Lets talk GEC!

Anyone else noticed those "blobs" around etches recently? I can only think of that effect taking place because of the (over)heating of the zones nearest to the laser. Interesting enough, I don't see it on the older models, say around 2020 or so, only on 2022 ones (not sure about 2021). Maybe GEC had changed their laser engraving machine?

I could barely capture it on camera, but in person it is very noticeable, almost annoying.

image23.jpg

Edit: and yes, it is clearly because of the etch, for on the recent 14 the blob lines clearly resemble those of the "good as gold" art.
 
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I've had a clear blob on mine before on the White Owl previously. Sent it away to GEC and they, either re-etched it or replaced the blade.

Only happened once so far...
 
euroken said:
I've had a clear blob on mine before on the White Owl previously. Sent it away to GEC and they, either re-etched it or replaced the blade.

Only happened once so far...
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So it actually started at 2021 then, hmm. I wouldn't personally send mine back (even if I could), but still catches the eye, isn't it. Maybe they lightly polished yours until the blob gone? I can't think of them doing blade replacement in that case.
 
Alex.Y. said:
Anyone else noticed those "blobs" around etches recently? I can only think of that effect taking place because of the (over)heating of the zones nearest to the laser. Interesting enough, I don't see it on the older models, say around 2020 or so, only on 2022 ones (not sure about 2021). Maybe GEC had changed their laser engraving machine?

I could barely capture it on camera, but in person it is very noticeable, almost annoying.

View attachment 1995133

Edit: and yes, it is clearly because of the etch, for on the recent 14 the blob lines clearly resemble those of the "good as gold" art.
Click to expand...
This looks to me like the mark of the etching pad from an electrochem etch process, not heating from a laser-marking process.
 
I've had the etch blob on several GECs over the last couple years and I'm pretty sure it's just a very mild oxidation/ pre-patina from whatever etching medium they're using or from the electric etch process itself. Hasn't bothered me though, I just find it an interesting maker's quirk.
 
Sventhelumberjack said:
This looks to me like the mark of the etching pad from an electrochem etch process, not heating from a laser-marking process.
Click to expand...
Heathenhymnal said:
I've had the etch blob on several GECs over the last couple years and I'm pretty sure it's just a very mild oxidation/ pre-patina from whatever etching medium they're using or from the electric etch process itself. Hasn't bothered me though, I just find it an interesting maker's quirk.
Click to expand...
Oh, that's what it might be. Interesting!

Nebuchadnezzar said:
I've noticed that on a few recent blades, just use em and it will patina like the rest of the blade.
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I do not want no patina (usually). I like it shiny. 😜 😀 And even if I would use the same knife on everyday basis, it won't get that much of patina to quickly cover the blob. I'm a very careful knife user (mostly). 🤣 I mean I get a lot of scratches, yeah, but always clean/wipe any tool after use as soon as possible.
 
Alex.Y. said:
Oh, that's what it might be. Interesting!


I do not want no patina (usually). I like it shiny. 😜 😀 And even if I would use the same knife on everyday basis, it won't get that much of patina to quickly cover the blob. I'm a very careful knife user (mostly). 🤣 I mean I get a lot of scratches, yeah, but always clean/wipe any tool after use as soon as possible.
Click to expand...
The etching media is a mild acid about the same as vinegar. (Not vinegar)
 
Alex.Y. said:
Oh, that's what it might be. Interesting!


I do not want no patina (usually). I like it shiny. 😜 😀 And even if I would use the same knife on everyday basis, it won't get that much of patina to quickly cover the blob. I'm a very careful knife user (mostly). 🤣 I mean I get a lot of scratches, yeah, but always clean/wipe any tool after use as soon as possible.
Click to expand...
I gotta commend you users that manage to keep them shiny. I'm a patina guy but even on the 2-3 carbon knives I ever TRIED to keep shiny it seemed completely futile lol.

I gave it my absolute best attempt to keep my 38 English Whittler shiny but even just from whittling it got patina from my hands and sweat. The detail blades even formed this kind of cool top-down fade patina just from holding the knife when they're closed lol.

IMG_4287.JPG
IMG_4288.JPG
 
Heathenhymnal said:
The detail blades even formed this kind of cool top-down fade patina just from holding the knife when they're closed lol.
Click to expand...
Mine usually forms a line of pepper spots. :confused:

I've noticed that fresh patina can be easily removed by just breathing on the surface and quickly wiping it with a clean cloth, with no polishing paste added. It doesn't remove it completely, but helps to prolog the shine.
 
Alex.Y. said:
Mine usually forms a line of pepper spots. :confused:

I've noticed that fresh patina can be easily removed by just breathing on the surface and quickly wiping it with a clean cloth, with no polishing paste added. It doesn't remove it completely, but helps to prolog the shine.
Click to expand...
Oddly I almost never get pepper spots lol even on my heavy users. I get splashes and washes of patina but I almost never get the pepper spots unless I put one away not realising it was a little wet.

Yeah I was surprised the first time I actually tested Flitzing a patina off, it comes off pretty easy.
 
Alex.Y. said:
Anyone else noticed those "blobs" around etches recently? I can only think of that effect taking place because of the (over)heating of the zones nearest to the laser. Interesting enough, I don't see it on the older models, say around 2020 or so, only on 2022 ones (not sure about 2021). Maybe GEC had changed their laser engraving machine?

I could barely capture it on camera, but in person it is very noticeable, almost annoying.

View attachment 1995133

Edit: and yes, it is clearly because of the etch, for on the recent 14 the blob lines clearly resemble those of the "good as gold" art.
Click to expand...
Alex this may be interesting.
 
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