GEC Fixed Blades (H20014)

Pàdruig

Pàdruig

Reap What You Sow
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I know GEC fixed blades do not receive quite the same level of attention that their slipjoints do but that could simply be because their offerings in that regard are far slimmer than the latter. I am still familiarizing myself with all of GEC's releases, patterns, configurations, etc and as I was perusing past fixed blade releases, the one pictured below caught my eye. I like Wharncliffe style blades and OD canvas micarta, plus the seemingly slim construction looks like it would make for an easy carrying piece.

Now I am interested in it as a blade for everyday carry/use. Are there folks here with thoughts, critiques, praise, or anything in between, regarding this knife or others in the same release? Cursory searching has revealed that it wasn't an expensive knife (though the secondary market might state otherwise) and that it is akin to that of a kitchen paring knife (which paring knives make for a fine carry piece, IMO). I am curious what folks have to say regarding it, based on practical experience.

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There are a few folks here who own some of that series Padruig, they can onto the market kind of quietly if I recall :thumbup:
 
The GEC FBs I've seen have been to my eye about as uninteresting as a knife can be.
That one looks more interesting, and the quality is bound to be there. I've never made a great enough effort to appreciate a straight-edge primary, but my Mom's favorite paring knife is a Henckels sheepsfoot.
 
I have an H10 fixed blade inbound. I'll let you know how it is when I get it.
The reason I bought it was because I wanted a small knife that would fit in a pocket sheath, in that style.

This is a picture from the vendors site I ordered it from.

 
I will admit, I have pretty simple tastes when it comes to knives. I like clean, simple lines, especially in a fixed blade. That being said, I would agree that GEC's fixed blade offerings are rather unremarkable. However, the price point seems pretty good and they possess a "function over form" charm that I find to be attractive. Now that is all subject to change as I have never handled one, hence my reaching out here.

After years of carrying a recurve modern folder and experiencing the difficulties of sharpening such a beast (definitely grateful that it was S30V, kept an edge forever), I can appreciate a straight edge primary. In fact, I use it a lot with the sheepsfoot blade on my #53. But it's clip companion shines as well.... Just means I get to justify carrying lots of knives! :D
 
GEC holds a unique place with regards to beautifully made, production slipjoints. They don't have the same advantage when it comes to fixed blades though. Much more competition there.
 
I don't own any H20 however I do have a H23 and I love it. Definitely worth pickin one up!
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I have a drop point H20 that we use in the kitchen as a paring knife. It's fantastic in that role. My wife loves it and refers to it simply as "my knife". If she asks anybody in the house to grab her knife for her we all know exactly what she's talking about. The 1095 is fantastic for slicing and the micarta gives a great grip when it gets wet, which happens quite a bit in the kitchen.

As a carry knife, it wouldn't be my first choice. I'm sure it's more than capable of handling all of the duties that I need a carry knife for. However, it's got to be just about the most boring knife you can ever imagine. It looks like somebody took a piece of bar stock, sharpened one end, and threw some slabs of micarta on it. It's not super comfortable to hold, and the goofy sheaths that they sell at an additional price would have to be replaced before I'd want to carry it.

If you're looking for a paring knife I don't think you can do better for your money than a H20. Frankly, it's the only GEC fixed blade that I consider to be worth the price. If you're looking for a carry knife I think you'd do better to spend a little more and go with an LT Wright, Battle Horse, or Hess knife. They're going to be easier to find, more ergonomic, better suited for carry, and better made in my opinion. If you're set on the H20 price range I think a Mora is a better carry option. In my mind the main reason to buy a GEC fixed blade to carry is because you're a GEC fan, not because you want a good knife. Others may feel differently.
 
Cory Hess, I do not disagree with any of the points you made, I certainly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

I don't mind boring knives if they are functional and I usually replace any sheath that comes with a fixed blade anyway. I have yet to buy a fixed blade knife that comes with a sheath that I like, so I have a dresser drawer full of them in my garage... What most attracted me to this particular knife is that it would be easy to carry and the original pricing was quite cheap. But you are right, I would more than likely buy it to simply experience a GEC fixed blade. I have Mora's, they are wonderful knives and I am also having a knife made by a supporting member here that will fit that niche as well.

I mostly was wanting to know if I happen to come across the H20 in question, is it going to be a good enough knife for me to try and scoop up and give it a go. I guess it will depend on the asking price at that time...
 
Cory Hess said:
I have a drop point H20 that we use in the kitchen as a paring knife. It's fantastic in that role. My wife loves it and refers to it simply as "my knife". If she asks anybody in the house to grab her knife for her we all know exactly what she's talking about. The 1095 is fantastic for slicing and the micarta gives a great grip when it gets wet, which happens quite a bit in the kitchen.

As a carry knife, it wouldn't be my first choice. I'm sure it's more than capable of handling all of the duties that I need a carry knife for. However, it's got to be just about the most boring knife you can ever imagine. It looks like somebody took a piece of bar stock, sharpened one end, and threw some slabs of micarta on it. It's not super comfortable to hold, and the goofy sheaths that they sell at an additional price would have to be replaced before I'd want to carry it.

If you're looking for a paring knife I don't think you can do better for your money than a H20. Frankly, it's the only GEC fixed blade that I consider to be worth the price. If you're looking for a carry knife I think you'd do better to spend a little more and go with an LT Wright, Battle Horse, or Hess knife. They're going to be easier to find, more ergonomic, better suited for carry, and better made in my opinion. If you're set on the H20 price range I think a Mora is a better carry option. In my mind the main reason to buy a GEC fixed blade to carry is because you're a GEC fan, not because you want a good knife. Others may feel differently.
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I will say that I have fought the temptation on these as I only want one as a GEC fan. :D
Not that there is anyting wrong with that (said in my best Seinfeld voice.)

http://i.imgur.com/6A5TDeJ.gif
 
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What Cory Hess said sums this knife up very well, unfortunately. Its not the knife you are hoping it is.
 
KBA said:
I will say that I have fought the temptation on these as I only want one as a GEC fan. :D
Not that there is anyting wrong with that (said in my best Seinfeld voice.)
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Nothing wrong with that at all. It was a major factor in me picking one up, and I don't regret it a bit.
 
I have sold more H20 knives (in the three blade and multiple handles) than all other GEC fixed combined and never had one bad report back. But I started coupling them with my front pocket / boot / belt sheath and neck sheath. They make more sense as a "backup" fixed blade or light pack knife. They are a thin 1095 knife that looks in hand just like the pictures. So, there is no surprise and nothing hidden when looking at the knife in a picture - which makes it much easier to make up your own mind. Are there better knives in the size - sure. Are there better values - not convinced.
 
As an avid rabbit hunter, I have cleaned a more than few rabbits with my H20.. Also used it to clean a few crappies and gills.. Perfect small/medium sized game knife!! Nice in hand and more than adequate for the job!! Light on the belt too!!! John
 
leghog said:
GEC makes blades for Hess Knifeworks.
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Yes, yet I find the Hess to have better FF and are extremley sharp out of the box. Imo Hess is a step up due to the attention given, the ergos, and the oveall patterns.
 
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I have a thing for GEC's fixed blades.. and the H20 is one of my favs.
I even bought one of the "Slicers" in Blackwood for the kitchen the other day.
It is not pictured.


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knifeswapper said:
I have sold more H20 knives (in the three blade and multiple handles) than all other GEC fixed combined and never had one bad report back. But I started coupling them with my front pocket / boot / belt sheath and neck sheath. They make more sense as a "backup" fixed blade or light pack knife. They are a thin 1095 knife that looks in hand just like the pictures. So, there is no surprise and nothing hidden when looking at the knife in a picture - which makes it much easier to make up your own mind. Are there better knives in the size - sure. Are there better values - not convinced.
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Can you show us a photo of this setup Mike?
 
The third one down is really nice, hamsco. That drop point, I think they might call it a skinner, blade is the best that GEC has on a fixed blade in my opinion. Is that a 23? The H20 on the bottom is identical to the one I have.

I didn't mean to make out like the H20 is a bad knife. It's a fine knife for what it is. I just wanted to give an honest opinion comparing it to other fixed blades I have.
 
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