I just looked it up to see what it was all about, honestly it sounded like a foreign steel, but I know GEC wouldn't do that. It may have a funny name, but I wouldn't mess with it, it sounds great.
just saw...we have 140 members in here and just today hit 1000 comments. I love being a part of this wonderful and active group. Thanks everyone for making this so much fun everyday!!!
I saw this on he GEC website in the "What's Happenning Today" section and I thought it curious. I am eager to see what their new "Lumberjack" pattern will be, hoping it will be big, and I saw this photo, identified as "lumberjack spear and pen blade design pieces". Well, those look like Whaler blades to me, so I'm wondering whether the "Lumberjack" will be a Whaler variant, or maybe the phot was just mislabeled? Hmmmm... very curious.
Maybe the Lumberjack will be a Whaler with some sort of jigged wooden handles??? Maybe it will be a Whaler with a Jack set up? The anticipation is getting to me. I love these hints that GEC drops on us, now I'm hungry for more! Wait, is that a #26 or #36 main blade on top of the #46 main blade, or is it just the regular #46 pen blade? Now I have to go and look and compare the photo below to my knives...
Robert, you made me want a Moose! I want a Moose! I think I need a Moose! Anybody else out there want and need a Moose? More Moose please... I can't get the Moose out of my head. I'm in the mood for Moose!
Thinking about it, but my hallucinations below might not be such a bad idea, something new and completely over the top, but in a good way. Now I don't want to offend any purists here, but what if GEC made a new variant of the #46 Whaler and replaced the smaller pen blade with a full size #36 main blade in a Moose configuration, or maybe even in a Jackknife configuration too??? Wow, would that be cool! Two monster blades on one frame, "two great tastes that taste great together..." Then they could call it the "Jumbo Jack"!!! I like that idea, and I think the name is really catchy! The Jumbo Jack! Hey, if they made one, I'd be the first in line to get one!
Luca, Bulldog did something similar in '03 or '04, made muskrat, trapper and congress style sunfish. I have one of the muskrats (see pic below). Imagine a muskrat with 2 fat clip blades! The congress was pretty wild with 4 big blades. Of course those were all with the normal #36 size blades. A #46 muskrat or congress would be mind boggling!
Handmade, if I remember right, Jan's knife has smooth bone handles and is pretty rare.
Well I think this knife will be perfect for Luca, but I'll pass. I just can't see carrying around something that big, but everyone knows I like the small knives.
Jan, that is Bulldog's version of bone stag, cow bone carved to resemble stag. I've not seen this style of bone stag anywhere else, even on other Bulldogs, except for the other sunfish made in the trapper and congress style.
Well we knew it would be a possibilty at some point. Great Partnerships dont last forever. Bill Howard is a wonderful knife maker and we look forward to seeing Great Easterns continued success. On a personal note we will greatly miss Ken Daniels. He is a one of kind true gentleman with deep roots in the knife community. I know we will see him soon
Wow, I'm really surprised to hear this. I thought that Ken really was GEC, or a least a big part of it. I enjoyed talking with him at the Rendezvous a couple years ago. I think it would be a big loss if Ryan left as well.
I think GEC will continue to be the best, but I'm still confused!!! ????
Jan, please let us know what Christine has to say.
I got the same email from TSA. That is truly disappointing news. Does this mean I need to start collecting Tuna Valley Cutlery knives too? I have one of their stockman already. My credit card balance is already mimicking the national debt clock! What happened to Perry at Space Coast Cutlery who had been selling the TV knives? This might get interesting....to see what direction each company will now head in.
You guys are too cryptic or I'm too simple. I had to go to another site to discover that Ken sold his shares of GEC and bought the rights to Tuna Valley Cutlery.
I think that as GEC fans, or fanatics, we owe a great deal of thanks to the two founders, Bill Howard and Ken Daniels, and all of the men and women (Chris, especially) who helped them realize their vision together. Now that Ken is striking out on his own with Tuna Valley, I'm looking forward to supporting his efforts there, while continuing my love affair with GEC and Bill Howard's work there, knowing that the standards both men set for their work are the highest in the industry. I wish them both a happy and fruitful 2012.
Well folks I know everyone is interested in whats going on. I dont want to go to far before I have spoken with everyone. I can absolutley say without a doubt that Bill Howard will continue to produce the quality unique peices we have come to expect from Tidioute, Northfield and Great Eastern Cutlery. Thats is truely just the type of knifemaker and man that he is. The folks making the knives have not changed. The factory workers will come back tomorrow just as they left before the holiday, ready to produce us the knives we crave!!!
I really hope that things just continue to get better for both men. I really appreciate all what they have done for the Knife world. They completely changed my opinion on knives and they own my business. I look forward to seeing Tuna Valley thrive as I really feel they will.
That would be awesome if I could afford it. I feel like I already own stock in GEC (or should) with all of their knives that I have. I think that Jan would be a better exec than I though, not to mention that she is more diplomatic and even keeled than I am. What would be your first order of business Jan? Mine would be to offer the White Owl with both clip and spear blades together as a Moose Owl/White Moose. Then I would focus on the Camp knife, Peanut, Swingguard, Gunstock and other similar patterns that GEC has not made yet. A lockback #23 too. And a GEC calendar in which collectors send in their pics to be part of the calendar and win a free knife if your photo makes the calendar. And Patti could do a GEC cookbook of all of her treats that are featured in What's Happening. More GEC swag gear too - can coolies, knife sharpeners, soft carrying cases, etc....
I have had an opportunity to speak with Ryan this morning. He did ask me to convey some things for the Daniels family. First the answer to the burning question will he be staying the GEC. As a direct employee of the company no. He will still be involved as a sort of freelance sales. Has has asked me to let you all know his number has not changed. The Daniels family has asked that we extend a warm & genuine Thank you to all the folks here, without your support..nothing would have been possible over the past 5 years. Without sharing too many future plans...although they are sorry to see the end of this era with GEC they are looking forward to some exciting changes. Those include not only a new knife family for us all to enjoy (Tuna Valley) but also a new baby for Ryan and Courtney. I have gotten confirmation that the Daniels Family will still be attending the shows for this year and they will still be offering Great Eastern Cutlery products at those shows. In our eyes this is a wonderful step for both groups and a true win for those of us that love thier knives. More on a conversation with Bill later today.
Well Tom it looks like you have all the bases covered with what I would do next. I would go with the swingguard as the next pattern, the cookbook would be a great offering. Lets combine the calendar and cookbook thought. Lets do a calendar with a monthly picture and and receipe. Less printing cost
Wouldn't it be great if Mr. Daniels had GEC continue to make the Tuna Valley knives? Is he going to get his own knive shop? The part of his email about using specialty steels has me excited. (Now I'm being cryptic - the email is published at TSAknives.com)
Had a comforting and exciting conversation with Bill Howard this morning. Bill is excited about the next era for GEC and all that it will bring. For those of you that know Bill, you know he values his commitment to the quality of a great USA made knife and the patterns we would not have seen revived without them the past few years.
So Look forward to some new and exciting patterns, same great quality and wonderful folks at GEC!!! I hear that the new one is going to knock our socks off
I like the calendar/recipe combo! I would also like to see a daily GEC calendar - the kind that you rip off the page each day. It could utilize the knife debut pictures that GEC uses and it could say the day/year that each knife & handle type came out. On days with no knife debut collector pics could fill in.
On a more serious note I appreciate your being our liason between all of us GEC fans and the folks at GEC. It is reassuring to get some information about this split in a timely manner and know that the info is pretty much first hand and not watered down. I'm happy to hear that Ken & Ryan will be moving forward with Tuna Valley and that GEC will continue to make the great knives that we all love & also that the split was on friendly terms. I'm sure that we will all look forward to offerings by both companies. It might be interesting if GEC /Cyclops continued to make the TV knives to keep the bar set high but if not I am sure that quality will continue to be a top priority with Ken & Ryan. It might be nice if GEC or TV would issue a statement about the split and the direction of both operations so that speculation is kept to a minimum.
Even sooner than we anticipated.....This just posted on GEC's site
A message to Great Eastern Cutlery customers, friends, fans, and family!
In 2006, when no one locally or in the cutlery industry would take a chance on a new start up cutlery manufacturing company, Ken Daniels was the only person who wasn’t scared by the challenges. He shared my dream and together we created Great Eastern Cutlery.
He has been integral to the company, but as with all things there is change, and as of December 30th, 2011 the company has purchased Ken’s shares and he is no longer a partner in Great Eastern Cutlery.
In the years since our establishment, Ken has been an asset to the company, managerially, and as the company representative in the industry. I and Ken share the same values, authenticity, quality, honesty, and loyalty. With much help from Ken, we have built the Great Eastern Cutlery reputation on these values. As we go forward, we will miss Ken but our values as a company will not change.
I and all the other GEC employees owe Ken a big THANK YOU for all that he has done for this company and we wish him the best. We still expect to see him here often and also expect to have a good business relationship with him in the future.
All I have to do is blink and the world gets tipped upside down. So...Ken and Ryan will be leaving GEC. Good grief. Technically, I know that this is none of my business...but I'd like to know "Why?" Is it a difference in opinion on direction for GEC? Is it that the Daniels want to run their own show without any other investors? Is it a health issue (God forbid!)?
I currently own some 92 GEC knives and just placed an order for 3 more (from the awesome Gary Norton of Northwest Knife Company). I'm a devout GEC collector (my latest is a #23 liner lock Northfield in Black Plum; Merry Christmas!). I have to be candid here; the idea of Ken and Ryan leaving GEC really bothers me. Of course I know that the work of Bill Howard, Chris Tucker and others are critical to the incredible knives that we all enjoy. Having been a businessman for decades, I know that, oftentimes, it is the chemistry of the people that make a company really "work". If that chemistry is changed, sometimes things don't "work". Truly, a company is the result of that chemistry and the people are the most important component.
So what does Ken and Ryan leaving mean for us as collectors? Certainly, I'm NOT going to stop buying GEC. Of course, I've heard about Tuna Valley Cutlery...though I know very little about it. I gather that GEC makes knives for this company. What's the Daniels involvement in it? Owners? Working for it? As dealers? I ask because I'd like to know what is going on. While I've read the posting thread below...I'm a detail kind of person...so in order for my "need to know" to be satisfied, I have to have some fairly specific information. That's the way that I'm wired.
Ultimately, it would be great for GEC to continue on to achieve even more success (without any compromise in product quality or standards) AND to have some great knives available to us through TVC (though I need another knife company to chase like I need another hole in my wallet).
johnny twoshoes
I just looked it up to see what it was all about, honestly it sounded like a foreign steel, but I know GEC wouldn't do that. It may have a funny name, but I wouldn't mess with it, it sounds great.
Dec 17, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Just posted a new discussion up above. Chime in and let us know what you think!
Dec 20, 2011
Jan Carter
just saw...we have 140 members in here and just today hit 1000 comments. I love being a part of this wonderful and active group. Thanks everyone for making this so much fun everyday!!!
Dec 21, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Fresh! Spiral Cut Buffalo Horn GEC Northfield #46 , one of 9 made December 2011, unserialized. I'll take a better picture in the daylight...
Dec 21, 2011
Billy Oneale
Dec 21, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Luca, that is a beauty for sure, love the long pulls on the Northfields. Another great specimen of GEC quality!!!
Dec 24, 2011
Jan Carter
Dec 24, 2011
tom white
MERRY CHRISTMAS to everone ,got me a 72 pattern today ,and hope santa is good to everyone ,TOM@KAY
Dec 24, 2011
Jan Carter
Yea!!! a 72 wooohooo. Tried to call yesterday Thomas
Dec 24, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Merry Christmas to everyone, God Bless and be safe this holiday season!!!
Dec 24, 2011
Vicky Kirchoff
Merry Christmas and to all a good knife! ;)
Dec 24, 2011
johnny twoshoes
I got some GEC stuff to share, but we'll see tomorrow about knives. I can't wait to get pics. : )
Dec 24, 2011
Jan Carter
A Beavertail has come to see me!!!!
Dec 25, 2011
In Memoriam
Robert Burris
A sweet little Bullwinkle Moose in burnt stag has made it home in Cajun land.
Dec 25, 2011
johnny twoshoes
Me too Jan!!!!
I can't wait to share.
Dec 25, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Dec 29, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Maybe the Lumberjack will be a Whaler with some sort of jigged wooden handles??? Maybe it will be a Whaler with a Jack set up? The anticipation is getting to me. I love these hints that GEC drops on us, now I'm hungry for more! Wait, is that a #26 or #36 main blade on top of the #46 main blade, or is it just the regular #46 pen blade? Now I have to go and look and compare the photo below to my knives...
Dec 29, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Robert, you made me want a Moose! I want a Moose! I think I need a Moose! Anybody else out there want and need a Moose? More Moose please... I can't get the Moose out of my head. I'm in the mood for Moose!
Dec 29, 2011
Jan Carter
What do you think about something along the lines of an old clasp knife. A modified version of course but maybe?
Dec 30, 2011
Luca Vignelli
Thinking about it, but my hallucinations below might not be such a bad idea, something new and completely over the top, but in a good way. Now I don't want to offend any purists here, but what if GEC made a new variant of the #46 Whaler and replaced the smaller pen blade with a full size #36 main blade in a Moose configuration, or maybe even in a Jackknife configuration too??? Wow, would that be cool! Two monster blades on one frame, "two great tastes that taste great together..." Then they could call it the "Jumbo Jack"!!! I like that idea, and I think the name is really catchy! The Jumbo Jack! Hey, if they made one, I'd be the first in line to get one!
Dec 31, 2011
Jim McLeod
Luca ...
I place my #85 main blade on top of the #46 and it looks to be a darn good fit and similarity to the picture.
Dec 31, 2011
Jan Carter
Dec 31, 2011
Rusty R Halsey
Luca, Bulldog did something similar in '03 or '04, made muskrat, trapper and congress style sunfish. I have one of the muskrats (see pic below). Imagine a muskrat with 2 fat clip blades! The congress was pretty wild with 4 big blades. Of course those were all with the normal #36 size blades. A #46 muskrat or congress would be mind boggling!
Handmade, if I remember right, Jan's knife has smooth bone handles and is pretty rare.
Dec 31, 2011
Rusty R Halsey
Crud, I probably just sinned by posting a pic of a non-GEC knife here. If anyone objects, I will remove it (if I can figure out how). Sorry
Dec 31, 2011
Jan Carter
Brent,
Smooth white oiled bone and they were done at a local engraver. The other side has a whaling ship.
RUSTY, LOL...I have the power to remove it but it is quite alright. We are all GEC lovers but thats because we are knive lovers first
Dec 31, 2011
Billy Oneale
Dec 31, 2011
Jan Carter
Rusty, what handle is on that Bulldog, I like it
Jan 1, 2012
johnny twoshoes
Well I think this knife will be perfect for Luca, but I'll pass. I just can't see carrying around something that big, but everyone knows I like the small knives.
Hey, I'm still hoping it's a peanut.
Jan 1, 2012
Rusty R Halsey
Jan, that is Bulldog's version of bone stag, cow bone carved to resemble stag. I've not seen this style of bone stag anywhere else, even on other Bulldogs, except for the other sunfish made in the trapper and congress style.
Jan 1, 2012
Jan Carter
Brent,
Well we knew it would be a possibilty at some point. Great Partnerships dont last forever. Bill Howard is a wonderful knife maker and we look forward to seeing Great Easterns continued success. On a personal note we will greatly miss Ken Daniels. He is a one of kind true gentleman with deep roots in the knife community. I know we will see him soon
Jan 1, 2012
JJ PARKER
Think Ryan is staying????? Hope so.
Jan 1, 2012
Jan Carter
I am hoping to speak with Chris tomorrow. Just too late to call her tonight
Jan 1, 2012
johnny twoshoes
Wow, I'm really surprised to hear this. I thought that Ken really was GEC, or a least a big part of it. I enjoyed talking with him at the Rendezvous a couple years ago. I think it would be a big loss if Ryan left as well.
I think GEC will continue to be the best, but I'm still confused!!! ????
Jan, please let us know what Christine has to say.
Jan 1, 2012
Tom Peterson
I got the same email from TSA. That is truly disappointing news. Does this mean I need to start collecting Tuna Valley Cutlery knives too? I have one of their stockman already. My credit card balance is already mimicking the national debt clock! What happened to Perry at Space Coast Cutlery who had been selling the TV knives? This might get interesting....to see what direction each company will now head in.
Jan 1, 2012
Rusty R Halsey
You guys are too cryptic or I'm too simple. I had to go to another site to discover that Ken sold his shares of GEC and bought the rights to Tuna Valley Cutlery.
Jan 2, 2012
Luca Vignelli
I think that as GEC fans, or fanatics, we owe a great deal of thanks to the two founders, Bill Howard and Ken Daniels, and all of the men and women (Chris, especially) who helped them realize their vision together. Now that Ken is striking out on his own with Tuna Valley, I'm looking forward to supporting his efforts there, while continuing my love affair with GEC and Bill Howard's work there, knowing that the standards both men set for their work are the highest in the industry. I wish them both a happy and fruitful 2012.
Jan 2, 2012
Luca Vignelli
Actually, I'm just surprised that Ken didn't sell his shares in GEC to Jan or Tom! Chuckle, chuckle...
Jan 2, 2012
Jan Carter
Well folks I know everyone is interested in whats going on. I dont want to go to far before I have spoken with everyone. I can absolutley say without a doubt that Bill Howard will continue to produce the quality unique peices we have come to expect from Tidioute, Northfield and Great Eastern Cutlery. Thats is truely just the type of knifemaker and man that he is. The folks making the knives have not changed. The factory workers will come back tomorrow just as they left before the holiday, ready to produce us the knives we crave!!!
Jan 2, 2012
johnny twoshoes
It sounds like a peaceful departure for Ken!!!
I really hope that things just continue to get better for both men. I really appreciate all what they have done for the Knife world. They completely changed my opinion on knives and they own my business. I look forward to seeing Tuna Valley thrive as I really feel they will.
Jan 2, 2012
johnny twoshoes
Jan, do you know if Ryan is staying?
Jan 2, 2012
Tom Peterson
Luca,
That would be awesome if I could afford it. I feel like I already own stock in GEC (or should) with all of their knives that I have. I think that Jan would be a better exec than I though, not to mention that she is more diplomatic and even keeled than I am. What would be your first order of business Jan? Mine would be to offer the White Owl with both clip and spear blades together as a Moose Owl/White Moose. Then I would focus on the Camp knife, Peanut, Swingguard, Gunstock and other similar patterns that GEC has not made yet. A lockback #23 too. And a GEC calendar in which collectors send in their pics to be part of the calendar and win a free knife if your photo makes the calendar. And Patti could do a GEC cookbook of all of her treats that are featured in What's Happening. More GEC swag gear too - can coolies, knife sharpeners, soft carrying cases, etc....
Jan 2, 2012
Jan Carter
I have had an opportunity to speak with Ryan this morning. He did ask me to convey some things for the Daniels family. First the answer to the burning question will he be staying the GEC. As a direct employee of the company no. He will still be involved as a sort of freelance sales. Has has asked me to let you all know his number has not changed. The Daniels family has asked that we extend a warm & genuine Thank you to all the folks here, without your support..nothing would have been possible over the past 5 years. Without sharing too many future plans...although they are sorry to see the end of this era with GEC they are looking forward to some exciting changes. Those include not only a new knife family for us all to enjoy (Tuna Valley) but also a new baby for Ryan and Courtney. I have gotten confirmation that the Daniels Family will still be attending the shows for this year and they will still be offering Great Eastern Cutlery products at those shows. In our eyes this is a wonderful step for both groups and a true win for those of us that love thier knives. More on a conversation with Bill later today.
Jan 2, 2012
Jan Carter
Well Tom it looks like you have all the bases covered with what I would do next. I would go with the swingguard as the next pattern, the cookbook would be a great offering. Lets combine the calendar and cookbook thought. Lets do a calendar with a monthly picture and and receipe. Less printing cost
Jan 2, 2012
Rusty R Halsey
Wouldn't it be great if Mr. Daniels had GEC continue to make the Tuna Valley knives? Is he going to get his own knive shop? The part of his email about using specialty steels has me excited. (Now I'm being cryptic - the email is published at TSAknives.com)
Jan 2, 2012
Jan Carter
Had a comforting and exciting conversation with Bill Howard this morning. Bill is excited about the next era for GEC and all that it will bring. For those of you that know Bill, you know he values his commitment to the quality of a great USA made knife and the patterns we would not have seen revived without them the past few years.
So Look forward to some new and exciting patterns, same great quality and wonderful folks at GEC!!! I hear that the new one is going to knock our socks off
Jan 2, 2012
Tom Peterson
Jan,
I like the calendar/recipe combo! I would also like to see a daily GEC calendar - the kind that you rip off the page each day. It could utilize the knife debut pictures that GEC uses and it could say the day/year that each knife & handle type came out. On days with no knife debut collector pics could fill in.
On a more serious note I appreciate your being our liason between all of us GEC fans and the folks at GEC. It is reassuring to get some information about this split in a timely manner and know that the info is pretty much first hand and not watered down. I'm happy to hear that Ken & Ryan will be moving forward with Tuna Valley and that GEC will continue to make the great knives that we all love & also that the split was on friendly terms. I'm sure that we will all look forward to offerings by both companies. It might be interesting if GEC /Cyclops continued to make the TV knives to keep the bar set high but if not I am sure that quality will continue to be a top priority with Ken & Ryan. It might be nice if GEC or TV would issue a statement about the split and the direction of both operations so that speculation is kept to a minimum.
Jan 2, 2012
Jan Carter
Watch for those first hand announcements soon. Just finishing up the holidays for everyone
Jan 2, 2012
Jan Carter
Even sooner than we anticipated.....This just posted on GEC's site
A message to Great Eastern Cutlery customers, friends, fans, and family!
In 2006, when no one locally or in the cutlery industry would take a chance on a new start up cutlery manufacturing company, Ken Daniels was the only person who wasn’t scared by the challenges. He shared my dream and together we created Great Eastern Cutlery.
He has been integral to the company, but as with all things there is change,
and as of December 30th, 2011 the company has purchased Ken’s shares
and he is no longer a partner in Great Eastern Cutlery.
In the years since our establishment, Ken has been an asset to the company, managerially, and as the company representative in the industry. I and Ken share the same values, authenticity, quality, honesty, and loyalty. With much help from Ken, we have built the Great Eastern Cutlery reputation on these values. As we go forward, we will miss Ken but our values as a company will not change.
I and all the other GEC employees owe Ken a big THANK YOU for all that he has done for this company and we wish him the best. We still expect to see him here often and also expect to have a good business relationship with him in the future.
Bill Howard
President
Great Eastern Cutlery
Jan 2, 2012
johnny twoshoes
I really look forward to more news on all that is happening.
Jan, does it appear to you that Ken and Ryan will open a new factory? Or will GEC still produce the knives sold under the TV brand?
Jan 2, 2012
Chris Stookey
All I have to do is blink and the world gets tipped upside down. So...Ken and Ryan will be leaving GEC. Good grief. Technically, I know that this is none of my business...but I'd like to know "Why?" Is it a difference in opinion on direction for GEC? Is it that the Daniels want to run their own show without any other investors? Is it a health issue (God forbid!)?
I currently own some 92 GEC knives and just placed an order for 3 more (from the awesome Gary Norton of Northwest Knife Company). I'm a devout GEC collector (my latest is a #23 liner lock Northfield in Black Plum; Merry Christmas!). I have to be candid here; the idea of Ken and Ryan leaving GEC really bothers me. Of course I know that the work of Bill Howard, Chris Tucker and others are critical to the incredible knives that we all enjoy. Having been a businessman for decades, I know that, oftentimes, it is the chemistry of the people that make a company really "work". If that chemistry is changed, sometimes things don't "work". Truly, a company is the result of that chemistry and the people are the most important component.
So what does Ken and Ryan leaving mean for us as collectors? Certainly, I'm NOT going to stop buying GEC. Of course, I've heard about Tuna Valley Cutlery...though I know very little about it. I gather that GEC makes knives for this company. What's the Daniels involvement in it? Owners? Working for it? As dealers? I ask because I'd like to know what is going on. While I've read the posting thread below...I'm a detail kind of person...so in order for my "need to know" to be satisfied, I have to have some fairly specific information. That's the way that I'm wired.
Ultimately, it would be great for GEC to continue on to achieve even more success (without any compromise in product quality or standards) AND to have some great knives available to us through TVC (though I need another knife company to chase like I need another hole in my wallet).
Jan 2, 2012