Only One Knife

GEC specializes in highly collectable and premium quality usable pocket knives. The company's USA manufactured knives have quickly proven to be a big hit with both collectors and users who seek quality American craftsmanship.
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m0nk
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by m0nk »

KJ, this question makes me sweat but I'll play. But wait, are we talking GEC's that I actually own, or is the aperture open to GECs that I've drooled over in pictures only? And does it have to be a GEC-branded knife, or can GEC-made private label knives be in the running? First, the GEC branded singles that I own, which aren't that many:

43 Oregon in Frontier Bone
78 SMKW SFO single in "Pennsylvania" peach seed jigged bone
71 Bullnose in red linen micarta

So for GEC branded singles I own, the 71 Bullnose is the reluctant winner because it's in a medium-large size that looks classy in red micarta, yet can totally work like a rented mule.

And here are the GEC-made private labels that I own:
(21) Smith & Sons Mudbug in maroon linen micarta
(79) NW Fremont Jack in red linen micarta

If my house were on fire and I could take one knife and one knife only, I'd grab my Fremont Jack and run. Someday, somebody will face the unenviable task of prying my Fremont Jack out of my cold dead hand.

Yet, if I could cross my arms and blink and get the knife I want but don't have...the 77 BF SFO PPP stag clip single (I think) 2014. That would do the job nicely because of it's medium size, dream clip blade, and tough yet nice-enough-to-present-to-the-President stag.

How's that for an equivocal answer?

Lee
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

m0nk, you thought about it which is what i was hoping people would do.
My intention was: any knife made by GEC regardless of how it is branded or whether or not you own it.
I would not choose a Warncliffe blade for my one & only knife.
kj
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upnorth
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by upnorth »

ONE KNIFE???

Impossible!!

Well . . . . .maybe. . . . .

I am up for the challenge of surviving in the city with this one.
But if we are going post-apocalyptic, then it would have to be a #23 sized knife at least!!
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m0nk
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by m0nk »

upnorth wrote:ONE KNIFE???

Impossible!!

Well . . . . .maybe. . . . .

I am up for the challenge of surviving in the city with this one.
But if we are going post-apocalyptic, then it would have to be a #23 sized knife at least!!
Charlie, I presume? If that's you, why am I not surprised at your choice of TC barlow? I know Charlie C. SFOs are sold at several distributors, but getting ahold of one is like trying to grab a gnat out of a swarm, a swing and a miss. The #15 is a great size, not too big and not too small. Just today I was appreciating how nice my Beer Scout feels in my pocket.

Lee
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by robbobus »

Charlies Barlow looks like the famous Ol'Boily of 2012.
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by whitebuffalo58 »

Well I know there aren't many fans of the pattern 'round here, but I'd certainly have no problem calling this my only knife. A Northfield #12 Powderhorn in burled Cocobolo. 1 of only 7 made, or I'd probably be carrying it now. ::nod::
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by philco »

Beautiful handles on that one Rob. ::tu::
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by whitebuffalo58 »

Thanks Phil! I've worked with quite a bit of Cocobolo over the years, first burl I've seen though.

I got it from our ol' buddy Trevor.(imband) I haven't heard from him in a long time, hope he's doin' alright!


WB
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by wlf »

Mumbleypeg wrote:The only single blade GEC I have, so at present anyway this is it. :lol: But it's a dandy! ::tu::

Ken
That sure is a good looking little guy on that tube. :D
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by Mumbleypeg »

wlf wrote:
Mumbleypeg wrote:The only single blade GEC I have, so at present anyway this is it. :lol: But it's a dandy! ::tu::

Ken
That sure is a good looking little guy on that tube. :D
Yes indeed - and he's a dandy too! ::tu:: :lol:

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upnorth
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by upnorth »

This is an enjoyable thread! Nice going Roland!!
It is interesting to imagine using each knife posted as the "one and only"!! 8)

Yes that's Old Boiley - very first TC out of the box, and subject of much experimentation and careful use. The joints are often oiled, and it holds an edge FOREVER for some reason. I think the heat-treat hit the sweet spot! :)

Please participate in this thread!! ::tu::
Utopia!! A chicken in every pot!! And a Barlow in every pocket!!!


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wlf
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by wlf »

upnorth wrote:The joints are often oiled, and it holds an edge FOREVER for some reason. I think the heat-treat hit the sweet spot! :) ::tu::
Amazing, considering you’re still cutting the mustard!!!

I’ve never considered carrying a one blade knife. I used to keep one blade for just opening cans before I retired.
I buy roosters combs and farmers..........................................................jack knives [/b]

GEC SFOs and others at LICK CREEK CUTLERY- www.allaboutpocketknives.com/wlf

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Re: Only One Knife

Post by upnorth »

wlf wrote:
upnorth wrote:The joints are often oiled, and it holds an edge FOREVER for some reason. I think the heat-treat hit the sweet spot! :) ::tu::
Amazing, considering you’re still cutting the mustard!!!

I’ve never considered carrying a one blade knife. I used to keep one blade for just opening cans before I retired.
OMG!!! :o
Utopia!! A chicken in every pot!! And a Barlow in every pocket!!!


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Tsar Bomba
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by Tsar Bomba »

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this concept of "one 1-blade folding knife for everything, forever." :shock: :lol:

The utilitarian side of me says I'd want a rugged clip or drop point lockback (or other locking mechanism) with some heft to it. None of my GECs fit the bill, plus I've got plenty of Buck 110s on hand.

But for the purposes of this thread, picking through and choosing from the GECs that fit the criteria, I suppose it would my favorite 43, a knife I've been carrying something close to half the time over the last few months.
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

Nice knife Tony. Although not locking, it gives plenty of blade for one lifetime. And i agree that clip and a drop point are the 2 best profiles for a 'do-it-all', followed by a spear point. The Wharncliffers might find they have had enough of being limited by profile before they get even close to 'The End'.
I started this thread when i received a #23 with drop point blade and a liner lock and then found that the blade is totally solid when locked. I immediately thought 'this is a perfect life long user' but then realized: only among single blade knives. I wanted to show this #23 and explain why it seems just right to me. But my thinking is sometimes too narrow so i wanted to see what GEC others would pick as their life long companion
I will start a complimentary thread shortly asking the same question but for ANY GEC knife. I already know what my choice is and i think it is THE BEST GEC EVER. Clue: has a C.C. connection.
But this thread is not over. Lots of you have not posted yet but you have probably thought about which of your single blade GEC's would give you the best life long service, so take a picture, does not have to be perfect, and post here. If enough people post there might be enough votes for a pattern to be declared "The Experts' Choice".
kj
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by m0nk »

Tsar Bomba wrote:I'm still trying to wrap my head around this concept of "one 1-blade folding knife for everything, forever." :shock: :lol:

The utilitarian side of me says I'd want a rugged clip or drop point lockback (or other locking mechanism) with some heft to it. None of my GECs fit the bill, plus I've got plenty of Buck 110s on hand.

But for the purposes of this thread, picking through and choosing from the GECs that fit the criteria, I suppose it would my favorite 43, a knife I've been carrying something close to half the time over the last few months.
Tony, how do your carry your 43? Belt sheath? Pocket slip? Back pocket? Of course a 43 lends itself well to belt carry, but I've carried mine in a slip in my front pocket and I was surprised that it doesn't feel much bigger than my medium size 78's and such. I'd just like to hear advice from someone who carries his 43 more frequently since mine is an occasional carry only.

I could easily change my long rambling answer to KJ's original question to say simply, "43 Oregon" and let that be that. I agree with KJ that a wharnie is certainly not the most practical of all general purpose blades, it's just that I love my Fremont Jack to the point that if logic went out the window I'd have to grab the FJ. But if I stop and think some more, that 43 is looking better and better.

Lee
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whitebuffalo58
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by whitebuffalo58 »

I have a question. Barring a survival situation and for the most part even then, why a locking blade? I have nothing against lock blade knives, but it seems to me, if a knife's being used for it's intended purpose, there really wouldn't be any need for it.

Just a thought,


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Re: Only One Knife

Post by Tsar Bomba »

Lee, I generally carry the 43 in a KSF pocket slip which fits the knife perfectly. Even with the additional bulk of the leather slip, it pockets a lot better than most large trappers. It would work in a Buck 112 style sheath, too, but it's fairly slender so it might rattle around in the sheath a bit instead of sitting snug like the 112 does.

I am a fan of the Wharncliffe blade but in the context of "one blade to rule them all" I would have to pick another more utilitarian profile with a belly.
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m0nk
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by m0nk »

Tsar Bomba wrote:Lee, I generally carry the 43 in a KSF pocket slip which fits the knife perfectly. Even with the additional bulk of the leather slip, it pockets a lot better than most large trappers.
Tony, thanks for the info. I sometimes use a KSF Mainstream pocket slip which I like because it has a flat bottom, which means you can get a bigger knife into it compared to a slip of the same external size made of two separate pieces of leather are sewed together. The seam equals unusable interior space. I didn't understand the advantage of the folded bottom construction until I got a Mainstream slip. However, my daily go-to is a KSF freebie buffalo slip that I sewed a Nano clip to the top edge. When hooked to the bottom of the pocket opening, the clip makes the whole thing ride vertically against the outside of the pocket. It's a very nice carry method and makes it accessible even when seated by just pulling on the clip then grabbing the top of the slip.

Anyway, I had originally picked the 71 out of my GEC branded singles, because its smaller size might make it more portable in more situations with different attire. However, if one has a carry method that mitigates the large size of the knife, then it opens up the possibilities of picking a larger single like a 43. Food for thought. That 43 is looking better and better for my "forever single GEC." Which brings up a possible loophole in the original question: KJ said only one GEC knife, which means I'm free to carry another manufacturer's knife also! So I'll have my 43 as my one GEC single, and also carry my new Case Medium Jack for when I need smaller blades. Perfect combination!

Lee
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by Tsar Bomba »

:lol: That's an excellent way to look at it.

I'll be glad to pair my 43 with any number of my other knives. The Case humpback stockman makes a fine watch pocket complement to the 43 IMO.
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by J1890 »

::ds:: I love these types of threads.
I am inclined to go with this 43. I’ve had it for a few days and have been using it for everything I do. Not only does it look good, but I’m sure it would perform every task given to it.
My only draw back would be how thin it becomes toward the tip. I would fear it might break. I of course would not be using it as a pry bar ::dang:: . So with that fear( which is probably my own silliness) I’d have to agree with the single blade 23. As i believe it has a thicker blade. And now that I’m thinking about that knife, maybe I need to get one?
This brings up an interesting (for me) thought about a possible thread challenge ::hmm:: . Carry and use just one knife for a given time frame. See if that would really be the one knife. But I don’t want that thought to highjack this cool thread.
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by Tsar Bomba »

I'm starting to suspect GEC might have knocked it out of the park with the 43... ::hmm:: ::super_happy::
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

Yes the #43 seems to have the most votes if only allowed one single blade GEC forever. Obviously it has to be a bit of a compromise when choosing a blade that will mange to do a good job in all sorts of situations. And here it looks like GEC got everything right in the design of the #43.
When i get back to my knives in a few days i will post a picture of my #43 beside my #23 liner lock. The #23 is 4 1/2" closed and the #43 is slightly smaller at 4 1/4". Be interesting to see if blade on #23 is any longer than on the #43. And then compare them for how slender or bulky and weigh them. Lighter weight & slender i consider better.
Why liner lock on the #23 ? Certainly not necessary but reasonable to have as likely at some point in the next number of years i will mess up and knock a blade off the open position. If there was any play in this knife it would have turned me off of wanting to use it. But it is totally solid when open which based on other threads is a bit unusual, as many of the liner locks have slight blade play.
kj
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by Tsar Bomba »

My outstanding experience with the 43 has me interested in some of the earlier GEC trappers, especially some of the drop-point varieties. I'm ambivalent towards most lockback trappers but a liner lock 23 does sound like something I could quickly grow fond of. I'm still so gunshy from some of the GEC secondary market wackiness, however, that I find myself only pulling the trigger on secondhand GECs when I'm REALLY desperate to have one.

And to address questions re: the "need" for a single knife in first-world society to have a lock... I don't think I would necessarily *need* a lock in an idealized single-blade single-knife for life situation, but I'd probably feel a little better about having one. That said, my daily use 43 stays open and at attention very well and I suspect the only way I'd end up risking an accidental closing is if I were doing something un-knifelike. Thing is, sometimes your one-knife one-blade world demands you do something un-knifelike with your knife. That's the downside of making it a GEC - you'll cringe through the whole experience. :lol:

This thread makes me appreciate living in a world where I can have as many knies, and as many blades, as I care to. :mrgreen: ::tu::
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Re: Only One Knife

Post by kootenay joe »

Don't be shy of picking up a "pre owned" GEC. Many have not been used and GEC has made many great knives over the last 11 years. Only a select few runs get the sky high prices on the secondary market. Most sell for about the same as original price.
kj
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