Let's talk Northwoods

euroken said:
Why are Northwoods so popular? Even more so than other GECs? I understand the mammoth covers but for micarta and bone, are they better for any different reason?

Just curious.
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For me, it’s the cover options and the blade finish. The knives just present themselves as classy, with a willingness to work. 🤷
 
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euroken said:
Why are Northwoods so popular? Even more so than other GECs? I understand the mammoth covers but for micarta and bone, are they better for any different reason?

Just curious.
Click to expand...
Better? Not by my criteria.

Maybe because I'm an incontrovertible user and not a collector, I'm always looking at cutting geometry. To me, many of the Northwoods look like they have more splitting-wedge geometry than slicing geometry and I just can't fathom what I'd need all that spine for. I've already got a splitting wedge, it came from harbor freight. Honestly, I don't even know why I have that - there's not much hardwood down here. Maybe I have an unacknowledged fantasy about getting lost in the Canadian wilderness and having to build myself a cabin. Anyone ever tried to use a splitting wedge on a palm tree? Didn't think so...

From a collector's standpoint though, I guess it's a fairly safe bet that they'll increase in value? That's of no concern to me because I'm fully aware that any additional funds in my possession are likely to just get allocated to acquiring even more traditional knives. Given the reality of inflation, I figure it's just more economically efficient to keep the ones I have. 🤣
 
birdsbeaks said:
To me, many of the Northwoods look like they have more splitting-wedge geometry than slicing geometry and I just can't fathom what I'd need all that spine for. I've already got a splitting wedge, it came from harbor freight....
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"Splitting wedge" seems quite overly dramatic. I'd hardly call this a "thick spine" (Bear Lake '22 run):

IMG_6095.jpg

For comparison, a GEC #47 Viper:

IMG_6097.jpg

...and a #15 Scout:

IMG_6098.jpg
 
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Smithhammer said:
"Splitting wedge" seems quite overly dramatic. I'd hardly call this a "thick spine" (Bear Lake '22 run):

View attachment 2304897

For comparison, a GEC #47 Viper:

View attachment 2304906

...and a #15 Scout:

View attachment 2304910
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I wasn't referencing the thickness of the stock itself, I like a beefy blade as much as the next guy.

I'm talking about how far that thickness goes down the flat before the bevel starts. Seems like it could be thinner behind the edge, and thus be a more efficient slicer, if it was a full-flat profile rather than sabre.

But that's just my opinion. I used to really like scandi grinds on fixed blades, but they never go in the bush with me anymore. I guess how I use knives has changed and the scandi, sabre, etc grinds seem to diminish the slicing ability that I value more than how robust a blade is.

All that aside, they appear to be beautiful and well-made knives and I'm absolutely thrilled that there are people who love them and that they are able to acquire something that brings them joy.

No disrespect intended! Congratulations on your purchase!
 
euroken said:
Why are Northwoods so popular? Even more so than other GECs? I understand the mammoth covers but for micarta and bone, are they better for any different reason?

Just curious.
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It’s the magic shield. 🤠😎

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I couldn’t participate today but I did get this one out to admire after work.

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Congratulations to those who got one. Or two. Or three
 
birdsbeaks said:
I wasn't referencing the thickness of the stock itself, I like a beefy blade as much as the next guy.

I'm talking about how far that thickness goes down the flat before the bevel starts. Seems like it could be thinner behind the edge, and thus be a more efficient slicer, if it was a full-flat profile rather than sabre.

But that's just my opinion. I used to really like scandi grinds on fixed blades, but they never go in the bush with me anymore. I guess how I use knives has changed and the scandi, sabre, etc grinds seem to diminish the slicing ability that I value more than how robust a blade is.

All that aside, they appear to be beautiful and well-made knives and I'm absolutely thrilled that there are people who love them and that they are able to acquire something that brings them joy.

No disrespect intended! Congratulations on your purchase!
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Yeah, I get that. Spine thickness is obviously not indicative of overall geometry, but at the same time, it's hard to think of something as a "wedge" if the thickest part of the blade isn't very thick to begin with. On the Bear Lake at least, I can't say that it's noticeably less slicey than other comparable blades.

As long as it's a fairly high saber, I don't notice much difference from a FFG, but it obviously depends on a lot more variables than just that.

I'm generally with you on "Scandi" grinds, however. Apparently, so were a lot of traditional Scandinavians. ;)
 
euroken said:
Why are Northwoods so popular? Even more so than other GECs? I understand the mammoth covers but for micarta and bone, are they better for any different reason?

Just curious.
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I have no idea my friend! I just figured I’d see what the fuss is all about myself!

I’ll probably just use it for three or four months and then sell it to fund something else. You know what they say about a fool and his money? I fear I am that fool.
 
I have never scored on a GEC/Northwoods drop -- ever. Had given up even trying. But, today, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Love Appaloosa Bone, so went there first and was successful. Almost fainted. Then figured there was no harm in trying for a Mammoth, and got lucky again. I'm still in shock... 😲

REtJ6jI.jpg
 
JW225 said:
I have never scored on a GEC/Northwoods drop -- ever. Had given up even trying. But, today, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Love Appaloosa Bone, so went there first and was successful. Almost fainted. Then figured there was no harm in trying for a Mammoth, and got lucky again. I'm still in shock... 😲

REtJ6jI.jpg
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Good job, tough to get for sure! Looks like you ended up with a nice one. Did they have individual pictures of the Appaloosa? I was pretty much stuck in a couple other screens and never made it to the Appaloosa.
 
cbr1000 said:
Good job, tough to get for sure! Looks like you ended up with a nice one. Did they have individual pictures of the Appaloosa? I was pretty much stuck in a couple other screens and never made it to the Appaloosa.
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No individual pics for Appaloosa.
 
cbr1000 said:
Good job, tough to get for sure! Looks like you ended up with a nice one. Did they have individual pictures of the Appaloosa? I was pretty much stuck in a couple other screens and never made it to the Appaloosa.
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Only Mammoth had individual photos.
 
JW225 said:
I have never scored on a GEC/Northwoods drop -- ever. Had given up even trying. But, today, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Love Appaloosa Bone, so went there first and was successful. Almost fainted. Then figured there was no harm in trying for a Mammoth, and got lucky again. I'm still in shock... 😲

REtJ6jI.jpg
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Congratz man! Thats awesome. Gives me hope I'll get one one day.
 
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