New 14 run

[tmd_87]

Anyone know how far along the TC is? Seems like these are being pumped out quickly.

Looks like 2-3weeks out from the work in progress pics on GEC's website...just an educated guess...

 

[JohnDF]

Got the 14 in Red Sawcut today. This is the only single blade 14 that I put myself on the list for, mostly because red sawcut bone is one of my absolute favorite covers on a pocket knife. I thought I would lend some of my thoughts on it, especially if there are folks who are curious about the pattern.

Pros:

• Fit and Finish: Excellent. Tightly fitted, good centering, grinds are even. Swedges and long pull are executed beautifully.
• Walk and Talk: Pull is about a 5 or a 6 to me, I'd say it is just about perfect. Excellent talk, it snaps with crisp authority. With a little patina, this blade would certainly be pinchable, at least for me.
• The Red Sawcut is glorious! Dye is consistent, no pink or unsightly lightness at the corners where they meet the bolsters. Perfect hues of red.
• I really like all steel construction and that is no exception here, it really makes it shine, in my opinion.
• All in all, this is a beautifully made knife. Immediate impressions are that GEC nailed the design and the aesthetics all just work marvelously together.

Cons:

• This is a very small knife, which I was expecting, hence why I only am allowing myself one. I vastly prefer the 2 bladed 14 as it provides some girth and heft that are absent on the single blade versions. But if you like small knives in a rather slim package, this is the knife for you. If you like some "meat" on your knife, you might find that this is one you would feel better skipping on.
• If you are one of the folks who are sticklers for having a flush spring at the half stop, this isn't the knife for you. Not a problem for me, as it is flush in all of the places/positions that matter but it is not flush at the half stop.

Overall consensus is that it is a very well made knife, sports some stunning good looks, but falls on the rather diminutive side for me. This reinforced my original decision to stick with just the one single blade, I will be looking forward to the production of the 2 bladed variants, those will have more to offer me.

Thanks for taking the time to do such a good write-up.

 

[singin50]

Hey Dylan, I played it safe by telling Lyle I wanted one of his 2 blade versions, as well as many other singles too. The ones I look forward to the most being Barry’s, Lyle’s, Gary’s, Frank’s and the DLT Tortoise! The smooth yellow diamond is just because. Lyle’s should be a beauty!

 

[knifeswapper]

There is one on the bay now that is using a stock pic. Not even in hand!

Total disgrace.

PM me that link...

 

[Pàdruig]

Hey Dylan, I played it safe by telling Lyle I wanted one of his 2 blade versions, as well as many other singles too. The ones I look forward to the most being Barry’s, Lyle’s, Gary’s, Frank’s and the DLT Tortoise! The rest are just because. Lyle’s should be a beauty!

I am on a standby list for Lyle's SFO, I was too indecisive in the beginning. I suspect it will be a tremendous knife. Lyle's SFO or not, I still have myself on a list for the Northfield in Stag and whatever bone is decided on. I also hope to be able to take advantage of one or two of the Cripple Creek variants. So, one way or the other, I do believe I am going to be quite happy.

 

[mrknife]

i wish i could convince lyle to have one done in single blade clip with his configuration. bar shield on smooth white bone

 

[singin50]

I guess, to try and answer your question or curiosity concerning these #14s, Dylan is, at least for me, the various handle options offered. Followed by wanting different ones for different reasons, whether it’s Lyle’s first brand tang stamped knife offered or the simple but effective smaller clip blade.

 

[tstaut]

storing it in a safe/collecting/hoarding is just as bad. If your not using it you mine as well get one of those few breaks in life and put money in your pocket....especially if you want to afford to put more into this community

I collect. Lots of people collect lots of rare or hard to find specimens of some “thing.” There is no cruel or greedy intention there. Just Because you don’t understand it, doesn’t mean it’s bad...

 

[Will Power]

I'll just echo what Dylan said about the size and overall heft of the 14 single. It is a very lightweight slim knife, it is very well made but some people might be disappointed by the in hand use of the 14 single. For me, it didn't really work as a single blade and is vastly superior as a 2 blade Jack, I base my reactions on the previous run of Spears (very cool blade mind), the Red Rust single doesn't see real use the Jack does, I can't see how the current offerings will be different.

As to immediate flipping on the Bay without your own pictures, very distasteful indeed- bit like an undertaker chasing an ambulance OK you can say it's the 'nature' of capitalism, but for me it exposes greed, group think and an idiotic must have mentality these are carbon steel production knives, both a chill and perspective pill needs to be taken by some people, including a few here... The Bay or anywhere, would then be a much more desolate area for flippers

 

[Railsplitter]

Nobody has received a Dead Skunk yet? I kind of expected them to start hitting mailboxes yesterday.

Mine should arrive today according to the tracking. Might be one of those "chase the mailman down on my lunch break" days if I can get out of here on time.

 

[JohnDF]

A slightly different view of single blade vs two blade...
I Had both the single blade version and the two blade version from the last run. I sold the two blade version and kept the single blade version, and I carry it frequently. I carry a knife at work and the #14 fits the tight restrictions for that environment. The knife is in the pocket all day and only gets pulled out to use maybe once or twice a day. The single blade rides in the watch pocket better and remains invisible, much better than the two blade version did. I use a pinch grip in just about every cut I do at work, so again the extra thickness of the two blade wasn't needed. For a knife that isn't going to be used a lot or carried as a backup to a larger one, I think the single blade is the better choice for me. It just shows, different strokes for different folks...

 

[mrknife]

I too have let my 14 spears go. however 14 clips with end caps? these will be sitting for quite some time. just a nice little knife. ill wait for the whole batch to arrive before deciding what to store and what to use. Also judging by the pull on the sawcut, these are a stout strong knife, in fact I dare say they might have a stronger pull then some of my recent 15s. however the smaller frame might actually require more force, that and a lot of em arent broken in, since they sit in their tubes mostly.

 

[Fox79]

I know you guys all seem to love Barry’s 14 SFO. And I am not trying to take anything away from it.

But man do I love me some red sawcut bone! Mike’s SFO just nails it for me. It’s a stunning example.

With that said, this large run of 14’s is going to have a lot of lookers in it.

Let the coon fingering begin!

 

[JohnDF]

I think Barry's Smooth Autumn, Mike's Red Saw Cut, the Dead Skunk, and the Yellow Diamond are my favorites from this run.

 

[Pàdruig]

A slightly different view of single blade vs two blade...
I Had both the single blade version and the two blade version from the last run. I sold the two blade version and kept the single blade version, and I carry it frequently. I carry a knife at work and the #14 fits the tight restrictions for that environment. The knife is in the pocket all day and only gets pulled out to use maybe once or twice a day. The single blade rides in the watch pocket better and remains invisible, much better than the two blade version did. I use a pinch grip in just about every cut I do at work, so again the extra thickness of the two blade wasn't needed. For a knife that isn't going to be used a lot or carried as a backup to a larger one, I think the single blade is the better choice for me. It just shows, different strokes for different folks...

I appreciate your insight. I was thinking to myself yesterday that this single 14 really is an ideal knife for an environment where not only discretion is needed but also if it does get seen in use, it shouldn't raise any alarm bells (I say that almost tongue in cheek as I was forced to return my 2 blade 14 to my car when going to a pro soccer game, some gibberish about no weapons and all )

I still find it too small for me when it comes to regular use but I think it would serve as a terrific choice in my future travels as it should fit most criteria short of an outright knife ban.

Also judging by the pull on the sawcut, these are a stout strong knife, in fact I dare say they might have a stronger pull then some of my recent 15s. however the smaller frame might actually require more force, that and a lot of em arent broken in, since they sit in their tubes mostly.

I would say that this 14 certainly has a stronger pull and a much healthier snap than the recently produced 15s I have. It really is a very stoutly made knife.

 

[Sabercat]

Got my GP SFO today, and am very pleased. I have some of the spears, so knew what to expect size wise. I do consider it too small for me - for an every day use knife, but not egregiously so. It's overall size may be small and slim, but it still has plenty of blade.

For those more familiar with other knives, I have it photod below next to a peanut (trappernut actually), #83 Tascosa, and the #15 Bladeforums TC.

The bottom photo compares the thickness of the single blade #14 to the Peanut.

 

[Pàdruig]

Also, for those of you who might be curious what the difference is in thickness between the single and 2 blade variants, I took the liberty of taking some side by side shots. As you can see, the difference is rather substantial.

 

[rdave]

Also, for those of you who might be curious what the difference is in thickness between the single and 2 blade variants, I took the liberty of taking some side by side shots. As you can see, the difference is rather substantial.

This is a good illustration for the 2 #14s - 2 blades is almost a different knife from the single blade.

 

[akaMatt]

Thank you both for the pics, those are very helpful! I was trying to do some mockup comparisons in PowerPoint between the 14 and a Peanut based on pictures last night! It's much easier with real pictures!

 

[waverave]

Nobody has received a Dead Skunk yet? I kind of expected them to start hitting mailboxes yesterday.

Mine should arrive today according to the tracking. Might be one of those "chase the mailman down on my lunch break" days if I can get out of here on time.

Mine is "out for delivery" should be waiting for me when I get home from work.