Lets talk GEC!

[JTB_5]

I’m on standby for the 99 but got the maple wood for the 85. I’ve not tried either of these, and since I’m still on my “year of trying GEC” I’ll probably be sending whatever I get along to a second buyer (unless it kicks out a current favorite). Thanks for this run, Mike!

 

[waverave]

I haven't been quick enough on the past few CK preorder rushes. The one thing about them though is even if you miss it, you are still one of the first to know about a release, and have darn good chance of contacting one of the other GEC dealers and requesting a preorder. Especially if you have established a rapport with them.

Great point

 

[Jiki]

I was fortunate enough to reserve a tiger maple wood. I think that is going to look great. Has Gec ever used that before?

 

[r8shell]

It is my understanding that GEC will run some Tidioutes for the dealer network as well.

Do you know if any of them will be two-bladed?

 

[mmarkh]

I'm on standby on a tiger maple.

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

Much more dense, but will have a nice creamy color. No problem with accuracy - I sourced all but the red jigged bone myself.

I’m intrigued! Sorry for doubting, it sounds like a nice stand in for ivory.

 

[Fox79]

For the folks that haven’t had an 85 yet, I highly suggest the pattern. It’s 3-5/8” at closed length and the spear blade is a “balloon” style. They typically have great W&T, and are pinchable with the EZ open notch.

Plus, Mike typically dresses them nice with the match striker pull and fancy shield.

It’s really a neat old time pattern.

 

[joeradza]

It's a "we'll see" knife for me. I'm not fan of EO notches, but they're not a deal breaker. The balloon spear is also something I'm not crazy about. So, we'll see how it looks and feels in hand.

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

It's a "we'll see" knife for me. I'm not fan of EO notches, but they're not a deal breaker. The balloon spear is also something I'm not crazy about. So, we'll see how it looks and feels in hand.

The balloon spear really adds to the overall symmetry of the knife. The EO notch isn’t for everyone, I guess. I’ve had 85’s with and without the EO and the notch seems to make for a smaller feeling knife, which I prefer for this pattern.

 

[blanco112]

Ugh I switched browsers and had to play around to get logged in. Kept trying but put on standby on a few. Crossing my fingers. I did get a new 85 today but not the EZ Open I truly long for. Speaking of Buffalo Horn I'm told that is what this one is. Curious why they won't do it anymore.

 

[Jathes]

Do you know if any of them will be two-bladed?

I'd be interested to know as well. Coping secondary would make me extra interested.

 

[jblyttle]

I started the process of logging onto the site and reserving a knife within 10 seconds of getting the text. I'm on standby for a red bone. Sigh...

 

[Pàdruig]

Ugh I switched browsers and had to play around to get logged in. Kept trying but put on standby on a few. Crossing my fingers. I did get a new 85 today but not the EZ Open I truly long for. Speaking of Buffalo Horn I'm told that is what this one is. Curious why they won't do it anymore. View attachment 979214

Beautiful horn on that one!

My understanding as to why GEC will not work with buffalo horn is the multitude of problems that occurred when they have used it in the past. If the horn has not been properly stored/seasoned(?), it is prone to warping and shrinkage and due to that, GEC experienced a lot of returns of knives that developed gaps and what not.

My experience with the material, both with my knives and what I have read from others, is that it is one of the more finicky cover materials and can be affected greatly by the environment it is owned/used in. I live in a rather wet environment so Buffalo Horn does pretty well but there are some here who live in very dry climates and they have experienced significant shrinkage.

I would love to own a horn clad knife made by GEC and for a moment, i got my hopes up with this upcoming run of 85s. However, I can understand GEC's stance in regards to using it on future runs.

 

[GE Jr]

I'm happy that I was able to reserve this one - of the saber grind variety - in the 2016 run. I might've tried for one this time for a regular spear grind, but again it looks like my chosen shower time is saving me some money.

It reminds me of a knife made a century ago and preserved in a time capsule. Congrats to those who got in on time.

 

[cbr1000]

I was fortunate enough to reserve a tiger maple wood. I think that is going to look great. Has Gec ever used that before?

I didn't reserve it so that's why I think it will look great too .

I got in a rush and bummed I didn't reserve it when I had the chance...

 

[cbr1000]

Prior run images

 

[Anothername]

The 85 with the EO has been my grail for years and I’m always to late or just can’t afford the fleabay markup. Was lucky enough to reserve a few! Cannot wait! I also had to pull over thanks mike!

 

[Stropping Young Lad]

Beautiful horn on that one!

My understanding as to why GEC will not work with buffalo horn is the multitude of problems that occurred when they have used it in the past. If the horn has not been properly stored/seasoned(?), it is prone to warping and shrinkage and due to that, GEC experienced a lot of returns of knives that developed gaps and what not.

My experience with the material, both with my knives and what I have read from others, is that it is one of the more finicky cover materials and can be affected greatly by the environment it is owned/used in. I live in a rather wet environment so Buffalo Horn does pretty well but there are some here who live in very dry climates and they have experienced significant shrinkage.

I would love to own a horn clad knife made by GEC and for a moment, i got my hopes up with this upcoming run of 85s. However, I can understand GEC's stance in regards to using it on future runs.

Yup, that’s the case. I asked Bill last year and he said as much. It seemed to hit the 57’s hardest. I’ve seen a 57 halfwhitt on the Bay with a horn cover so shrunken you could probably stick a toothpick in the gap between the bolsters and the horn.

 

[cbr1000]

Much more dense, but will have a nice creamy color. No problem with accuracy - I sourced all but the red jigged bone myself.

Hopefully there's no pink jigged bone! Funny thing is the hemlock green turns out a very nice deep red, but blood red is sometimes pink near the bolsters.

 

[blanco112]

Beautiful horn on that one!

My understanding as to why GEC will not work with buffalo horn is the multitude of problems that occurred when they have used it in the past. If the horn has not been properly stored/seasoned(?), it is prone to warping and shrinkage and due to that, GEC experienced a lot of returns of knives that developed gaps and what not.

My experience with the material, both with my knives and what I have read from others, is that it is one of the more finicky cover materials and can be affected greatly by the environment it is owned/used in. I live in a rather wet environment so Buffalo Horn does pretty well but there are some here who live in very dry climates and they have experienced significant shrinkage.

I would love to own a horn clad knife made by GEC and for a moment, i got my hopes up with this upcoming run of 85s. However, I can understand GEC's stance in regards to using it on future runs.

Thanks! I'm happy with this one. And thank you for the background on horn. I'll have to make sure to take good care of it.