New GEC Stag Cuban

FLymon

FLymon

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Joined
Aug 23, 2006
Messages
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I have been trying to decide which GEC to try for months. I don't really like any of the 3.75" models, and I was afraid the 3" models might be a little too small. I saw this on on the new releases page at their website and had to have it. I just got it this morning, mine is #39.
Northfield #538308 released on 3-06-09
3 Bladed Cuban Stockman
Genuine Stag
Slanted Line Bolsters with Dimples
Featuring 1095 Carbon steel Blades
Closed Length 4 1/8"

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You certainly do get allot of knife for your money. The slanted, Lined Bolsters really sold me on this one, and there is no sheild to detract from the Stag scales. As advertised the pull on this one is pretty stout (as my split thumbnail can attest to!).

The fit of the scales, springs, bolsters etc.. is all top notch. I was a little surprised however that it wasn't "finished" better. By that I mean it wasn't very clean when I got it. The lines in the bolsters, and the nail nicks had allot of polishing compound in them, as did the pivots. One of the pins had a little tag of brass that I was able to remove with my fingernail, and the bolsters needed a little Flitz to really shine. I gave it a hot soapy bath with a stiff toothbrush, and after a thorough drying and re-oiling it looks like I thought it should have for a knife in this price range. Don't take this the wrong way though, I would much rather have to clean it up a little to my liking than have workmanship/material issues, so I'm happy:)

I had read that factory sharpness is a little hit and miss so I wasn't surprised when I found the main blade to be just a little dull. The other two blades are really pretty sharp. Not hair popping, but they will shave a little. I also like that they didn't put the big etching on these blades. Just that smaller Genuine Stag, UN-X-LD emblem that has already started to fade just a little after it's bath.

If you are on the fence, get you one of these, they are really pretty nice.

Now I would like to see this company come out with a 3.5" Trapper, or a single blade in the same size like a Sway Back, or Crown/Teardrop Jack:D.
 
I know what you mean about the knives coming out of the box very dirty. Clean-up and lube is the first thing I do.
 
Hi,

I'm not normally a big fan of stag, but I like those scales. And those bolsters are just drop dead purty.

dalee
 
Looks very robust, a nice handful. Hope you get a lifetime of enjoyment from it.
 
I love slanted bolsters on a knife, makes them look super classy. Thats a beauty.
 
Mighty purty, I really like that one. Local knife dealer has had some GEC's, but none I had really taken a liking too enough to buy. If he'd had one like that, I would probably have bought it. :thumbup:
 
I have their #54 Sambar Stag Whittler with the three springs and yes they are stout. I really appreciate the half stops on that one. I don't think that anyone does better stag handles on their knives than GEC does on their Northfield series.

I have to agree with Flymons assessment, the only gripe that I had was the polishing compound in the nail nicks, a small price to pay for what I consider to be a near perfect knife.

The machining on the knife is top notch, when you look at the back of the knife the three springs look as if it is one solid block of steel, truly amazing.
 
The trouble with gec knives is the stiffness of the back springs. I sent 2 back for that reason. They were great to look at but hell to open.
 
Agreed on the backspring stiffness. The one GEC I do have, a Tidioute barlow with a large pen and smaller clip, was hell to open when it first arrived; the clip blade more so than the pen. Not sure if the month or so that I've had it has loosened the springs any, or maybe I'm just used to the stiffness, but they don't seem as stiff as they were in mid-February. I do like their fit and finish quite a bit; the barlow's become one of my favorites.
 
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