Lets talk GEC!

I've been wondering why GEC's pattern numbers skip certain numbers like 07, 17, 20, 37, 84 for example. Why is this, and would GEC ever come up with a new pattern to fill those numbers?

I don't think GEC has ever done a sow belly pattern. How about a #84 sow belly?
 
How about some more Makos, only this time with the fun bits?

I’m still crossing my fingers for 68s (in the White Owl penknife configuration) or 09s in Northfield trim. I had an 09 once that I let go. It was in Tidioute trim and a bit too plain for me, with a crack in the horn cover at the pin. I always wanted one with lined bolsters and coined edge.
 
I got out my 15TC and 77NF, in anticipation of the 86 Forum Knife. I think the fancy grooved bolster will be very nice, but admit to a slight disappointment with the lack of bolster stamp. Bolster stamps are one of my favorite things about Barlows.
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Matt_WY said:
The 14 is 3" in length (same size as the 25), and the 15 is 3½" in length. Doesn't seem like a huge difference until they're in your hand.
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Yeah, most size differences are also proportional all around, people forget. So the difference between a 15 and 85 seems minor, if you just consider length.
14s are really small to me. 83 are as small as I feel comfy going.
 
JohnDF said:
I agree 100%... Barlows are better with bolster stamps.
But... I wasn't going to be the first curmudgeon to say it. ;)
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What would the stamp have been on the forum knife? That would have been a major point of contention. A big "BF" on the bolster wouldn't be very clean looking.
 
Viper84 said:
I've been wondering why GEC's pattern numbers skip certain numbers like 07, 17, 20, 37, 84 for example. Why is this, and would GEC ever come up with a new pattern to fill those numbers?

I don't think GEC has ever done a sow belly pattern. How about a #84 sow belly?
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Somewhere on BF there was a mention that Bill hates the sowbelly pattern and we will never see one from GEC. Is anyone reading this the original poster of that info and can you clarify?
 
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I am definitely in the camp where I prefer bolster stamps on Barlows. That said, I feel that the '21 BF 86 is a far cry from the unadorned bolsters that seem to be fitted on most modern productions of Barlows (yes, I'm looking at you, Boker). The bolster treatment on our knife this year is pretty special, in my opinion, and suits the knife quite well. Had they added a stamp, I fear it would have made things too busy.
 
PointyThings said:
Somewh

Somewhere on BF there was a mention that Bill hates the sowbelly pattern and we will never see one from GEC. Is anyone reading this the original poster of that info and can you clarify?
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I have not seen the post that Bill hates the sowbelly, l believe he has made them for Queen before. I also believe that Randy has designed one, that doesn't mean Bill will make it. As usual with GEC there is always hope.
 
Pàdruig said:
I am definitely in the camp where I prefer bolster stamps on Barlows. That said, I feel that the '21 BF 86 is a far cry from the unadorned bolsters that seem to be fitted on most modern productions of Barlows (yes, I'm looking at you, Boker). The bolster treatment on our knife this year is pretty special, in my opinion, and suits the knife quite well. Had they added a stamp, I fear it would have made things too busy.
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That's a good point. Sure, I'd be happier with a bolster stamp and white bone handles, but this will be a great Barlow Knife. It's not like they screwed it up by adding a shield. 😉
 
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