So I posted earlier in the thread about this being my first higher end slipjoint. I only have a few cases and saks for reference. Well, I got it for christmas and have been carrying it everyday since. I meant to to post earlier but I wanted to get a great picture with some patina, which I now have. Unfortunately im not signed up with any photo sharing websites, so alas there is still no picture. But I digress. On to the observations/ review:
(Tidioute Dixie Stockman, copperhead bone)
Initial impression: a bit underwhelmed actually. I pictured it to be a little bigger and overall more stout. I thought that the frame and liners and blades etc were all pretty thin, at least compared to my former favorite knife, case trapper CV in amber bone. But as I inspected further it became clear that this GEC knife is of very fine craftsmanship and detail. Looking past the lean construction I saw that the thin blades were beautifully finished, and fitted into the frame precisely. The bone handles are rich in color and suitbly even on both sides. Knowing that the houndstooth shield is pinned is a nice insurance. I have a few small descrepancies which ive accepted and now consider part of the character of the knife. On the back of the knife between the springs, the liner rises up just so slightly as to make a protrusion, most noticeable on the end with two blades. This is pretty minor but a flaw imo. Next is that I cannot actually see between the wharncliffe and drop point when closed. Are they touching? I have seen no blade rub as of yet but I know that its possible with most stockmans. If I drag a nail across the bone it will catch on the bolster on all sides, I domt know if this can be any smoother, but they are not immaculately matched. Pulls and snap are a bit lighter than id like but im growing fond of this level of strength.
All that said, ive fallen completely in love with this knife as ive carried it for a few weeks now. Ive used it for many things and ive got a nice patina going on the clip since I use it for food. Ive passed the blades across the sticks and strop a few times and im loving the steel. 20 degrees on the Lasky get er done. This baby looks great and packs some seriously sexy bladage. I hve pretty much committed to buying more from this company. I think this knife is basically worth what I paid, but id still love to see the prices on these down about 25% of what they are. But im gonna need some more of these for my collection, thats for sure, theyre just so damn nice! I regret not waiting for the elderberry, which is stunning, but im extremely happy with this copperhead. In another few months when worj picks up ill see whats available and hopefully get another gec, northfield, or tidioute as nice as this. Ive been following the thread since day one, nice knives yall. Those possum skinners are great too!
