Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard L Campbell (Dick) on November 2, 2009 at 13:08

If it were me, I would not accept the knife. I have found all of their knives to be of high quality, but if they start this practice I will definitely cease praising their products. I don't know the price but it looks like a $75.00 knife at the outside to me.

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on November 2, 2009 at 13:19

Dick,

If it was true Abalone, like thier stag (high quality) it would be worth it. I paid far more than $75 and then found out there is a %20 restocking fee. Restocking on a low end knife is one thing but a high end knife like this, another. Plus it's store credit which I do not mind except for the loss of shippping $ and 40% of the retail!!!!!

That's highway robery!

Frank

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on November 2, 2009 at 13:40

I must say the retailer in this case jumped on this posting... No names - but they offered to wave the restocking and postage... Good for them! Not just in this case, but jumping on all customer service issues and taking the "high road" get's them repeat business and us less dependence on eBay for product, with fair pricing, consistant enventories and great cutomer service! Thanks to the "Un-named iRetailer for such a rapid reponce and fair resolution... Jamie

Frank

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on November 3, 2009 at 14:25

Hi Frank,

I wanted to shoot you an e-mail to let you know that Chris from Great Eastern Cutlery called me yesterday after she saw your posting on the forums and was also concerned about your happiness with their products. She simply wanted to provide me with a little knowledge in regards to the knife in question with the LVS abalone handle. She told me that the knife was made in 2008 and there were actually only 33 of this knife made. She explained to me that the LVS stands for laminated veneer sheet and that since they have been using this technique, they have had no problems with the handle material pulling away from the pins or bolsters. Also, Chris told me that almost all knives that claim to be using an “abalone” on the handle, are using this technique as the abalone in the shell does not grow large enough to accommodate a knife handle and if they did they would be tremendously expensive.

I simply wanted to pass along the knowledge that Chris at GEC shared with me as I was unaware of these facts. I also updated our listing so our future customers have a more accurate representation of the knife. I will be looking forward to receiving the knife for return or exchange. Please let me know if you find anything you would like to replace it with or if you would like to receive a refund for the time being. I look forward to hearing from you!

All the Best,

Jamie

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on November 3, 2009 at 14:34

I've since posting this from a custom knife maker who uses the same LVS Abalone....

I have learned a lot from this posting and have sustained respect for the iRetailer and GEC on this matter. LSV is the customary "abalone" product of our time. What they did 40 years ago, I do not know but find bigger shells. Now days though, it seems, all "abalone" products are a laminated composite whether it's discoled or not. GEC DOES disclose this on thier container. The iRetailer in this situation did not. Nor was I aware of "real abalone" not being used. The only other "abalone" knife I own is a Bulldog and it stated "synthetic".

No harm done here I hope! Just a chance to learn. The iRetailer involved admitted to miss-representing the knife, then offered to make things right.


Kudos to all.... GEC and THE iRetailer (GEC Records do show 33 made) and the next year does not show '99 # made)

Permalink Reply by Brad Hyde on November 3, 2009 at 17:26

Quote: "Chris told me that almost all knives that claim to be using an “abalone” on the handle, are using this technique as the abalone in the shell does not grow large enough to accommodate a knife handle and if they did they would be tremendously expensive."
Quote: "LSV is the customary "abalone" product of our time. What they did 40 years ago, I do not know but find bigger shells. Now days though, it seems, all "abalone" products are a laminated composite whether it's discoled or not."

I have to totally disagree with these statements. Case Cutlery, Microtech, and I'm sure if you researched it, a few others still use real abalone. Case Cutlery actually uses two different types of "real" abalone with one type being called "paua". Paua abalone is found in only one part of the world near New Zealand. Regular abalone can be found in several other areas of the world. I won't even touch on the subject of custom knives that I see that use "real" abalone. IMHO, GEC's response is LAME!

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on November 3, 2009 at 18:00

Thank you! This is what we need, a healthy forum to "know" where our $ are going. Brad thanks so much for shareing your knowlege... please continue to.

Frank

Permalink Reply by Richard L Campbell (Dick) on November 4, 2009 at 10:44

You are correct. There are still knives made from abalone, just as there are real pearl scales and they are just as stable.

Permalink Reply by Mike Latham on November 5, 2009 at 7:27

First, GEC goes to great lengths both on their website and on the packaging to explain the product. If it was not clear from the person you purchased it from, I'm sure it was just an oversight and am glad it was corrected to your satisfaction.

Secondly, LVS is genuine abalone. Since raw abalone is not readily available in the sizes required for knife slabs, most makers have gone to a veneer products which pieces together smaller sizes in a very nice layered veneer. Most people would not know the difference were it not for truth in advertising. Here is a link to one of the main suppliers that explain a little better ==> Culpepper

Check out their prices on the LVS as well!!! Very expensive even in the LVS format.

So before we digress into the sort of thread found on "other" forums, let's take a minute to understand all the issues. A) GEC did not misrepresent or overcharge for the material; B) Take it upon yourself to find a source for genuine raw abalone in pieces big enough to make a flat 3" slab, and understand that if other manufacturers have raw abalone it must come from somewhere; C) There was some kind of error on the dealer side, which was resolved satisfactorily for the buyer.

Please post all links to the raw product found for sale in slabs suitable for knife scales. As I would like to see what they are bringing for my own projects.

Calm, collected, and courteous discussion is the main reason I frequent this particular forum.

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on November 5, 2009 at 13:45

Mike,

Thank you for your knowlege... That's what we all need here is a good airing of "knowns".

I posted this note and got exactly what I needed. A great expression of others knowlege....

Frankly, GEC does disclose on thier package and website "LVS". I bought expecting true "old style" Abalone out of them and from the desription of the iRetailers' there was no mention of a LVS.

All's well in knife world! I did not mean to be combative! I started by saying Help!

I got "help" from you and others. That's what we are here for.

I AM a GEC FAN.... Check out "Why is GEC a Better Carry Knife Than Case".

I'm now a better buyer. Thanks!

Frank

Permalink Reply by Rick Silvieus on December 24, 2009 at 14:57

Bill Howard was my tour guide when I was there a week ago. He explained how that abalone is the hardest (to make) handel material they have. He said the edges curl real bad when they have to thin it down. It was a great tour and I learned alot. I'm fairly new knife collecting....Rick

Permalink Reply by Frank Evans on January 5, 2010 at 15:27

From CASE RE:ABALONE

Abalone
Abalone is the same as Genuine Pearl except that it is made from more colorful gastropod shells that come from the waters of California and Mexico.

Paua
Paua is the same as Abalone except that there are more blues and greens.

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