I started out with 2nd hand Buck slipjoints and lockbacks (the 505 still might be my FAVORITE sub 3" "change pocket knife")
I have about a dozen Rough Riders. The older ones are kind of hit and miss, but of the 3 newer productions, my Splitback whittler is solid, and the f/f, walk & talk, and sharpness from factory in my razor trapper and small cotton sampler rival many of the Cases I own.
I love my Cases too. Only wish they would bring back some of there older patterns and offer more options in CV.
I just started getting into GECs I'm the past month or so. They have a cult like following, so I'm probably going to get crucified for criticizing them. I own 5 so far, and 2 of them are AMAZING... The other 3 are still really good knives, but for the price they command, I expected more. Granted one was a factory 2nd, but all 3 have jigged bone covers that are chipped somewhere and catch in my pocket. 2 Of them have relatively weak backsprings, by GEC standards that is. And all 3 seemed to be so tight at the bolsters that they catch and chafe the tang some point in its travel, particularly right before returning to the closed position. Don't get me wrong, they are all 3 perfectly functional and fine usersb but for 2x+ the price of a Case, I expect noticeably better f/f than a Case. It could just be my luck that I have 3 not exceptional specimens though.
I have about a dozen Rough Riders. The older ones are kind of hit and miss, but of the 3 newer productions, my Splitback whittler is solid, and the f/f, walk & talk, and sharpness from factory in my razor trapper and small cotton sampler rival many of the Cases I own.
I love my Cases too. Only wish they would bring back some of there older patterns and offer more options in CV.
I just started getting into GECs I'm the past month or so. They have a cult like following, so I'm probably going to get crucified for criticizing them. I own 5 so far, and 2 of them are AMAZING... The other 3 are still really good knives, but for the price they command, I expected more. Granted one was a factory 2nd, but all 3 have jigged bone covers that are chipped somewhere and catch in my pocket. 2 Of them have relatively weak backsprings, by GEC standards that is. And all 3 seemed to be so tight at the bolsters that they catch and chafe the tang some point in its travel, particularly right before returning to the closed position. Don't get me wrong, they are all 3 perfectly functional and fine usersb but for 2x+ the price of a Case, I expect noticeably better f/f than a Case. It could just be my luck that I have 3 not exceptional specimens though.
There are a lot of good people here with some amazing knives, experience and advice. Not sure where you live but if you locate a decent sized knife show that would be a great place to start. To me a knife is like a car, I may like the looks but really can’t say for sure until I can get my hands on it and use it a bit.
) in the last few years. I think you'll find everyone around here very helpful. Browse the threads & you'll find a lot of information. Pretty soon you'll have a "must have" list. I think you'll also find that we here on the porch are always happy to help you spend your money.
