Congrats Luca, on finding a good EDC that you can really connect with, it's a special feeling knowing you have a good one. I'm gonna have to get another #23 one of these days.
We will post on the Great Eastern Cutlery web site, at 2:30 p.m, Monday the 17th of October 2011, the contest details to win a #570311 Northfield Cocobolo smooth wood, PROTO etched knife.
The first individual to respond by email to sales@greateasterncutlery.net with all the correct answers will be the contest winner. Distributors are excluded and only one response per contestant will be allowed.
Like I have said before, I so much prefer the feel of a single blade knife as the secondary blades get in the way of a comfortable grip for me always. If I really wanted a knife with lots of blades and tools then I would get me a Swiss Army knife, call me ignorant, call me opinionated, that's how I feel and most importantly, that's how my hand feels. My new #23 single blade linerlock fits that bill to perfection, and I couldn't compliment the design of this knife and the comfort of the grip and of the half round linerlock anymore than to say it feels and is perfect.
OK, now that I have talked about the positive aspects of this knife and of the company that I adore that produces it, let me push them to do more to satisfy their customer, namely myself, and you my friends, of course..
Being in contact with an iKC member here from France, our dear friend Jean-Francois, I was reminded about one of the great qualities of the French knife makers, and that is that not every wonderful knife will fit your hand unless it is made to fit your hand. One of the greatest pleasures and advantages of the Laguiole or Opinel knives made in France is that they come sized, like shoes, and one has the pleasure of choosing one that fits one's person. Here in America, our knife manufacturers make a specific knife in a specific pattern of a specific size with a specific history behind it and if the shoe doesn't fit then you can't wear it. Speaking of shoes, it sound to me like that attitude, or tradition, is a great way for manufacturers to "shoot themselves in the foot", or stab themselves if you prefer... What I would like to see more manufacturers do here, and especially GEC because they are the only ones I care about, and who care about us and their future too, would be for them to introduce this European "sizing" concept to the American pocket knife marketplace. For example, a #23 single blade, whether it be linerlock or not, could be offered with a 3.5" blade, as it is now, AND a 4.5" blade and a 5.5" blade depending on your needs. It's not just about what you may have to cut, but mainly about the size of your hand - the knife should fit like a glove. The French know this well and even a cheap Opinel comes in a size #8, #9, #10, or #12, let alone the Laguioles which come in 9cm, 11cm, 12cm, and even 15cm sizes of the very same pattern. What the European manufacturers seem to have understood is that when you have a pattern that sells, and sells well consistently (my vote here in the USA would go to the GEC #23 here for starters) then you can scale it both up and down to fit your customers, and that many more sales will result in the end and for a longer, if not an indefinite, time period. It's like going custom, knife making wise, while still maintaining the economies of scale of production. Duh!
OK, GEC, I am throwing down the glove in a challenge, can you do this for us all here worldwide, with one of your most popular patterns (perhaps the #23 as you don't have to scale it down 'cause you have the #73 there already, so it would make life easier for you), and in a single blade, which would also simplify matters for you? And since you already have a small, #73, and a Medium, #23, could you make a Large (#13?) and perhaps even and XL (#3) ??? And , of course you could do the same with other patterns too, think S, M, L, XL and beyond. Think about it, seriously.
Definitely agree about the #23 and the #12. I think a smaller toothpick would make a very good EDC for the ladies. I do however, enjoy GECs commitment to bringing out new/old patterns for us. Instead of changing the ones already here, they add completely new knives to their line up.
Well, your talking me into a #23. I'm not going to buy one for a while, but your talking me into it. I have a #73L that I love, it's still away at the factory though. There is something about getting all of that bare bone, I would love to see some more single blades.
Johnny, I couldn't appreciate GEC's commitment to tradition more, their remaking of the all time classics has made those knives available to those of us who couldn't possibly afford the old time classics, case in point would be the #46 that I love and feel so fortunate to own.
As for the sizing, smaller is important, for the ladies, and kids, and larger is important for guys with big hands, and there are lots and lots of ladies, kids and guys with big hands in this world! Plenty to make it a smart business move.
As for the #23, go for it when you can, and once you do you'll never ever look back!
Finally, I'm glad you also appreciate the simple purity of a single blade as I do. I can only use one blade at a time, and rarely would I need a small one at that. For me it's all about the feel of the knife in your hand and secondary and tertiary blades stick into the folds of my fingers and bother me; I'd rather feel the clean lines of a well sculpted handle, which is not only a beauty to behold, but a pleasure to hold in hand. I truly believe that GEC should make all of their knife patterns that are appropriate in single bladed versions as well (for example: it wouldn't make any sense to make a Congress single blade as that would be going against the definition of the patern, but a single blade #23 or #48 or even a #25 in varying sizes and even with a choice of blade pattern would be ideal) I think that giving the customer that range of choices is something GEC, could and should, and will have to grow into as the company develops going forward. I will support them in that every step of the way!
I look forward to the release of a bigger lockback, the #72 right now seems to be about medium and it is called the Mini Lockback. So I'm guessing we have to see his big brother sometime.
I enjoy have a back up blade, but I carry multiple knives at the same time, so why not carry the one I really want to. I used #73L for a ton of chores on the farm and that knife won't back down.
I will support GECs efforts to satisfy all/any customer as they have.
I agree Luca, going forward it may be a smart move for GEC to allow different sizes in the pattern line up. I do think however at this time, they are too young. What I mean by that is, they are still building their pattern line up and bringing out more pattern options for us. I think the sizing will come with more time when we see less Permier Patterns and more variations of the existing patterns.
Yes I agree, I just don't want GEC to grow up too fast though. I feel they have a great thing going right now. I kinda like the exclusiveness of GEC right now, it changes the feel about them.
I have to say, I am really jazzed about this Geppetto, I love my #56 like crazy, so I'm thinking this knife will be beast. I will own one of these knives, it's just a matter of time.
This is a picture of 3 of my 4 EDC Great Easterns. Two are carbon and one is stainless. The trapper in the middle was rehandled by Mr. James Ivy, in girraffe bone. The others are stag. I wait patiently for my 73 lockback to round out my four EDC's.
Thats a great picture, I really dig that #72. One of the best patterns we've seen from GEC in my opinion. Definitely some keepers my friend. I notice that these are some of the bigger GEC knives, any reason you don't carry a lil' guy?
This size knife works best for the jobs I do with them. I am also real set in my ways and use to that size knife. There are a few smaller knifes that have caught my attention though, like that Conductor pattern.
Squirrel season tomorrow, right now I should be on cloud nine, my favorite season is here, But no, I'm still at work in my mind, thinking of all that needs done for this weeks festival.
I need some hardwoods therapy, so tomorrow if you guys need me, I'll be at the base of a big ol' oak with a GEC in my pocket and my brother by my side. I'll see if pics can't be provided too.
Lets see, who should go first?
#48 Beavertail + Remington 22.
#56 Dogleg + Sako 22.
#66 Mink + CZ 22.
The weather decides it all, but I'm leaning towards my Beavertail.
So far I am enjoying it. I slipped it in the pocket this evening and I think we're ready to roll tomorrow. I really hope the weather permits good pics.
Thats the spirit, one of each. The seahorse pattern is in Case's vault so it may be more difficult. How about get a Geppetto, wait a few years for the seahorse to coem out of the vault. If you still want one, that will be your chance
Yep, looks good Jan. I would love to here what you and Donnie have to say about this one. I'm in love with the #56 right now, it has to do with the frame I know. So, I'm looking at Geppetto.
I've found most of the answers for GEC's contest, but a few still elude me. Anyone know what BAL or BEJ mean? Just kidding! If you know the answers, enter the contest!
The contest entry deadline has come and gone, and I still don't have all the answers. Hopefully GEC will publish them when they announce the winner. There were at least two I couldn't even guess at.
HP and T were my (main) downfalls. If H is a fixed blade Hunter and P is Punch blade, HP should be a fixed punch blade, which is an icepick (or what I get after trying to sharpen a blade) which doesn't sound right. Maybe I'm wrong about H. And all the T's seemed to be slimline single blade Trappers. T for Trapper was my first thought, but there were lots of trappers without the T. I went back and looked again and they all had lanyard holes, what some of the earlier releases called lanyard tubes. Maybe the T is for Tube, lanyard?
WT ... Western Trapper?
M - I found Muskrat, Moose, Muskrat clip blade and Mink skinner. Which one, if any, of these is right?
B ... Barlow?
BAL ... Bail?
BJ ... Big Jack?
BJM ... Big Jack Muskrat?
JFB ... Jack Flat Bolster?
Yipes, the more I look at my list, the more I question what I put down.
Yeah Bob, Thanks for the pic of the HP 73. That clears up alot of confusion on my part. I am anxious to see who won the proto too. The HP really had me stumped for awhile!
Jan, I like the 73 fixed blade but those muffins are looking pretty good too!
The winner has been anounced! No it wasn't me :( . I won't ruin it for anyone. I did get credit for my guess at HP - hair puller! I could not figure that one out for the life of me - until someone posted it on CK's forum and it was too late because I had already posted my entry.
I was wondering if any of you guys and gals collect the old original Tidioute and Northfield knives? I have seen some on Ebay and was not sure of their value.
Robert...they've never really had the appeal like many others from that era so collectible wise not on many individuals radar.....and probably for most all but forgotten...the past five years with GEC reviving these names have brought them out from the shadows on EBay slowly .. value wise they could be a good buy and if it's a pattern that one collects they're invaluable.......Knife World has an article this month on Northfield of olde well and least an old picture of the original building amongst the field and trees.
I have a Bird and Trout and a Saber Skinner H23310, both in burnt stag. I like the added length of the #23310 and the saber grind. The #23's are getting harder to find nowadays especially in stag.
I think that it is about the same. However I kind of wish that they would have made it in 440C instead of 1095 so it could be used in wet conditions without worrying or extra care. I bought one for my father in law and I hear that he likes it. I haven't gotten many field reports from him though. It does feel pretty good in the hand. I think that GEC should do a SFO short run for you in 440C with an Elk handle for all the PR work that you do for them.
johnny twoshoes
Congrats Luca, on finding a good EDC that you can really connect with, it's a special feeling knowing you have a good one. I'm gonna have to get another #23 one of these days.
Oct 9, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Hey Robert, any chance we could catch a glimpse of a few more EDCs of your's?
I know hunting season is upon us and our knives will be called to the field.
Oct 9, 2011
Jan Carter
WIN A GREAT EASTERN CUTLERY PROTO!
We will post on the Great Eastern Cutlery web site, at 2:30 p.m, Monday the 17th of October 2011, the contest details to win a #570311 Northfield Cocobolo smooth wood, PROTO etched knife.
The first individual to respond by email to sales@greateasterncutlery.net with all the correct answers will be the contest winner. Distributors are excluded and only one response per contestant will be allowed.
Oct 10, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Update on my enjoyment of my new #23 lockback:
Like I have said before, I so much prefer the feel of a single blade knife as the secondary blades get in the way of a comfortable grip for me always. If I really wanted a knife with lots of blades and tools then I would get me a Swiss Army knife, call me ignorant, call me opinionated, that's how I feel and most importantly, that's how my hand feels. My new #23 single blade linerlock fits that bill to perfection, and I couldn't compliment the design of this knife and the comfort of the grip and of the half round linerlock anymore than to say it feels and is perfect.
OK, now that I have talked about the positive aspects of this knife and of the company that I adore that produces it, let me push them to do more to satisfy their customer, namely myself, and you my friends, of course..
Being in contact with an iKC member here from France, our dear friend Jean-Francois, I was reminded about one of the great qualities of the French knife makers, and that is that not every wonderful knife will fit your hand unless it is made to fit your hand. One of the greatest pleasures and advantages of the Laguiole or Opinel knives made in France is that they come sized, like shoes, and one has the pleasure of choosing one that fits one's person. Here in America, our knife manufacturers make a specific knife in a specific pattern of a specific size with a specific history behind it and if the shoe doesn't fit then you can't wear it. Speaking of shoes, it sound to me like that attitude, or tradition, is a great way for manufacturers to "shoot themselves in the foot", or stab themselves if you prefer... What I would like to see more manufacturers do here, and especially GEC because they are the only ones I care about, and who care about us and their future too, would be for them to introduce this European "sizing" concept to the American pocket knife marketplace. For example, a #23 single blade, whether it be linerlock or not, could be offered with a 3.5" blade, as it is now, AND a 4.5" blade and a 5.5" blade depending on your needs. It's not just about what you may have to cut, but mainly about the size of your hand - the knife should fit like a glove. The French know this well and even a cheap Opinel comes in a size #8, #9, #10, or #12, let alone the Laguioles which come in 9cm, 11cm, 12cm, and even 15cm sizes of the very same pattern. What the European manufacturers seem to have understood is that when you have a pattern that sells, and sells well consistently (my vote here in the USA would go to the GEC #23 here for starters) then you can scale it both up and down to fit your customers, and that many more sales will result in the end and for a longer, if not an indefinite, time period. It's like going custom, knife making wise, while still maintaining the economies of scale of production. Duh!
OK, GEC, I am throwing down the glove in a challenge, can you do this for us all here worldwide, with one of your most popular patterns (perhaps the #23 as you don't have to scale it down 'cause you have the #73 there already, so it would make life easier for you), and in a single blade, which would also simplify matters for you? And since you already have a small, #73, and a Medium, #23, could you make a Large (#13?) and perhaps even and XL (#3) ??? And , of course you could do the same with other patterns too, think S, M, L, XL and beyond. Think about it, seriously.
Oct 10, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Oct 10, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Definitely agree about the #23 and the #12. I think a smaller toothpick would make a very good EDC for the ladies. I do however, enjoy GECs commitment to bringing out new/old patterns for us. Instead of changing the ones already here, they add completely new knives to their line up.
Oct 10, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Well, your talking me into a #23. I'm not going to buy one for a while, but your talking me into it. I have a #73L that I love, it's still away at the factory though. There is something about getting all of that bare bone, I would love to see some more single blades.
Oct 10, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Johnny, I couldn't appreciate GEC's commitment to tradition more, their remaking of the all time classics has made those knives available to those of us who couldn't possibly afford the old time classics, case in point would be the #46 that I love and feel so fortunate to own.
As for the sizing, smaller is important, for the ladies, and kids, and larger is important for guys with big hands, and there are lots and lots of ladies, kids and guys with big hands in this world! Plenty to make it a smart business move.
As for the #23, go for it when you can, and once you do you'll never ever look back!
Finally, I'm glad you also appreciate the simple purity of a single blade as I do. I can only use one blade at a time, and rarely would I need a small one at that. For me it's all about the feel of the knife in your hand and secondary and tertiary blades stick into the folds of my fingers and bother me; I'd rather feel the clean lines of a well sculpted handle, which is not only a beauty to behold, but a pleasure to hold in hand. I truly believe that GEC should make all of their knife patterns that are appropriate in single bladed versions as well (for example: it wouldn't make any sense to make a Congress single blade as that would be going against the definition of the patern, but a single blade #23 or #48 or even a #25 in varying sizes and even with a choice of blade pattern would be ideal) I think that giving the customer that range of choices is something GEC, could and should, and will have to grow into as the company develops going forward. I will support them in that every step of the way!
Oct 10, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I look forward to the release of a bigger lockback, the #72 right now seems to be about medium and it is called the Mini Lockback. So I'm guessing we have to see his big brother sometime.
I enjoy have a back up blade, but I carry multiple knives at the same time, so why not carry the one I really want to. I used #73L for a ton of chores on the farm and that knife won't back down.
I will support GECs efforts to satisfy all/any customer as they have.
Oct 11, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 11, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 11, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Yes I agree, I just don't want GEC to grow up too fast though. I feel they have a great thing going right now. I kinda like the exclusiveness of GEC right now, it changes the feel about them.
I trust GEC won't fall, but I fear big business.
Oct 11, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Oct 11, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
This is a picture of 3 of my 4 EDC Great Easterns. Two are carbon and one is stainless. The trapper in the middle was rehandled by Mr. James Ivy, in girraffe bone. The others are stag. I wait patiently for my 73 lockback to round out my four EDC's.
Oct 12, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Thats a great picture, I really dig that #72. One of the best patterns we've seen from GEC in my opinion. Definitely some keepers my friend. I notice that these are some of the bigger GEC knives, any reason you don't carry a lil' guy?
Where is your #73?
Oct 13, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Oct 13, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Squirrel season tomorrow, right now I should be on cloud nine, my favorite season is here, But no, I'm still at work in my mind, thinking of all that needs done for this weeks festival.
I need some hardwoods therapy, so tomorrow if you guys need me, I'll be at the base of a big ol' oak with a GEC in my pocket and my brother by my side. I'll see if pics can't be provided too.
Lets see, who should go first?
#48 Beavertail + Remington 22.
#56 Dogleg + Sako 22.
#66 Mink + CZ 22.
The weather decides it all, but I'm leaning towards my Beavertail.
Oct 14, 2011
Jan Carter
Johnny,
We will think about you but try hard not to disturb your therapy session. You enjoy that Beavertail my friend
Oct 14, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Oct 14, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 15, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Awesome Jan, please keep us posted on it's arrival.
This is a pattern I want to hear a lot about, I'm not sure if it's for me yet, so I'm doing some research. I hope it's a great one Jan.
Oct 15, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 16, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 16, 2011
Billy Oneale
Oct 16, 2011
Jan Carter
Ivars,
Thats the spirit, one of each. The seahorse pattern is in Case's vault so it may be more difficult. How about get a Geppetto, wait a few years for the seahorse to coem out of the vault. If you still want one, that will be your chance
Oct 17, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Oct 17, 2011
Rusty R Halsey
Oct 18, 2011
Jan Carter
Rusty.
ROFL, cant wait to see what gave our GEC folks here the cause to stop and think. But we will wait until the contest is over to ask
Oct 18, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Oct 20, 2011
Rusty R Halsey
Oct 22, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 22, 2011
Rusty R Halsey
HP and T were my (main) downfalls. If H is a fixed blade Hunter and P is Punch blade, HP should be a fixed punch blade, which is an icepick (or what I get after trying to sharpen a blade) which doesn't sound right. Maybe I'm wrong about H. And all the T's seemed to be slimline single blade Trappers. T for Trapper was my first thought, but there were lots of trappers without the T. I went back and looked again and they all had lanyard holes, what some of the earlier releases called lanyard tubes. Maybe the T is for Tube, lanyard?
WT ... Western Trapper?
M - I found Muskrat, Moose, Muskrat clip blade and Mink skinner. Which one, if any, of these is right?
B ... Barlow?
BAL ... Bail?
BJ ... Big Jack?
BJM ... Big Jack Muskrat?
JFB ... Jack Flat Bolster?
Yipes, the more I look at my list, the more I question what I put down.
Oct 23, 2011
JJ PARKER
Rusty,
I think HP stands for hoof pick? They just made a few. I always like the Micarta one. Jay
Oct 23, 2011
Rusty R Halsey
Oct 23, 2011
Jan Carter
We will make sure to put a record of all of the acronyms here. JJ, hoof pick does make sense...ya'll think anyone got them ALL right?
Johnny, just re-read your post...LOL...inferior knowledge, not a phrase I would use for your GEC knowledge
Oct 23, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 23, 2011
Bob Andrews
Oct 24, 2011
Jan Carter
Bob,
Thanks for the HP reference. We appreciate it
Oct 24, 2011
Jan Carter
Oct 24, 2011
Tom Peterson
Yeah Bob, Thanks for the pic of the HP 73. That clears up alot of confusion on my part. I am anxious to see who won the proto too. The HP really had me stumped for awhile!
Jan, I like the 73 fixed blade but those muffins are looking pretty good too!
Oct 25, 2011
Tom Peterson
Oct 25, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Oct 25, 2011
Jim McLeod
Oct 25, 2011
Jan Carter
Robert,
We do collect some of them. Some have real good value over the years. Some were not sought after until the last few years as Jim stated.
Oct 25, 2011
Jan Carter
Tom,
I love the hair pulling!!! Congrats to the first and second place winners. Hope everyone had fun
Oct 25, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Oct 26, 2011
Tom Peterson
Johnny,
I have a Bird and Trout and a Saber Skinner H23310, both in burnt stag. I like the added length of the #23310 and the saber grind. The #23's are getting harder to find nowadays especially in stag.
Oct 26, 2011
Tom Peterson
Oct 26, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I may have to take the plunge on a fixed blade, my brother has been asking about them for years, maybe I'll get him a GEC Christmas present.
Tom, in comparison to a traditional bird and trout knife, how does the GEC compare.
Oct 26, 2011
Tom Peterson
I think that it is about the same. However I kind of wish that they would have made it in 440C instead of 1095 so it could be used in wet conditions without worrying or extra care. I bought one for my father in law and I hear that he likes it. I haven't gotten many field reports from him though. It does feel pretty good in the hand. I think that GEC should do a SFO short run for you in 440C with an Elk handle for all the PR work that you do for them.
Oct 26, 2011