Just ordered my first GEC. I'll have it by Fri.
If it were still 2007, when I started collecting knives, and if I knew what I know now about my preferences, I would buy three or four SAK Classics, to stash in various locations, and on my keyring, and pocket a stainless Sodbuster. Despite the fact that I still enjoy coming around these forums, my carry doesn't change much, and I've unloaded about 85% of my knife accumulation. I've kept a handful of traditionals, a couple Spydercos (and my only Benchmade), and a couple Wenger SI's. Maybe 20 knives left? So, I'd opt to keep the thousands of dollars I've spent on the hobby, in lieu of the $100 dollars or so worth of stuff I actually use.
... and I would have spent that 'other' money on more camping and fishing trips and memories with my better half and kids.
Great point. The money I spend on knives doesn't cut into what's really important in life. My self-imposed rule to actually use any knife I buy has so far put the brakes on enough to keep that true. And having too many knives to properly use is also making me think twice about every new purchase. Often, after thinking for a week or two, I decide I don't really need that shiny new knife that caught my eye for some reason. It sounds like I need help. C'mon guys, help me out.
Great point. The money I spend on knives doesn't cut into what's really important in life. My self-imposed rule to actually use any knife I buy has so far put the brakes on enough to keep that true. And having too many knives to properly use is also making me think twice about every new purchase. Often, after thinking for a week or two, I decide I don't really need that shiny new knife that caught my eye for some reason. It sounds like I need help. C'mon guys, help me out.
... along with the whole gun think kind of faded for me...
Nice choice for your first GEC produced knife. The #66 is a pretty good representation of their quality, not their best work, but no slouch either. Seems you also managed to get ahold of some nice stag on that one. Well done!Just arrived....my first GEC
So my thought process was to get the best quality GEC I could currently find. So I looked for a Northfield...as these are touted as their "premium" brand. Let me know how you feel because what a brand says and what they produce may be different things. But anyway...it helped narrow my search.
So many styles but I wanted a multi blade to "test drive" and searched for a popular style. I settled on the 66 stockman. Traditional styling ... mid size...and it seems to be a well liked model. I'm also a fan of stag so I searched for a 66 calf roper (prefer the blade style to the muskrat style) with the best stag I could find. Which led me to a serialized, natural stag 66.
Upon opening I liked what I saw. Stag is very nice. Nice heft & size to the knife. Nice pinched bolsters. Large clip blade and wharncliffe both have nice snap. Pen blade is meh but is not loose. Clip blade is not centered but it opens & closes cleanly and does not rub. Factory edges are sharp enough for my EDC needs. I'm not a fan of mirrored blades but I can accept it on this model / it's not a deal breaker. No half stops. Backspring is flush when fully opened & closed.
So initial report is positive. It's a knife I'm won't hesitate to carry & use. I'd like to maybe find a Tidioute 35 Churchill as I like that style too.
Time will tell if I buy more. But I'm having fun exploring GEC. This knife was on the more expensive side but still much less than my customs.
Honestly I'm hesitant to compare to my customs because it's apples & oranges. I will say that my initial impression is very favorable compared to to other production knives I've owned (Spyderco, etc)
My only nit pick at the moment is the off center main blade but honestly I don't think it really matters much. I can't expect dead center on a production 3 blade. Looking forward to keeping up with you guys. I am on the list for Charlie's lambsfoot and I hope I get a call.
Have a great weekend
Ron
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Just arrived....my first GEC
You should know that GEC puts a really steep bevel on their knives. They're sharp enough, but go to sharpen a pencil or make a fuzz stick and they'll skate right off as the shoulder of the bevel hits wood before the edge does. Easily fixed if it's an issue for you. Caught me by surprise the first time.