The GEC first impressions, opinions, and backspring talk... with pics!

[Coyja]

I got a lot of help from folks when trying to pick out my first GEC knife, after not having a slipjoint in a long while. This thread is meant for those of us that have just got a new GEC, those of you to post up your first one, to pass on opinions and info on GEC brand knives for the first time buyer.

The only thing I'd ask it that we keep it to ONE post.
THE RULES:
Post up your new GECs , talk about 'em, post pics, and come back and edit your post if your opinion changes, but leave it to that.
That way, we can get a lot of info out there for everyone, and not clutter it up with "nice one" or arguing.
Opinions on fit and finish, backspring comfort, model likes dislikes, etc would be especially welcome.

I think it'll be a big help for folks looking to get into them, and a good time for all... that being said, I'll get her started in my next, and FINAL post in this thread!

 

[Coyja]

So my initial idea was to get a EZ open Barlow, but I grew up with a Sodbuster and eventually caved and got a #73 Tidioute Scout in Tractor Green.
I must admit I was draw to the Tidioute brand of GEC due to its style, and in no small part because I am very familiar with the area and the Allegheny National is one of my favorite places to camp. I rafted down the Tidioute a while back, too.
Anyhow, the knife.
I love the green in the handle, the feel of the #73 in the hand is really nice, and the weight is right on. Really like the 1095 for the blade. I think where GEC gets it totally right is the overall style and classy look their knives have. I showed someone at work today and they asked me how old it was, thinking it was a classic.
They have some great handle choices, I mean GREAT. It took a LONG time deciding on that alone. The wave of the bone carving is sweet, especially on the backside (see pic).
I also did not go with the liner lock model, thinking it was really not necessary, but still probably will get one later!
The blade itself has absolutely NO play, sits right down the middle when closed, and is a fine design in itself.

On the down side: Blade arrives slightly scratched up like it had been used a bit. Not sure what happened there. It was also super DULL. Thats pretty much ridiculous to me, to send out a knife as dull as this was. I could not cut myself with it, not without REALLY trying hard, at least.
Maybe it was used before I got it, but I've heard others complain about GECs sharpness... Why you would make a knife that ISN'T sharp...? Just out of spite?
I had it convexed, though, and its awesome now.

Another issue, the bolsters are not the same size. Hopefully I'll have a pic that you can see, but the bolster on the etched side of the blade is noticeably bigger than the other, and the angle at which they descend away from the blade is slightly different.
In the same area, where bolster meets handle bone, the backspring and brass liner have a slight gap. You can see daylight through it if you hold it up to a light.
I'm not sure what to expect in this area for a knife at $70, which isn't crazy expensive, but not exactly cheap either...

here's some pics:











As far as the backsprings go, yeah, they are stiff. Not CRAZY stiff, but stiff. The stop at the half stop wants to break my nail off pretty bad. I'm a musician and have pretty strong hands, too.
I've been working it in that open to half open position, and it will eventually loosen. From half stop to open its not so bad. I think the half stop is definitely a great feature. I'll edit in my opinions on the backsprings after awhile. I think I ought to give that a little more time..

Overall, I'll likely buy more GECs, but would like to get more info on fit and finish issues, since I found a few myself here... Like I said, I'm not so sure just yet on WHAT to expect from a slipjoint at this price point.
At any rate, I bought it to be a user, so I'm off to do just that!

 

[popedandy]

As has been posted elsewhere in response to your other post, if you aren't happy with the knife, send it back. Complaining in multiple threads won't solve the problem. Obviously someone screwed up, but if you do nothing but complain, no one can fix the problem.

 

[popedandy]

The previous thread I referenced is this one
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=709640&page=2
The first post complaining about the knife is post 34. For those who don't want to read it, I'll summarize it:
OP says he was sent a used knife.
Dealer sees post and responds that he doesn't sell used knives, asks OP to return it for a replacement and offers a discount on OP's next purchase.
I and another customer of the dealer vouch for his integrity.
OP doesn't like the responses, locks the post, and raises the same complaints in a second thread.

 

[Chewy1]

Here's mine. Got it from Bill on Collectorknives.net. I wanted something in stag and when I got $100 raked together, I saw these and had to have one. I first bought one with a sheepsfoot blade, but literally could not open it. They can be real nailbusters. Bill was kind enough to send me a different one...this Northfield burnt stag long pull Barlow. It's a beauty!

It rides smaller than you expect. Mine came sharp, but I got it sharper. Yes, I will buy another GEC. They are just so well made!

 

[joe-bob]

You guys should feel free not to buy any more GEC knives. That leaves more for me.

 

[Coyja]

AND, since this thread has been hijacked, I will be closing it.

I just wanted a thread that was a basic review from different folks on GEC knives, from first time buyers, comparing any positives or negatives. This was meant to be looking at it from the perspective of "what is great about my new GEC and what could be better?"

There was no intent to bring any other thread into this, in fact, I purposefully tried to avoid it. I'm happy with the knife I have, but evidently, I didn't make that clear enough.

Derrick, I'm sorry man, that was not my intent at all.
I know how it is man, running a business, and sometimes stuff happens.

I wish this thread could have made it a single day!
It would have been glorious!