Lets talk GEC!

[MerryMadMonk]

Rick, I don't know if lazy springs were typical for the 56, but I've only owned a couple (not a great sample size)... they were snappy with good walk/talk.

 

[Ramrodmb]

This one was a little tight when new, but loosened up after some use.

 

[btb01]

GEC has a new page on their website (new to me anyway) that shows a wide variety of shields.

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/information/gec-shields/

Anyone seen the pictured Guitar or Star shields on a GEC knife?

They've used the guitar shield on their "Tango" series. I don't know much about 'em, but if you Google it you'll see Tango knives on the #12 pattern (like below), #26 pattern, and a few others.

I've never seen the star shield, but that doesn't mean they haven't used it.

 

[btb01]

Did a little searching, here's the star shield on a #28 Lady Leg/French Kate/American Patriot.

 

[Fire Beard]

This one was a little tight when new, but loosened up after some use.

What happened to the pin on this?

 

[johnny twoshoes]

What happened to the pin on this?

The pin is recessed into the stag.

 

[Ramrodmb]

What happened to the pin on this?

The pin is recessed into the stag.

Yep. Johnny2s is right. It came with the pin recessed in like that. I'm glad they tend not to do that anymore, at least not that bad!

 

[Will Power]

I have 4 56 models: single Hawkbill EZ-Open, Tidioute Jack in bone, Northfield Ebony Jack - all are Barehead and a Hound's Tooth endcap Wharncliffe. All have fierce snap and W&T.

A single Barehead Clip would be a good knife to get but so far, it's double bolsters.

Don't like that guitar shield (or is it fiddle?) I'm afraid

Very good that GEC springs a surprise though, too much to hope there'll be a stainless Acorn option this time round.... Imagine THAT as Stag with all stainless liners..

 

[StubbyThumbnail]

Good to hear the 56's typically have snappy action. Just when I think I might get a break from knife buying they spring another surprise on me!
Rick

 

[Travman]

What is the difference between a 55 and 56 pattern? From the pictures, the only difference I can see is the 55 has three pins holding it together and the 56 has four pins.

 

[joeradza]

I have 4 56 models: single Hawkbill EZ-Open, Tidioute Jack in bone, Northfield Ebony Jack - all are Barehead and a Hound's Tooth endcap Wharncliffe. All have fierce snap and W&T.

A single Barehead Clip would be a good knife to get but so far, it's double bolsters.

Don't like that guitar shield (or is it fiddle?) I'm afraid

Very good that GEC springs a surprise though, too much to hope there'll be a stainless Acorn option this time round.... Imagine THAT as Stag with all stainless liners..

Now there's a suggestion I'd really like.

 

[black mamba]

#55

#56 (on top)

Only differences I see are the blades and the linerlock.

 

[Fox79]

GEC has a new page on their website (new to me anyway) that shows a wide variety of shields.

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/information/gec-shields/

Anyone seen the pictured Guitar or Star shields on a GEC knife?

@WoodManGM thanks for sharing the shield info. I find it interesting they refer to one shield as a “key hole” yet I think GEC has been calling it a “cloud” shield.

I’m super excited for the 56’s because of the shape and it’s a pattern not released for a few years. I am hoping that 2018 brings us Barlows (77, 15, or 14), Whittlers, and maybe a 85 bullet end.

I have the worst luck trying to get a 77 or 85 on the exchange.

 

[Ramrodmb]

What is the difference between a 55 and 56 pattern? From the pictures, the only difference I can see is the 55 has three pins holding it together and the 56 has four pins.

I have read somewhere the difference is the 55 has a half stop and 56 does not. Much like the difference between a 53 and a 54. Other than that, its the same handle die.

 

[Ratbert]

#55

#56 (on top)

Only differences I see are the blades and the linerlock.

Thanks for the comparison pics. I have a spear 55, so I may pass on this one, unless there’s a clip offering, or some pretty smooth bone handles.
GEC does like to spring December surprises!

 

[Travman]

black mamba -thanks for showing the clip-blade 56 with three pins. I thought they all had four pins like the 56 shown below.

Still, I can see no real difference between the 55 and 56 pattern, not that it really matters.

 

[btb01]

@WoodManGM thanks for sharing the shield info. I find it interesting they refer to one shield as a “key hole” yet I think GEC has been calling it a “cloud” shield.

I thought that was interesting, too. They have definitely referred to it as a "cloud shield" on their production schedule before.

 

[Will Power]

I suspect it was the Spear models that had 4 pins (better in my view) whereas the Clips/Wharncliffe had 3

Great frame mind whatever the pin configuration

 

[Nature Boy]

Oh man...56s...I was really hoping to not buy any new folders in 2018...

 

[Norcaldude]

GEC 55 next to a NW Burnside