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I recently acquired both of these gunstocks and have carried them a few times each now. I haven't really done any serious cutting with them, but I can say the edges on the GEC came sharper. Here's a more detailed comparison.
Size: They are almost identical, with the Robeson being maybe a couple of millimeters longer. The GEC is thicker in the handle depth overall and the gunstock is more pronounced, whereas the Robeson "sways" into the butt more. The stag makes the Robeson thicker in width, but only in the middle where the stag protrudes more. The pen blade is larger on the GEC, but both main blades are the same length. Again, the GEC blade is a bit thicker (just slightly, though) in depth. I give the Robeson the edge here, excepting the superior sized pen blade on the GEC.
Feel: The GEC is slightly heavier and bulkier in hand. The extra girth makes it "dig" a bit more into the palm in certain grips, but it isn't uncomfortable unless you wanted to really bear down, in which case I think even the Robeson would create a "hot spot" where the gunstock butt sits. The stage slabs contour nicely, however, giving the Robeson a more pleasant feel in hand and "lock in" better if you go for a tight grip. The jigging on the GEC has a few sharp spots, but overall the feel is grippy and pleasant. Neither pen blade interferes with the grip, and of course each clip protrudes a bit while using the pen blade. The fit and finish on both blades is really well done, with the exception of the Robeson's blade grind on the secondary bevel (more below). I give the Robeson the edge here as well.
Looks: The Robeson has a more aggressive looking clip point, which I prefer, but both have really exceptional swedges. The pen blade on the GEC looks mighty indeed, whereas the Robeson is kind of bland. The stag looks amazing on the Robeson, and the jigging on the GEC is good--sort of a peach seed look, but not too regular to look boring. I prefer no etch, and the PPP etch is kinda cool on the pen for the GEC so kudos to GEC on that count. Both shields are pretty cool--I love the Tidioute banner, but the red on the Pocket-Eze sets off really nicely in the stag (despite the silly name). Edit: I do prefer the blade configuration on the GEC, with the pen in front of the main blade with the nail nick on the same side. Still, Robeson takes an edge in this category as well.
Action: Both of these blades have exceptional action, albeit slightly different. The GEC is stout--pulls around 6 or 7 and with powerful snapping action on the opening and closing. The Robeson has much lighter pulls, maybe a good 4 or easy 5, but is just as snappy and crisp on the opening and closing. I'd say the Robeson is just about perfect as it presents no difficulty on the nails to open, but has all the satisfaction of "sound" and "feel" of a great "walk and talk." Robeson takes the prize here as well.
Usefulness: I haven't given either of these any real use yet. Just sharpening pencils and opening letters. The Robeson is D2 and appears to have a higher degree of angle for the secondary bevel than the GEC, making it less of a slicer and the grind on the secondary bevel is noticeably uneven as it approaches the blade tip. There is an ever-so-slight edge roll on the GEC's main blade, which may be from blade rap, but it is much less significant than on the 43s, 71s or 23s that have had that issue. I can't distinguish either blade in this category, so we'll call it even.
As good as GEC tend to be, I think the Robeson Pocket-Eze beats the #44 in nearly every category. If only the new Queen knives manufacturers can recapture what the old Queen folks were able to do with this example for Robeson, I think the traditional pocket knife world will be extremely thankful.
