Recommend top 5 GEC models to check out? Also stag picture requests

I'm sure you're starting to appreciate that there are quite a few desirable GEC patterns...:)

So, I'll stay out of that but offer a little advice on purchasing stag. GEC's own website lists their main dealers. Take your time to look through their sites, one thing you'll start to appreciate is that some dealers offer more pic's of each individual knives than others. Kudos to them in my opinion as A - this takes more time and B - it probably means some knives sit on their shelves for longer. More pic's will help you make your choice, particularly a pic from above the the spring as this will show you the relative thickness of the covers. The second thing you'll notice is that there aren't many stag knives on offer and that's because they get snapped up quick!

Now, the way to try and beat the rush (if you haven't got a 'man in the know' or 'on the inside'!;)) is to keep a sharp eye on GEC's production schedule. Get a feel for how long their production process takes (they show sequential pic's of this process every day or two). If they start to make a pattern you like, as soon as those stag pants get fitted keep your dealer sites up and refreshed!! Also bear in mind where in the US particular dealers are in relation to GEC, this will give you an idea of when they'll land.

Finally, if I'm buying stag second hand I don't thinks it's unreasonable to ask for pic's from several angles.

I'm passing on these tips because I bought a few dud's when I started so happy to help another chap avoid the same pitfalls:)

Oh, and yes stag is very endearing in all its natural glory but it can look pretty horrendous too! Take your time (but not too long!;))

Sam
 
I think the 72LB (lockback) is about the perfect classic EDC.. I'm a sucker for single blades and love the clip point over all the other blade shapes shapes. If you like a little bigger knife and like the 72, look at the 42LB. Of all the high end knives I have, this one gets the most carry.

IMG_20140206_121122_699
 
Thanks guys. I've really like the #15 TC barlows for awhile but I can never find them in stock anywhere! A ebony/blackwood wharncliff TC barlow would be something I'd like to own eventually.
 
I guess I'll add some fuel to the fire and throw in the Cripple Creek Match.
And every blade enthusiast who enjoys a cold beer or ale should have a Boys Knife (15) with a crown lifter. The Toms Choice #15 Barlow. And the Northfield #55 Houndstooth (one of my favorites)
htfhph.jpg
[/IMG]
2vrs8hx.jpg
[/IMG]
1z2hvu8.jpg
[/IMG]
23vav69.jpg
[/IMG]
 
73 The GEC icon
33 Conductor, lots of blade in a small frame
68 White Owl best single-spring Equal End
25 Barlow and Jack, stubby appeal.
85 and 15 joint (cheating but who cares?) Teardrop and smaller very versatile frame.

There are others but you restricted it to five/six...

IMG_2146.jpg


IMG_1014.jpg


IMG_0270.jpg


IMG_1292.jpg


IMG_2083.jpg
 
Last edited:
Bladenoobie1 said:
Thanks guys. I've really like the #15 TC barlows for awhile but I can never find them in stock anywhere! A ebony/blackwood wharncliff TC barlow would be something I'd like to own eventually.
Click to expand...

The TC Barlows are special factory orders (SFO's). They are extremely popular. Most, or many of these are spoken for before they ever show on the dealer websites. The ones that do show are gone in a day, if not hours. TC Barlows that come up on the Exchange are generally gone in minutes. If you keep an eye out, and are quick to respond, you can find them. No wharncliff's that I have seen, but they have been produced with sheepsfoot blades, again extremely popular.
 
Sherman01 said:
The TC Barlows are special factory orders (SFO's). They are extremely popular. Most, or many of these are spoken for before they ever show on the dealer websites. The ones that do show are gone in a day, if not hours. TC Barlows that come up on the Exchange are generally gone in minutes. If you keep an eye out, and are quick to respond, you can find them. No wharncliff's that I have seen, but they have been produced with sheepsfoot blades, again extremely popular.
Click to expand...
What do you mean already spoken for before they show up on dealer websites? Is there a waitlist or something you can get on that will let you get the TC barlows as the dealers receive them?
 
Bladenoobie1 said:
What do you mean already spoken for before they show up on dealer websites? Is there a waitlist or something you can get on that will let you get the TC barlows as the dealers receive them?
Click to expand...
Yes there are waiting lists. How to get on them is good question. Some may "good old boy" networks, others may may hold an order for you if you ask. I would start by emailing the owners of the dealers you do business with, or hope to do business with, and ask. But I'd think, you'd want to check the GEC website first. Production schedule info is available. A run of TC's just completed a few weeks ago. Asking now might be pointless, as the next run is a way's off. But when they gear up, that's the time. Right at the time they are released, you can find them online, but you have to act quickly. They are becoming so popular (and extravagantly priced on auction sites) that there may be waiting lists for the waiting lists :-0
 
My votes:

25 little jack/barlow, 33 conductor, 61 congress, 68 white owl and the 71 bullnose.

The only GEC stag I have at the minute:





Paul
 
Wow-I had to get right to the end before anyone mentioned the
#12-such a classic pattern and big fave of mine.
#74-ranch hand
#15-Charlow
#42-trader
#47-Viper
can I do another list of extreme favourite must haves? actually i could do 3 lists probably.
20140806_163039_zpscd9d2b9f.jpg

2013-10-16114234_zps947a5731.jpg
 
Last edited:
There are so many nice GEC patterns - I'll recommend a 15, 33, 66, 76, and a 20 (just love looking at a Cotton Sampler blade). OH

IMG_13681.JPG


AAPK_-_2013_GEC_Club_Knife.JPG


GEC_Northfield_661210_Mark_8-9-2012.jpg


Krack-A-Jack_jackknife_opt.jpg


Krack-A-Jack_Cotton_1_.jpg
 
- As many have stated, a #73 as it is GEC's most popular model. Single blade, jack, or trapper.
- A 3 1/2" jack. Here, you have a choice between the #15 (most popular for last 2 years, swell end), #66 (GEC's original 3 1/2" jack, serpentine) and the #68 (straight handle).
- One thing GEC has done well was pen knives with thin grinds. My favorite here is the #33 Conductor which is the smallest at 3 3/8" but still has a 2 1/2" main blade. The #68 White Owl is a popular 3 1/2" version and the #66 Calf Roper Slim is the newest one.
- The #48 is my favorite. Some models/handle combos hard to find now but I like the jacks, improved trappers, slimline single blades and the trappers (regular and western)
- Maybe a stockman type for the last suggestion? I like the #53 which was GEC's original 3 blade "stockman". The #81 is GEC's truest stockman, and I like the newest, the #82. The #66 Calf Roper is their smallest.

Other honorable mentions... In the 3" and below category, you have the #25 as the original, #06 Pemberton, #22 Magnum, and #09 Esquire as a tiny pen. A #23 for a jumbo trapper. It, with the #73, was GEC's original patterns. A #71 for a sodbuster. The #61 Half Congress is a favorite. The #62 for a wharncliffe main. A #12 for a toothpick. GEC's lockbacks are the #72, #42, (soon a #23), #65, and #99. The #36, #45 and #46 are GEC's pocket fillers. I don't do much whittling but GEC's got the #33 here as well as several others. The #56 is I think their biggest 3 1/2" jack, might be just a little bigger IIRC. I don't have a #76 but it (and the #22) are GEC's gunstocks. GEC's #85 is a very popular knife introduced with the 2011 forum knife. The #74 was introduced with the 2012 forum knife. #53 Furtakers... You like Muskrats? #66 and #81 here. The #92 as another jack, a little bigger than 3 1/2"

As you can see, GEC actually has a lot of patterns now. I haven't listed them all. It really depends on what you're looking for.
 
Gotta say I haven't acquired five because I got hung up on the #15 pattern. I would definitily recommend a #15 (have 5 now) and a #71 bull nose. The #15 is the perfect EDC size knife with great balance and weight. The #71 is my favorite of the sod buster patterns because of the handle shape and lanyard hole.
 
I'm guessing (and perusing the thread backs it up) that you'll be recommended any 5 of the following: 73, 15, 85, 25, 71, 47, 66, 68.

I've owned/handled the following models: 15 Boy's Knife, 22 Magnum, 33 Conductor Whittler, 66 Calf Roper Jack, 68 Pony Jack. I've learned that I prefer smaller models, so the only ones I still have are the 22 (my new edc) and the 33 (in storage for my son).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top