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Oldies, but goodies.

I think it's pretty obvious from my latest posts I've been on a bit of a #73 kick... well, it continues. To go along with that kick I've been adding some of the older knives, not because I'm going throw them in a safe and hope they are something someday, I'm just enjoying reading the knives and comparing them to today's GEC product. The #73 is the perfect pattern to compare because it's been in the company's repertoire since the beginning.

I just received a Northfield in Herring bone yesterday. This knife is an '06 model making it one of the oldest GECs I have. While the fit and finish of this early knife isn't quite what we are used to from the company now it is a prime example of why they had early success.

Surprisingly, I've found the edge on the older GECs to be really good.... until I got my #73 in Green Tea bone, but thats for later. This knife is super tight with the lock up. Really smooth opening and a nice snap, far from a bear trap, but still heavy. The scales don't fit as tightly to the bolster as the new ones do, but it's still pretty good. The scales on the older knives seemed... squared off if that makes any sense.

The jig reminds me of deer prints and the depth of the bone color is fantastic! All around a great knife and one I'm happy to have. One day it will probably wind up in the pocket.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on February 11, 2016 at 18:24

Now, the Green Tea #73.

The Green Tea bone has been one of my favorites, the look, the name, the pattern of the jig, all of it has been eye catching for me. Well, now I have one. I really wanted an actual Great Eastern brand #73 because stainless has always been better for food prep, at least as far as taste goes...

This knife is a little iffy, not a prime example of the pattern, but I love it. The kick needs lowered on the drop point,(which I'll just do myself). The scales don't fit as tightly as they should. This knife by far had the worst edge I'd ever seen on a GEC knife. It looked like someone tried to sharped it free hand with a dremel. I believe it left that factory like that to be honest. Again, this knife in no way reflects the quality standards of today's GEC knife, but it's interested to see how much they have improved. I bought this knife to be a user, so I went to work with the Lanksy sharpening kit. In 15 minutes I had that sawtooth edge gone and a wicked sharp edge in it's place.

I'm excited to put this one through it's paces as a bad environment knife, such as rainy trout seasons, hot summer evenings by the pond, damping mornings by a campfire and so on.

Permalink Reply by Tom Peterson on February 11, 2016 at 22:22

Hey Johnny,

Nice new additions to your collection! I like both of them, they both have lots of character! Anxious to see them after they develop some pocket wear and smoothness from carrying! I'm surprised that you haven't accelerated the patina on these, but why rush a good thing, right? I'm sure that you'll put them both to good use and will get lots of enjoyment out of them!

Permalink Reply by Derek Wells on February 12, 2016 at 0:38

I concur with Tom's comments above. Two very nice knives but I must admit a bit of a bias towards the 72's & 73's I think I have enough now for a 'family photo' .. must do that soon.

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on February 13, 2016 at 18:45

Thank you very much Tom!

I've forced a few patinas before, but I get more enjoyment out of watching them age naturally!

Derek, whats not to love about either of those patterns?

Definitely a couple of the best that GEC has brought out. They are medium sized knives with a ton of cut in them!

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on February 21, 2016 at 9:48

A couple more from 2007!

A beautiful beavertail with some very creamy bone scales that have a ton of warmth.

This one was super tight and overall good F&F. Only complaint is a proud back spring when the blade is open. I expect this on the early knives though.

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on February 21, 2016 at 9:52

Here is the #73 scout with the Green River bone from 2007 as well.

This one is a very welcomed addition to my collection. A jig and color I've admired for some time. I'm reminded of a pine grove at first light with how deep the green is on these knives.

Permalink Reply by Tom Peterson on February 21, 2016 at 11:02

I really like the smooth bone on the Beavertail! Lot's of character and smooth on the hands too!

johnny twoshoes said:

A couple more from 2007!

A beautiful beavertail with some very creamy bone scales that have a ton of warmth.

This one was super tight and overall good F&F. Only complaint is a proud back spring when the blade is open. I expect this on the early knives though.