All About Pocket Knives

Hey All,

This post is for myself.... As a GEC collector:

As I see them:

1) I love who they are
2) I love what they Do
3) I love the product they turn out
4) I especially love the dedication to years gone by
5) Love the old machinery they work with
6) absolutely love the 20 or so employee work Force

So many of their interesting knives have limited production. That's fine in itself but when the numbers (e.g.25) are that small
it does not establish a sufficient base among collectors in that so few collectors can acquire them; insufficient interest is generated. A run of 300 to 500 is, imo, needed to develop "buzz." Economics and the desire to preserve quality might require cutting back on the production of other less original patterns. Someone with more expertise on this may have a completely different take.

Like most, I love the GEC quality but I feel they are evolving into a kind of "boutique" label. It will be a tremendous accomplishment if they can expand their base while maintainingg their quality.

As one being "new" to the GEC products.... I hope their popularity is not on the way out! I am very impressed with the knives they are producing/have produced. They are a bit pricey,but I really like them.

Being new to GEC knives and owning only one my opinions are limited by knowledge about the history of the brand. I do know quality when I see it and am very impressed with my Tidioute. I see some attempts at price gouging on eBay with a seller's starting. bid way over what the knife normally sells for. This practice can give the inexperienced buyer a false sense of the knife's worth. Most of the dealers on GEC's web site have fair market value prices and I use that as a base for judging eBay pricing but they are still expensive. In watching the You tube video of the factory tour I believe they care about the quality they are producing. The fit and finish is not seen in mass produced knives. I don't have the $ to collect but enjoy "window shopping" and hope to get 1 or 2 more. Just some observations from a newbie.

While I have to say that I love GEC and their knives the poll shows clearly that it is all about money.

Capt. Farrel wrote:While I have to say that I love GEC and their knives the poll shows clearly that it is all about money.

You're right Skipper. There are two currently at the top of my want list that will just have to wait because of the $$$. And let me tell you, Mr. JerryD doesn't wait well.

I can't say any of the poll options really fit me. I'm still as interested in them as ever and try to keep up as best I can, in regards to following what they're putting out and adding some to my collection from time to time. For the quality & materials they put into their products, I still think they're a good value. I will say I'm a little more selective in what patterns I pay attention to these days.

I don't know that any of the above really fit em either. I have one GEC, and I love it. I guess if I weren't so darn addicted to good old users I could save for three or four months and buy a couple a year. But darn it some nice old gooder'un comes along and there goes my GEC fund.

I too think the above poll questions don't fit at all what is happening at GEC. Bill Howard is a professional at this and knows exactly what he's doing. I don't look to ebay for anything other than to hope to find a knife that I missed out on from time to time. Where the line is going is anybody's guess frankly and can't be predicted. I remember when the first knives came out in 2006 and many on here and elsewhere were guessing at the chance of them surviving or not. Their quality has gotten, if anything better overall. If you want the best, you have to pay for it. They never set out to build cheaper knives nor did they set out with any competition in mind. They wanted to bridge the gap with the older brands and their quality, to build knives for the appreciators of this old practice.

@Jerry: Same here, same here......

@singin46: I truly believe that GEC knives are worth their money. It´s just that you can´t buy every new model that they shell out (and I would if I could!).

GEC always comes up with something, I hope that they are around for a long time, great company, great product and good people. The knives are a little pricey but hey, your getting a good thing and the quality is there.

Me too Frank! Although I might not be married anymore. Not good! These knives have always been "pricey" and will continue to be. You can't get this kind of knife for $50 bucks and you never will, unless of course you buy a Farm and Field Tool.

singin46 wrote:I too think the above poll questions don't fit at all what is happening at GEC. Bill Howard is a professional at this and knows exactly what he's doing. I don't look to ebay for anything other than to hope to find a knife that I missed out on from time to time. Where the line is going is anybody's guess frankly and can't be predicted. I remember when the first knives came out in 2006 and many on here and elsewhere were guessing at the chance of them surviving or not. Their quality has gotten, if anything better overall. If you want the best, you have to pay for it. They never set out to build cheaper knives nor did they set out with any competition in mind. They wanted to bridge the gap with the older brands and their quality, to build knives for the appreciators of this old practice.

+1

The knives have never been and never will be a steady diet for my knife collecting diet. The only way that will change is if I win the lottery. For me they are a treat I manage to work into the budget now and then like a trip to a really good restaruant for a special occasion. But that's just me and is no reflection on the company nor the quality of the knives they make. For those who have the means to focus on them, have at it and God bless ya.

Pretty much the way I buy them as well Jerry. I know there are those here and on other forums that will do the bird doggin and try to get the very firsts of almost every pattern they release. I know guys on here that have GECs into the hundreds. I only own, at this time about 20 GECs.

Plus, I just buy what I like. There are many of the GEC's that don't trip my trigger but that still leaves two or three to keep me wanting at any given time. Currently there are five on that list.

jerryd6818 wrote:Plus, I just buy what I like. There are many of the GEC's that don't trip my trigger but that still leaves two or three to keep me wanting at any given time. Currently there are five on that list.

48 warncliff trapper

For me,..after the first 400 or so, the excitement or "newness" kind of wears off.

Robert wrote:

jerryd6818 wrote:Plus, I just buy what I like. There are many of the GEC's that don't trip my trigger but that still leaves two or three to keep me wanting at any given time. Currently there are five on that list.

48 warncliff trapper

Why yes Robert. And how did you guess? Actually it's one specific #48 Improved Trapper and not the one we discussed. I've set my sights a little higher since then. (and I'm hoping it doesn't get sold before I can dig enough change out of the couch )

Classic Case wrote:For me,..after the first 400 or so, the excitement or "newness" kind of wears off.

400 I say so lololo they do make knives like they are supposed too

There are some exciting new knives coming out soon and I guarantee it'll stir things up again. The Viper for one will be a big hit with collectors. I like the use of the Wharncliff single blade and a swayback type pattern handle.

singin46 wrote:The Viper for one will be a big hit with collectors. I like the use of the Wharncliff single blade and a swayback type pattern handle.

Isn't the Viper an old Norfolk, renamed (I think that's the name.). If it's the one I'm thinking about, I think that pattern's the schnitzel.

and the # 78 American Jack is coming soon as well

I dont know if I'd say fallen of a cliff, its more of a "lull".
I think GEC have their knives priced reasonably, compared to the competition. And I like them better!
Mark

Yes, there seems to be a lull every year about this time with GEC, they like taking time off just like ME! Go back to work tomorrow tho. i hear ya Jerry, me too.