First GEC and a question

[Jigslinger]

I've just received a new GEC Bullet-end jack with Cocobolo scales (Model 852211). This is my first GEC after years of collecting Case and others. First off, let me say it is a wonderful piece of US cutlery. The fit and tolerances of the springs and liners is exceptional. Blade travel, half-stop, and snap are well above any new knife I've seen. Springs and blades are nicely squared off. The master spear blade and wood handle absolutely shout old-school. Only one thing is bugging me and you guys who have many GECs might be able to shed some light. The blades seem to have very fine scratching almost like they were wiped off or polished with a cloth that had some fine abrasives in it. I'm used to the mirror finsih on my Case knives but this finish has a fine scratching that is very hard to see unless you look close. If this was an EDC no big deal. But it is 1 of 35 and a collector piece for me. Is this blade finish normal? Should it be a mirror finish? Thanks.

[big monk]

Hey Jigslinger____I have nearly 300 GEC's and some I have gotten, are just like the one you described__normal glance,not noticable,but up-close look at the right angle,you can see the polish marks___ I have not had any,bad enough to bother me,but I'm sorta' simple anyway** I was always afraid to polish,my self,for fear of taking the blade etching off ???_____I know that this has been discussed on the forums before,but can't remember the thoughts???? I feel like,if you are dissatisfied,contact your dealer (where you bought it) or e-mail or call Christine at GEC__one or the other should be able to get it right !!! Glad to have you onboard, the GEC wagon, and sure don't want you to get a bad taste,on the first one____good luck,Monk

[Jigslinger]

Thanks monk. I'm not too put out about it- the blade is still very nice. If the condition is normal then I can live with it. Just want to make sure I don't have a late Friday or early Monday morning example. Like you, I don't want to risk messing up the etching by polishing it myself.

[big monk]

Sounds good____ I do use Ren-Wax,on all my knives___ it does not ""damage"" the etching___ you may want to,polish a little longer,with the Ren-Wax ??,___ someimes,that will help a lot,and protect from all the "bad stuff" _____________I love the Cocobolo,that I have,and all the others too !!!! ::ds::_____have a great day,Monk

[Jeffrey]

Ive noticed that on some of mine. I think its more of a trademark of GEC. Welcome to collecting GEC, they make a great knife!!!! I also love the 85 pattern! Chris at GEC will help if the dealer doesnt.

[2Dead]

Aren't the blades hand polished (well, someone is holding the blades to the buffer)? Perhaps they didn't polish it that long. I've noticed it on a few Northfields but it doesn't bother me.

[HiPower]

gecs are not well polished but the strong points are construction & materials. the 440c is really more an orange skin finish but these knives are still the best factory knives in the world, i.m.o.--HiPower