Poll: Best Current Overall Traditional between Case, GEC, Queen

[knifeswapper]

Without trying to re-frame the question; it is "Which company, of these three, makes the best current overall traditional - in general".

Not, who has made the best at some point in time? Who has the capacity to make the best? For the money, the best is... If you can pick from an unlimited number of the same model... etc. etc.

 

[jc57]

I went with Case.

From a literal perspective - "Who makes the best current traditional knife?" then based on the posts of others, not my personal experience, the Case/Bose annual collaborations are reputed to be the best. Therefore, since Case makes them, they win.

From a personal perspective, I went with which knife brand ends up in my pocket most often. Which is Victorinox (and not an option). Followed by Case. So, Case got the nod.

From a pure manufacturing quality and attention to detail, GEC wins. I have a couple of GECs that I do carry occasionally and like them (I would like them much better in stainless), but overall, I'm gonna grab a Case most days. Does what I need, the cost per knife is in the range of "I won't cry if it gets scratched up", and I like the patterns, blade grinds, and that glorious soft easy to sharpen stainless steel they use.

 

[Dean51]

This poll took a little thought. If I go by what is in my pocket I have to say Queen or Queen built.
Fit and finish could be better but I do prefer stainless or semi-stainless and a steel that will hold an edge. Based on my experience I have a 1 in 24 chance that one will have to be sent back to the factory. I’m well aware that steels like 154CM or D2 aren’t for everyone.

I only have 3 GEC’s a Pony Jack and 2 Beer Scouts and I’ve only had a couple opportunities to see them in stores. Even with that limited experience I have to say of the 3 choices GEC has the best fit and finish.
GEC does a good job on their 1095 but the lack of 440C and the fact you have wait a few years for the pattern you want to come back into production, keeps any future GEC’s off my wish list.

A Case stockman was the first knife I bought for myself. Even back in the 70’s I was not impressed by Case steel. Once I tried a well done 1095 I was done with Case.
I have one lone Case yellow CV peanut in my little collection of 6 peanuts. A nut collection wouldn’t be complete without one Case.

It depends on your preferences and usage.
No vote

 

[knifeswapper]

There we go. BladeForum Poll of Best Current Overall Traditional between our PA factories....

GEC 79%
Case 15%
Queen 7%
(with slight rounding error)

 

[AShearer]

Well! The people have spoken!

A couple recent searches I have conducted looking for a certain knife and ending up with a GEC Washington Jack tells me that blade shapes are another factor. I think GEC's "regular clip" is a much better clip blade than the standard Case clip in my opinion only.