I think that would change it up greatly. After just a couple weeks of EDC time, my Stag Dogleg mellowed, not much but there was a noticeable difference.
I also prefer stag as it mellow. Burnt stag does tend to mellow or change a little faster because the outer layer has been altered by heat but I am with Johnny..I am one of the people that likes stag better when it is aged.
The spring on the Geppetto does assist on both ends and GEC was able to do the knife thinner and lighter because of that configuration. I can see how traditional whittler lovers would like to see the 33 conducter in a three blade. The balloon whittler is a wonderful pattern that has withstood time. Maybe with time we will see that from GEC also.
Elk stag mellows very quick, which I like. After it looses it's burnt look, it starts to yellow, something my toothpick did in a matter of months. It will mellow more and look even better after a few more trout seasons together. I look forward to that.
Sorry to start a heated discussion about the whittlers. A split backspring would be fine with me. I like the Geppetto a lot but would like a traditional whittler in the #33 pattern too. Never hurts to have more than one. I agree with Seth too. I love them all too but I would love the #33 even more if it had three blades instead of two!
The balloon whittler seemed like the most obvious pattern to see from the #33, but where is it? I think it's waiting for a special day. The classic Balloon whittler is hard to compare to the rest of GEC's whittler knives. I think GEC could make a great one.
I agree with you Johnny. I have an old Western and an old Boker that have sabre ground blades and split springs that are really nice. Got a bunch of other whittlers mostly Bokers and Hen & Roosters that have split springs too. I personally like the beefier blade of the saber ground clip main blade for the whittlers.
You've seen some of the components on a couple of these already on the GEC website and now, here's the latest on production........
Straight from GEC,
We should start seeing these next week:
#61 Deluxe 2 blade Long wharncliffe and pen blade
Tidioute - smooth bolster
Jigged Bone – color to be determined
Smooth Black Buffalo Horn
Exotic Mexican Bocote Wood
Northfield – long flat lined bolster stamped UN-X-LD
Jigged Bone – color to be determined
Smooth Yellow Bone
Stained Glass Perylic
Sea Glass Perylic
Black Gold Perylic
Snakewood
Elephant Ivory
The next new knife is somewhat of a secret still but I can tell you it is a 2 blade with a spear and pen or a clip and pen, closed length is 3-7/16”. It will be called the White Owl.
I see that the GEC stag conductor came out today too. What do you think the White Owl will look like? I am guessing that by it's size 3 7/16" it will be a Jack knife similar to Case's 6231 1/2 or maybe a larger barlow than they currently make. It is bigger than GEC's current barlow but smaller than just about everything else that they make. Any thoughts?
Personally, I can't handle a knife that's smaller than 4". In the kitchen a 4" knife is a small paring knife for detail work, and I like it just for that, but then in the kitchen I'm using 8", 10", 12", and 14" knives. I know, hard to pocket those, but I want a knife that I can use to do a little bit of everything, in the home, out in the yard, in the garden, in the office, and when I'm out, say camping or having a picnic. I don't whittle and probably never will, but I do cook every day and sometimes the hand and the delicacy of motion with the blade are the same. As I have said before, I'd like to see GEC go bigger, and as a user and collector of their beautiful knives I tend towards their bigger knives, #23, #36, #46, #65, and yes even the wonderfully skinny but solid, nice and long #89. I haven't held a #54 moose yet, but I think I would like it very much and want to see them make more of those too. Nevertheless I am always curious to see what GEC will introduce next as in my opinion this company is quite infallible in their taste, sense and dedication to history, quality, service, and craftsmanship.
I'm excited about the White Owl, but that is because of the name, I love it. It sounds like a classic old knife, but it hasn't even been finished so I think it has a good connection with tradition already. If I connect, I will add one to the collection, but right now I'm refraining from the new knives.
Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that ning will perform some simple but necessary maintenance on iKnife Collector this coming Friday, December 2nd. They’ll need to take the site down from 10-midnight (PST). During these 2 hours, we’ll simply show a message asking folks to check back later.
Thanks in advance for your patience while we tune up the site!
I wrote a review of my knives this hunting season on GEC's forum. I blathered on so it's long, I could copy and share it here, but again, it's long. If you guys wanted to read it, it's there. : )
Jan, glad you enjoyed it, I think a #72 in carbon is in order for me. : )
That club knife has a really good skinning blade. : )
Billy, glad to hear it, that one is going to look amazing with a patina. I have seen one that got some good use, it looks a hundred times better, (if at all possible) than when it was new. I really look forward to hearing what you think of it. The #73 is a classic and a true stand by for me, it may be the best pattern for me.
Good luck and let us know what you think, have fun with it.
Johnny if these are Sodbusters to be, and they certainly look it, then I couldn't be happier!!! Now I just hope they make it a linerlock and in black, of course! Secondly I also hope they'll make it in the #23 size too!!! I love the feel of a sodbuster handle, one of the most comfortable grips of all!
I would love to see those as well, GEC has a great Liner lock system. Okay, Sodbuter, stag scales, linerlock and a kicking mule shield. I agree with the comfort comment, I EDCed one for a long time.
The #23L, is probably a real worked. The #46, I can't see it being so much more useful than the more pocket friendly patterns, for me, I'll pass on hauling around a whale.
Luca, why do you like the whale for EDC?
I'm not condemning anyone, I just want to learn. : )
Johnny, I don't feel that either of my knives are too big, actually I find anything smaller too small. I don't know how you can skin and dress a deer with your #72 and #73, skin a cat maybe, but a deer? Maybe I just have big hands.
For me the Whaler is a knife that knows no limits where serious cutting is concerned. It will slice a hard aged salami, or a hard cheese like it wasn't even there, like butter. It would probably also skin and carve up a deer or a bear like it was butter! And if I need to cut some rope, it's good and ready. Plus it impresses the crap out of friends who have never seen anything like it. I also like the big hand feel and grip, especially the single bladed version. The weight issue for me is a good thing, I like knowing it's there, you can definitely feel it's presence. The #23 does all of the above, but in a slimmer version, and I like the security of having the linerlock just knowing it well never fold on me no matter what. The other knife I edc is a #36 that I rotate in and out of pocket and for all of the same reasons above. I'm a big pocket knife man and I'm not overcompensating for anything! Ha Ha! I still think GEC could go bigger on some of their knives. A bigger #23, call it lucky #13? A bigger size (with a #23 size blade) on any possible future Sodbuster model? I guess I just don't understand smaller knives, maybe you could educate me on this?
I have a #72 Frontier Bone in my front pocket. I am working on the computer today but have my Elk Conductor in front of me and my Red Elk #72 at my left hand. Luca, my two cats are looking a bit scared with both of my #72's within reach (but I could probably handle skinning them with the Conductor)! LOL, just kidding about skinning the cats of course!
I like doing more with less, I also like having more. Where you are EDCing 2 big knives, I'm EDCing 4 medium knives. I used to butcher deer with a Buck 110, not a small knife my any means, but it got to the point where I realized that I didn't need a knife that was so big. So, with the pack lightened I am more free, but I haven't sacrificed anything either.
If you have never gone the way of the small knife, than it would be hard to understand, same as I have never gone the way of the big knife. I like EDCing a knife and hardly noticing it. I'm more free that way. And to be honest, I feel that I could skin a deer with my #56 Dogleg. : )
So maybe it's just opinions? I feel that I could skin a deer, a bear, or anything else that lives here in Pa, all with my little #73. But, you feel it best to carry a whaler, or the big brother of my #73.
Good to hear your EDCing that #72 Tom, I'm sure it's gonna get a great patina. It's always nice to have back up that nice, those Elk conductors look great for the pocket.
Hmmm, I just remembered, my brother butchered his deer with Buck fixed blade knives. The big ones, being 119, 103 and 102.
While I used a much smaller Great Eastern #73. Maybe it's just a mind set and not wether a knife is useful or not for certain chores. Either way, it's nice to see the difference in opinion, thanks for sharing Luca.
It's been a while since I have stick with an EDC for very long. I always end up switching one out for another. My #72 in Red Wine even took a break for a couple weeks. It's touch sticking with one. : (
Johhny, you're right it is just a matter of preference and it all comes down to what feels better in hand for each and every one of us personally, like they say, "to each his (her) own." All knives no matter what size only do one thing, cut, but obviously shape and size will affect what it is you're cutting and what it is you're cutting will influence one's choice of blade size and design, along lines of perssonal preference, of course. I'm happy we all enjoy our own knives so much that we take time out of our days to communicate that joy to others here. Spread the joy!
I agree, I don't take my #73s to a nice dinner, I bring a #56. Occasion has a lot to do with my choice of EDC. Right now, since the temp is dropping, I'll pack a few extra knives along.
It is good to just discuss knives, I learn from your take on knives and I'm sure someone could get something out of what I have to share. But, our opinions are our's and nobody can really affect that. Thats what makes this place great.
You're right about occasion, that's kind of what's fun about owning different patterns and going with how you feel about the occasion when selecting your knife for the moment at hand. When I go to a nice dinner, I carry the #89 Melon Tester in Snakewood - hey I know it's not big and heavy, but it is long enough at 4". I think of that knife as a real gentleman's knife, not that I'm a gentleman... And if it's a black tie affair, then it's my very own iKC special factory ordered black beauty #36 all steel smooth buffalo horn, a classy knife if there ever was one. It's nice to see our friend Billy Oneale using a photo of his black beauty #36 knife as his ID photo here!
I'm going to a baptism on Sunday, my EDC choice is a #89 melon tester in stag. A knife I just pulled out to admire some, after I got my hands on it I knew it would need some pocket time. So, it will get some.
I'm sure I could get by with using a lesser knife, but why would I. Occasion EDC is a fun thing, the knives I don't normally carry get pocket time.
johnny twoshoes
I think that would change it up greatly. After just a couple weeks of EDC time, my Stag Dogleg mellowed, not much but there was a noticeable difference.
Nov 25, 2011
Bob Andrews
If y'all would take a look at your knives,the 57 Gepetto Whittler pattern IS a Split Backspring Whittler.
Nov 25, 2011
Jan Carter
I also prefer stag as it mellow. Burnt stag does tend to mellow or change a little faster because the outer layer has been altered by heat but I am with Johnny..I am one of the people that likes stag better when it is aged.
The spring on the Geppetto does assist on both ends and GEC was able to do the knife thinner and lighter because of that configuration. I can see how traditional whittler lovers would like to see the 33 conducter in a three blade. The balloon whittler is a wonderful pattern that has withstood time. Maybe with time we will see that from GEC also.
Nov 25, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Elk stag mellows very quick, which I like. After it looses it's burnt look, it starts to yellow, something my toothpick did in a matter of months. It will mellow more and look even better after a few more trout seasons together. I look forward to that.
Nov 26, 2011
Tom Peterson
Sorry to start a heated discussion about the whittlers. A split backspring would be fine with me. I like the Geppetto a lot but would like a traditional whittler in the #33 pattern too. Never hurts to have more than one. I agree with Seth too. I love them all too but I would love the #33 even more if it had three blades instead of two!
Nov 26, 2011
johnny twoshoes
The balloon whittler seemed like the most obvious pattern to see from the #33, but where is it? I think it's waiting for a special day. The classic Balloon whittler is hard to compare to the rest of GEC's whittler knives. I think GEC could make a great one.
Nov 27, 2011
Tom Peterson
I agree with you Johnny. I have an old Western and an old Boker that have sabre ground blades and split springs that are really nice. Got a bunch of other whittlers mostly Bokers and Hen & Roosters that have split springs too. I personally like the beefier blade of the saber ground clip main blade for the whittlers.
Nov 27, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
I wish GEC made a cotton whittler, great pattern. Johnny, Im not familar
Nov 27, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
Whoops..with a Ballroon whittler.
Nov 27, 2011
Jan Carter
Nov 27, 2011
Jan Carter
Did everyone see todays release? American Elk....
Nov 28, 2011
johnny twoshoes
That is beautiful, I need one.
Will I buy one, no. : )
I will kick myself for it, but I hope you guys can get a bunch.
Nov 28, 2011
Jan Carter
GEC Production Schedule Update
You've seen some of the components on a couple of these already on the GEC website and now, here's the latest on production........
Straight from GEC,
We should start seeing these next week:
#61 Deluxe 2 blade Long wharncliffe and pen blade
Tidioute - smooth bolster
Jigged Bone – color to be determined
Smooth Black Buffalo Horn
Exotic Mexican Bocote Wood
Northfield – long flat lined bolster stamped UN-X-LD
Jigged Bone – color to be determined
Smooth Yellow Bone
Stained Glass Perylic
Sea Glass Perylic
Black Gold Perylic
Snakewood
Elephant Ivory
The next new knife is somewhat of a secret still but I can tell you it is a 2 blade with a spear and pen or a clip and pen, closed length is 3-7/16”. It will be called the White Owl.
Tidioute:
Ebony Wood – spear/pen
Ebony Wood – clip/pen
Bone – color to be determined – spear/pen
Bone – color to be determined – clip/pen
Kryptonite Acrylic – spear/pen
Kryptonite Acrylic – clip/pen
Dead Skunk Acrylic – spear/pen
Dead Skunk Acrylic – clip/pen
Exotic Mexican Bocote – spear/pen
Exotic Mexican Bocote – clip/pen
Buffalo Horn – spear/pen
Buffalo Horn – clip/pen
Northfield:
Jigged Bone – color to be determined – spear/pen
Jigged Bone – color to be determined – clip/pen
Cocobolo Wood – spear/pen
Cocobolo Wood – clip/pen
Snakewood – spear/pen
Snakewood – clip/pen
Primitive Bone – spear/pen
Primitive Bone – clip/pen
Burnt Stag – spear/pen
Burnt Stag – clip/pen
Genuine Stag
Nov 29, 2011
Tom Peterson
I see that the GEC stag conductor came out today too. What do you think the White Owl will look like? I am guessing that by it's size 3 7/16" it will be a Jack knife similar to Case's 6231 1/2 or maybe a larger barlow than they currently make. It is bigger than GEC's current barlow but smaller than just about everything else that they make. Any thoughts?
Nov 29, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Personally, I can't handle a knife that's smaller than 4". In the kitchen a 4" knife is a small paring knife for detail work, and I like it just for that, but then in the kitchen I'm using 8", 10", 12", and 14" knives. I know, hard to pocket those, but I want a knife that I can use to do a little bit of everything, in the home, out in the yard, in the garden, in the office, and when I'm out, say camping or having a picnic. I don't whittle and probably never will, but I do cook every day and sometimes the hand and the delicacy of motion with the blade are the same. As I have said before, I'd like to see GEC go bigger, and as a user and collector of their beautiful knives I tend towards their bigger knives, #23, #36, #46, #65, and yes even the wonderfully skinny but solid, nice and long #89. I haven't held a #54 moose yet, but I think I would like it very much and want to see them make more of those too. Nevertheless I am always curious to see what GEC will introduce next as in my opinion this company is quite infallible in their taste, sense and dedication to history, quality, service, and craftsmanship.
Nov 29, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I'm excited about the White Owl, but that is because of the name, I love it. It sounds like a classic old knife, but it hasn't even been finished so I think it has a good connection with tradition already. If I connect, I will add one to the collection, but right now I'm refraining from the new knives.
Nov 29, 2011
Jan Carter
Just had to share this sheath that came today from Docs knives. Donnie is in love already
Dec 1, 2011
Jan Carter
I am still guessing the white owl is being named after a cigar. So my thoughts are a cigar whittler
Dec 1, 2011
Jan Carter
Did not want anyone to miss this announcement..
Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that ning will perform some simple but necessary maintenance on iKnife Collector this coming Friday, December 2nd. They’ll need to take the site down from 10-midnight (PST). During these 2 hours, we’ll simply show a message asking folks to check back later.
Thanks in advance for your patience while we tune up the site!
Dec 1, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Thanks for the heads up Jan, because I would have been freaking out again. : (
Thats sheath looks great, especially with the Elk stag, they make a great pair.
Dec 1, 2011
Billy Oneale
That's a really nice sheath and the knife looks might fine also.
Dec 1, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I wrote a review of my knives this hunting season on GEC's forum. I blathered on so it's long, I could copy and share it here, but again, it's long. If you guys wanted to read it, it's there. : )
Dec 2, 2011
Jan Carter
Johnny,
It is long but wonderful. Thanks for letting everyone know where it is
Dec 3, 2011
Billy Oneale
Ok, Johnny, you talked me into putting that blood red bone #73 into my pocket for EDC.
Dec 4, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Jan, glad you enjoyed it, I think a #72 in carbon is in order for me. : )
That club knife has a really good skinning blade. : )
Billy, glad to hear it, that one is going to look amazing with a patina. I have seen one that got some good use, it looks a hundred times better, (if at all possible) than when it was new. I really look forward to hearing what you think of it. The #73 is a classic and a true stand by for me, it may be the best pattern for me.
Good luck and let us know what you think, have fun with it.
Dec 5, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Billy, how did the first day go?
Dec 6, 2011
Billy Oneale
It went great, Johnny. It fits in my pocket just like it had always belonged there.
Dec 6, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Glad to hear it Billy, it really is a great pattern, it just begs for use. Looking forward to seeing new pics of it after a patina is started.
Dec 6, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Could these be for a sodbuster?
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/matt...
Dec 6, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Johnny if these are Sodbusters to be, and they certainly look it, then I couldn't be happier!!! Now I just hope they make it a linerlock and in black, of course! Secondly I also hope they'll make it in the #23 size too!!! I love the feel of a sodbuster handle, one of the most comfortable grips of all!
Dec 6, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I would love to see those as well, GEC has a great Liner lock system. Okay, Sodbuter, stag scales, linerlock and a kicking mule shield. I agree with the comfort comment, I EDCed one for a long time.
Well, heres to hoping.
Dec 6, 2011
Jan Carter
Wow, we almost fell off the font page...That never happens
Dec 7, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Yeah, I know, strange. : )
Dec 7, 2011
johnny twoshoes
So what are you guys carrying right now?
I have a #73L in my pocket and a #73 Scout on my hip. My #72 in Red Wine is in the backpocket and I also have a non-GEC scout knife in my LFP.
Dec 8, 2011
Luca Vignelli
A #23L in my pants back pocket and a #46 single blade in front. I should probably get a hip sheath!
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Wow, thats a man ready for anything. : )
The #23L, is probably a real worked. The #46, I can't see it being so much more useful than the more pocket friendly patterns, for me, I'll pass on hauling around a whale.
Luca, why do you like the whale for EDC?
I'm not condemning anyone, I just want to learn. : )
Dec 8, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Johnny, I don't feel that either of my knives are too big, actually I find anything smaller too small. I don't know how you can skin and dress a deer with your #72 and #73, skin a cat maybe, but a deer? Maybe I just have big hands.
For me the Whaler is a knife that knows no limits where serious cutting is concerned. It will slice a hard aged salami, or a hard cheese like it wasn't even there, like butter. It would probably also skin and carve up a deer or a bear like it was butter! And if I need to cut some rope, it's good and ready. Plus it impresses the crap out of friends who have never seen anything like it. I also like the big hand feel and grip, especially the single bladed version. The weight issue for me is a good thing, I like knowing it's there, you can definitely feel it's presence. The #23 does all of the above, but in a slimmer version, and I like the security of having the linerlock just knowing it well never fold on me no matter what. The other knife I edc is a #36 that I rotate in and out of pocket and for all of the same reasons above. I'm a big pocket knife man and I'm not overcompensating for anything! Ha Ha! I still think GEC could go bigger on some of their knives. A bigger #23, call it lucky #13? A bigger size (with a #23 size blade) on any possible future Sodbuster model? I guess I just don't understand smaller knives, maybe you could educate me on this?
Dec 8, 2011
Tom Peterson
I have a #72 Frontier Bone in my front pocket. I am working on the computer today but have my Elk Conductor in front of me and my Red Elk #72 at my left hand. Luca, my two cats are looking a bit scared with both of my #72's within reach (but I could probably handle skinning them with the Conductor)! LOL, just kidding about skinning the cats of course!
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Luca,
I like doing more with less, I also like having more. Where you are EDCing 2 big knives, I'm EDCing 4 medium knives. I used to butcher deer with a Buck 110, not a small knife my any means, but it got to the point where I realized that I didn't need a knife that was so big. So, with the pack lightened I am more free, but I haven't sacrificed anything either.
If you have never gone the way of the small knife, than it would be hard to understand, same as I have never gone the way of the big knife. I like EDCing a knife and hardly noticing it. I'm more free that way. And to be honest, I feel that I could skin a deer with my #56 Dogleg. : )
So maybe it's just opinions? I feel that I could skin a deer, a bear, or anything else that lives here in Pa, all with my little #73. But, you feel it best to carry a whaler, or the big brother of my #73.
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Good to hear your EDCing that #72 Tom, I'm sure it's gonna get a great patina. It's always nice to have back up that nice, those Elk conductors look great for the pocket.
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Hmmm, I just remembered, my brother butchered his deer with Buck fixed blade knives. The big ones, being 119, 103 and 102.
While I used a much smaller Great Eastern #73. Maybe it's just a mind set and not wether a knife is useful or not for certain chores. Either way, it's nice to see the difference in opinion, thanks for sharing Luca.
Dec 8, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
My Moose #66 [I think} has found a way in my pockect this fall and hasn't left yet.
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Wow, thats awesome Robert.
It's been a while since I have stick with an EDC for very long. I always end up switching one out for another. My #72 in Red Wine even took a break for a couple weeks. It's touch sticking with one. : (
Dec 8, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Johhny, you're right it is just a matter of preference and it all comes down to what feels better in hand for each and every one of us personally, like they say, "to each his (her) own." All knives no matter what size only do one thing, cut, but obviously shape and size will affect what it is you're cutting and what it is you're cutting will influence one's choice of blade size and design, along lines of perssonal preference, of course. I'm happy we all enjoy our own knives so much that we take time out of our days to communicate that joy to others here. Spread the joy!
Dec 8, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Now if there were only a way to make some money while doing this here on the site, then I would never log off!
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I agree, I don't take my #73s to a nice dinner, I bring a #56. Occasion has a lot to do with my choice of EDC. Right now, since the temp is dropping, I'll pack a few extra knives along.
It is good to just discuss knives, I learn from your take on knives and I'm sure someone could get something out of what I have to share. But, our opinions are our's and nobody can really affect that. Thats what makes this place great.
I look forward to more conversation like this!!!
Dec 8, 2011
Luca Vignelli
You're right about occasion, that's kind of what's fun about owning different patterns and going with how you feel about the occasion when selecting your knife for the moment at hand. When I go to a nice dinner, I carry the #89 Melon Tester in Snakewood - hey I know it's not big and heavy, but it is long enough at 4". I think of that knife as a real gentleman's knife, not that I'm a gentleman... And if it's a black tie affair, then it's my very own iKC special factory ordered black beauty #36 all steel smooth buffalo horn, a classy knife if there ever was one. It's nice to see our friend Billy Oneale using a photo of his black beauty #36 knife as his ID photo here!
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I'm going to a baptism on Sunday, my EDC choice is a #89 melon tester in stag. A knife I just pulled out to admire some, after I got my hands on it I knew it would need some pocket time. So, it will get some.
I'm sure I could get by with using a lesser knife, but why would I. Occasion EDC is a fun thing, the knives I don't normally carry get pocket time.
Dec 8, 2011
johnny twoshoes
The deluxe is here.
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/6102...
Dec 8, 2011
Luca Vignelli
I think that one will make JJ here very happy, and help Jan along with her pit carvin' class...
Dec 8, 2011