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GEC Collectors - POLL - I collect by....???

I wanted to start a Poll so that folks could vote in their answer but couldn't figure out how to use the application... so I will just let everyone type in their answer. I know, not as easy but you're here anyway so here goes;

Regarding the GEC knives you collect, do you collect by;

- Pattern

- Handle Material

- Number of Blades

- Size of Knife

- Likelyhood of Appreciation in Value

There are probably other reasons but I suspect these cover most of us. Myself, I fall into two categories with the first by Handle Material and then Pattern. Not much past that really.

My favorite handle material is the Burnt Grizzly. I have seen some like the Green Tea that really evoke visions of Ol Time handle materials but to my eye the Burnt Grizz is both ol timey and modern. The way the bone is is aggressively dug out and then darkened really gives the impression that an angry grizzly has sent a message by leaving his claw marks showing.

This one is my favorite, my usual carry. It's an '08 liner lock that I carry in a belt sheath.

I like certain patterns also, some for their history others just for their looks (hey..I'm a guy).

So tell us how you choose those knives you add to your GEC collection. Or do they just multiply in your drawer by themselves? :-)

2 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by johnny twoshoes on June 9, 2011 at 7:10

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 9, 2011 at 18:24

James,

I gotta tell you, as far as manufactured knives go...You cant beat a GEC. They build them much the same way the pre 64's were built. Quality is strict and materials are quality. Bill Howard and Ken Daniels require anything leaving their shop be quality and a usable knife that will also appeal to collectors. The folks they employ are proud of being able to produce that quality and work togaether as friends and family to retain those qualities. Good folks producing good knives with low runs. Right here in the USA. Hard for alot of folks to afford a custom or two, GEC allows us to own top of the line at a price we can afford. With that being said, James builds a very nice knife or two himself :)

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on June 9, 2011 at 18:43

I couldn't have said it better Jan!

You hit it dead on.

There are a lot of us here who are very loyal to GEC and extremely pleased with what they do.

I collected "Customs" for several years and still do on a limited basis. I've seen a great many so called "custom knives" that were sadly inferior to what GEC is producing. From GEC I can own and use a fine knife at a fair price and I can be sure of the quality. The quality of a "custom knife" depends upon the integrity of the maker and his materials. I happen to know that Bill Howard at GEC demands the best from his work force, and the materials they use, and they in turn are proud of what they do. GEC has a lot to like, as more and more folks are finding out.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 9, 2011 at 20:01

Dave,

I beleive Donnie has custom in his collection. I actually get my first custom tomorrow...I am so excited...And pleased to say it is a James Ivy. He and I have talked about this before. In the custom world there are so many levels of "creation", Donnie does a great job but he's not making the knife he is creating the handle and attaching it. Mr Ivy actually does it all. He has told me on several occasions that he hears GEC makes a great product and he does mean it from a manufacured knife prospective. That truley is alot for him to say about a manufacturer. Funny story...he is one of the few custom makers I know that doesn't have a collection of his own knives, just other customs. I wish he would come see the factory with us, I think he would understand what we mean when say created by family.