Replies to This Discussion

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on February 4, 2011 at 9:34

Like you Vince, I tend to go by Pattern & Handle Material.  I consider myself a User rather than a Collector so I tend towards patterns I like to use and carry. 

For handle material I have always favored nicely jigged bone, although of late I have developed a fondness for some of the Acrylics because of the fit and smooth feel.  For the bone I like the old timey colors, but then having said that, some of my favorite GEC's have Blood Red, Purple Grape, and Yellow Rose bone.

I have long suspected that my GEC's do indeed multiply by themselves.  When I first get a pattern I really like, and become attached to it after carrying and using, the darn things take off like rabbits.  I generally find 4 - 6 of any of my favorite patterns in the drawer..........and I am NOT a Collector. 

 ("Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof.")

 

How many knives is enough anyway?         Answer:  Just one more. 

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on February 4, 2011 at 16:03

James,

Great question.  I collect Beavertails.  Donnie chooses by low run numbers, protos, test runs, and one of each new pattern that comes out.  What can I say he's ecclectic.  One bone we stick by is Primitive and I would have to say rams horn also.  Users are 73, 72 and 54.  The next user will be a 62, if we can find one thats not too nice looking to carry.

Permalink Reply by Vince Roberts on February 4, 2011 at 16:21

Thanks for the replies.

 

Dave, I think the first step is to admit you have a.... condition.   You can try chanting the mantra - I am not a Collector, I am not a Collector... but unless you carry 20 or so pocket knives every time you go out...  :-) 

 

Jan - If you don't mind me asking -  How does Donnie keep up with the run numbers as they are being produced?  I know that the numbers are published at the end of the year.. or a few months after that, but if you try to use that and then go back and find those low numbered Handle materials they are usually all gone. 

 

I know that TSA carries alot of Protos but I don't think I have ever seen a Test Run. 

 

Thanks in advance.

Vince  

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on February 4, 2011 at 18:40

Vince,

Not sure why I called you James, I apologize.  Sent you a message.  The test runs are cool.  The older ones have some pretty funky handles that you will never see on a production.  We have a 25 that looks like a crayola rainbow.  Sounds wierd but it works.  There was one they called spider web it was Tan and looked like an elbow tatoo of a spider web. 

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on February 4, 2011 at 18:44

"I am not a Collector......."

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on February 4, 2011 at 18:50

Fair warning to Donnie: 

Those #62 Half Congress knives are especially fertile.

I got my first one only a couple of weeks ago and the little buggers have multiplied to a batch of 7 already!

I tried to keep 'em separated, but I can't watch every minute........
I have one in my pocket now, so at least that one is under control.  (Green Velvet Acrylic; only 8 made.)

Jan Carter said:

James,

Great question.  I collect Beavertails.  Donnie chooses by low run numbers, protos, test runs, and one of each new pattern that comes out.  What can I say he's ecclectic.  One bone we stick by is Primitive and I would have to say rams horn also.  Users are 73, 72 and 54.  The next user will be a 62, if we can find one thats not too nice looking to carry.

Permalink Reply by Rusty R Halsey on February 8, 2011 at 19:00

Some patterns attract me more than others, same with handle materials.  Single blades don't turn me on as much as 3 blades.  If the knife is too short or too long I tend to pass it up.  Now if I could only tell which ones will appreciate in value...............   Oh well, I'll stick to getting the ones that I like, the ones where (IMO) all the elements come together right without breaking the bank.

Permalink Reply by Vince Roberts on February 9, 2011 at 6:29

Thans for sharing that Rusty.  I suspect that you are in the majority of those who collect.  I tend to be a "list" type of person, checking all the boxes, dotting all the i's - that sort of thing.  But I bet there are more collectors who simply like what they see and are curious about how that pattern will carry in their pocket or just want to add something new and nice looking to their collection.

Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on February 9, 2011 at 7:27

I collect for ALL the above reasons.Generally I go with what I like. Having said that,I do collect several patterns. Number one is a Barlow. I grew up with a $2 Barlow in my pocket at ALL times. In my younger days it was simply a tool I used every day around the farm. I also collect 2 Blade Jack knives,like the GEC Serpentine Jack #66. Another very basic,very traditional pocket tool. And then I collect pocket knives in general,anything that catches my eye. I lean to traditional tastes in my picks, mostly. It could be a mass produced, worn out Imperial or a Genuine Stag ,1 of 25 GEC.

Permalink Reply by Bruce Cain on June 6, 2011 at 18:24

       I collect - Only American made small barlows and only natural materials. This affords me some strict discipline so I will keep my passion for knives within due bounds of  a reasonable budget. The core of my collection includes a few Case barlows. Also Queen made barlows under the brand names; Shatt & Morgan; Colonel Coon; Robeson, Queen; & Cripple Creek. Finally the best ..namely #25 GEC barlows in each of the GEC brands, and a GEC made Colonel Coon, and GEC made Cripple Creek.

      

       Take note fellow knife collectors - GEC misnames some jack knives as Barlows. A true barlow has only one bolster, is bare headed, and said bolster is 1/3 the overall closed length. By collecting within only one true pattern I can easily compare quality between the manufacturers. In my opinion GEC is the best made barlow in production followed by Queen brands and then Case. The Queen/Dan Burke barlow deserves special mention.

 

       I hope one day GEC will produce a long pull barlow blade with an enhanced swedge. The handle materials are not only the best but some are absolutely amazing. Many of the first run Mexican Bocote wood scales include knots within the grain to make swirls. Likewise many first run snakewood scales include patterns of grain structures that produce a diamondback-like grain pattern. The stags speak for themselves. The GEC scales not only match but often stand as works of art. The jig patterns also are worthy of high praise.

 

        In conclusion.. collect 'em while you can at these reasonable prices and great selection. I have noted that the two main barlow production years 2008 and 2011 if memory serves are already becoming scarce and prices for those of remarkable scale selection are subject to price increases.   

 

         It has been a challenge to remain focused within my self imposed parameters. Some of those 'jacks' are sweet. However, I am not yet broke either!

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 6, 2011 at 18:46

Bruce,

I am glad you have found a pattern that fits you so well.  Keep telling them you want that long pull with enhanced swedge, start a blog on it here to see how many voices you can get.  The one thing we have all noted is that GEC is listening and cares what we as collectors and users want.

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on June 7, 2011 at 16:58

I accumulate according to what I think would be a good EDC, almost every GEC I have has served some time in the pocket. I tell everyone that I'm looking for the perfect EDC, but the truth is ,I may never find it, theres just something in me that wants to be simple and pick one knife to use for the rest of my life, but I don't think thats gonna happen.

 

Who knows, you could see me with Kate's leg in my pocket.

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