Running of the Bull Mooses -- Can I get your opinion?

[dyavorsky]

Hey friends

I've picked up my 4 favorite handle materials for the 2017 GEC 81 Bull Mooses. I'm wondering if I should go for the whole set and get the other 4, or if I should sell what I've got (plenty of other things to fund).

Can I get your opinion? Thanks!

 

[sitflyer]

If you are a serious collector, you should definitely get all available examples to have a complete set. If not, then whatever makes your boat float. There's always someone willing to snap up a good deal on the secondary market.

 

[black mamba]

I think they're great knives, but as a stockman fancier, one is enough for me.

 

[dyavorsky]

sitflyer is this a common thing for folks to buy all versions of a pattern when it comes out? I assume so, but I'm a little new to this and as a Californian, I haven't found many others near me who collect. As simple as it is, I appreciate the advice!

 

[sitflyer]

I think they're great knives, but as a stockman fancier, one is enough for me.

I had a real hankering for an 81 stockman, and alas, Unobtanium, so I settled for a moose with the Appaloosa bone, I love it. It has two really different blades that compliment each other nicely, but like you, one will suffice for use. I bought the knife to see how well the 81 feels in pocket and hand, and my hunt for the stockman will definitely go on

 

[traumkommode]

Do you like the knives?

 

[sitflyer]

sitflyer is this a common thing for folks to buy all versions of a pattern when it comes out? I assume so, but I'm a little new to this and as a Californian, I haven't found many others near me who collect. As simple as it is, I appreciate the advice!

There is a big difference between us knife knuts, and serious knife collectors, or any true collector for that matter. Some collectors strive to have an example of every available iteration of a particular model. Others may strive to have examples of a particular model from as many makers as they were produced by, or a showing of a comprehensive pieces from a manufacturers catalog, whether it be a particular year, or a span of time. Having a theme to the accumulation in my minds eye is what differentiates a serious collector, from the more common accumulator. I am an unabashed accumulator of knives, without any driving theme.

 

[dyavorsky]

Do you like the knives?

I do, but I like so many knives! Big fan of all the jacks (big, american, fayette, dogleg, etc) and the 35 churchills. Not into the peanuts or indian paintbrushes. But I'm mostly in it to admire them. I've got a couple of non-GEC users that get the job done. The rest is just collecting.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I love that stout clip blade these have, but as with trappers 2 large equal length blades just arent for me.

These knives sure are Lookers though.

 

[traumkommode]

If you're asking about collectability and value, then - let's put it this way. There used to be 77 barlows hanging out on Mike's site for weeks after they were released, and $140 used to be high for one on the exchange. Last week, one sold for $275. An 81 Bull Moose will never be as desirable as a 77 Barlow, BUT... There were 66 moose knives and jacks and 57s and 76s and 79s and all manner of patterns that were there for a year or two. As soon as they were gone, prices on the secondary market went up. These knives now go for $120-$150, and they were $80-$90 at the dealers. So, in a couple years after the 81s are all sold out, they could fetch $150. GEC isn't going to run an 81 again for a long time. If you sell them right now, you're gonna loose money on the shipping because they're still in stock, so who's going to pay over cost for them?

 

[traumkommode]

I love that stout clip blade these have, but as with trappers 2 large equal length blades just arent for me.

These knives sure are Lookers though.

That's why you can turn one into a sheepsfoot blade

 

[Hickory n steel]

That's why you can turn one into a sheepsfoot blade

As long as the pull isn't too hard on them to be opened once shortened Into a sheep's foot blade, if it's a good candidate then it'd be an awesome knife.

 

[sitflyer]

As long as the pull isn't too hard on them to be opened once shortened Into a sheep's foot blade, if it's a good candidate then it'd be an awesome knife.

The pulls on mine are very mild, I would say, almost SAK like.

 

[dyavorsky]

Most of the pulls on mine are mild too. I prefer this over the nailbreakers. Although it makes for less talk on knives with a halfstop.

 

[traumkommode]

As long as the pull isn't too hard on them to be opened once shortened Into a sheep's foot blade, if it's a good candidate then it'd be an awesome knife.

It doesn't affect the pull.

 

[Hickory n steel]

It doesn't affect the pull.

I always thought it would, but now realize that the blades not getting shortened enough to have much affect.

 

[sitflyer]

It doesn't affect the pull.

Nice mod, you left a goodly amount of the blade edge intact.

 

[mrknife]

That's why you can turn one into a sheepsfoot blade

or get one of those blades removed, i hear @Jfowl31 is pretty good at it

 

[sitflyer]

For me, this one GEC really nailed the moose, the clip blade is spot on, and the spear blade is a real winner with its beautifully done swedges. There's a lot of sharp steel tucked into a tidy package with this model, and the two different blades compliment each other.

 

[Heirphoto]

I always thought it would, but now realize that the blades not getting shortened enough to have much affect.

As long as the pull or nail nick remains in the same place the pull will not change if the blade is shorter....unless you open by pinching the blade and used to do it further out on the blade.