Lets talk GEC!

paulsal said:
Hello,
I'm trying to find some information on my Northfield Bullet End Jack.
Anyone know an approximate year it could have been made and why it has a zero.
I always thought the serial numbers released started at 2.
Thanks for any help.View attachment 1052305 View attachment 1052306
Click to expand...

It might be possible that is an identifier for the specific Stag on the knife. A lot of dealers will mark their Stag on the caps due to the variety in the natural material. That allows them to be able to quickly identify the knife and ship it after purchase.

For instance: Mike from CK will alphabetize the different Stag to aid in the ordering process. He takes pictures, matches it to a letter, puts it up on the website, and then the prospective buyer selects the one(s) they want and he can quickly reference the knife by letter.
 
tmd_87 said:
I think some people need to realize that your not gonna always get a knife you want. That especially goes with high demand patterns. Heck I know I will never land a #15 clip point TC barlow in soup bone. But if I really wanted one I would be on the exchange and want to by threads trying to aquire one. Sometimes half the fun is looking and searching and always trying to get one. I was lucky and was able to get past runs of #77 barlows by either A.) Being right by my phone when they were announced via reservation (luck) or 2.) The secondays market and being the 1st to claim (luck). Sometimes you gotta work a lil harder for what you want which I'm fine with. It's not gonna ruin my day if I don't get a certain knife. I'm fine with large runs or smaller runs, all the same to me. And I have in no way an unlimited bank roll for knives. I get the ones that I really think I will enjoy. If I don't I sell em.

I am not to sold on the jigging on the blue bone for the Pembertons. Maybe it's hard to tool such a small cover IDK. I am glad that I was able to reserve a stag and smooth bone (luck). LOL
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I could not agree more.

In the beginning, when I first embarked on this knife collecting business a couple of years ago, I wanted ALL the knives. After a couple of disappointments, I came to the conclusion that you simply win some and you lose some. There is little point in being bitter about the losses. Instead, it is far more meaningful to enjoy the triumph of your wins.

Also, patience is key. I missed out initially on the Ancient TC last year but I knew by then that I could be patient, communicate my interest, and eventually find one at a good price. And I succeeded! A win worthy of celebratory beverages and cigars.

I am not opposed to special limited editions. I understand the likelihood that I will land them is going to be somewhat slim, but I also know that I cannot be everywhere at once and I have a life to live that does not involve knives all the time. The recent run of 85s is a good example. I would have LOVED to have gotten one of them in African Blackwood. But I do not do the Facebook thing so I missed out. There are folks who are connected to all the dealers and their mailing lists, hooked up on the various social media platforms, and very plugged into the forums. I applaud their dedication but that isn't for me and it doesn't have to be.

I'll enjoy my wins, recognizing them for being the special occasions that they are, and I won't get bent out of shape regarding the losses. There is always next time.
 
paulsal said:
Hello,
I'm trying to find some information on my Northfield Bullet End Jack.
Anyone know an approximate year it could have been made and why it has a zero.
I always thought the serial numbers released started at 2.
Thanks for any help.View attachment 1052305 View attachment 1052306
Click to expand...

Last two No.s on the label and on the tang stamp are the year of manufacture in this case 11

Don't know about the nought /zero? Prototype??
 
paulsal said:
Hello,
I'm trying to find some information on my Northfield Bullet End Jack.
Anyone know an approximate year it could have been made and why it has a zero.
I always thought the serial numbers released started at 2.
Thanks for any help.View attachment 1052305 View attachment 1052306
Click to expand...

TANG-NUMBER-CHART.jpg


First two numbers are the pattern number (#85), third is the main blade shape (2 = regular spear), fourth is the number of blades (2) and the last two are the year (2011).

I think Dylan is right, the 0 (could also be a C?) was likely an identifier for a specific knife, which many dealers often do with stag models.
 
Pàdruig said:
I could not agree more.

In the beginning, when I first embarked on this knife collecting business a couple of years ago, I wanted ALL the knives. After a couple of disappointments, I came to the conclusion that you simply win some and you lose some. There is little point in being bitter about the losses. Instead, it is far more meaningful to enjoy the triumph of your wins.

Also, patience is key. I missed out initially on the Ancient TC last year but I knew by then that I could be patient, communicate my interest, and eventually find one at a good price. And I succeeded! A win worthy of celebratory beverages and cigars.

I am not opposed to special limited editions. I understand the likelihood that I will land them is going to be somewhat slim, but I also know that I cannot be everywhere at once and I have a life to live that does not involve knives all the time. The recent run of 85s is a good example. I would have LOVED to have gotten one of them in African Blackwood. But I do not do the Facebook thing so I missed out. There are folks who are connected to all the dealers and their mailing lists, hooked up on the various social media platforms, and very plugged into the forums. I applaud their dedication but that isn't for me and it doesn't have to be.

I'll enjoy my wins, recognizing them for being the special occasions that they are, and I won't get bent out of shape regarding the losses. There is always next time.
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Couldn't have said it better. That's what happened with the last run of 77 barlows. I struck out every time with Mike's lottery. Which still was a ton of fun and had a blast watching guys who have never had the opportunity to get a 77 land one. But it didn't ruin my day, month or year. Ya it stung but still was fun and I didn't give up. I posted in the want to buy section and just like that I had two or three members communicating with me about 77's they would sell. I picked one up and the rest is history. (Because I will never sell the knife)

Like you said with the short runs would be true. Hard to get but if you got one it would be well worth it. I like this social platform and this platform alone to talk knives, show knives and trade knives/buy knives.

For those new collectors out there, "patience is key." And that's important with GEC.
 
tmd_87 said:
Couldn't have said it better. That's what happened with the last run of 77 barlows. I struck out every time with Mike's lottery. Which still was a ton of fun and had a blast watching guys who have never had the opportunity to get a 77 land one. But it didn't ruin my day, month or year. Ya it stung but still was fun and I didn't give up. I posted in the want to buy section and just like that I had two or three members communicating with me about 77's they would sell. I picked one up and the rest is history. (Because I will never sell the knife)

Like you said with the short runs would be true. Hard to get but if you got one it would be well worth it. I like this social platform and this platform alone to talk knives, show knives and trade knives/buy knives.

For those new collectors out there, "patience is key." And that's important with GEC.
Click to expand...

I also struck out on the 77 lottery, much to my chagrin. But I was able to set up some trades with other Bladeforums members. My take-away from this experience was to think of my GEC’s as money in savings. Buy the valuable ones from preorder when you can, even if they’re not exactly your thing. Then trade them away when the pattern you really want finally comes around.
 
It's funny how tastes can change....When the Lionsteel Barlow was released I had no interest in it at all, disdaining screw construction etc etc;) Then I saw unbelievable examples of Ram's Horn :eek: Then I was lucky enough to get one from the Exchange, once in the hand I was completely converted by the build quality, blade steel, size and non too heavy.

Looks like it's happening again..:D the 78 Yankee Jack I didn't even bother to give a second glance , nothing to see there...Then I saw one for sale on the Exchange the other day and I got hooked, but I missed it :( Appaloosa Bone and Oak leaf shield:cool: Nice big Spear, a blade I probably like more than any other. Now I'm getting sleepless about it:D:D

Well, tastes change as all thing evolve but I've never changed my mind about a knife in the sense of taking against a pattern I formerly liked, so that's not bad:thumbsup:
 
Buzzbait said:
I also struck out on the 77 lottery, much to my chagrin. But I was able to set up some trades with other Bladeforums members. My take-away from this experience was to think of my GEC’s as money in savings. Buy the valuable ones from preorder when you can, even if they’re not exactly your thing. Then trade them away when the pattern you really want finally comes around.
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True, and nothing wrong with that at all. I have done that recently with the #14s. I have sold one #14 and traded away another and I am keeping my TC barlows. I may also do this with the Pembertons. I never have had the pattern so want to try it out. Also knowing it's a very small pattern and I like bigger knives. So I only reserved two. Maybe even gifting one away.

Anyway, today another new knife in the mail! A #66 calf roper in hemlock green bone. The jigging and dye on this are awesome. I love the dye job and I know it ages well and lightens up with pocket time. As many have said the main clip point is extremely snappy with a decent 6 pull. The secondary blades are a lil lighter but I expected that. I'm excited to have my first stockman knife and never really thought I would get one. Three very useful blade shapes in a very pocketable package can't be beat. Well we will see. Should I keep this one as a fancy night out on the town knife?
IMG_20190111_143716.jpg
 
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Camillus Camillus Pàdruig Pàdruig Gentlemen you are incensing me:D I missed out on that knife by a whisker now I'm in a shell-hole of my own making, drowning in grief :eek::poop: Not quite...but not far off!

Nothing like getting fixated by a new knife target:cool: Not too patient here either;)
 
Love the color tmd, that one is my favourite of the run, but man how much more amazing would it be if GEC teamed up that hemlock green with a more interesting jigging style.

Sawcut hemlock would look amazing too. Can I just say that again, Bill, sawcut hemlock pleeeease!

Will P, do yourself a favour, track down a ebony 78 in one or two blade. Its amazing. I think some are still in the shops.
 
tmd_87 said:
True, and nothing wrong with that at all. I have done that recently with the #14s. I have sold one #14 and traded away another and I am keeping my TC barlows. I may also do this with the Pembertons. I never have had the pattern so want to try it out. Also knowing it's a very small pattern and I like bigger knives. So I only reserved two. Maybe even gifting one away.

Anyway, today another new knife in the mail! A #66 calf roper in hemlock green bone. The jigging and die on this are awesome. I love the dye job and I know it ages well and lightens up with pocket time. As many have said the main clip point is extremely snappy with a decent 6 pull. The secondary blades are a lil lighter but I expected that. I'm excited to have my first stockman knife and never really thought I would get one. Three very useful blade shapes in a very pocketable package can't be beat. Well we will see. Should I keep this one as a fancy night out on the town knife?
View attachment 1052359
Click to expand...

Awhile back, I had one of the 66 Stockmans in Stag that I got in a trade. At the time, Stag didn't do too much for me (completely different now, I love the stuff) and I ended up selling it to fund a Churchill when those were released. I liked the knife though and had aspirations of picking up another. I missed out on the Blood Red Jigged SFO and the only other one that really piqued my interest was the Hemlock Green with that excellent shield.

Well, I just ordered one because I realized it won't be readily available forever and it is just a darned handsome knife. Mine will arrive next week, I suspect.
 
Camillus said:
Love the color tmd, that one is my favourite of the run, but man how much more amazing would it be if GEC teamed up that hemlock green with a more interesting jigging style.

Sawcut hemlock would look amazing too. Can I just say that again, Bill, sawcut hemlock pleeeease!

Will P, do yourself a favour, track down a ebony 78 in one or two blade. Its amazing. I think some are still in the shops.
Click to expand...

I love sawcut but I would also love to see them do jigging more similar to this.

9kExMEQ.jpg
 
Camillus said:
Love the color tmd, that one is my favourite of the run, but man how much more amazing would it be if GEC teamed up that hemlock green with a more interesting jigging style.

Sawcut hemlock would look amazing too. Can I just say that again, Bill, sawcut hemlock pleeeease!

Will P, do yourself a favour, track down a ebony 78 in one or two blade. Its amazing. I think some are still in the shops.
Click to expand...
I really don't mind this style of jigging but I know they can do better
 
Pàdruig said:
Awhile back, I had one of the 66 Stockmans in Stag that I got in a trade. At the time, Stag didn't do too much for me (completely different now, I love the stuff) and I ended up selling it to fund a Churchill when those were released. I liked the knife though and had aspirations of picking up another. I missed out on the Blood Red Jigged SFO and the only other one that really piqued my interest was the Hemlock Green with that excellent shield.

Well, I just ordered one because I realized it won't be readily available forever and it is just a darned handsome knife. Mine will arrive next week, I suspect.
Click to expand...

Nice! Yeah the hemlock green is definitely a great dye. Plus the shield combo is can't be beat. I got a really good deal on it from a member and couldn't be happier. So far it's very pocketable and just is a nice pattern gonna care it for the rest of my weekend.
 
Looking at that knife makes me wonder if you can retro-jig over the top of the original jigging - with a Dremel or similar tool.

Some of the knifemakers on here that regularly replace handle scales should know if this is possible.
 
tmd_87 said:
Nice! Yeah the hemlock green is definitely a great dye. Plus the shield combo is can't be beat. I got a really good deal on it from a member and couldn't be happier. So far it's very pocketable and just is a nice pattern gonna care it for the rest of my weekend.
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I have a hemlock green 66 also. It’s a very sweet knife. If you ask me, the best cover/shield combo from that run. The color is quite exceptional.
 
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