged bone :o
 
I don't know much about reputations here..... the only one I care about is having a good one in regards to buying/selling/trading. If you're interested in knives, that's what matters! I have to say that initially I wasn't a huge GEC fan either. I started out collecting Canal Street. I wasn't trying to stir up the pot with my post, I really just am curious how many others aren't over the moon about the barlow knife. If it's the pattern you love, can't go wrong with a GEC.

I've come close to buying a 28 on a few occasions, and other than one in ivory, I was after a Evening Blue fishnet as well. It's probably still there, but the reason I passed is because it's slightly too small. 3.5" is usually the smallest I'll go. I've read that the end doubles as a cap lifter, which is pretty nifty!

Trand- you have some outstanding pics up too, not to mention a fantastic collection! Many times I've saved your pics while deciding on a new (new to me at least) pattern. I have to admit I've lusted after your collection of 48's more than once! :eek:
 
This is the Traditional forum. Where gentlemen and ladies tarry. No one is required to build a reputation before voicing an opinion. As long as you treat everyone with dignity and respect and follow the guidelines laid out, you can have whatever opinion of traditional knives that you wish.

:)
 
draggat, i enjoyed reading your ramble (post 2609). I am one of the long time collectors, about 55 years, but not all of it actively collecting. From reading your posts i think you could really get into collecting vintage knives. USA made folders from late 1800's to just after WW II.
There's a romance to collecting GEC knives. They are so well made, most of the patterns have excellent design and the handles are superb. The Romance of collecting vintage knives is a bit different but just as strong. The quality of the best vintage folders is equal to or exceeds GEC, and that was 100 years ago, no power tools.
kj
kj
 
kootenay joe said:
draggat, i enjoyed reading your ramble (post 2609). I am one of the long time collectors, about 55 years, but not all of it actively collecting. From reading your posts i think you could really get into collecting vintage knives. USA made folders from late 1800's to just after WW II.
There's a romance to collecting GEC knives. They are so well made, most of the patterns have excellent design and the handles are superb. The Romance of collecting vintage knives is a bit different but just as strong. The quality of the best vintage folders is equal to or exceeds GEC, and that was 100 years ago, no power tools.
kj
kj
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They had lots of power tools 100 years ago. Belt Sanders, Grinding Wheels, Trip Hammers. These have all been used for a long time in the knife industry. Originally powered by overshot water wheels and gearing, by probably the 1880's or 90's by the new Electric Power.
 
I'm not overly fond of barlows myself. They are fine, but after having six or seven GEC barlows pass through my possession I've moved them all along save the one that was customized for me by Evan. They're fine knives, they just don't flip my switch I guess. I don't foresee myself buying any more unless something drastically changes.
 
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