Okay, I did the deed. I placed my first GEC order last night. Not one....not two....but THREE knives!

Okay, I give.....what does "PPP Pattern Production Premier" mean? First run of that pattern?

So now Craig, which three have set you a fire with glee.....and yes on the PPP

1. #26 Northfield Sleeveboard in Cocobola with clip

2. #33 Northfield Conductor in Burnt Sienna Jigged Bone

3. #33 Northfield Conductor in Stag

That is exciting Craig!!  And a PPP too?

No, no PPP.  I just noticed that listed on a dealers site.

I'm already looking around and thinking about my next months knife order!

Where's the best place to find out stuff about GEC?  

Also, do they put out new handle materials every year? On each model, or just selected models? 

Are all production runs split up with half serialized and half non-serialized?

Are they going to continue to produce fixed blades, or is what is out now all there is going to be?

Do they always produce a model or pattern in both Northfield and Tidioute markings?

How often do they come out with a completely new pattern?

Craig...ooouuch careful you don't want to overload on to much information at once,you might go broke.....

For more information you'll need to take in a few other Blogs and Forums

Other GEC Dealers

TSA Knives Blog (linked from website)

Old Hundred Collectibles Blog (linked from website

Collector Knives (left hand side towards bottom link to register)

Forums

All About Pocket Knives

And you bound to see a few familiar names

Craig,

LOL...we are happy to answer any questions right here.

Each year there are handle materials and patterns added to the line.  The mix is based on many things included the feedback from the customers.

Not all productions are split.  Most are not even.  If a run calls for 30 knives, they need to make about 40 or so to account for those that dont make the grade.  So the original 30 will be serialized and then any remaining are non serialized.  Some runs are just not serial numbered at all

There are no plans to drop the fix blade production.  They just dont make them as often as they do the pocketknives

Completely new pattern, it varies.  New frame and everything, a few times a year.  A change to an existing frame..pretty often

Jim is certainly right. All of those are good places to get information and you will certainly see some familiar faces.

Jan,

Thanks as always!

Jim,

Thanks Jim. I've already been to those places. Overload? Me? LOL! I LOVE knife information! At my age now I might not remember a lot of it (I don't know if I should laugh or cry), but overload....no way!

I see now Craig..you have an insatiable appetite for more information and you've run the gambit on all the regular hang outs for GEC....one thing left to do Dorothy follow the Black Pavement to PA.

One of the things that make knife collecting = buying is the studing of all the different knives, patterns and handles. I think this part of knife collecting is lost by some people but can be a very enjoyable part of the hobby. Good luck Craig, I know you will make a great choice. GEC, forever!

Jim, I like how you think!!!

Comment by Jim McLeod 1 hour ago

Jim Said;

I see now Craig..you have an insatiable appetite for more information and you've run the gambit on all the regular hang outs for GEC....one thing left to do Dorothy follow the Black Pavement to PA.

Hmmm....I was born in PA. Maybe  I should go visit. Except I can't afford it......I buy too many knives! LOL!

Ok, here are answers to all your questions:

We are always looking for more or different handle materials/colors to put on the knives.  They go on any or all models.

Serialized/non-serialized usually follow these basic guidelines:  if the run is under 50 pcs. then there are no serial numbers put on the knife, if the run is 50 pcs. to 75 then we serialized the first 25 pcs. and not the rest, if the run is 75 pcs. or more then we serialize the first 35 pcs. and not the rest.

We will continue to produce fixed blade knives and there are some on our schedule at this time and should be finished in the next month or two.

Most of the time we produce in both the Tidioute and Northfield patterns at the same time.  Tidioute being the working man's line and the Northfield is the fancier line with more expensive handle materials, different swedges, long pull nail marks, lined/slanted/dimpled bolsters on some.

As for new patterns (new body styles) we currently have something brand new come out approx. every 6 - 8 weeks.  In between this time we will often take an existing pattern and change the blade configuration in it to then have another new knife with a old body style.

I hope this has answered all your questions and if there is anything else I can help you with just let me know.

thanx alot chris!

THANK YOU MS. CHRIS!!!!!

Thanks Chris, that was great!

Wow, Craig! Those answers all came straight from the proverbial, "horses's mouth." Chris is the lady whose name is on all of my GEC certificates of authenticity. It don't get much better than that!

BTW, she's about the prettiest filly you're ever likely to see, also! (I hope that gets me off the hook for the horse reference? lol)

Chris Tucker said;

...Tidioute being the working man's line and the Northfield is the fancier line...

Hmmm, I'm retired, therefore not working, so I guess I'm a Northfield man?  And.....I'm fancy! Lol!

But, I WILL be getting some Tidioute sooner or later!

My little review on my first is up there in the #33 Conductor discussion.

GEC lists the #33 as 3 3/8" closed? Mine measures 3 1/4" closed.

Craig,

Get yourself a GEC knife sleeve and you can carry it and use it while still keeping it new looking! I try to buy a Tidioute knife in patterns that I collect Northfields in and use the Tidioute. You could just buy two of a Northfield too and use one of them! Welcome aboard though, enjoy your new GEC's!!!

I know Tom, but that means more expense buying one for using and one for collecting. I like the plainer everyday look of the Tidioute, but, those Northfields are just so sexy with all the extra bells and whistles!

Excuse me while I go bang my head against the wall.....

My other two came today! I can't take any pictures today, it's misting outside and I prefer taking pictures outside. 

Well, anywho......I'm just more tickled. I LOVE the #33, and the Sleeveboard...........well.........I have no words. It is such a cool little knife! Tight, solid.

I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow and do a little review.

I'm hooked.

I want to use one SOOO bad!

Ron,

I just realized what great save you made regarding the horses mouth ROFL!!!

Craig,

Cant wait to hear about them!

Tom,

Good to see you around here been awhile and we did miss you :)

Thanks Jan,

Good to be back. Missed you all too! I have been sulking because I haven't been able to afford any new knives (or at least not too many). I tried living vicariously through everyone else here and that worked for a bit but I have been watering at the mouth over some of the newer patterns. I did pick up a couple of GEC's to tide me over and have been pulling out some of my older GEC's to enjoy and that helped out a lot. But it always seems like your favorite knife is the one you just got (or the one you plan on getting next)! That is the good part and bad part of knife collecting!

Hey guys, I have pictures of my new stag Conductor up there, and, my little review on my new Sleeveboard......up there.

What do I get next...........hmmm, I think a Tidioute #53 "Cattle Knife" in ebony sounds good. And/or , a Northfield #66 Stockman. Maybe a stag Sleeveboard...maybe  a Buffalo Horn Conductor...maybe.............

Graig...

Both the #53 and #66 are excellent choices.  In my opinion, GEC, Tuna Valley and Moore Maker Knives are taking some market shares of what was once W. R. Case and Sons.  The buyers of Case normally are buying them for collection purposes.  Generally speaking, the buyers of the GEC, Tuna Valley and Moore Maker Knives buy them for use.  I know Moore Maker sells many of their knives to cattlemen, ranchers, farmers as a working knife.  For this reason, Dave and his Dad Wayland have a very critical eye for defects and reject and return everyone they find.  GEC and Tuna Valley are every bit the perfectionist as well.  I just love these knives.

LOL! a note: Of the 48,000+ knives in stock....the one I wanted to buy was out of stock.  LOL!!  I will have to wait.

Clint, that's how my luck runs sometime but the wait can be enjoyable and the arrival of the new knife that much more exciting.

Craig,

Maybe an iKC 2012 knife?

Clint,

Of course you wanted the out of stock model ROFL!

Case? is Case still making knives? LOL! (sorry Case lovers, please forgive me).  As far as a US made knife, I can't see in these days spending my few pennies on Case when there's GEC, and the others you mentioned Clint.

And as far as collector value.....I don't collect for "collector value"! 

Tom Peterson keeps whispering White Owl in my ear!   I've been looking at them, but I better take a closer look before Tom hits me.  Maybe a White Owl with spear blade in Bocote?  Or Autumn Gold Jigged Bone. Or Buffalo Horn. Or.......

hey craig  , heres a little sleeveboard i had stashed away...and a 23 super rare i'm sure you will enjoy...and anybody else looking at these .i'm going thru and wiping down some of my collection...will try to take better pics when i get a batt for my nicer camera.

that is..if you're looking a #1 looking glass test run 26  and a proto 2 blade liner lock buffalo horn.    hope everyone can see those, i have a couple more shots on my wall...my camera is not the best!

Robert...

Yea I know what you mean. I just received a Tuna Valley, 1 of 50, and there was a mar on the blade.  OUCH!

Craig....

Tom is whispering in your ear?? TMI!

Hey now guys! LOL, this is a knife forum!

I wish he'd whisper; "I'll buy you any knife you want." Then I'll follow him anywhere......well, almost.  LOL!

Anyone have a clue as to what the best selling GECs are? The #33 has to be one. It's tough to find several of the handle materials, and some dealers have none to few to pick from.  Or, I'm just not used to shopping around for GECs and have no idea what to find here and there. Or, I got bit by too many skeeters.

73 single blade/72 lock back

Top five?

Anyone see the new #65 Benjamin L. Hogan on the GEC site! Looks like a lock back! http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/information/65-benjamin-l-hogan/

I'm back to carrying my Sleeveboard. One cool little knife......with a bear trap of a back spring!

What's that I hear..........the #33 saying "Come back, come back..."

Craig,

Be sure to check the discussion on name that jig....

Thanks Jan! Checked it out and put my suggestion in. 

I think I like those Blue Corduroy handles. I'll be anxious to see better up close and personal pictures.

Craig,

I couldnt get it personally but thats as close a close up as I could get you LOL

Well in that case....I guess I'll have to wait until someone buys one! LOL!

I am interested in seeing some of them also.  I would love to see the depth of that handle material.  From the angle they have shown it appears that it is very close to an older cell material as you and Tom were saying.  I like some of the acrylics and the colors and depths we see in them but it is not the same and the old celluloid where the color was infused so deeply.  That is one of the reasons I liked the rootbeer so much.  So as soon as one gets home PLEASE share some pics!!