Lets talk GEC!

supratentorial said:
I think the Drake Well Museum is probably ordering the Ben Hogan & French Kate because of the local history. I'd guess they would not have ordered them if the knives were named something else. Just a guess though.

They might actually be fast movers at a gift shop. Tourists like to buy stuff.
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I'm really hoping you're right, and there's something to differentiate these knives from others of the same pattern. I heard about the Drake Well sfo a while back from the factory, and have been really looking forward to it. My dad is in the business and I grew up listening to the history of the industry in my area.


Also, from what I'm learning in school, GEC has just a remarkably good business model. I think it's fascinating, and I really look forward to seeing what they do in the next five years.
 
5K Qs said:
...With all the love for Beer Scouts and Beerlows around here, I'm surprised there aren't more fans of a shapely leg that you don't even have to open to deploy the cap lifter! :confused::confused:

- GT
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Markesharp said:
Beer Scouts are cool! :D French Kates........:barf::barf::barf:
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Good point, Mark. Sometimes I get really logical and consider only function, not form, and thus neglect the "cool factor." (Of course, other times, I get completely swept up in emotion and unreasonable desire, and only pay attention to what I WANT right now, not what makes sense.)


coolio said:
...I hope GEC saves some Orange Osage for the #25 EO sheepsfoot, wouldn't that be something!:eek::eek::eek:
OOEOSFWLST
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LOL! :D:cool::D How would you pronounce that acronym, Brad?? :confused:


r8shell said:
Glad I can make you laugh. Some of us get so serious sometimes.

So you really can use the shoe as a cap lifter, huh? I'll have to keep my eye out for one that's not too expensive, and in an appropriate material. Maybe a solid color acrylic or white bone. (I could scrimshaw fishnet stockings.)I just can't separate in my mind the cover material from the shape of a lady's leg. Colt's buckshot bone would be disturbing.
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I didn't think the cover material on the Colt Kate was so disturbing (looks kind of stubbly, though), but the sheer size was intimidating to me: 5 inches closed, I think! :eek: I'd be more likely to get Colt's 3 1/4" version; more pocketable size, and 2 blades, which is more to my liking than the single-bladed large model.

- GT
 
Not getting on much this week but two comments.

First, GEC not only has an SFO running the kate and hogan and are filling the run with general production - but they have also gotten significantly better at forecasting demand (or lack thereof).

Second, they have had dogs and the kate & canoe qualify; some that were not as bad but stayed around longer than I would like were the toothpick, congress, babylon, toenail, etc. But one thing I learned a long time ago is that today's biggest dogs are tomorrows gold. Look at the German made Case knives around the turn of the century - couldn't sell them back when they came out and can't buy them today.

So just because they are making something doesn't mean they are going to spend a week making a couple thousand - they are just running them.
 
I, for one, think GEC's original take on the toothpick was a very beautiful knife. I'd be curious to see if they ever do a 2 blade version with the original muskrat clip. It's a perfect size and has the most satisfying walk and talk and snaps like a laguiole. For most of GEC's production you can identify an historical precursor but I was wondering if anyone knows what the precursor is for their 12's. All the other toothpicks I've ever found are much more slender and much less stout, typically nearing 5 inches.
 
Thanks for the kind words guys!!

Joschka said:
Which GEC patterns are known to have a lighter pull?
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I think you're better off saying which patterns interest you and then asking about pull. Some patterns have had multiple runs in different configurations and steels and may have different average pulls. For example, the current single blade bareheaded #73s have a reported pull about an 8. A run in 2011, #735111T, also single bladed and bareheaded but with a lanyard hole have pulls in the 5-6 range. They were the second run in 2011, with the previous 2011 run not having a lanyard hole and those were also in the 7-8 range.

In general though, all the lockbacks have had easy pulls to open.
 
As for the #28s, I believe there were multiple runs of #28s and most of those have sold out. The ones that haven't might just come down to price and handle material. I'm not sure stag, for example, was a well thought out cover for a lady leg.
 
Being without half-stops does seem to tame the pull. I have 4 different 38s and they have pulls that are not too intimidating. The 56 and 68 together with the 33 are what I regard as lighter but this is not at the cost of weak snap, they are smart performers there for sure. That is vital for me, can't stand weak snap or having to coax the blade back.

As for GEC's less popular movers, the Canoe or whatever Girl it was called, certainly left me cold. Good handle choices indeed, good differentiation between Tidioute and Northfield finishes but I thought the bolsters were far too long, looked liked two barlows sawn together! Ends up with a mainly metal knife, then there's added weight......They also put out a model with a not very useful or practical saw, but I seem to recall it sold OK, an oddball though (not that that's any bad thing!)

Thanks, Will
 
Picked this one up at the show last month and really like it! Yes its a #55 but look at the stag!
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Anyone in the know, does GEC plan on running the Bullnose anytime soon? I see they are running the 21 Bullbuster again and I got the impression that the Bullnose sold better than the Bullbuster, I could be wrong. Any chance for some new slabs if they are planning a new run?
 
I would like to see the bullnose run again and would love an antique ivory micarta or another natural canvas run! :D:thumbup:

As for the Canoe, I have been tempted but honestly never bit because I haven't seen it carried/bought that often. I'm not sure if it is because of the bolsters or what. At 3 1/2 I thought it would be more used. That goes for the 56 as well.
 
The Canoe has the same bolsters as the Ben Hogan, which is a much larger knife. I like it, but I agree, that's a lot of metal on such a small knife. It is comfortable in hand though.

 
A couple of weeks ago I emailed Chris at GEC about the Bullnose as I would very much like to get one. She said that the will be doing a run of them later this year.
 
brianv said:
A couple of weeks ago I emailed Chris at GEC about the Bullnose as I would very much like to get one. She said that the will be doing a run of them later this year.
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...that's good news. I hope they run the #47 Hay'n helper with the sheepsfoot blade too. Kicking myself for passing up the original O1 version.
 
singin50 said:
Picked this one up at the show last month and really like it! Yes its a #55 but look at the stag!
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Nice one Perry. I'm a big fan of the #55/#56 patterns. I just picked up the same knife in Bocote. I posted a pic in Wooden Wednesday thread.
Yours is a beauty. I like the old fishing rod and reel pic layout.
 
Perry, that's some really good looking stag and I'm not usually a fan of the stuff.

I've recently been trying to hoard as many 55's, 56's and 57's as I can. I love the handle shape. Bob, are you loving that Bocote or what? I really like the shield they used on the Tidioutes as well.

My latest conquest:
 
Nice one Steve. Yes I am loving it. The Doglegs are one of my favorite patterns. So comfortable to carry and use. The shield on the Tidioute line is a nice touch. That Rust Red is very rich looking. I don't care one way or the other about the liner lock as it's not obtrusive to the carry and doesn't present any "hot spots". The one nice thing I like about the liner lock is the slight added with. It makes for a good grip as it's thin, but not too thin.
 
I really like the Doglegs, too. My 55 is with me most days. Fits just right in the blue jeans watch pocket. Would love to see another run of these!

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