Lets talk GEC!

draggat said:
I've got a question for y'all....

I've noticed that the Navy/Rope knives aren't really all that popular and I've read quite a few statements that it's not a very useful blade shape. Comparing them to a Sheepfoot blade, they're actually very similar. Is it because of the bail? The EZ open? The combo of the two? Maybe just poor aesthetics?

Personally, I think they're good looking and a historically interesting pattern, but I think I'm in the minority. Usually GEC's disappear instantly on the exchange, but I was able to get one of Charlie's rope knives for substantially less than dealer pricing and it even sat there for a day or two.

Just curious is all. BTW, the stainless Navy knives are really nice!
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I've wondered the same. If I didn't have a sheepfoot TC I'd be really interested in getting one.
 
The way the blade sits proud of the handle isn't ideal for pocket carry. But for the Navy, it's probably very handy to deploy the higher sitting blade if you have cold wet hands. The problem with the ergonomics of the design is that the handle needs to be a bit chunkier to do justice to the blade. I find it a bit fiddly, and the bail doesn't help.

The bail is also a curious design. It's flat and a bit sharp. Other knives I own with wire bails use round bails. I find these preferable as they don't have sharp edges.


Despite this, I did order one the new jig bones. Those photos a page or two back convinced me!
 
draggat said:
I've noticed that the Navy/Rope knives aren't really all that popular and I've read quite a few statements that it's not a very useful blade shape. Comparing them to a Sheepfoot blade, they're actually very similar. Is it because of the bail? The EZ open? The combo of the two? Maybe just poor aesthetics?
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Can't speak for anyone but meself, of course, but I'm forcing myself to admire the fine lines of the navy knife from afar. You see, Beer Scouts are a-comin', and I'll be hornswaggled if I miss a Barlow AND a Beer Scout in the same year. :grumpy:

heefageLA said:
Much like the recent 'Oil Sucker Rod' wood used on the Beagle.
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My fascination with the OSR Beagle is exactly why I'm giddy over the "special secret wood" offering, plus it takes the sting out of missing the old barn chestnut.

ALLHSS said:
I've wondered the same. If I didn't have a sheepfoot TC I'd be really interested in getting one.
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See? The navy knife is a winner. It's just all about priorities. Lots of big big runs this year, and more to come.
 
Ratbert said:
I wondered this myself. From reading Bill Howard's essay about stag handles going forward sans shield, it sounds like "no shield" is the answer. Seems a shame, as I agree that the stainless acorn shield wouldn't detract from elk at all and would in fact, enhance the looks of the knife.

I realize that it makes the manufacturing process more labor intensive, but personally I would be willing to pay more for the shield. Just my opinion, of course.
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Newest pictures on the site shows the Elk WITH the acorn shield!
 
Beautiful.

ELK%20cover.png
 
Camillus said:
The way the blade sits proud of the handle isn't ideal for pocket carry. But for the Navy, it's probably very handy to deploy the higher sitting blade if you have cold wet hands. The problem with the ergonomics of the design is that the handle needs to be a bit chunkier to do justice to the blade. I find it a bit fiddly, and the bail doesn't help.

The bail is also a curious design. It's flat and a bit sharp. Other knives I own with wire bails use round bails. I find these preferable as they don't have sharp edges.


Despite this, I did order one the new jig bones. Those photos a page or two back convinced me!
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I think you are absolutely right about this. It's an interesting old scarce pattern, but it certainly has limited applications. The blade is OK for chopping plug tobacco or rope, but otherwise... Main thing is the pocket-carry or lack of it rather. It is supposed to be lashed onto a pack or belt with the shackle/bail but in the pocket it's clumsy, bails may be authentic but I don't care for them, they scratch up the bolster, get ensnared in the pocket or the blade chomps down on them by accident. Take them off and you've got a not so nice port hole gaping at you. I think ALL 15s could benefit enormously from having thicker handle slabs, but particularly the Navy. thicker slabs make for better handling and the 15 is skimpy in the scales Dept:thumbdn: You can't coon-finger this type of Navy knife either:( The new run of stainless look good, I like the Winterbottom type handle and the Acorn shield, stainless is better for this type of work, but for me one Rope Knife is enough, pointless to have more, no pun.

Now that stainless Boy's Knife is another matter, I'd like any or all:D

Thanks, Will
 
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Holy mackerel! 34 different variations of the 14 on the production schedule. No wonder the 72's and Beer Scouts are so far out. I'll bet they make a few more variations than those listed as well.

Ragg bone is most likely what they were calling the 'edge wane sawcut'. I think it's a saw cut soup bone. Funny how the materials that are basically the left overs are now premium.
 
JB in SC said:
Noticed a Tidioute #14 Barlow 2 blade on the production schedule, not an SFO.
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I believe this was an accidental duplicate of Charlie's run on the schedule.

They also show a bolster on the "What's Happening" page that they list as being for #15 TC Barlows, but I called and was told that is a typo and should say #14.
 
rye_a said:
I believe this was an accidental duplicate of Charlie's run on the schedule.

They also show a bolster on the "What's Happening" page that they list as being for #15 TC Barlows, but I called and was told that is a typo and should say #14.
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I thought so too, but they snuck in other production runs recently few seemed to know about.
 
draggat said:
34 different variations of the 14 on the production schedule. No wonder the 72's and Beer Scouts are so far out.
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Uggh...... I'm totally interested in the Beer Scouts and the 72's. Not really interested in the 14's at all. Too small for my hands.

At least I'll have lots of time to save up money.
 
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