Sasquach wrote: But mixed feelings about GEC? Why? If you don't mind my asking.
As a blue-collar guy I wouldn't mind seeing their prices come down a bit though.
Well,,, while I also think some of their folders are over priced, it's a free market and since I consider myself a conservative I figure it would be a tich hypocritical for me to complain too much so I won't.
My gripe is with what I'd call design flaws with two of the four GEC folders that I've owned.
First is my little 25 single blade folder. It's one of my favorite knives ever for EDC but the back-spring is so ridiculously strong it's actually unsafe for someone that's not familiar with the knife. I've seen similar reports around here so that's why I'd call it a design flaw. I mean, we all like a good snap but at the same time you shouldn't have to worry about handing it to a friend (especially a youngster) IMO.
That was my first GEC and even though it's like carrying a small Alligator around, I like it so much I kept it and actually carry it daily.
I bought a couple of other GEC's over the next few years that were trouble free but I just didn't "bond" with em so I traded the two for a 72 Stag lock back. Sweet knife but the blade had some play when locked open (not side wobble). Again, I see others on here with the same problem so I'm gonna call it a "design flaw". I called GEC and the nice gal that answers the phone said they'd fix it so I sent it in. Got it back after three months of waiting and two e-mails reminding them that they had it. They had indeed fixed the play, but in doing so they made the lock VERY hard to push. I was kinda disappointed so I stuck it in the knife box for the last year. Got it out to take a pic the other day and after opening, it now takes both hands to release. In other words, it's getting worse for some reason. I'm pretty much disgusted right now but once I calm down I'll call em and see if they might trade me for the same model WITHOUT the lock or at the very least, "fix" it again although I'm pretty skeptical at this point.
After buying this 73 B&T I can however say that GEC makes an excellent knife as long as there aren't any moving parts (LOL) and the price is actually much better (IMO) than similar products.
All in all, GEC's not perfect, but I'd still rather have one of their knives at their somewhat inflated prices than a whole pick-up load of free china-land crap.
Charlie
Let me congratulate you on a phrase you wrote in the previous post concerning the anniversary gift you received. You wrote, "I've not got much use for it other than the sheer pleasure of owning it-but that is good enough.", in reality I feel that way about most of my knives. Your statement gave me something to think about. My EDCs are mostly the same, depending on the work or play going on, all the rest of the knives "sit on the bench" waiting for a call! 
