S&M, Queen traditional knives: opinions please.

[Will Power]

I agree with Christian that it all depends on the individual knife/pattern and era.

My recent luck in buying some Black Box Winchesters has confirmed my opinion that Queen was top in the question of making contract knives, these are very decent quality and desirable patterns. Much more recently, Trestle Pine's Superior, made by Queen is another example of high quality F&F and using a different steel 154 than what GEC contents itself with.It gives the impression of extreme robustness too, so it can take work for sure and it is based on Queen's very sturdy Copperhead. The linerlock Copperheads and Teardrops in D2 are also reassuringly well made and trustworthy. The very recent releases or patterns I'm much less convinced by. In terms of GEC's durability, i've no complaints but I think the Farm&Field range are their tougher hardwork knives. My recent Bullnose in micarta inspires confidence on that score. But a CASE equivalent is as tough, not as well finished but a lot cheaper. Queen's D2 Country Cousin is an impressive performer here too, better blade shape than the GEC or CASE and much superior steel. Horses for courses.

Winchester Swell Centre Pen, fine Queen made knife with high polish blades (busy patinating them...)

 

[Buzzbait]

It is obvious GEC has become the benchmark here on the forum, and pros/cons will always be assessed around a benchmark. Generalizations are going to be ubiquitous, example:

Queen offers a steel that has better edge retention than GEC, but the blade grind geometry and uniformity is hit and miss, where as GEC has a better track record of even primary grinds.

GEC is definitely a benchmark. They're consistent level of fit and finish hasn't been seen in a traditional production knife in recent history. They're heat treatment and steel choices also make for better performance than something like Case CV or Trusharp, IMHO. But when it comes to a hard use utility knife, I'll take Queen, just because of the steel. They're D2 is flat out amazing in its edge holding ability. GEC and Case's basic steel choices aren't even close in that respect.

 

[Stan Rose]

I own more knives than I should (according to my wife). I truly love my GEC knives. The fit and finish is the best of any production knife made today, and on par with my antique Cattaraggaus and Robeson knives. The heat treat of GEC" 1095, and 440c is spot on. If you purchase one of their knives you will have beautiful knife capable of just about anything anyone would ask of an EDC. That being said, Queen is no slouch in the heat treat department either. If you by one of their knives in 1095 it will preform much like a GEC, a Queen in 420hc will preform similar to their 1095 with better corrosion resistance, the D2 will hold a working edge longer, but if you are not adept at sharpening you'll be in trouble.

All the best,
Stan