Thanks so much for the explanation and photo example.
Although it depends on the pattern, I think the bulk might be mostly perceived rather than real in some cases. Part of is it the radius of the handles on GEC knives. They are more rounded than the handles from some other manufacturers. It's the way the oldies were made and in my opinion the rounded handles are more comfortable to use.
The definitely ~look~ more rounded in the pictures than most pocketknives.
I think there are two factors in play with GEC that makes me stereotype them as "large and bulky":
First, it's the direction of the company and the patterns they've chosen to work with. They certainly haven't produced in line with a traditional peanut, senator, or pen knife. Instead they've chosen to symbolize their company with more unusual and full-size patterns. Wildcat Driller, Sunfish, Pioneer...
But there's also the weight and length when compared to the typical pocketknives of the same pattern from other manufacturers. Their stockman, whittler, barlow, and jack knife patterns are considerably longer and wider than any vintage examples in my collection.
Compare this "fatty" from Great Eastern to a German Klaas knife of the same name (sleaveboard):
And here's their "Jack" knife compared to a typical example from PAL Cutlery:
I admit though comparison is difficult without the knives side-by-side in the same photo. I'd love to have five minutes with these two knives and a post office weight scale; it would be very insightful.