Thinking of buying GEC

solphilos

solphilos

Joined
Oct 17, 2009
Messages
1,076
Hello gentlemen. So I've been putting in a lot of overtime at work recently and finally have enough to get myself something nice.
I've been eyeing all these nice GECs over the years and am quite excited to finally get the chance to snag one for myself.

I'm looking at the #35 Churchill in ebony and am having trouble pressing the buy button.
Would this be a good choice for a first GEC? I admit I've been disappointed too many times buy Case and am somewhat jaded from buying knives online and spending this kind of money is a big deal for me.
I guess what I'm after is a little push to say "buy it!"

Also getting torn between the #35 and Calf Roper
 
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Either one would be a great choice. They both have a bellied blade and a straight-edged blade, which I like, and are a good pocketable size. The Churchill is a quarter inch longer in the frame.
 
An ebony GEC was one of my first and it still sees use. Along with a good size clip and secondary sheepsfoot blade I'd think you will be very happy with a 35 except for the fact it might put a dent in your wallet because of the future 'wanrs'.

The 66 is smaller but with 3 blades. The stockman pattern is available. I have both sizes but rarely carry the stockman because I prefer the 2 blade jack version.
 
I generally prefer Jacks and find the spey blade on Stockmans redundant, so I'm leaning strongly towards the #35. But, I prefer bone scales and love the choices for the Calf Roper. Still, the Ebony would be different for me and looks really good in the #35. The Clawed Bone is interesting but somewhat lackluster in the stock photo I'm seeing online.
 
I'm far from an experienced GEC owner but the 3 I've had have been straight up fantastic fit and finish. Some other traditional knife brands have left me somewhat stale to some but GEC hasn't been one of them. I would own more GEC's if they offered stainless steel, honestly. Boker is a 2nd for me when looking for value and users.

The calf roper is a great knife. It overs a good mix of blade options and is a good EDC size, IMO. I do not have or have not seen a #35 but it looks like the farmer jack I had for a while which was a very nice carrying knife, it just had the hawkbill instead of a sheep blade from what I'm seeing (depending on the blade configuration you get).

I have a calf roper for sale in the classifieds in OD Green. If you're seriously considering buying one and that doesn't sell right away I would be happy to loan it to you for inspection and send it back or possibly purchase if you want it. I'm trying to sell something to fund a small fixed blade and selling that before I use it is an option. I've also found I really like a 2-blade trapper design.
 
I'm now strongly leaning towards the #35 after seeing pics of that beefy clip main blade. Thanks for generous offer :thumbsup:

But don't mention the trappers! The improved Trapper in pickle green caught my eye for a moment, and that wharnny blade could easily sell me on that one. Oh man what did I get myself into :confused:

bikerector said:
I'm far from an experienced GEC owner but the 3 I've had have been straight up fantastic fit and finish. Some other traditional knife brands have left me somewhat stale to some but GEC hasn't been one of them. I would own more GEC's if they offered stainless steel, honestly. Boker is a 2nd for me when looking for value and users.

The calf roper is a great knife. It overs a good mix of blade options and is a good EDC size, IMO. I do not have or have not seen a #35 but it looks like the farmer jack I had for a while which was a very nice carrying knife, it just had the hawkbill instead of a sheep blade from what I'm seeing (depending on the blade configuration you get).

I have a calf roper for sale in the classifieds in OD Green. If you're seriously considering buying one and that doesn't sell right away I would be happy to loan it to you for inspection and send it back or possibly purchase if you want it. I'm trying to sell something to fund a small fixed blade and selling that before I use it is an option. I've also found I really like a 2-blade trapper design.
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As far as American made pocket knives are concerned, GEC is your best bet for buying online and not being able to handle the knife first. You are more likely to get a knife with zero issues than with any other production brand. Just my opinion, of course.

I like the Calf Ropers a lot. At one time they were my favorite GEC pattern and I'm not entirely certain that they still aren't. The only 35 pattern I've owned is the 2016 Bladeforum Drover and I really liked the size and shape. As mentioned, it's larger than the Calf Roper and the 35 Churchill has basically the same blade shapes minus the Spey blade.

I have two Chruchills coming soon but right now I can't give a good opinion on them since I don't have one yet. I think it boils down to do you want a slightly larger knife with no Spey blade or a slightly smaller knife with one.
 
Railsplitter said:
I have two Chruchills coming soon but right now I can't give a good opinion on them since I don't have one yet. I think it boils down to do you want a slightly larger knife with no Spey blade or a slightly smaller knife with one.
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Good point, this taken in consideration with choice of handle material will help me make a decision.
Also, the store I'm purchasing from lists a rating of factory effort, which happens to rate the Calf Roper lower than the #35. How much should I take this into consideration when making a decision?
 
The only GEC I've owned so far is the Inproved Trapper and I love it ... the wharncliffe blade is great ... I would love to find a 47 Viper Wharmcliffe but I'm still searching for that one.

I don't think you can go wrong all of the GECs I've been able to handle were great knives ... well made very well finished. I think it comes down to just whatever model appeals to you.

And I've owned many and still own a few Cases ... and even though I like them ... the new Case knives are a bit outclassed by GECs IMHO.
 
Both are great options, as is the improved trapper. The 66 Stockman and the 48 improved trapper have been made prior to this most recent run, and both were very sought after.

Being someone that has all three, I’ll say my choice would be the Churchill. The size is really great, and it’s a single spring knife so I believe it’s actually the thinnest of the 3. The 48’s long, slender blades are beautiful, but border on dainty. The 66 has soft springs, which don’t bother me, but it’s not something everyone is okay with, and it’s not representative of GEC as a whole.

NmmikYK.jpg

HXVSNrw.jpg
 
I have a bloodwood improved trapper that I like to carry around when I'm dressing up. My crappy phone camera doesn't do it justice.

rortPNel.jpg
 
Stropping Young Lad said:
Both are great options, as is the improved trapper. The 66 Stockman and the 48 improved trapper have been made prior to this most recent run, and both were very sought after.

Being someone that has all three, I’ll say my choice would be the Churchill. The size is really great, and it’s a single spring knife so I believe it’s actually the thinnest of the 3. The 48’s long, slender blades are beautiful, but border on dainty. The 66 has soft springs, which don’t bother me, but it’s not something everyone is okay with, and it’s not representative of GEC as a whole.

NmmikYK.jpg

HXVSNrw.jpg
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Thanks for the comparison pics, I think I prefer the simple lines of the 35 frame.
I do prefer a stronger pull, weaker ones always end up in a drawer.
 
bikerector said:
So it seems like we may have convinced you to get a GEC... now which one are you gonna get?? Or should I ask, how many?
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I think I've decided on the Churchill, now its a choice between ebony and clawed cougar bone.
As for how many, it will likely be a while before I can afford another, but I have a feeling I'm opening a can of worms with this purchase ;)
 
solphilos said:
Thanks for the comparison pics, I think I prefer the simple lines of the 35 frame.
I do prefer a stronger pull, weaker ones always end up in a drawer.
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No problem.

I can’t find anything not to like about the Churchill. The only complaint I have is that they aren’t making it in enough handle options, but if there’s one that speaks to you, I unabashedly recommend it. It’s climbing up my list of favorites. Make sure to also check GEC’s website for upcoming handle options. Yellow rose bone, stag and acrylic should be shipping soon.
 
Stropping Young Lad said:
No problem.

I can’t find anything not to like about the Churchill. The only complaint I have is that they aren’t making it in enough handle options, but if there’s one that speaks to you, I unabashedly recommend it. It’s climbing up my list of favorites. Make sure to also check GEC’s website for upcoming handle options. Yellow rose bone, stag and acrylic should be shipping soon.
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Yellow bone you say....oh man I'm a sucker for yellow smooth bone, but my lack of patience will get the better of me.
 
Ebony is always good. It may not turn out to be your favorite but you will never regret the choice. Simple, elegant, and long lasting.
 
I do like the Ebony and would actually prefer the lighter, more brown samples. I like the dark wood but want something that will darken and show its age over time, hence my love for bone. Wood does feel really nice as well.
 
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