Tidioutte 23TL Bullock has landed!

[trevytrev]

Received the new offering from GEC today, the Bullock. The first thing you notice is the size, this is not a small knife! It dwarfs the Bullnose and 73 that I have. Though the knife is much bigger, the overall thickness of the knife is not much more than the smaller bullnose and 73. It's quite thin for it's size and actually felt decent in the pocket of my jeans.

Fit and finish is very nice! The blade is centered, no gaps, pull is about a 6, snaps open with authority and after disengaging the lock it closes with good talk. This is the first GEC made knife that I've owned that does not have a half stop. I don't find that a good or bad thing, just an observation. I figure it is due to the locking mechanism eliminates the need for the half stop for safety reasons. The Grizzly Cut bone is gorgeous and despite the rough appearance it's a nice smooth texture that feels very comfortable in the hand.

On to the locking mechanism and the best way I can explain how it works. Once the blade is open, in order to unlock it you must lift and push the lever forward. This u shaped lever is pinned to a protruding part of the back spring, when it is lifted and then pushed forward it levers off of the bolster thus lifting the back spring up, which disengages the lock from the blade allowing you to close. It is simple and not to hard to do though it is a little more cumbersome then a standard lockback with release in the rear.

It's a beautiful knife that is top notch is quality and definitely a conversation piece. Its probably is bit big for everyday carry though I'm going to give it a whirl and see how she does for the next couple of days riding in my pocket. If large knives are your thing then you probably won't be disappointed with this knife. If you are into smaller knives then this is probably not your cup of tea but it sure is pretty to look at

 

[Stich2442]

Great review & pictures, it's a very interesting knife.

Pete

 

[Will Power]

Many thanks for the comprehensive review.

The bone reminds me of an improved version of CASE's Amber Bone, really good&hope to see this on some other patterns soon. Hint, on some stainless ones too.....

Yeah, it's Monsta

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Pocket sword! It wasn't me at first, but these handle scales are growing on me.

 

[TucsonMik]

Awesome, thanks for the helpful review. Great pictures, too.

I was wondering about that locking mechanism -- how does it feel in your hand when you bear down on the knife? Does it dig into your hand or is it pretty smooth?

 

[kamagong]

Wow, those are very nice pictures. The knives really jump off the screen.

I know this thread is about the Bullock, but do you have any pile side pictures of the stag #73?

- Christian

 

[akadave2]

Thanks Trev, mine hasnt gotten here yet. Your review just makes me want it more! I really love the bone Jigging and I have been critical of GECs jigging in the past I have to say this is what I have been looking for! Its a big knife for sure.I will probably get a belt sheath for mine. Great review and very good pics!

 

[Humppa]

Great looking knife. This locking mechanism is pretty traditional, imo. The scales are great looking and the bladeshape is good for EDC. It seems to be like a tank, seen from the side - from upwards it looks like a thin folder.

I like this combination.

I know that, at least, one german cutlery is still making this traditional pattern. Though GECs version seems to be the top-of-the-list.

Thank for sharing your opinion and the time you took on making the review as well as the pics

 

[akadave2]

Wow I noticed they all sold out on Mikes site. I did check out the yellow bone version...might have to get that one too!

 

[waynorth]

I like the BIG jigging, and it's colors. It is proportionate to the knife - looks just great. I went and ordered two!! One for me and one for a friend up here.
Great looking knife. This will be a winner for them, I think!!
Thanks for showing it, and for all the pictures!!

 

[kamagong]

This locking mechanism is pretty traditional, imo.

Looks like a variation of the locking mechanism used on Spanish navajas.

- Christian

 

[Humppa]

Christian,

not only on spanish Navajas, but also on german knives this kind of lock is used. I just sent you an VM with a link.

I remember some time ago, we were already talking about that same topic. When you do a google search for "Sicherheitsschliessmesser" you can find some pics by german makers with this locking mechanism, as well as the Navaja

 

[jujigatame]

Excellent pictures. Does the lever flop around much when handling or holding the knife?

 

[grins000]

Great pics, the scales are awesome

 

[Sonnemann]

Beautiful beautiful photography. Wow. Knife's not to shabby either!

 

[comoha]

That grizzly bone is gorgeous.

I'm waiting for GEC to put that lock on a more pocketable knife. I hope they do eventually.

 

[trevytrev]

Happy to do the review, thanks for the nice comments guys!

how does it feel in your hand when you bear down on the knife? Does it dig into your hand or is it pretty smooth?

I haven't had to cut anything yet but just holding the knife and squeezing it as if I were cutting it seems very comfortable , they really smoothed out the jigs on this knife,

I know this thread is about the Bullock, but do you have any pile side pictures of the stag #73?

- Christian

I don't but I can try to snap one today for you if you like.

Excellent pictures. Does the lever flop around much when handling or holding the knife?

It flops open a little when held upside down, only until it meets the resistance of the bolster, maybe 20% open.



Mike over at Collectorsknives.net does still have some, or at least his site shows he does. They have been moved to the end of inventory since they are newer arrivals, they're no longer in the early bird box. I forgot to add that the knife came shave sharp, another bald spot on my arm

 

[sitflyer]

Thanks for the great photo's of this knife Trev:thumbup:
Looks like they really hit this one out of the park! I really like this offering.

 

[pertinux]

Agreed on the excellent pictures, Trev. :thumbup:

Thanks for the great photo's of this knife Trev:thumbup:
Looks like they really hit this one out of the park! I really like this offering.

If you get one and post in-hand pictures and others buy their own based on those, they could well run into the holy molies when they open the tube, expecting something along the lines of a 72 or 73!

More seriously, it looks like this knife might fit your hand really well, ie, scale nicely as compared to others you adapt to...?

()

~ P.

 

[sitflyer]

Agreed on the excellent pictures, Trev. :thumbup:



If you get one and post in-hand pictures and others buy their own based on those, they could well run into the holy molies when they open the tube, expecting something along the lines of a 72 or 73!

More seriously, it looks like this knife might fit your hand really well, ie, scale nicely as compared to others you adapt to...?

()

~ P.

I actually had the wow factor when I first handled my 23 Bocote, but it is one of the most comfortable knives I have ever handled.

It looks like the lever is very well proportioned and shaped on this one judging by your photo's Trev. Kind of a thumb stop as well.