Realization or Revelation?

RoachBelly44 said:
Roger that...where would one find these GEC... i suppose I could google but maybe yall got a good source?
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There's a big following so the hot new stuff usually gets snatched up quick. GEC has a web page where they announce runs they're working on, when to expect, etc. Also the Traditional Knives subforum here is an excellent source and reference.
 
kniferbro said:
There's a big following so the hot new stuff usually gets snatched up quick. GEC has a web page where they announce runs they're working on, when to expect, etc. Also the Traditional Knives subforum here is an excellent source and reference.
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Solid. Thank you kindly.
 
dsalazar said:
I carry a slip joint either buck or case. Then a spyderco endure or at 0350.
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Interesting. Slip joint AND modern folder at the same time. I dont know if I can take anymore. Lol. These old legs are already carrying around a fixed blade, folder, multi tool, revolver, speed loaders, keys, flashlight, wallet, cell phone, pack of mints, etc....lol my pockets and belt wanna die already.
 
Go the Great Eastern Cutlery's (GEC) web site and click on the list of dealers there. Some of the dealers are active over in the Traditional forum. The problem with GEC's is that they produce a relatively small number of knives which get spread around their dealers. They often sell out quickly. Northwoods is another brand to look at as they are made mostly by GEC for KnivesShipFree (KSF). You can also see what is on GEC's production list.

The confusing part about GEC is their model numbers by frame mostly. Many dealers will not state a closed length or blade length. I guess enough people just know and buy without the information.

As for changing.... yeah, I've changed. I bought my first good knife (a Case Barlow) when I was about 10 years old. I carried Imperial branded (inexpensive) slip joints before that. Had that Barlow for years and used it for everything from carving my initials, skinning animals, field dressing deer and small game, to the usual edc tasks we use knives for on a regular basis.

I became interested in modern knives around the time I joined Blade Forums and the forum has been very helpful in providing information and opinion.

Did not own a fixed at all until the late 80's to early 90's. Never used them or had a particular need for one. That is about the time I started visiting gun and knife shows and seeing higher end fixed blades, both handmade/custom and factory made. That started my buying "binge" with fixed blades although I was pretty selective. I'm still pretty selective with them and seldom buy one just to try out other than Condors before they went to MAP pricing. It's been fun.

Today, I buy a mixture of fixed and folding knives, both traditional and modern. I have been carrying a large SAK folder and a modern flipper of late and generally pleased with the combo. I really like GEC's slip joints. But I seldom carry one as I have a great deal of trouble taking the SAK out of my pocket. In the woods, I normally add a fixed blade for whatever need might develop. But their use is fairly limited overall for me still and I honestly have changed little in that regard all my life.

Trappers and jack knives in general is where I started with slip joints knives. I have one of the large Case trappers in yellow delrin. You have a lot of company here with that choice.
 
I'll just comment about Case ... they're my favorite traditional. As a knife guy whose interest is overwhelmingly modern, Case doesn't break the bank when I feel like dipping my toe into traditional waters. They make a good product at a good price.
 
22-rimfire said:
Go the Great Eastern Cutlery's (GEC) web site and click on the list of dealers there. Some of the dealers are active over in the Traditional forum. The problem with GEC's is that they produce a relatively small number of knives which get spread around their dealers. They often sell out quickly. Northwoods is another brand to look at as they are made mostly by GEC for KnivesShipFree (KSF). You can also see what is on GEC's production list.

The confusing part about GEC is their model numbers by frame mostly. Many dealers will not state a closed length or blade length. I guess enough people just know and buy without the information.

As for changing.... yeah, I've changed. I bought my first good knife (a Case Barlow) when I was about 10 years old. I carried Imperial branded (inexpensive) slip joints before that. Had that Barlow for years and used it for everything from carving my initials, skinning animals, field dressing deer and small game, to the usual edc tasks we use knives for on a regular basis.

I became interested in modern knives around the time I joined Blade Forums and the forum has been very helpful in providing information and opinion.

Did not own a fixed at all until the late 80's to early 90's. Never used them or had a particular need for one. That is about the time I started visiting gun and knife shows and seeing higher end fixed blades, both handmade/custom and factory made. That started my buying "binge" with fixed blades although I was pretty selective. I'm still pretty selective with them and seldom buy one just to try out other than Condors before they went to MAP pricing. It's been fun.

Today, I buy a mixture of fixed and folding knives, both traditional and modern. I have been carrying a large SAK folder and a modern flipper of late and generally pleased with the combo. I really like GEC's slip joints. But I seldom carry one as I have a great deal of trouble taking the SAK out of my pocket. In the woods, I normally add a fixed blade for whatever need might develop. But their use is fairly limited overall for me still and I honestly have changed little in that regard all my life.

Trappers and jack knives in general is where I started with slip joints knives. I have one of the large Case trappers in yellow delrin. You have a lot of company here with that choice.
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Tremendous insight in your info laden post. I most certainly appreciate it. Traditional seems to be the rabbit hole I'll fall into next. At the least they have a chance to get more "use" or carry time than the fixed blades I have been devoted to collecting for so long. And honestly the only fixed blade class I really get to use are the ones in the "bushcraft" class, so deservedly time to turn to something new for collecting.
I've had purposeful blinders on to the SAK knowing I'd probably get pulled into that also. Lol I need to win the lottery!. Again, thank you
 
SpySmasher said:
I'll just comment about Case ... they're my favorite traditional. As a knife guy whose interest is overwhelmingly modern, Case doesn't break the bank when I feel like dipping my toe into traditional waters. They make a good product at a good price.
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Now this was one of my thoughts also! Standing there staring at the display, I thought, holy hell there are hundreds of different patterns, colors ,etc. Averaging $50? Heck yeah, I'm in.
 
RoachBelly44 said:
Tremendous insight in your info laden post. I most certainly appreciate it. Traditional seems to be the rabbit hole I'll fall into next. At the least they have a chance to get more "use" or carry time than the fixed blades I have been devoted to collecting for so long. And honestly the only fixed blade class I really get to use are the ones in the "bushcraft" class, so deservedly time to turn to something new for collecting.
I've had purposeful blinders on to the SAK knowing I'd probably get pulled into that also. Lol I need to win the lottery!. Again, thank you
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The bushcraft or woodscraft knives are probably the most popular now. It is REALLY easy to get pulled into the GEC buying and once you start, it's hard to stop. took me about a year of convincing before I took that plunge. Quite a few GEC knives followed after I got accustomed to the pricing and considered it "reasonable". They tend to be made with a bit more fit&finish than the Case knives. Case knives are fine too, but they really aren't cheap either. You keep looking at the new GEC knives and telling yourself, I like that alot. SAKs, well, some people love them and some not so much. Just remember that Rome was not built in a day and you don't have to buy 100 knives in a year to be happy (or I don't). I like the middle size (93 mm I think) and and larger 111mm. I carry a 111mm one pretty much every day including when I am just lounging around the house in my jammie bottems.
 
Comeuppance said:
The convenience of a modern locking folder is difficult to overstate. The clip means I know right where it is and don’t have to dig in my pocket, I can fully operate it with one hand, and I don’t have any concern about it closing on my fingers (admittedly, that’s still pretty low even with slippies.)

The tradeoff is that it is immediately apparent to others that I am carrying a knife, the knife doesn’t have much in the way of charm to it, and it is more likely to put people on edge (especially if you prefer 3.5-4” blades)

I got pretty big into traditionals for a while, and had more or less convinced myself that anything else was unnecessary, but... convenience makes a big difference, and I ultimately ended up moving almost entirely away from traditional slipjoint knives and back to modern folders.
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Yeah, it seems to be a popular take away from this thread. I certainly appreciate the benefits of the modern folder, heck, modern folders are simply the improvements we've all asked for over a lifetime. For today at least, I'm happy playing with this little beauty....sure cant seem to stop.
Thanks for the insight into your experiences with them.
 
No, my taste in knives hasn't changed so much as refined as I got old. I was always a traditional pocket knife guy, and my go-to knife was either a 3 3/4 to 4 inch stockman or a SAK. I grew up in the age long before the one hand wonder knives or even lockblasdes like the Buck 110 that campout in 1963. With a background in two and three bladed knives, everyone I tried a locking knife with just one single blade, I didn't like it. Felt too limiting and too much a one trick pony. I've never carried a locking blade knife much at all, and have all my fingers.

I think I got too used to having three different blades on hand in one pocket size package, or maybe some basic tools that could actually reused fixing something in the middle of nowhere. I used to watch my dad and granddad deal with real life and all kinds of things with their slip joints of modest size, and it made an impression on me. Even a knife with just two blades was nice in having two very different kind of edges on hand. One 'kind of sharp' for opening boxes scraping, or rough use, and one shaving sharp for more detailed stuff needing a cleaner cut.

I admit I'm an old fart now, and at 77 years old I've done some different stuff. Yet I've never been in dire need of the one hand opening thing, and my own personal feeling is, it's an over rated convieance. Yet having multiple blades has been handy on many occasions.

If my taste has changed at all, it's been to slowly shift to smaller knives that fit in my coin pocket. Knives like the Buck 303 cadet, Victorinox cadet or bantam, Case peanut or mini copperhead. Since I'm not skinning any buffalo or fighting Chinese paratroopers dropping out of the sky, they are big enough to cut that I need and not weight down my pants. I already have cell phone, keys, revolver, flashlight, wallet, pipe, lighter, and tobacco pouch. All my other pockets are full of stuff an old retired guy needs on a day to day basis, so the pocket knife is in the watch/coin pocket. A 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch blade is enough for my lifestyle. Down from what I carried 20 years ago.

YMMV.
 
jackknife said:
No, my taste in knives hasn't changed so much as refined as I got old. I was always a traditional pocket knife guy, and my go-to knife was either a 3 3/4 to 4 inch stockman or a SAK. I grew up in the age long before the one hand wonder knives or even lockblasdes like the Buck 110 that campout in 1963. With a background in two and three bladed knives, everyone I tried a locking knife with just one single blade, I didn't like it. Felt too limiting and too much a one trick pony. I've never carried a locking blade knife much at all, and have all my fingers.

I think I got too used to having three different blades on hand in one pocket size package, or maybe some basic tools that could actually reused fixing something in the middle of nowhere. I used to watch my dad and granddad deal with real life and all kinds of things with their slip joints of modest size, and it made an impression on me. Even a knife with just two blades was nice in having two very different kind of edges on hand. One 'kind of sharp' for opening boxes scraping, or rough use, and one shaving sharp for more detailed stuff needing a cleaner cut.

I admit I'm an old fart now, and at 77 years old I've done some different stuff. Yet I've never been in dire need of the one hand opening thing, and my own personal feeling is, it's an over rated convieance. Yet having multiple blades has been handy on many occasions.

If my taste has changed at all, it's been to slowly shift to smaller knives that fit in my coin pocket. Knives like the Buck 303 cadet, Victorinox cadet or bantam, Case peanut or mini copperhead. Since I'm not skinning any buffalo or fighting Chinese paratroopers dropping out of the sky, they are big enough to cut that I need and not weight down my pants. I already have cell phone, keys, revolver, flashlight, wallet, pipe, lighter, and tobacco pouch. All my other pockets are full of stuff an old retired guy needs on a day to day basis, so the pocket knife is in the watch/coin pocket. A 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch blade is enough for my lifestyle. Down from what I carried 20 years ago.

YMMV.
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I appreciate all your insight. A lifetime of learned experience is invaluable. You hit on a couple of thoughts I had today before purchasing the Trapper. In viewing the knife as a tool, indeed the multiple blades piqued my interest. In the case of already feeling like a tub of low speed, high drag, I liked the idea of something down IN the pocket as opposed to all the things that are clipped onto my limited real estate. Starting to look like Batman.......
Thanks again
 
RoachBelly44 said:
Interesting. Slip joint AND modern folder at the same time. I dont know if I can take anymore. Lol. These old legs are already carrying around a fixed blade, folder, multi tool, revolver, speed loaders, keys, flashlight, wallet, cell phone, pack of mints, etc....lol my pockets and belt wanna die already.
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I know the feeling. I think a couple belts have passed on me. The spyderco endura is really light. I carry a leatherman squirt for multi. Wallet is minimalist card holder. Smith Wesson air weight. Aa light and mini bic lighter. Pack of gum and keys on carabiner on belt loop. I try to go light as I carry more items and then my kids throw there stuff in my pockets. Don't skip out on leg day.
 
dsalazar said:
I know the feeling. I think a couple belts have passed on me. The spyderco endura is really light. I carry a leatherman squirt for multi. Wallet is minimalist card holder. Smith Wesson air weight. Aa light and mini bic lighter. Pack of gum and keys on carabiner on belt loop. I try to go light as I carry more items and then my kids throw there stuff in my pockets. Don't skip out on leg day.
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Charlie Mike said:
This will lead to custom slipjoints. Just a heads up.

View attachment 1041074
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Wow! Beautiful. Being a long time member of forums (firearms/outdoor/etc.), I knew someone would show up soon with customs. Lol. Got my head spinnin over here. I was wondering if Case or someone had a micarta scaled slipjoint?
 
My love for knives and collecting started as a young boy by my father would who would pass down his well used pocket knives and by my grandpa. He would gift me small jack knives of all sorts that he found while working his table at local flea markets. When I reached my 20's my focus shifted to other things like Girls, cars, Snowboard racing, camping, fishishing, and Girls. I always had a knife on my hip but never thought about it, it was a Buck 110 or a cheap holiday giveaway knife from the local electrical supply house. A little of a year ago I decided to go online and research good work knives and all links pointed to the BF and after some insightful reading I chose a Kershaw Blue and I was amazed at what become of knives in my long absence. When my 13 yo son noticed my noticed my enthusiasm he climbed up in the attic and brought down an old box of knives I had managed to save from my youth and when I opened it and gazed at the lion lock blade I found at my brothers junior high football game the fire reignited. Thanks to the Enablers Here at the BF (you know who you are) I now have an ever growing collection of flippers but I'm starting to have a soft spot for Traditionals a little over a year from buying that Blur so If developing a passion for slip joints, pocket, or jack knives means your getting old them I must have some kind of exhilarated aging process going on. My son has found more attic knife finds lately some of which belonged to my farter and some more of my knife stashes that got boxed up over 25 years ago and one relay plucked a hart string, It was the little dark blue knife my Dad gave me when I became a Cub Scout. I say collect what moves YOU and post pic of your finds here on the BF.
TiR4LGd.jpg
That pocket lint is from 1972
mMeuIFh.jpg
This box houses the Traditionals from my youth, Disregard the Victorinox
ou4QiD4.jpg
These are my favorites minus one MIA Buck 110 :mad:
bkMroeL.jpg
 
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Night Rider said:
My love for knives and collecting started as a young boy by my father would who would pass down his well used pocket knives and by my grandpa. He would gift me small jack knives of all sorts that he found while working his table at local flea markets. When I reached my 20's my focus shifted to other things like Girls, cars, Snowboard racing, camping, fishishing, and Girls. I always had a knife on my hip but never thought about it, it was a Buck 110 or a cheap holiday giveaway knife from the local electrical supply house. A little of a year ago I decided to go online and research good work knives and all links pointed to the BF and after some insightful reading I chose a Kershaw Blue and I was amazed at what become of knives in my long absence. When my 13 yo son noticed my noticed my enthusiasm he climbed up in the attic and brought down an old box of knives I had managed to save from my youth and when I opened it and gazed at the lion lock blade I found at my brothers junior high football game the fire reignited. Thanks to the Enablers Here at the BF (you know who you are) I now have an ever growing collection of flippers but I'm starting to have a soft spot for Traditionals a little over a year from buying that Blur so If developing a passion for slip joints, pocket, or jack knives means your getting old them I must have some kind of exhilarated aging process going on. My son has found more attic knife finds lately some of which belonged to my farter and some more of my knife stashes that got boxed up over 25 years ago and one relay plucked a hart string, It was the little dark blue knife my Dad gave me when I became a Cub Scout. I say collect what moves YOU and post pic of your finds here on the BF.
TiR4LGd.jpg
That pocket lint is from 1972
mMeuIFh.jpg
This box houses the Traditionals from my youth, Disregard the Victorinox
ou4QiD4.jpg
These are my favorites
bkMroeL.jpg
Click to expand...
Outstanding! I surmise that nostalgia had plenty to do with my purchase today. As if on queue, I woke up today, on my 39th Birthday, craving a time when I had seen less winters. Both my Father and Grandfather have long passed and things they liked or did or carried, is where I go to get that fill. So today, like Grandpa before me, I bought a Case. Perhaps one day, my grandkids will find a box in the attic with this little Trapper.
Great pics Night Rider, cool stuff.
33pexpi.jpg
 
I like modern folders but if I had to choose I’d give em all up for traditional folders. They have simple beauty and soul a ball bearing flipper could never have.
Not to mention all the different patterns from a by gone era. Case knives are awesome and have a masteque about them. Enjoy them! Here’s a few of my traditionals
00700560-9992-4814-8E87-05F57CDB096C.jpeg B6889743-65EE-4E2C-982C-DE329A2A12A8.jpeg 593BAF30-6DEA-4A35-9C3A-FF8BB20EEE03.jpeg 58D1DF87-45C5-47FF-B35C-47CBAB104CCA.jpeg 278F80E2-AAE1-47C2-B04F-CA3131875F67.jpeg
 
I grew up with SAK and Case, Western, etc.. When I first held a Spyderco Standard, it was as if Heaven opened, angels were singing to me, and Jesus was there, smiling down on me.:D

I do carry a Vic MiniChamp, with a Maratac stainless peanut light on the ring, as my edc knock-about tool. I have stripped, cleaned and re-pinned my old Case, and Camillus Military Utility knives. But. For serious tasks, I always have a modern, one-hand locking folder. I've worked as an EMT, Corrections Officer, now RN, and find that a locking folder is more convenient for most tasks, as it can be "re-sheathed" without having to focus on the process, and being able to immediately drop it, if needed, without worrying about having something sharp and pointy sticking up on the ground.

YMMV...
 
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