What do you know 'bout Greco?

T

Trout Tamer

Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
1,526
Hello, I am new to the forums and looking for some information on Greco knives. In particular, I am wondering if anyone knows about the steel he uses in the Falcon and the X-Plorer. His site says they are made of "8670". I am not totally new to knives, but I've never heard of this one. Also, what does he use for handle material? And, finally, do any of y'all own a Greco? If so, what has been your experience?

Thanks very much in advance for answering this barrage of questions.

Trout
:)
 
Welcome to Bladeforums.

John Greco is going out of the knifemaking business. What's left for sale on his website now is all there is or ever will be.

His knives are incredibly strong. I have two folders and a hatchet, and they are all but unbreakable. Also sharp. The steel is a high carbon, coated to cut down corrosion, but I haven't had a problem with that. I understand it's a German steel.

The folders have steel handles; my hatchet has micarta slabs.
 
I have two supposed to be here this week. I'll get back to you in a couple days.;)
 
Very strong, durable, well made knives. Nothing fancy (unless you find one of his true customs) but the kind of stuff you can depend on not to fail you. I have a few (fixed blades and folders) and would not happily part with any of them. As far as 8670 goes, it's tough and holds an edge well. It'll definitely rust if left alone, so wipe some oil on it every now and then. John used to use A-2 almost exclusively, and I've heard that 8670 is in the same ballpark, but more expert-type people would have to verify that. I'm really sorry John's having to get out of the business.
 
I recently purchased one of his folders....tough strong knife. Not a showpiece as far as finish, but a real workhorse.

The steel is similar to a2 when reprofiling and sharpening(pretty tough and hard) and holds an edge very well. I researched 8670 and found that it appears to used in the making of sawmill blades.

Thomas
 
I bought my son Jason a Whisper folder for Christmas. He drives a parts truck for a local Ford dealer and he uses his knives heavily. His old 440A blade was good for about 3 days before needing a touch-up. I stropped the Whisper lightly before I gave it to him, otherwise it was "as received" from John Greco.

When Jason came through the front door just a few minutes ago I asked him how it was holding up -- it was almost as sharp as the day I gave it to him after 3 weeks of heavy use. I've got a Crock Stick that I polished on a 15 micron belt for doing touch-ups. A few light stokes brought the blade up to where it will cut arm hair above the skin. I find that quite amazing for such a thick-bladed knife with a primary bevel cut at close to 45 degrees (inclusive). I was planning on re-profiling that blade to something closer to 35 to 40 degrees, but what's the point? I think I'll order one for myself before they're all gone.

Shalom,
Mark
 
I wish I had bought more of Mr Greco's knives, in particular I would have liked to get a whisper.
His knives are an outstanding value and extremely tough.
I have a companion made of .25 inch A2. It has a leather pouch sheath and a paper Micarta handle. Its about as tough as such a knife can be but I think I'll keep it in new condition.
I think I got it on sale for 50 bucks!!

If you can find any of his knives I would pick them up in a flash. They will always be easy to resell if you change your mind.
 
Hey, guys (and, maybe, gals)

thanks for all of the replies, as well as the welcome. It sounds like these are solid knives that I oughta jump on ASAP. Hopefully, he still has some left!
I agree (as someone mentioned), it's a shame he has to quit the business. It's definitely hard to lose something that you love.

Trout
 
The older Greco knives were a bit too heavy for my tastes, although some people like them like that. Then he changed to slimmer stock and flat grinds, and I love those. Too bad he had to stop making knives.
 
Originally posted by MAURICE
Good knives. Better prices. Cannot believe he has to call it quits. :(
Click to expand...

People,
John Greco is a nice man and he had to stop making knives due to health problems. I won't call it quits, i call that retiring.

Eric.
 
I'm aware of his health problems, and also that he's a nice man. I'm sorry that he has to stop, both for losing a quality maker and also because he really enjoys making knives. I don't know about anyone else, but I was not disparaging him, just lamenting.
 
Originally posted by keninshiro
People,
John Greco is a nice man and he had to stop making knives due to health problems. I won't call it quits, i call that retiring.

Eric.
Click to expand...
First off, my name is not 'people'. If you are going to adress me, plase do so directly.
And Second: Oh my god, I am so terribly sorry. I hope I havent hurt anyones feelings. Dont get hung up on little **** like that. Stop=Quit=Retire.
Gimme a ****ing break.
 
So, I ordered a Falcon and the last X-Plorer. I may throw in a Whisper Folder, for good measure. These will be my first custom knives... yeehaa!
 
MAURICE YOU ****head! Did i call your name out loud? I believe i did now! Sit down and be quiet, if your english is so good (which i doubt) QUIT and RETIRE is 2 freaking meaning! look up the DICK-tionary or just shut up! Who is upset? Was i? I meant to tell "PEOPLE" in general that he stop making knives because he has health problems! Can't handle a little grammer? go back to school!:mad:

SShhhhsshhh.....at least t1mpani took it with a pinch of salt....

Eric.:yawn:
 
Folks...(yes, i will use " folks" from hereforth because the term "people" is not "bubba" enough)

I don't mean to step on anyone's toe or am i some smart-@ss trying to educate "folks", I'm just trying to convey a message for those who don't know about his reason to stop making knives. And no, i do not know him personally nor do i have the authority to speak on his behalf. But if you can't even take a statement, then you better live on mars. Or maybe because i'm a chinese dude who lives in a third world country that some "folks" couldn't take bullshit from? I don't know, you tell me.

Eric.
 
John Greco's knives are made to last. Anybody who has anyone of his knives will tell you that he's extremely proud to own one or two.

Greco knives will probably be collector's items sooner than later.
Get them. You won't regret it. :)
 
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