Very proud shield on a GEC 73. Normal, or should it be fixed?

S

Sword and Shield

Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
3,536
I was given a GEC 73 in green jigged bone several years ago, and decided yesterday to put it to work.

Problem is, the shield is very proud- a bit more than a millimeter, completely level and uniform. It's as if the channel wasn't cut deep enough.

I have 3 other GECs with shields to compare it to, and they're flush. This one, though, the shield looks like it'll be an instant hot spot unless I wear gloves while using it.

What should I do? It's a nice knife, but that shield makes it a non-user.
 
I can't say 1mm+ on jigged bone is normal (perhaps on stag due to the nature of stag) but of the 2 GECs with jigged bone I have in front of me, neither is flush with the bone. No hot spots with them in use and I believe you won't really notice the shield in use either. I'd suggest using it to see if it becomes a problem, or contact GEC to see if its a problem, or pass it on and get another knife in its place.

The other 3 you have, are they smooth bone or wood?
 
Is this an acorn shield stainless version?

I have one of these, an early 2006 model and the shield is annoyingly proud, as is my CASE/Bose Collab Norfolk.

Can't fault the inlet on my other GEC knives bone or stag, the Forum Knife 2011 is a superb example of high class finish.
 
willgoy said:
Is this an acorn shield stainless version?

I have one of these, an early 2006 model and the shield is annoyingly proud, as is my CASE/Bose Collab Norfolk.

Can't fault the inlet on my other GEC knives bone or stag, the Forum Knife 2011 is a superb example of high class finish.
Click to expand...

Nope, carbon, green jigged bone. It's a mighty fine knife, but that shield's a killer. I'll try and get a pic of it.
 
Some shields are purposely set proud so as not to interfere/disturb/mar the jigging on a bone covered knife or the stag figuring on a stag covered knife, etc.. This is expecially true with pinned shields. Some knives are even shipped without the shield attached but loose in the tube/box.

I have a few knives from different manufactures that have a proud shield and to me, it's no big deal. Certainly no reason to return a knife to a vendor or manufacture.
 
Last edited:
I tend to disagree. I don't like the feel of the knife in my hands if the shield edges are sharp & proud, same if the bolster corners are sharp or un radiused.

When the shield is inlet smoothly into jigged bone or grooved stag I think it shows high skill in finishing. when it's left raised it looks & feels unfinished, it's as if the cutler has lost their nerve when pinning the shield or simply lacks dexterity.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top