GEC Shields

[Stephen]

I buy quite a few GEC folders, mostly in bone and stag handle material, and it seems to me that the shields aren't being cut-in with quite the level of neatness and precision that they used to be.
Some are a little high or low on one side, others have too much space around them.
Some are siightly recessed and others stick out higher than the handle material.
I must say that most are near-perfect but it just seems that more and more are not as precisely positioned as they ALL used to be.
Is it just me or have others noticed this?
I know it has to be a tough job on an irregular natural surface like stag but it also seems that some of the work isn't up to the same standard as before.
Some of these knives are $200 or more so I don't think I expect too much or do I?

Thanks,
Stephen

[big monk]

For the price of the knives___they should be""RIGHT""_____I totally agree with ya' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!____I sure hope,that the quality,is not slipping,for more quantity **********Monk

[Stephen]

Monk:

Have you seen this feature at the GEC website?
It's called "What's Happening Today" and I think it's new.
Very interesting, imo.

http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/inf ... ing-today/

Thanks for your response.

Best,
Stephen

[big monk]

Yep !!!!_________it's pretty neet,and I don't have to drive 500 miles to see,""What's Happnin'""

[Gunstock Jack]

I've noticed this height issue, and I think most of these are on irregular scales like primitive bone or stag. The shields are placed plumb and square with the frame of the knife, and usually set to the lowest depth of the scale, so that the shield seems low at other points. I've also seen them set to a higher point on the scale causing other areas to seem too high. It's just a judgement call by the cutler, I'm thinkin'. Sloppy mortises are another issue, though, and I agree that they should be fitted well.

[Stephen]

Barry:

Thanks for your response!

I bought a new Case knife about 3 years ago and when I received it, I found the shield was on upside down.

I haven't seen that with a GEC yet.

Best,
Stephen

[knifeswapper]

It is a little harder to put a pinned shield in upside down as opposed to a glued one

I think Barry has hit the nail on the head. They have a template and a small plunge setup that they use for the shield. It sits perfectly horizontal, but that doesn't always leave it fitting flush on top. But with the pin dropping through the hold to be spread inside, there is not a lot of play to adjust it. The other alternative would be to insure the shield was at least as low as the lowest handle material - which means it may be really deep on the other end, leaving a big dropoff and sharp edges.

The other issue of fit (side to side) is just an error in the cutting. If you angle the bit whatsoever while going down into the plunge you will be cutting outside the template area. I don't see this much, but when you see it on one knife in a run - you usually see it on more (which leads me to believe the craftsmen was either new at that station or had a bad night).

You can tell how professional they are by looking at the smooth handles variations. These dudes are spot on in most cases. But, then again, they get to buff off any rise. Which is not an option on the stamped shields.