Looking for first GEC

thejamppa

thejamppa

Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
2,907
Hello everyone!

Native retailer announced they can get GEC knives. This has made me think getting one. I'm thinking either jack knife or barlow. However their closed length's seem to be 3" and quite big compeared my case small texas jack.

How they carry? I hear GEC has really good quality and they use 1095 carbon. I was looking Canoe, but GEC doesn't seem to have any available at the moment.

There's always Shatt&Morgan but I don't know much about them that they're basicly off shoot from Queen and quality should be good. I have no idea available patterns after searching bit information.
 
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I've been looking at GEC knives and they are definitely a quality product. The only thing I notice is that they are also definitely a little heavier than some pocket knives. The selection is mind boggling!
 
I just started to buy GEC and like them a lot.

This is larger than what you are looking for.

This was my first buy/pick.:)

obj2167geo2108pg39p2.jpg


Great Eastern Tidioute Pioneer
Year: 2007 Condition: Mint
Misc: Tidioute Cutlery Brand
Handle: River Valley Green Bone
Steel: 1095 Size: 4 1/2"
Great Eastern Cutlery ID: GEMLTIRV23
 
The 3" GEC's carry quite well. They're shorter than your small texas jack, and probably about as wide, but also a little "taller". As mentioned, they're somewhat heavy compared to other 3" knives, but not to the point of feeling like a lump of lead in your pocket at all. They feel better in the hand than almost any other 3" knife, IMO.

If you've done a little reading about GEC knives you've no doubt discovered, that for the most part, they have relatively stiff backsprings. If that presents a problem to you I'd suggest looking at the easy-open models - they can be pinched open, and the cutout in the scales & liners makes a nice place to put your middle or ring finger (depending on your hand size and grip) when the knife is open and in use.
 
Currently I am eyeing Whanrcliff Barlow? Jack knife. Northfield #25 Arrowhead Jigged Bone (250109) most lustfully. 1095 steel. Good looks. Though, some Schat&Morgan File&Wire Swayback Clasp is tempting with ATS-34 steel have temped me, though nearly 4 1/4" closed length seems much for EDC.

Oh, the trouble of choosing. It still comes down the price.
So far contestants are:

Northfield Barlow Jack 1095
Schatt&Morgan Swaback Clasp ATS-34
Queen Barlow D2
 
GEC makes several patterns based on the same 3" frame; "Barlows," Jacks and Sleeveboards. I like the latter, as it puts the master blade at the large end of the handle, allowing it to be wider and more robust. The ergos are improved as well, IMO. The three-inchers are deceptively tiny--practically 'miniature' for GEC--and they easily disappear in your change pocket.

GEC26Sleeveboard09.jpg
 
Two guys at work have the #25, ones a barlow with a clip blade,and bakote. The other one is a spear point jack with an end bolster in snakewood. 1095 and stainless respectively. I want one real bad. for a 3 inch knife they have a nice weighty feel about them.(I've given a few people the bug.lol)
 
Sleeveboard never attracted to me, until I saw one at your hand Rick. Looks really nice! Its same price as Single blade Northfield jack knife or double bladed. I am not big fan of small clip point so wharncliff + small sheepshoof tempt me.
 
thejamppa said:
Sleeveboard never attracted to me, until I saw one at your hand Rick. Looks really nice!
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I outta hire out my services as a hand model. The knives would be flyin' fast 'n' furious off the shelves in no time. :cool:
 
I wish GEC did more in 440C. I also only like the wood handled models. It has been impossible so far to find a pattern I like with those two requirements.
 
rick your knife is an excellent choice but may be a tad expensive for a 1st timer.the blue lockback will make anyone happy, mine in jigged bocote opens like pure silk. lukacmihaly is in for a sensual delight.
 
DennisStrickland said:
rick your knife is an excellent choice but may be a tad expensive for a 1st timer.the blue lockback will make anyone happy, mine in jigged bocote opens like pure silk. lukacmihaly is in for a sensual delight.
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Hell yeah! I'm already counting the days! (all 10 of them) :D
 
The single blade GECs carry very differently than their 2 blade knives, IMHO. Also, the Northwoods Indian River knife, made by GEC is pretty sweet, too. It's a single blade, equal end knife with a Spear-point blade with "Scagel" like opening notch in the blade.

They're 3 5/8", carry very well. 1095 blade steel & ebony wood.
 
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