Lets talk GEC!

Some folks started out with an interest in the oldies but there are a lot of folks that are more familiar with knives made by GEC. Recently there was even a discussion about whether "French Kate" is the pattern name for figural knives made long before GEC ever existed. I think it's great that GEC is catching the attention of folks that may not have otherwise been in interested in traditional knives. And I hope that it also increases appreciation for the oldies.

Our manufacturing company established in August of 2006 in Titusville, PA, has begun a renaissance in classic traditional pocket knives by recreating the old knife patterns as close to authentic as has been seen in 75 years.
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I don't own a GEC yet but I find them visually stunning. Plus I find their patterns refreshing from what I'm accustomed too.
 
MerryMadMonk said:
Short version: This.
GECGroupShot3_zpszlf9ubib.jpg
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Nice collection Al:thumbup:
 
Mike, after reading your post I wasn't sure if you fully understood my meaning or not. It seemed like you were defending GEC, but I didn't see anybody making any allegations. I assumed that you were responding to my post. If that's not the case than I apologize. If it is the case I'd like to attempt to clarify.

In my mind there is no negative associated with the hype surrounding GEC. I also don't believe that it's something that they've attempted to create themselves, though I don't know that for certain. It seems to me that they are happily pumping out great traditional knives in the way that makes the most sense for them, as are Queen, Case, Canal Street, and various other companies. The hype is created by those of us that have owned dozens, and even hundreds, of their knives. We are the ones that scour their production schedules and count down the days until the next pattern is released. We are the ones that buy multiples of our favorite knives because we don't want to miss out and live with the regret later. There is something very telling in the fact that the people with the most experience with GEC's products are the ones that hype them the most.

Beyond that, even if the hype was being generated by GEC and their dealers I don't see anything wrong with that. It is in the company's best interest to hype their own products, and I'd kind of expect them to do so. Likewise, it's in the best interest of the dealers to hype the products that they sell. There's nothing wrong with that. I wouldn't begrudge anybody for believing in their product and attempting to expose as many people as possible to it. There is absolutely no reason to feel the need to defend these practices.

I hope that you come on and say that you weren't even responding to me in the first place. If you were, I hope that this clarifies my earlier statements.
 
That is why at the end of my post I said I started the novel reading your post one way and ended up thinking we were in agreement just approaching it from different directions. To me "hype" takes on a negative aspect as a forced atmosphere. But after writing mine, I come to the conclusion that you probably just meant it as a way of defining a "different" atmosphere here on the forums.
 
In 2014 I bought an old Russell Barlow because it was so cheap and it reminded me of my Dad's knife. I then decided to collect Barlows. Since I had a small Case collection , I tried to find a new Case Barlow. It took 4 months to find one. I did find a Schatt & Morgan and like it very much . I then wanted to buy the best production Barlow and my research lead me to buy a Sheffield made couple. I searched and searched some more for Barlows and found out that a company named GEC made them , but they basically had to be bought in a made scramble and that did not sit very well. I wanted to just be able to buy one. I then happened to fill out a questionair at CK in an unfavorable way , and Mike called me to see why. He then explained GEC's way of doing business and I accepted it. When the chance came to reserve a 77 Barlow , I reserved just 1 to check their quality and the cost. The quality is up there with the best Sheffield makes and the cost is justified IMO. There was and is a lot of HYPE generated on this forum , but if the Quality and Cost was not right I would have not ordered 6 more 77s , two 73s , and reserved 2 more 77s and 2 of the new 83s. If you know the rules , you can play the game. If Mike had not ever called me , I might not have ever ordered the first GEC .

Harry
 
MMM, that is a nice collection of GEC knives, 28 in all. Imagine if you had joined BF in 2006 when GEC started and soon thereafter the 'hype' began as well. You likely would have twice as many by now.
It would be interesting to have a thread "Show us all your GEC knives in group picture(s)". I bet many people are into the hundreds. Unless you keep count, the number creeps up faster than you think.
kj
 
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Do all GEC knives come with the button pins? I recently purchased an UNXLD workhorse and Bull Buster from KSF and neither had one. Just curious! also got a Tidioute with no button from KSF. Hmmmm.
 
kootenay joe said:
MMM, that is a nice collection of GEC knives, 28 in all. Imagine if you have joined BF in 2006 when GEC started and soon thereafter the 'hype' began as well. You likely would have twice as many by now.
It would be interesting to have a thread "Show us all your GEC knives in group picture(s)". I bet many people are into the hundreds. Unless you keep count, the number creeps up faster than you think.
kj
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Thanks, kj ... some would need to use a panoramic camera for their group shots! :D
 
"Thanks, kj ... some would need to use a panoramic camera for their group shots!"
That's what i think too, and it would help those of us who only have 30 or 50 or even 75, to feel 'normal', like we have not gone overboard with our GEC purchases.
kj
 
CROWEMAG said:
Do all GEC knives come with the button pins? I recently purchased an UNXLD workhorse and Bull Buster from KSF and neither had one. Just curious! also got a Tidioute with no button from KSF. Hmmmm.
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No, they are randomly placed in most runs. Some SFO's and the recent Beer Scouts all have one; but when Chris' hands wear out from making them - she goes on strike for a few days.
 
Much obliged to all of you who took the time to respond to my request for information. I think I'm really going to like this forum, and like it or not, I know I'm going to learn a lot!
Bright moments,
Peter Beck
pbeck15
 
Old Engineer said:
In 2014 I bought an old Russell Barlow because it was so cheap and it reminded me of my Dad's knife. I then decided to collect Barlows. Since I had a small Case collection , I tried to find a new Case Barlow. It took 4 months to find one. I did find a Schatt & Morgan and like it very much . I then wanted to buy the best production Barlow and my research lead me to buy a Sheffield made couple. I searched and searched some more for Barlows and found out that a company named GEC made them , but they basically had to be bought in a made scramble and that did not sit very well. I wanted to just be able to buy one. I then happened to fill out a questionair at CK in an unfavorable way , and Mike called me to see why. He then explained GEC's way of doing business and I accepted it. When the chance came to reserve a 77 Barlow , I reserved just 1 to check their quality and the cost. The quality is up there with the best Sheffield makes and the cost is justified IMO. There was and is a lot of HYPE generated on this forum , but if the Quality and Cost was not right I would have not ordered 6 more 77s , two 73s , and reserved 2 more 77s and 2 of the new 83s. If you know the rules , you can play the game. If Mike had not ever called me , I might not have ever ordered the first GEC .

Harry
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Harry, thanks for sharing your story about your experiences with GEC and one of their dealers. I really appreciate the posts that provide some background about how members arrived at their current position regarding a certain knife, or maker, or sharpening system, or collecting focus, or whatever. There have been lots of very interesting and thought-provoking posts on "several sides" of GEC-related manufacturing/marketing issues since Peter asked his question a couple of days and a couple of pages ago. Thanks to all for sharing your opinions! :thumbup::cool::thumbup:

- GT
 
Now begins the hush as GEC rolls out some fixed blades. Time for some financial recovery...but that fillet knife looks handy...maybe I need one of those... ;) :p :D
 
It won't be long until the little lockback comes out, and Charlie's new lambfoot barlow, so financial recovery may be a pipe dream!:eek:

As to GEC, here's my take: I have been heavy into the traditionals for about 8 months or so, after taking a 20 year hiatus from ANY knife buying, followed by 6 months of modern one-handed flippers. I have bought a lot (I hate to guess, maybe 35 knives?) and sold a lot too (maybe 25). Mostly new GEC, new Case, vintage mixed bag of Case and Keen Kutter. A few others too. I own maybe a dozen knives at the moment. Of all this CEing and CFing, my impressions are that GEC makes the best traditional knives, functionally and asthetically, that you can buy right now. Completely equivalent to any 1920's (or earlier, I just haven't owned any) and up, wonderfully crafted wood or bone handled slip joint. I haven't had a very good time getting decent fit on new Case knives; maybe luck of the draw. But, every GEC has been top notch, centered blades, not one tiny thing amiss. For ~$100 each, MUCH better than a few Case knives in the $200-400 range. So, my experience, while just one data point, is "believe the hype", or the perceived hype, because in my hand, GEC knives are just amazing, functional works of art.

"Don't believe the hype" - Flava Flav ("Yeah Boooiiyyy!") and Public Enemy, circa 1988.:eek::confused::D
 
Although GEC makes an excellent knife, they are not perfect. There can be common faults like gaps, weak springs, nail breaker springs, blade tips that aren't buried when closed, dull factory edges, etc. Someone recently received one with a cracked handle.

When they're at the top of their game, they make the finest production knives in the USA. ...But SOME of Case's $50 knives come VERY close to GEC's $100 knives. And if you just want to cut stuff, even a $25 shipped Buck 301 or an $8 Opinel will do the job.
 
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