Northwoods Bear Lake

Duper said:
Hi 9Nine, I thought mammoth was fine. It is elephant ivory that is banned. I thought mammoth ivory is reclaimed from skeletal remains of the long dead creatures. I wonder how long before giraffe is banned as their population is dropping faster than the elephant presently.

,,,Mike in Canada
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As far as I know, Mammoth tusk is not part of the ban. However, some enterprising poachers in Africa are apparently taking live elephant's tusks and faking Mammoth through some darkening and shrinking chemical process.

I am not making any kind of statement here, but I noted that all the remaining Bear Lakes on KSF site are giraffe? I wonder why that is? Are buyers just not interested or is it an aversion to something that is rapidly going extinct, or is it just that they overproduced the giraffe handles?
 
One post removed.
Please discuss the knives, not the buying and selling thereof.
 
seven posts removed.

This is not a commerce area.
Please talk about the knives, not about the purchasing process.
 
Well I can see what all the fuss is about. This knife is simply amazing. The walk and talk is so smooth. Different than all my other GEC made knives. I'm not saying my other GEC's aren't smooth. This just has a different feel, especially from initial pull to half-stop. I'm so happy to have this. Wow!

 
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Shock_ said:
Well I can see what all the fuss is about. This knife is simply amazing. The walk and talk is so smooth. Different than all my other GEC made knives. I'm not saying my other GEC's aren't smooth. This just has a different feel, especially from initial pull to half-stop. I'm so happy to have this. Wow!

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I purchased a giraffe bone because i was too late for the stag. I don't really know what to expect. The photos of the stag covers with spun pins (yours included) appear way more aesthetically pleasing than the micarta and bone covers and flush/sunken pins. Sleeveboard patterns are my preference but not so much the rustic saber grind. But all steel construction is always a bonus. So i am sort of anticipating a less than stellar first impression with the slim chance of being completely swept away with jubilation! Hoping for the later ;)
 
Seeing all these pictures in stag makes me regret not getting one when I had the opportunity. Oh well, I'm sure I'll be happy with the micarta version. Still waiting patiently for delivery.
 
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That Red Micarta really does stand out. Great looking knife and my favorite handle material on the new northwoods knife.
 
Did the rustic heat treat on this round of NWs seemed to have much more variations than their various other knives?
 
jrawk said:
I purchased a giraffe bone because i was too late for the stag. I don't really know what to expect. The photos of the stag covers with spun pins (yours included) appear way more aesthetically pleasing than the micarta and bone covers and flush/sunken pins. Sleeveboard patterns are my preference but not so much the rustic saber grind. But all steel construction is always a bonus. So i am sort of anticipating a less than stellar first impression with the slim chance of being completely swept away with jubilation! Hoping for the later ;)
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Okay just got back from the mailbox - so initial impression - JUBILATION!

The polished Giraffe bone i wasn't very excited about, but i'll eat my words. It's quite handsome in hand.
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But unfortunately it is not without issue. Sorry KSF/GEC the grind is what i'd expect from a Queen production. Everything else is perfect but this ugly recurve.
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The pattern is excellent and I love the blade pivots on the wide end. It really makes the Bear Lake a slim package without compromising blade dimensions. Look at the differences between it and the Michigan Jack, which is very similar length.

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and i'm real pleased the uncapped end isn't as rounded as the red micarta appears to be.
 
An exceptionally beautiful knife. I picked up an Esky Zulu in giraffe, and my reaction was the same as yours. KSF has about perfected the proper use of giraffe bone.
 
jrawk said:
Okay just got back from the mailbox - so initial impression - JUBILATION!

The polished Giraffe bone i wasn't very excited about, but i'll eat my words. It's quite handsome in hand.
eyIRnkfl.jpg

nKNEDYIl.jpg


The pattern is excellent and I love the blade pivots on the wide end. It really makes the Bear Lake a slim package without compromising blade dimensions. Look at the differences between it and the Michigan Jack, which is very similar length.
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That's a great looking, unique knife! Good choice. Bummer about the grind....but I agree about the pattern, very pocketable. Has a real nice snap and I'm able to easily pinch it open.
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Hi Jrawk,

I'm sorry to see the recurve as you pointed out in Bear Lake. Attached is my 2 samples which do not. Might be worth a try to get in touch with GEC for regrind? I had pretty good experience with them in the past. Their service was quick and professional.

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