new GEC Templar

billlip · May 29, 2011

2Dead, thanks for posting pixs. guess if i have to think about it this hard might just want to let it go.

mikeymoto · May 30, 2011

I want to like this one though I worry about those "bolsters" biting me. If they were inset I would have been sold . . .

Robert.B · May 30, 2011

mikeymoto said:
I want to like this one though I worry about those "bolsters" biting me. If they were inset I would have been sold . . .

I've used fixed blade with bolsters like this and it was never an issue...they appear to be extremely neat and finished off with care, I have to have one with the stained glass, I think it'd be great as an "in town" knife.

trey999 · May 30, 2011

I haven't had any issues with the bolsters. It is a neat, thin knife. I'll go against the grain and say that
I don't think the Templar would look as good with natural materials. I think the choice to go with synthetics
was a good one.

Jenner 515 · May 30, 2011

trey999 said:
I haven't had any issues with the bolsters. It is a neat, thin knife. I'll go against the grain and say that
I don't think the Templar would look as good with natural materials. I think the choice to go with synthetics
was a good one.

I'm going to agree. I've been carrying my Green Kryptonite version all weekend. It's slim and really really light a real good "In Town" knife.

Waldganger · Aug 20, 2012

So has anyone got any long term user opinions on this one?

I'm really liking the black micarta Templar but not sure if the squared off sides would be nice on the hands

Cheers

glocktenman · Mar 8, 2015

I hadn't thought much about these until I saw one on the sale area and looked at it. (-) I don't know what to think of the two pins on each end. Are they rivets? The look of the bolsters reminds me of a cheaper made drug store pocket knife. (+) Looks thin and light. I like the acrylics. Nice long blade. The name matches the theme of the knife design.

Anyone been using one for a while? Are they only in 1095? I'm sure they're holding up fine with the brass liners and acrylics. I imagine it's kinda tough to damage them much. Any issues otherwise?

SCWillson · Mar 8, 2015

I kinda like it, although I'm not enamored of that particular handle material. It would be a nice gent's folder.

SVTFreak · Mar 8, 2015

SCWillson said:
I kinda like it, although I'm not enamored of that particular handle material. It would be a nice gent's folder.

I love the shape and bolsters but not a fan of the 70's psychedelic fancily named plastic slabs. A nice wood or deeply died red bone (to match the Templar theme?) would be nice.

SCWillson · Mar 9, 2015

SVTFreak said:
I love the shape and bolsters but not a fan of the 70's psychedelic fancily named plastic slabs. A nice wood or deeply died red bone (to match the Templar theme?) would be nice.

I agree, although the red or black micarta are not bad at all/

draggat · Mar 9, 2015

glocktenman said:
I hadn't thought much about these until I saw one on the sale area and looked at it. (-) I don't know what to think of the two pins on each end. Are they rivets? The look of the bolsters reminds me of a cheaper made drug store pocket knife. (+) Looks thin and light. I like the acrylics. Nice long blade. The name matches the theme of the knife design.

Anyone been using one for a while? Are they only in 1095? I'm sure they're holding up fine with the brass liners and acrylics. I imagine it's kinda tough to damage them much. Any issues otherwise?

I don't have one of the Templar #48's, but I do have a #63. If you find one of those #48's at a decent price, I would jump on it. They are fairly hard to come by.

AFAIK, they were/are all made in 1095 and all of them sport acrylic covers. They are pinned construction, the outermost pins being for the pivot and end cap, the inner pins just attach to the brass scales. The #48 has a very hand friendly shape, so I'm sure it would make a fine user. The #63, not so much..... I got mine as a collection piece. The edges are not radiused as the standard ones are, which you can see in the profile shot on mine. Overall, it's as well made as any GEC. Brand new, these came with very low price points.

Since mine is a collector, I haven't used it but it does feel very solid and I would guess that it would be fine as a user. GEC is very good at standing behind their products as well, so I wouldn't worry about that.

rma100 · Mar 9, 2015

I believe the Templar patterns are meant to be a Reproduction of the inexpensive, celluloid handled, mass produced knives of the mid 20th century. In my opinion, they achieve this admirably, and are priced accordingly. They are made and assembled with the same quality materials and workmanship as any other piece from Great Eastern Cutlery. Those seeking top of the line handle materials should look at the Northfield line from Great Eastern. The same patterns are available without the "Barn Door Hinge" bolsters.