Looking to land my first Northwoods.

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nedflow

Joined
Jan 24, 2014
Messages
274
Greetings,

Hope all is well. Recently have been contemplating a traditional folder for my next blade. I am drawn to the single Blade Northwoods with either blue or green camelbone. Seems like I can't find one anywhere though which is frustrating. There is currently a Northwoods Barlow Knife Blue Camel Bone on Ebay but seems overpriced. Are these blades this uncommon and do they merit the price inflation? I am asking as I simply don't know. I look forward to your comments. Thanks again!
 
I've had wonderful luck on the WTB found right here. I'd go that route.
 
Ned, the Northwoods probably aren't as much uncommon as they are treasured. I would have a very hard time paying the inflated prices that some seem to be willing to pay. Thru patience and perseverance one can snag a Northwoods at the right price. Keep an eye on the traditional forum, watch the exchange carefully and subscribe to KSF news letter to stay informed of new releases. Good luck and don't give up, when you do get the one you want I think you'll find it was worth the extra effort.
 
redsparrow said:
Ned, the Northwoods probably aren't as much uncommon as they are treasured. I would have a very hard time paying the inflated prices that some seem to be willing to pay. Thru patience and perseverance one can snag a Northwoods at the right price. Keep an eye on the traditional forum, watch the exchange carefully and subscribe to KSF news letter to stay informed of new releases. Good luck and don't give up, when you do get the one you want I think you'll find it was worth the extra effort.
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Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!!!
 
RobertK said:
I've had wonderful luck on the WTB found right here. I'd go that route.
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I second this notion. Just keep in mind that only members who are permitted to sell on the forum can see all of the posts in the Wanted To Buy section so you will only see your own post. But rest assured that there is plenty of traffic there and lots of members will see your post. My apologies if you already knew that.
 
It's not easy.

I really got hit hard with the "traditional" bug about a year ago. (It's here to stay!)
The first things I realized where:

Alot of people want the same style knives as me.
Supply and demand are really huge factors for those knives. (Single blade GEC/Northwoods)

I have been....wait for it.....Patient! Yup, it's not easy, but it's really the only way to really get to where you want to go.

I only have been able to get my hands on two (2) Northwoods knives in just under a year, BUT, they are both knives I really wanted, with limited availability, and huge price tags that my patience has helped me avoid for the most part (they where "reasonable")

So, my suggestion would be to chech the "traditional" exchange daily, be patient, and know what you want and what you are willing to pay for it....

Good luck!
 
I recently picked up my first Norwoods. I am pleased with my find although it was more difficult than I expected. Almost exclusively found in the secondary market.

I am searching another and again I have found it elusive. Time and patience are needed I suspect.
 
In addition to the WTB I would add your wish list to your signature- that has worked great for me!
 
These are all great comments, thank you all so much. It looks like the hunt is on and the waiting game has begun!!!
 
You have to start stalking I'm afraid.

They have limited runs, special elite handle materials and their Arrow shield, but do bear in mind they are usually just a GEC knife under the skin before you hand over a large amount of cash...all a question of want and some perspective.
 
There's also something called a Northwoods "Steve" that GEC has on it's production schedule that I'd expect to come out after the holidays. No one really knows what it'll look like, but it's coming. If you go that route, I'd follow KSF's social media accounts, because new releases sell out fast.
 
Man this is frustrating!!! I didn't think it would be this challenging to land what I am looking for.
 
Man this is frustrating!!! I didn't think it would be this challenging to land what I am looking for.
 
In my experience it seems there are fewer Northwoods on the secondary market than GEC's which is perhaps a function of how many different models GEC produces. But like many have stated previously, patience is the key. Its what makes finally getting that knife you're really seeking so much sweeter. The traditional bug bit me about about 4 months ago and thanks to BladeForums I've ticked off nearly every model on my short list and discovered new knives I'd never heard of. The WTB section and signature line are great ways to let others see what you're looking for.
 
I'll second that- if you post regularly the signature line can help you track something down. It's worked for me a couple of times, I actually have a trade lined up from my sig right now.
 
JITDC said:
In my experience it seems there are fewer Northwoods on the secondary market than GEC's...

I am still trying to understand the relation of GEC,Northwoods,Queen etc. Tried to look into it but seems confusing as hell. I would be happy with any single blade/blue camel bone that is comparable in quality to Northwoods. On that note, what other models/manufacturers should I be calling out? Thanks Again!!!
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I decided I wanted my first Northwoods also after seeing the pictures and threads here. My hunt was for a Fremont Jack. I started out by reading the for sale section every morning and evening to see what was out there.

At first I thought denim Micarta was the target but they were thin on the ground. Wood, ivory, and mammoth ivory were more common. I didn't want wood (I didn't want to compromise and then have to get 2) and the ivories appeared too expensive to me. I started checking back on pricing and realized that those handles were more expensive so the knives going up for sale weren't from flippers looking for a quick buck but a fair price. My search was complicated by the fact that many ads were CONUS only so before even thinking about shipping to Canada someone else had jumped in with an I'll take it and other had jumped in for seconds and thirds in case.

So I just kept waiting and watching and when one popped up I said I'd take it and the seller was fine with shipping up North. I now have a beauty of a knife riding in my back pocket plus the slip and coin to have with. I will probably try to snag another one some day but for now this is more than enough.

Spend the time researching the details, have the cash ready, and keep an eye on the classified section here and you should get what you want. I would also sign up for the KSF news letter etc. so you're looped in just in case the spring a new run. As they others have said it's unlikely you'll stop at just one.
 
nedflow said:
JITDC said:
In my experience it seems there are fewer Northwoods on the secondary market than GEC's...

I am still trying to understand the relation of GEC,Northwoods,Queen etc. Tried to look into it but seems confusing as hell. I would be happy with any single blade/blue camel bone that is comparable in quality to Northwoods. On that note, what other models/manufacturers should I be calling out? Thanks Again!!!
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Generally speaking, if the blade steel on a Northwoods knife is anything but 1095 carbon it is made by Queen. GEC doesn't do 154 CM or any of the higher grade steels on the Northwoods knives. Northwoods knives in 1095 were made by both Queen and GEC.

I may be mistaken but I believe all of the colored Camel Bone Northwoods knives were KSF (knivesshipfree.com) exclusives. They had some regular GEC's (not Northwoods) in Blue, Green, Orange, and Red Camel Bone. There may have been another color or two.

I remember KSF having some GEC #15 Boy's Knives in Red Camel Bone, for example. I think there may have been some #14's in colored Camel Bone as well. I believe there were other GEC patterns in colored Camel Bone but I don't remember what they were. The #83 pattern may have been one of them.

You should be delighted with a GEC as an alternative to Northwoods if you can find one to your liking. Same maker in many cases hence the same basic quality.

Edit: I somehow messed up the quote above. Not sure how that happened but my reply was meant for nedflow.
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