Moki or GEC???

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
I’m wondering what your thoughts are. I am debating between a Moki MK433ANZ and a GEC Northfield Missouri Trader. Both nice knives, about the same size, lockbacks, etc. I have a couple of GEC’s, but nothing from Moki. Don’t say buy both, I’ve heard that more than once…

Thanks, Q.
 
In my experience Moki has less deviation in fit and finish and generally sits a level above GEC, which is not to say GEC makes bad knives.
 
Moki makes a nice knife. I own a few. The f&f is great and I've never been disappointed. Their VG-10 ia an excellent stainless steel and sharpens up nicely, also holds a good edge.
I don't own either of the models you are looking at but it appears the GEC is likely a more robust knife. Let us know what you decide on.
 
I have 6 of the Moki Knives and for the money they are a 100% as far as F&F and keep a very good edge plus they do feel good in the hand.! Fact is that I have one of the small folders on the way to put in my Desk drawer just to open letters as it is like a Razor as it just glides through paper with a breeze! Try one and you will like it.*
 
Moki knives are excellent. I have one of the 433's in 'Crimson' jigged bone, and it's beautiful. Don't know whether it's smaller or lighter than a GEC (don't have one), but the Mokis are 100% stainless construction (liners, spacer, bolsters, pins). The bolster is a longer, extended one (1-1/8" on the 433), such as seen in a barlow-style folder. So, 'robustness' isn't an issue anyway, even if it may be be a bit slimmer/sleeker than the GEC knives. Very solid and tight, with lockup like a bank vault door and a perfectly seamless transition between blade tang and lockbar. And the factory edge on mine was probably the best I've seen on any production knife (it bit me, straight out of the box on the 1st day). Beautiful swedging to a perfectly-ground, wicked-pointy tip. The VG-10 on these is first rate.

Added 'bonuses' with Moki: the liners and spacer/lockbar are fully finished on the inside as well, and the Moki knives come in a beautiful slipcase/belt pouch. Mine is sort of a heavy, almost denim-like fabric with glove-leather lining inside. Great value for the money spent.
 
Last edited:
I've got a Moki that has a level of F&F that I've only seen in knives 2 or 3 times the price. And, of all the other Moki knives I've seen & handled, they seem VERY consistent. I would also rate their fit and finish a notch above GEC.
 
Other than the Case/Bose annual collabs, I haven't seen any production slipjoints or lockbacks that compares to Moki's wares. Their quality is incredible.

I own a Spire, a knife they made for William Henry. Wonderful knife.

williamhenryspire.jpg


williamhenryspire2.jpg


- Christian
 
Christian, you would show that Spire. When those came out I wanted one so badly, but I didn't have the money at the time. It appears that AGR still has them in stock, but now I am again in a financial tight spot and can't afford one. Some day....

I have only one Moki, a Glory. Fit and finish could only be characterized as amazing. If I were to have to choose between the Moki Kronos and the GEC Missouri Trader, it would be tough. Maybe you should go with the one that is most unlike anything you already have in order to get some variety in your rotation.
 
Thanks John. The Spire is really a cool piece. Nothing I owned surpassed its quality until I got my KHnutbuster. Fit is near seamless and the brushed stainless finish is very attractive. As you can see the green bone covers are beautiful. But perhaps the best thing about it is the lockup. No vertical blade play at all, which is a fairly common occurrence with lockbacks. And it is smooth. No sticking trying to unlock it. I don't know how Moki does it.

I think you have some time with the Spire. It seems that AG Russell now owns rights to the design, so it looks like it will continue to be available through him.

- Christian
 
It was Christian's photo that led me to the AG Russell version of the Spire. I finally bought one two weeks ago and haven't taken a pic yet, but it is one terrific knife. I wonder if they make the other AG Russell Japanese folders too. My Pinched Peanut is my all time favorite small knife and it's flawless.

Sharp too, the little bugger bit me right out of the box :D
 
I have knives from both makers and would say they are trying to achieve two different things with knives. Moki are all about high finish, precision machining, for example you won't see the join where the blade tang meets the back spring on a Moki, something you would normally only expect on a custom knife. GEC on the other hand are all about recreating the type of knife we all associate with yesteryear, I get the impression details like a seamless joint between tang and backspring are not high on their agenda:) Having said that I get the impression GEC have a high level of quality and consistency these days.

For me it boils down to soul, I really like the two Moki knives I have but rarely carry them. I simply find them too clean. When I put a GEC in my pocket I am enjoying the individuality of that knife which comes from it having passed through several skilled hands using traditional tooling and techniques. That gives the knife soul.

As we all know nirvana is then reached when close inspection of your latest GEC nugget reveals good walk and talk, no blade play, gaps etc. HOORAY!!

Sam
 
Thanks for all the information. I have decided on the Moki since I already have a couple of GEC’s. When I get it, I’ll let you know what my thoughts are.
Q
 
I stumbled on this and I'm glad I did. I'm more into modern
designed knives, ie: Spyderco, Kershaw, etc., but I was eying
a GEC at an online retailer just to mix things up. After reading
the posts here, I'll be giving Moki a try, also.

Quy4n8, thanks for the original post.
 
Never even thought of Moki in terms of traditional knives but it sounds like that needs to change. Good luck on your decision Q :thumbup:

Nathan
 
Last edited:
Many think Moki is one of the best knifemaker in the world. IIRC, it's the only overseas maker that AGR directly names as being responsible for a product designed and sold by him. All other Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese makers of his knives go un-named.

Everything I've seen of theirs has excellent fit and finish. I have a W&H Evolution and Moki ground the blade for the knife...it's excellent. I've looked at their slipjoints and lockbacks and they are excellent. The product they sell under their own name as a distictly Japanese twist to the design. They are pricey though.
 
i decided on and received a Moki today. i'm very impressed with the quality and workmanship of Moki. thanks for all of your thoughts and suggestions.

Q
 
I'm not surprised but I'm glad to hear you're pleased!

The Moki lockback I have is of a very high standard: superb assembly, materials and finish, better than many a custom frankly. A tribute to the long pedigree of cutlers in Japan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top