Looking at #89 Gambler by GEC in 440...

arizonaranchman

arizonaranchman

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Jan 1, 2012
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Anybody have a #89 Gambler by GEC in 440 stainless? I'm looking at one and like the slim profile (sort of like a Ben Hogan with an extra pen blade). It's 1/2" shorter than the Ben Hogan at 4" closed.

This is also known as the #89 Melon Tester if Northfield or Tidiouette.
 
That pattern appeals to me also and was wondering why there is very little talk about it here. Wish I could see one in person before buying though.
 
They look nice certainly, but longer knives 4" plus and being slim can limit the appeal. Quality is there without a doubt.
 
I had one in elk as well, but sold it, as it was a little too slim for me, and I like slim knives.
 
I have handled melon testers but not GECs. The length and width of the blade and handle kind of conspire to create a feeling of delicacy or brittleness in the patterns i have handled. Ymmv, but not everyone's cuppa meat.
 
rma100 said:
You can't be too far from Titusville Coaltrain?
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Nope - a measly 2 hours through some of the most beautiful mountains in the country! I am planning a trip very soon - hopefully by the end of the month.

My biggest fear is wanting to buy too many once I put my grubby hands on them!

And as a side note - I've just started with collecting some GEC knives, and find I have a hard time opening a lot of them because of a severe case of RA. I was thinking the best way to find the knives that I can work without buying a whole bunch on-line is to go there and try them for myself.
 
I have an elk with a spear. There are other main blade choices. I like the spear but it is thick at the tip, which will likely cause blade rubs against the liner or the secondary blade tang. Size wise the secondary blade is similar to the secondary blade on the 33 conductor. Despite the comparable length these knives are not really related to the Hogans. If I had to cut a melon, I would use a Hogan.
 
Anyone know how a melon tester was intended to be used? I think they are also called fruit knives.
 
arizonaranchman said:
Anybody have a #89 Gambler by GEC in 440C stainless? I'm looking at one and like the slim profile (sort of like a Ben Hogan with an extra pen blade). It's 1/2" shorter than the Ben Hogan at 4" closed.

This is also known as the #89 Melon Tester if Northfield or Tidiouette.
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Fixed.
GEC, with only a few exceptions, uses 440C for their stainless.
This should not be confused with generic "440 stainless" one so often sees.
 
If you're looking for a long slender knife with 2 blades then this one is definitely it. Unlike other pen knifes, this one actually has 2 springs (not pictured). The main blade rides on both springs but the pen only rides one one.


 
Thanks 2dead, great pics. How does it feel in hand? Does it FEEL too thin? It's sure sleek. Now as said the Ben Hogan is vaguely similar but a 1/2" longer and single blade. The handle of the BH is probably just a bit more substantial by the pics I see. But the thing that draws my interest to the #89 is that nice pen blade and yet having such a slim profile. I generally like single blade slippies just because they're so wonderfully slim. But a with a blade at each end they stay slimmer compared to the blades both at one end.
 
arizonaranchman said:
Thanks 2dead, great pics. How does it feel in hand? Does it FEEL too thin? It's sure sleek. Now as said the Ben Hogan is vaguely similar but a 1/2" longer and single blade. The handle of the BH is probably just a bit more substantial by the pics I see. But the thing that draws my interest to the #89 is that nice pen blade and yet having such a slim profile. I generally like single blade slippies just because they're so wonderfully slim. But a with a blade at each end they stay slimmer compared to the blades both at one end.
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No problem. I haven't really used them too much. I carried my #89 Whittler for maybe a day but not the 440C ones. It kinda feels like a pen in my hand, with a flat top/bottom. I took a couple comparison pics with other GEC "pens" here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-shots-photo-requests?p=12531807#post12531807. It feels slightly thicker than the other pens but it is definitely narrower.
 
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