Lets talk GEC!

mrknife said:
well never say never again is not only a james bond film, hopefully not all will be caplifter and main sheepsfoot. this is one of those rare occasions, even i hope for a secondary pen blade :eek:
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Current schedule says 143223 in each case. So there's a big chance of them all having same secondary blade too.
 
A stonewashed blue viper fell into my lap the other day and I just couldn't say no for what they were asking.

I reckon I'm sitting this 14 run out. Funds are low, I've got that acrylic on a 56, aaaand I've got that shield on an 85 -- plus, bonus round - 14s are just too small for my taste. I've got one of the blue camel bone 49s and it sees zero pocket time at 3¼" - with the 14 at 3", I can't see myself carrying it at all.
 
The 2023 86s, 47s, and now these 14s are all amazing. But this is the most painful period I've ever experienced with GEC collecting because they are indeed impossible to buy without paying secondary market/flipper prices unless you're the lucky few with connections or on a dealer's special list. I've never gone three releases in a row without getting at least one. At least there's the forum knife.
 
Viper84 said:
The 2023 86s, 47s, and now these 14s are all amazing. But this is the most painful period I've ever experienced with GEC collecting because they are indeed impossible to buy without paying secondary market/flipper prices unless you're the lucky few with connections or on a dealer's special list. I've never gone three releases in a row without getting at least one. At least there's the forum knife.
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Luck has something to do with it. Just over a year ago, I had no GECs at all. My first, was the 2022 Coon Skinner in yellow Rose Bone. Now, I have a plethora. Perhaps not as numerous a plethora as others, but a plethora nonetheless.

I am on no dealer lists. In fact, nearly all the listed dealers have told me directly that I have far too short of a purchasing history with them to even be considered for special treatment in the foreseeable future. 95% of my purchases have been retail drops, the other 5% have come from eBay - usually at less than most of the listed dealers' initial release prices, although I have paid marginally inflated prices for a couple releases that I really wanted and that probably won't be run in a similar configuration again. As I've been permanently banned from using PayPal for no legitimate reason whatsoever, purchasing via the BF exchange or similar venues is very difficult if not impossible, hence eBay - that's one more strike against my odds.

I used to curse "the club" and lament the fact that I'm not a big enough or long-term enough spender to be included. I still get upset when, for instance, I was unable to obtain any of the 86 Barlows from the most recent run.

This is all to say that it is possible to get lucky, even frequently - but I will agree that it seems like it gets harder and harder with every drop. I don't get my hopes up for any release anymore - i don't like the digital doorbuster trampling behavior and will not participate in it. If the opportunity presents itself, I lunge. If not, oh well. 🤷
 
Viper84 said:
The 2023 86s, 47s, and now these 14s are all amazing. But this is the most painful period I've ever experienced with GEC collecting because they are indeed impossible to buy without paying secondary market/flipper prices unless you're the lucky few with connections or on a dealer's special list. I've never gone three releases in a row without getting at least one. At least there's the forum knife.
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I don't despise one iota the many people who have built up a relationship with the dealers,they have for the most part paid their dues by putting their hard earned money up over the years.and i appreciate the collectors who put the effort into purchasing an entire pattern. And I don't begrudge the people with contacts.but who I do despise is the person with contacts and front line service from dealers for the sole purpose of flipping.
 
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Viper84 said:
The 2023 86s, 47s, and now these 14s are all amazing. But this is the most painful period I've ever experienced with GEC collecting because they are indeed impossible to buy without paying secondary market/flipper prices unless you're the lucky few with connections or on a dealer's special list. I've never gone three releases in a row without getting at least one. At least there's the forum knife.
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I gave up trying to add to my GEC collection a few years ago, all of mine are from 2010 - 2014. The stress of trying to be in the right place at the right time took the enjoyment out of it for me. And now seeing what some of my older ones are worth, I hesitate to even pull them out of the collection except to clean, oil, and then put them right back in their Gerstner. I’ve been telling my wife for a few months now that I think I’ll sell a lot of them off, just so the “true“ collectors can enjoy them. Same with my old Benchmades.
 
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I believe the key to collecting without stress is to enjoy what you have and accept not being able to have everything. Otherwise, the enjoyment slips away.

Many GEC knives are reasonably obtainable; maybe not the rarest examples, but tons of great ones. Just monitor the Exchange, develop a few friendships, and be patient.
 
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Leslie Tomville said:
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I believe the key to collecting without stress is to enjoy what you have and accept not being able to have everything. Otherwise, the enjoyment slips away.

Many GEC knives are reasonably obtainable; maybe not the most rare, but tons of great ones. Just monitor the Exchange, develop a few friendships, and be patient.
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Nice Stag, Greg!!
Patience is key!! I have waited longer than 10 years for a few knives I have collected!! All the sweeter!!!!!
 
jnevill said:
I gave up trying to add to my GEC collection a few years ago, all of mine are from 2010 - 2014. The stress of trying to be in the right place at the right time took the enjoyment out of it for me. And now seeing what some of my older ones are worth, I hesitate to even pull them out of the collection except to clean, oil, and then put them right back in their Gerstner. I’ve been telling my wife for a few months now that I think I’ll sell a lot of them off, just so the “true“ collectors can enjoy them. Same with my old yo
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You can probably sell 3 from those years and get 12 gec from the last 4 years just from the exchange.
 
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jnevill said:
It’s these that will most likely go up for sale, I‘m a stag junkie, not sure i could sleep at night if i let my stag go…

IMG_1331 by Jim Nevill, on Flickr

IMG_1332 by Jim Nevill, on Flickr
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You can't beat stag,I got my first ebony from charlie on an 86 hj and immediately researched the wood for a few hours and came away a fan,then cocobolo then blood wood and now desert ironwood.i truly appreciate them all.but what I like most about them is the mindset of Bill Howard.his approach and passion to the traditional slipjoint. Whether it was queen or at gec he just comes across as a stand up dude who takes pride in his work all above profits.so I know I'm getting quality.doesn hurt that he has the ultra passionate Charlie C whispering in his ear.
 
Elgatodeacero said:
I am very happy to hear no one will be buying these new 14s………….
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Just wait, you’ll see them posting pictures of the full run plus 1-2 SFOs/secret versions, before us normals even see the first version hit dealer sites😅

I’ve already got all the 14 I want though, so unless something really catches my eye (and my boss decides I need a bonus) I’ll be trying my best to sit this one out.

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