Lets talk GEC!

draggat · Mar 15, 2015

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

Thanks KJ. I'm not sure I'm quite ready to jump into collecting the vintage knives just yet, although it does intrigue me. I have a heck of a lot of reading and learning to do still!

Easyrider · Mar 15, 2015

I don't get barlows either.

For those who love them then more power to you but I don't get the attraction.

kootenay joe · Mar 15, 2015

Did someone mention French Katie being politically incorrect ? We're here for knives not politics. Something that can cut is never incorrect.

Yeahhh for Ivory French Kate: totally incorrect !
kj

draggat · Mar 15, 2015

kootenay joe said:
Did someone mention French Katie being politically incorrect ? We're here for knives not politics. Something that can cut is never incorrect.

Yeahhh for Ivory French Kate: totally incorrect !
kj

Beautiful!!! Would it be possible to post a picture with French Kate alongside another 1 or 2 GEC's for size reference? I can't seem to track one down..... all this talk has me eyeing an ivory one now!

Dr. Scott · Mar 15, 2015

draggat said:
...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.

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

I was once a fanatic for doctor's knives. Now it's Barlows. But I don't think they are the only pattern worth owning or collecting. I love canoes and congress knives. I only have one of each, but I know that some day I will move on from Barlows to focus on canoes or congress knives or something else I haven't even thought of... But for now, it's Barlows!

ALLHSS said:
I think the #15 would be great in some of the "unusual" acrylic covers.

:thumbup:

2Dead said:
...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 am one of the benificiaries of Trand's focus on 48s and other non-Barlow knives. I'm grateful to you, Trand, for parting with that ebony TC Barlow. That 2 blade clip-pen combo from early 2013 is a real treasure for me.

And I must admit, the most beautiful knives I own in the 15 pattern are not Barlows but #15 Radio Jacks with end caps.

This lousy photo is all I have, but it shows that knife second from top, with my other 3 wood handled TC Barlows.

draggat said:
...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.

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!

I agree! Trand's 48s make me feel like an amateur. (Actually, I am an amateur.)

Those are beautiful knives, and Trand's photos make me wonder why I'm so focused on other patterns.

pmew said:
...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.

:thumbup:

Luger1952 · Mar 15, 2015

Two of my favorite Barlows

JB in SC · Mar 15, 2015

I'm a big fan of the #15 Boy's Knives. I would like to see acrylic covers used on the #15 too.

JSCHENK · Mar 15, 2015

draggat said:
Beautiful!!! Would it be possible to post a picture with French Kate alongside another 1 or 2 GEC's for size reference? I can't seem to track one down..... all this talk has me eyeing an ivory one now!

I like that the heel works as a bottle opener.

Pjake · Mar 15, 2015

Interesting twist to this thread. I have had 4 TC Barlows, and all have moved on to new and well matched homes. I must say, the only one I have any remorse for having moved is an ebony clip/pen (long pull). They were all impeccably well made knives with top notch F&F. They all just left me a bit "meh". My personal taste has landed on the #85 and #66 pattern ( jack and stockman). I recently purchased a Queen #09 in curley Zebra that I like...but the D2 is leaving me a bit cold. There in lies the absolute beauty of traditionals........sooooo much selection for EVERY taste. I love looking at all the variations of GEC's (and for that matter all others).

I do have a Dog's Head copper barlow on order that will probably be my last foray into the kingdom of Barlow. I am buying it because I LOVE copper....always have....even putters. I hope GEC just continues to do what it does......building great quality, interesting, and beautiful knives!

Peter

kootenay joe · Mar 15, 2015

draggat, it's dark now so no pics tonight. The Leg knife is 3 1/4"; pattern # 26 if you have one is a 3" Sleeveboard Pen, but they don't really compare. The Leg knife is slender and would not be noticed in your pants front pocket. Mine opens easily, decent length Clip blade but the handle is just a little small to hold with a powerful grip. That said it gives you a few options of how to hold it, where to place your fingers and you can get surgeon like control of the tip (entire blade).
If you have a chance for one in ivory, i suggest you nab it now, think about it later. It's a unique little knife and it works just as well as any other 3 1/4" single blade knife.
kj

rye_a · Mar 15, 2015

I managed to get one of the smooth autumn gold clip Northfield Barlows, and just gave it to my dad for his 79th birthday. Anyone know how many of those were made?

MerryMadMonk · Mar 15, 2015

rye_a said:
I managed to get one of the smooth autumn gold clip Northfield Barlows, and just gave it to my dad for his 79th birthday. Anyone know how many of those were made?

I think about 25 were made. Mike Latham would know the exact number.

So what did your dad think about his new barlow?

draggat · Mar 15, 2015

kootenay joe said:
draggat, it's dark now so no pics tonight. The Leg knife is 3 1/4"; pattern # 26 if you have one is a 3" Sleeveboard Pen, but they don't really compare. The Leg knife is slender and would not be noticed in your pants front pocket. Mine opens easily, decent length Clip blade but the handle is just a little small to hold with a powerful grip. That said it gives you a few options of how to hold it, where to place your fingers and you can get surgeon like control of the tip (entire blade).
If you have a chance for one in ivory, i suggest you nab it now, think about it later. It's a unique little knife and it works just as well as any other 3 1/4" single blade knife.
kj

I did nab one.... not sure how much longer ivory will be around and it is fitting for the pattern. Thanks.

Halfneck · Mar 15, 2015

I own a 3rd cut stag, single clip blade TC Barlow. It's a very well made knife & I'm glad I was able to pick one up. That said I still seem to gravitate to my Ebony Eureka Jack or Pemberton more.

Still holding out for a GEC Scout knife

Dr. Scott · Mar 15, 2015

rye_a said:
I managed to get one of the smooth autumn gold clip Northfield Barlows, and just gave it to my dad for his 79th birthday. Anyone know how many of those were made?

Not enough.

rye_a · Mar 16, 2015

MerryMadMonk said:
I think about 25 were made. Mike Latham would know the exact number.

So what did your dad think about his new barlow?

He really liked it, and I think the fact that I gave him one of my most prized knives (my wife told him) was meaningful.

snippy · Mar 16, 2015

That Kate is beautiful kootenay joe!

draggat said:
I did nab one.... not sure how much longer ivory will be around and it is fitting for the pattern. Thanks.

Way to go draggat! I'm still on the fence but if I had the funds I would buy the ivory right now as well - they will be unavailable pretty soon, and probably forever after that.

Eric

kootenay joe · Mar 16, 2015

Good move draggat. It's a fine knife and one that will hold it's value or even appreciate. Make something illegal and it's desirability goes up.
kj

btmccutcheon · Mar 16, 2015

Pjake said:
Interesting twist to this thread. I have had 4 TC Barlows, and all have moved on to new and well matched homes. I must say, the only one I have any remorse for having moved is an ebony clip/pen (long pull). They were all impeccably well made knives with top notch F&F. They all just left me a bit "meh". My personal taste has landed on the #85 and #66 pattern ( jack and stockman). I recently purchased a Queen #09 in curley Zebra that I like...but the D2 is leaving me a bit cold. There in lies the absolute beauty of traditionals........sooooo much selection for EVERY taste. I love looking at all the variations of GEC's (and for that matter all others).

I do have a Dog's Head copper barlow on order that will probably be my last foray into the kingdom of Barlow. I am buying it because I LOVE copper....always have....even putters. I hope GEC just continues to do what it does......building great quality, interesting, and beautiful knives!

Peter

Frankly, I'm starting to grow sour on GEC for a few reasons. The patterns I really like like the TC Barlows, certain 85's, 15's, 77, and the Kate's have such small production numbers, they are gone within minutes of release. Then within a few days they are being resold at a ridiculous markup. I have a handful of GEC's and are happy with all of them, however only one of them was a first choice. All the rest were leftovers I got pulling the trigger as fast as I could yet still not being fast enough for the blade, handle material, or even the knife I wanted. Trying to get a GEC I want has been an exercise in frustration to the point it's just not fun for me to even look anymore.

Sorry for the rant guys.

kootenay joe · Mar 16, 2015

Does this mean that a few guys are just waiting for the dealers to post a run of GEC knives and then buying a bunch of them within minutes of being listed, and then immediately posting them on the secondary market with a hefty markup ?
The last batch of 15's to arrive at KSF sold out in 120 seconds, yep, 40 sold in 2 minutes.
If this is what is happening it is legal but not really ethical and is unfair to other 'knifers', esp. those who might be at work unable to sit in front of their computer counting down the seconds to: "GO".
kj