New GEC Lock Back Bullbuster

How are the edges out of the box? GEC has that one flaw to me- I've had multiple knives with very poor initial edges, more work for me.
 
Mine was sharp out of the box. I wouldn't say you could shave with it, but the angle suited the purpose. Probably 25 degree I'd guess. Sharp but sturdy edge. I used it to cut shims and trim wood for a kitchen built-in project.

- Rex

How are the edges out of the box? GEC has that one flaw to me- I've had multiple knives with very poor initial edges, more work for me.
 
Opinion varies wildly on degree of sharpness, so take this with a grain of salt. I have never had any knife come out of the box as sharp as I like it. GEC is no exception. Good steel, great blade geometry, crappy edges.

You'll be well served by investing in time and a little equipment to get good at sharpening. Once you get decent, this becomes a non issue. Now, if it's going to be a user, I sharpen every new knife before it ever goes in the rotation.
 
Opinion varies wildly on degree of sharpness, so take this with a grain of salt. I have never had any knife come out of the box as sharp as I like it. GEC is no exception. Good steel, great blade geometry, crappy edges.

You'll be well served by investing in time and a little equipment to get good at sharpening. Once you get decent, this becomes a non issue. Now, if it's going to be a user, I sharpen every new knife before it ever goes in the rotation.

Equipment and skills I have, I just get annoyed when an otherwise perfect knife ships with a butter knife edge. I tune every new knife as well, but it's an easier job when the edge starts out good.
 
I just unpacked a non lockback 21 bull buster and I decided to check the edge for y'all right away. :)

First up was the "business card slice". Carved up a card, no problem. Next up, arm shave. Not bad. Not great tho. Shaved less than half the hair in the area.

Upon close inspection, there's something going on w the edge/grind at the very end of the blade, that is to say, it's duller there. I just tested that portion on paper tho, and it cuts it. :confused: It's kinda weird looking for sure. I'll have my knife guy look at it at the gun show this weekend, he's sharpened a Case CV trapperlock to a razor edge for me.

So, far from butter knife dull, but if you're a real "edge master" you're probably not going to be satisfied. I should have a Mudbug coming soon, I'll report on that when I'm able.

My initial impression of my bull buster is very positive. :)
 
Kiteman -

Thanks. Your input was much more detailed than mine. Sound like your 21 was about the same as my bug. On closer inspection I noticed the edge at the tip was kind of dull. I tuned mine up on diamond rods today and everything looks good. Didn't take much to get a good consistent edge. The beauty of 1095 steel.

You'll have to check in with pics when you get your mudbug.

- Rex
 
Just so you don't get your hopes up, I haven't got posting pics figured out yet, apologies.

I just spoke w my Mudbug vendor (as in, where's my Mudbug?!?) and let's just say we're all trying to figure out what the post office has done w it. No tracking updates since Tuesday! Sheesh!
 
I think with Fedx, UPS & Amazon utilizing USPS for more of their shipments, the postal system has become somewhat taxed, when it comes to package shipments.
 
I finally got my Mudbug the other day! I haven't been in any hurry to report on it because I've been playing with it quite a bit. :)

It has a better blade grind than the Bull Buster but exhibited roughly the same sharpness out of the box. My big plan of getting them both pro sharpened at the gun show last weekend was thwarted by the absence of the sharpener. That's ok tho, the edges are perfectly fine as is.

Zero blade play, great lockup. I went for the optional sheath and I'm glad I did. Feels like a real quality piece, and has that great leather smell too.

It comes packed w a leather lanyard and soft cloth in a very nice box; great presentation here. However, it was quite a bit more expensive than the Bull Buster. Unless you really feel that you need/want the locking feature and scabbard, save the dough and get the regular 21.

Thanks and respect to the OP, without whom I would be at least 2 knives poorer. :thumbup:
 
Very nice knives. I'm consistently impressed with GEC's ability to produce such high quality over and over and over, on all patterns, in all handle materials. They definitely are making a name for themselves that will earn lifetime customers.
 
I finally got my Mudbug the other day! I haven't been in any hurry to report on it because I've been playing with it quite a bit. :)

Congrats on the acquisition! Your experience is consistent with mine. Fit, finish, and action on the knife are perfect. I tuned the edge up on a lansky fixed rod sharpener - it came out great. I put it through paces last weekend working on a community garden project - cutting landscape tarp and sharpening stakes. It did an outstanding job - a good strong edge. :thumbup:

- Rex

Mudbug by tens339, on Flickr
 
Thanks! I'm anxious to get it out and put it to work!

I think this blade shape will be about perfect for dressing game. Now I just need to get my other skinning knives to make room in the rotation.
 
These Mudbugs really are nice knives. Here's mine with red linen micarta covers. The fit and finish is very good and the knife was sharp out of the box.

9gf796S.jpg
 
They are great, been tempted to pick up a couple of other colors. I wonder if GEC has kicked around making a lockback version of the Bullnose? I smaller lockback soddie would do well I think. Trevor~
 
Yep, I'd probably get two or three Bull Nose if they were offered with a lockback. That would really be cool. Who knows, perhaps Mike at CK might do them as a SFO. Are you reading this Mike????????
 
Got my red linen with sheath in the mail today. It's very nice, worth ever penny. Having no experience with a full sized Sodbuster, I didn't know what to expect. The closed length reminded me of my PM2. I think I'll like this knife very much.

EDIT: Would a Mudbug junior be too much to ask for? About the size as a SBJ? Hmmmmmm
 
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