I have visited the knife store in VA; I don't believe they are a GEC dealer unless something has changed recently. I think if it is possible, you should handle some rather than just looking at pictures online.
I have also considered buying a GEC toothpick. There is something about that pattern that has always appealed to me. I think you can't go wrong with a GEC. You pay a bit more, but I think they're worth it. That said, it took me a while to work my way up to buying one "on faith" as I was always a Case guy. I thought they were fairly expensive. So, you see where I'm coming from.
Queen and Shatt & Morgan are usually good. The only real complaint I have had is factory sharpness. Just sharpen them up and all is fine. They are doing better with their QA/QC. It takes time to change people's work habits. I bought a large S&M Gunstock jack (stag) in December and love the knife. It's big and kind of heavy, but for a using knife, I like a good handful in a traditional or in other words something around 4.0" - 4.25" closed length. The large trapper has always been one of my favorites and GEC makes some fine ones.
I prefer to buy Case knives in person so I can handle the exact knife I would be buying. Years ago, I would never have said that, but you read too many comments about them not being quite up to standard, but they still make a good knife. My first "good" knife was a Case Barlow and as a result, I will always have a soft spot for Case knives. I prefer their trapper patterns.
Schrade, Rough Rider, Colt, Frost are the lower end with Frost being the lowest. These are all made in China. That in itself is not a terrible thing for the price point, but you get what you pay for. Rough Rider and Colts tend to be very cost effective (quality vs price). But obviously, Queen, Canal Street, and GEC are typically better quality but at higher prices.
Consider ordering this years traditional forum knife. It will be high quality at a very fair price. There are still some left.