Rare GECs

Mamba, that Green Mountain is a new one to me, never heard of it!
Only 9 eh? That's exclusive:D:thumbup:
 
Rarest one I have.

Northfield Barlow in Burnt Orange Jigged Bone. Only 12 made.

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Modoc ED said:
Most people would probably think that a serialized knife would be more valuable than a non-serialized knife but that's not necessarily the case. In some models/handle configurations there were far fewer non-serialized knives made than serialized knives thereby making the non-serialized knives more valuable than the serialized knives.
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That may be the case Ed, but aren't the serialized ones the "pick of the litter" so to speak? The best built 20 out of the rest? I'm just wondering because they come with a signed certificate that reminds me of an inspection document.
 
navihawk said:
That may be the case Ed, but aren't the serialized ones the "pick of the litter" so to speak? The best built 20 out of the rest? I'm just wondering because they come with a signed certificate that reminds me of an inspection document.
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Based on my observations so far, I don't see any difference in the quality of the scales or fit between the serialized and non-serialized GECs. It seems to be completely random, and the same goes for the so-called "prototypes," which appear to be random samples with a special etch that more than doubles the asking price. Some of my finest examples lack a serial number, and as any experienced collector can tell you, a "certificate of authenticity" is a meaningless slip of paper.
 
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Steve......


I also echo Rick's comments about the non -serialized and serialized GEC's it's completely random as to the differences and you certainly won't find a Great Eastern Distributor from GEC's site telling you that the serialized are of any better quality than the non version.
 
2010 production numbers are out
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/information/2010-production-totals/

By these numbers,
I believe these 2 #25s qualify. 31 and 28 un-serialized versions made of the Sheepsfoot and Spear Curly Zebra EOJs
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22 serialized Antique Amber #53 Furtaker Trapper s
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And while the Kauri may not qualify at 35 made, the Tortoise Shell should.
Edit: they both do
#331211 Conductor Tortoise Shell 1 of 26 no serial number
#331211BAL Ancient Kauri Wood 1 of 34 serialized pieces (I guess this one counts )
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You were lucky to get ahold of one of the Kauris. They sold out pre-release if I am not mistaken.
 
2Dead said:
I think this one qualifies although I don't know the exact number yet. Its a short run that's still available.
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Trand, I just picked one of those up after the 2010 production totals came out today. Only 9 made unserialized in smooth ram horn.
 
Rick said:
Based on my observations so far, I don't see any difference in the quality of the scales or fit between the serialized and non-serialized GECs. It seems to be completely random, and the same goes for the so-called "prototypes," which appear to be random samples with a special etch that more than doubles the asking price. Some of my finest examples lack a serial number, and as any experienced collector can tell you, a "certificate of authenticity" is a meaningless slip of paper.
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I kind of thought that. I bought a non serialized because of the price, but the vendor gave me a serialized one because I asked him to pick me out the darkest ebony. he said the best one was serialized, which I kind of like. I'm thinking of having a jeweler engrave my name on the bar shield like the serial number. I also like how the serial number is small and unobtrusive.
 
I sure don't think that just because a GEC knife is serialized that it is any better than an un-serialized GEC knife. I've got several un-serialized knives that are real beauties while I have two serialized knives that I'd describe as so-so. I almost always ask for an un-serialized knife. As far as I'm concerned, the higher price for a serialized knife over an un-serialized knife is to cover the cost of the Certificate of Authenticity and the Serial Number engraving neither of which add to the knife.

I'm not so sure about blade markings either. I just got a GEC Lockback Mini-Hunter with three Ps arranged in a circle that looks like a propeller and I've been told that etching means "Pattern Production Premier". Huh? What the heck does that mean? Does it add to the rarity of the knife? Somehow, I don't think it does.

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And what knife company marks their knives "Prototype" and then puts them out for sale on a regular basis at a somewhat inflated price? Most prototypes by most companies are held close to the vest by the company. In other words, I don't put much stock in various "gimicky" blade etchings. What cracks me up is that I've seen a certain line of of a GEC knife at more than one dealer marked "Prototype". Just how many prototypes of each line does GEC put out for sale.

Whatever the case, GEC makes a first-rate knife and that is what I pay for -- the knife; not the blade etchings.
 
I agree after the fedback here Ed. I did however enjoy looking at the certificate while opening the tube, as well as the hand written model number on the tubes cap. Just a nice personal touch. I don't mind the etch because it's not deep like the Bulldogs. It's kind of old timey like the NYK Hammer Brand etch. It will dissapear after a few years.I was wondering about the three p's also, thats why I thought GEC might have hand picked a choice 25. I was holding out for a serpentine stockman, but I had extra cash in my hand and the dogleg is a real beauty. With that and the pattern number being 56 I couldn't resist. I was born in 56.
 
navihawk said:
I agree after the fedback here Ed. I did however enjoy looking at the certificate while opening the tube, as well as the hand written model number on the tubes cap. Just a nice personal touch. I don't mind the etch because it's not deep like the Bulldogs. It's kind of old timey like the NYK Hammer Brand etch. It will dissapear after a few years.I was wondering about the three p's also, thats why I thought GEC might have hand picked a choice 25. I was holding out for a serpentine stockman, but I had extra cash in my hand and the dogleg is a real beauty. With that and the pattern number being 56 I couldn't resist. I was born in 56.
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Geez!!!! You're a "Whipper-Snapper".:)

I didn't mean that the Certificate of Authenticity and the engraved serial numbers weren't nice because they are. All I meant to say was that they don't make a kife that comes so equipped any better than one without them.

I know you'll enjoy that #56 over time.
 
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I guess this 2009 Mammoth Bark Ivory Wharncliffe Barlow would have to be my favorite rare.

(Not for sale)
 
Im just sitting at a airport waiting for my plane...cant wait to get home to check this out when I have more time to have a decent look at these knives!! Awesome knives.
 
Modoc ED said:
Geez!!!! You're a "Whipper-Snapper".:)

I didn't mean that the Certificate of Authenticity and the engraved serial numbers weren't nice because they are. All I meant to say was that they don't make a kife that comes so equipped any better than one without them.

I know you'll enjoy that #56 over time.
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I know what you meant Ed.:thumbup:
 
I've had more than a few cocobola knives.Nice wood. My collecting as slow as it is is trending toward wood these days. used to be stag and bone mostly. I'm liking all these GEC's
 
2Dead said:
Rick, That Ox horn looks great!!

Government, I believe there were only 4 of those tortoise acrylic #61s made. Very nice!!

I think this one qualifies although I don't know the exact number yet. Its a short run that's still available.
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Trand...that is one very slick looking knife!! Just what is the scale material used...is this a smooth horn?
Arathol...those two tortoise shells are just beautifull knives...what a joy to see the knives in this forum, this knife company is just getting better and better :thumbup:
Great thread there Jeff, and what awesome knives!...that smooth Rams horn, along with the pumpkin...whew!
 
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