How are the GEC Fixed blades?

Steelhog

Steelhog

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
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Just as the title reads - how are the GEC fixed blades? They don't seem nearly as popular as the folders but do seem like good designs and quality materials. Anyone have a few that can provide feedback.

I would also be interested in how they compare to other fixed blades on the market.
 
I am not a Hunter so in the field I can’t comment - but have one or two around and I can say that they are right up there in Quality.
In the keeping in line with GEC’s amazing quality of their Traditional Pocket Knives - their Fixed Blades come in a range of different handle material and of course Blade styles.
They also come with a very high quality Sheath. I cant say enough just how good this company is.
The only GEC Fixed Blade I have in use is in the Kitchen lol - that gets worked hard as my Wife has no fear when slicing away on Glass Boards :D :oops:
 
I never understood GEC fixed blades. GEC makes a fine slipjoint, likely the best production pieces currently available. But fixed blades? Many more options for those.
 
kamagong said:
I never understood GEC fixed blades. GEC makes a fine slipjoint, likely the best production pieces currently available. But fixed blades? Many more options for those.
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I really want to want one. I love GEC, but I don’t like that the fixed blades just look like 73’s with the blade stuck open.

I like the sheath setup and different blade shape options, but the nickel silver bolster and the same-as-a-slipjoint handles throw me.

I’ve had Hess knives, GEC makes the blanks for them, and they’re a great knife for the price. I say if they tickle your fancy, go for it.
 
Stropping Young Lad said:
I really want to want one. I love GEC, but I don’t like that the fixed blades just look like 73’s with the blade stuck open.
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Exactly right. What is the rationale behind mimicking the shape of a folder in the open position? Absolutely no reason for that, fixed blades don't have shape limitations like folders do.
 
I like them. I have an h73 in red linen that's seen a lot of use. The chestnut will maybe get broken in this fall.
Why a fixed blade instead of a folder? I hunt. And fish. And use them camping for food. You can't argue the point that a fixed is easier to clean (and clean in the field with just a rag) than a folder. I like the small blade profile of a folder with the fixed blade strength, heft and ease of cleaning.
I don't care for the factory sheaths but I do like the H73, especially as a small field knife or bird and trout role.
full
 
I have two of the H20 knives a clip point and a drop point but I use them as kitchen knives. That's not to strange for me my other kitchen knives are a Mora, an Enzo neck knife and a Buck 119. I have also had a couple of the Hess knives their blades are made by GEC out of their 1095 and they are also great knives.
 
some of the smaller ones are their utility style knives. every august i think about buying them when im at the shop. so far did not leave with one yet. they look neat tho
 
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These are the two I own, small knives and pleasant but not any kind of heavy duty affair. Give me a Puukko for that...I don't really care for those GEC knives that look like an open 23 or 73 myself, although the bottom one is a bit like a Sodbuster.

Top is a rare early stainless in Horsecut Bone, bottom is pleasant in the hand and would make a tidy kitchen knife but it's carbon and I find that impractical in cooking situations. More to be looked at than used frankly.
 
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It seems as though GEC can’t keep everyone happy - and they won’t ever be able to.
GEC don’t have to explain to anyone at all why they limit themselves to a few Blade shapes.
The blade shapes they make cover 90% of tasks needed from a fixed blade- and their main stream is making some of the best available Traditional Pocket Knives available today.

Every man and his dog are making Fixed Blades - why bother trying to go in direct competition against the hundreds / thousands of Fixed Blade manufacturers & Custom Knife makers - Blade Smith’s producing Fixed Blades when they have a niche market quite securely.
Investing heavily into another sub unit - more staff- more room premises wise- could be a costly mistake - just look at the history of fallen Cutler firms to date, I am thinking that not too many people would know more about knives than Bill Howard - so there would be a perfectly logical reason as to why there are not more available Fixed Blades.
 
Been looking at the GEC hunters fixed blade models for years but simply never bought one. I’d like to try one on cleaning a deer and I’m sure it would be fine (any sharp blade that’s comfortable in the hand will work for skinning and butchering). The remark above about ease of cleaning a fixed blade is spot on - I also like Stainless Steel for a hunting fixed blade. OH
 
Campbellclanman said:
It seems as though GEC can’t keep everyone happy - and they won’t ever be able to.
GEC don’t have to explain to anyone at all why they limit themselves to a few Blade shapes.
The blade shapes they make cover 90% of tasks needed from a fixed blade- and their main stream is making some of the best available Traditional Pocket Knives available today.

Every man and his dog are making Fixed Blades - why bother trying to go in direct competition against the hundreds / thousands of Fixed Blade manufacturers & Custom Knife makers - Blade Smith’s producing Fixed Blades when they have a niche market quite securely.
Investing heavily into another sub unit - more staff- more room premises wise- could be a costly mistake - just look at the history of fallen Cutler firms to date, I am thinking that not too many people would know more about knives than Bill Howard - so there would be a perfectly logical reason as to why there are not more available Fixed Blades.
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Very well said Duncan my friend. :thumbsup: I also feel that as knife enthusiast we've fallen in love with everything GEC. They do make a fine traditional pocket knife and because "others think so highly of them" we have a desire to have their logo on all our knives as a matter of pride. When IMO you would be better off buying a sheath knife from a sheath knife maker custom or production and let GEC do what they do which is make fine traditional pattern pocket knives.

Words of wisdom from a dried up old f**t that is a fan of GEC pocket knives. :eek::D
 
My Tortoise Shell acrylic H73 Bird and Trout makes a great steak knife, which is it's most typical use. It's great not having to worry about cleaning out the joint and liners.
 
Wurrwulf said:
My Tortoise Shell acrylic H73 Bird and Trout makes a great steak knife, which is it's most typical use. It's great not having to worry about cleaning out the joint and liners.
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I almost bought one last night to use as a kitchen blade.
 
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