Case vs. GEC: Traditional Knife Heavyweights Face Off

[@norby0418]

I have a 20+ year old USA made Schrade 30 OT Medium Stockman that has absolutely flawless fit & finish! granted the left their knives with a brushed finish on the blades and backsprings but they are flawless. And I paid about $15 for it new in the early 90's. So much has changed.

[@dwainsw4076]

Case has been doing a credible job making Pocket knives for a while. I’m 71 and I’ve carried a slip joint, often a case, since I was about 12.

[@dwainsw4076]

Rhetorical Answer sadly, you’re probably right. They are, however, the last of the traditional American makers still producing traditional knives in the U.S.A, aren’t they? They must have done something right over the years.

[@StPieXOraProNobis]

My dad's old Case Stockman from the 50s (I'm guessing) is rock solid, but has a nailbreaker backspring. My new GEC Grinling Whittler is a nicer knife in many ways, but I gotta say it kind of rubs me a little wrong to shell out $145 (stag was all I could find) and for that price, have to live with a small amount of secondary blade play, a teeny bit of blade centering issue with the same secondary, a backspring spacer that was distinctly proud of the back springs and rough, a deep dent in one of the bolsters, and a center pin that was rough and not trimmed or peened well. I'm a watchmaker so perhaps my attention to detail is more than most? I dunno. I've heard hit or miss things about GEC's warranty and I'm not sure if any of these little f&f issues are even worth the trouble of sending the knife in. I fixed the pin peening myself with a dremel polisher so it wouldn't cut my hand, sanded the backspring slightly, and I'm wondering if it's worth the risk and bother to tighten the bolster -probably not. I like the knife but it's hard not to be disappointed at so many little issues, for the fair amount of coin paid.

[@mikesalsgiver7480]

I live in Tidioute pa. Gec makes a Tidioute model of knife. Gec is manufactured in Titusville pa, which is only 20 miles from Tidioute and only 60 miles from where case knives are produced. Lots of great knives made within 60 miles of each other

[@terrillschneider3778]

This is the type of video that attracted me to your channel

[@Markstervideo]

Of last 3 case I ordered only one had perfect blade centering. This is a big no go for me especially on a 60 70 dollar knife. None of my 6 gec knives have this problem. That says a lot to me.

[@tomallen100]

We should feel fortunate to be burdened with the choice. I like both!

[@sharpdad33]

Yeah I agree. In the end it's function over form. Yet if you are shelling out $65-$180 per traditional it adds up. Especially when 80-90% have great fit and finish and the other couple are only 50% as good. It's a tough call....but bladeforums had a really good traditional community. One mans problem slip joint can be another's treasure. That my friend is beautiful.

[@billpohlman803]

No

[@555Gear]

Solid objective comparison of three very nice traditionals!

[@hammerandnails7594]

Just bought a Case mini copperlock. I was excited to get it. When I did receive it in the mail the finish was just as I expected. I was happy. Until I noticed the blade, the centering was way off. Long story short, I emailed Case with a picture of the problem and the said this was normal and fell with there quality standard. They didn't offer to do anything knowing I was disappointed with the appearance of the blade. Kinda think that's subpar customer service. I spent good money and got a crooked blade, I don't think many people would be happy with that. I guess a big company like Case doesn't care much about the average Joe but has no problem taking my money.

[@40belowful]

I got the first gec knife cause of your reviews:):) and the whittler 3 bladed knife blows the case out of the water with great fit and finish. AND iam a life long case collector??? The 3 bladed whittler by gec IS a work of art. Iam a believer now:):) thanks

[@TheApostleP]

40belowful Now that's quite a testimonial! Thanks for the comment.

[@xxbryan715xx]

I really need to try a GEC. I have been on a bark river kick recently that I don't want to interrupt though :)

[@WilliamSonOfAlexander]

I would kill to own that beautiful baby blue Northwoods Fremont Jack. One of the most beautiful knives I’ve ever seen.

[@WilliamSonOfAlexander]

If you ever need a new home for it I will take care of it’s needs.

[@0scartheCat]

I had a Case stockman with dreadful blade rub, I was quite surprised, I thought the fit would be better. I'm saving for a GEC now.

[@fourevergreen2843]

For fans of the Fremont Jack, Derrick has said on Bladeforums that he's already placed an order for 300 more of these knives. It'll just take a few months for it to be fulfilled by GEC. Mammoth bark, two different camel bones, and a green micarta if I remember correctly.

[@TheApostleP]

Ooohhhh... Green Micarta!!!!!

[@toddvandyke8737]

Great video Sir! You have piqued my curiosity about GEC. Thanks for the review! Stay strong in the word!

[@TheApostleP]

Thanks, Todd. May God bless you Richly :)

[@umac76]

I much prefer my GEC knives to my Case knives, but you alluded to another advantage Case has over GEC when you mentioned how the Case polishing process results in rounded blade tips; it also results in a smoother knife feel overall. In your vid "GEC #66 Calf Roper Review: Stout, Smooth, Strong... Bill's Best Kept Secret" you noted that the corner of the tang of a closed GEC blade bites. This doesn't happen with Case knives, which have a much "softer", more friendly feel in hand.

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

I know that universal statements are prone to controversy, but of my 1/2 dozen or so case knives, I've not found a rounded tip on one. Every one (trappers, copperlocks, Russlocks, backpockets, etc.) has a needle sharp point (except fot the backpocket which by design is more blunt), suitable for splinter removal. I wish that GEC knives were available in my area, but I would have to order internationally without holding in my hand before purchase.

[@umac76]

@@blueeyeswhitedragon9839 @Sharp Knife I agree, I've never felt the need for any of my Csse knives to have a sharper tip. The tip of the knife is the least important part, used less than any other part of the blade.

[@twilightshooter4990]

I have one arm. I open my folders with my feet and a CaseXX blade pick. I collect CaseXX Russlock , both Copper-locks , Tribal lock and trapper-lock. I have 6 GEC knives on pre-order. 2019 will be a great knife year for me.

[@JBCaudillKnives]

Agree on the GEC finish at the bolsters. I took some 1500 sandpaper and smoothed the transitions on my gec/ northfield half whittler. I shouldn't have to do this on a knife over $100. I hope the folks at GEC are listening and fix the issue, cause I like everything else about the knife.

[@twilightshooter4990]

My CaseXX dark red bone CV kick start mid hunter had to be repaired at the factory. It rattled when you shake it with the blade open. I talked to a female EBAY dealer that has sold a 1000+ of them this year. She sent the first (24) back to the factory. They all rattle for the spring to work. I can never stop playing with that kickstart knife. Open and close non stop , I can't put it down. I cut my only thumb twice during the only week of possession . I will play with it until it falls apart. I only need one.

[@bruceswearingen7718]

I like the 1\2stop feature also.My EDC Benchmark prospect has the feature

[@Sir_Arlin]

Oh that northwoods is beautiful... im hoping to pick up a northwoods warncliff or spearpoint jack soon....

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

A very good idea for a video, mate. I love Case knives in spite of some fit and finish issues (I only buy CV). My Case Muskrat has one of the blades a little proud in the open position. Over here in Europe GECs are hard to get. I love to see them, although I can't see how they cost so much on the secondary market. I can only suppose the reason is scarcity. Your Case Stockman has a lot less rub scratches than mine. Is their an easy fix for the rounded Case clippint points?

[@CampfireTalk]

Wish I would have seen this before I picked up that GEC sodbuster. Kidding : ) Hey, I like 'em both.

[@matthewwilhelm5296]

Thanks. A nice review of some issues that I will note when looking at my own knives. I have two GECs and a few 70s and earlier Cases. I, like some others, am not buying new Case products due to quality issues although GEC has some also.

[@ctaber2011]

excellant video Rob, and congrats on 3,000!!! wow!

[@unionhobbyist979]

I also loathe the infamous round tips on Case knives, however in my experience the carbon steel variety are much more pointed. Obviously this has to do with the polishing, or lack thereof on the CV blades. I really wish Case had more CV offerings. I imagine (just my opinion) that a large majority of Case knives never get used. Just pretty little things in someone's collection, hence the abundance of Stainless.

[@TheApostleP]

Shhhhhh! It's a secret :)

[@unionhobbyist979]

TheApostleP LOL

[@howabouthetruth2157]

WE HAVE A WINNER!!! NEWS FLASH!!! ( unless I missed a video ) HEADLINE>>>>HISTORICAL MOMENT ON KZbin>>>> Somebody FINALLY EXPLAINS WHY we don't see perfect hair splittin' mirror polished factory edges on production knives!!! THANK YOU ROB. I'm a dork with no decent camera, never made a YT video, don't know HOW TO, but in more videos than I can count, folks complaining about factory edges. Yet NOT ONE person gave the GOOD REASON WHY. That always frustrated the crap out of me because I knew why. IT TAKES TIME. AND TIME EQUALS $$. It would take FOREVER to sharpen one entire run. You hit the nail on the head Brother! They would have to hire AN ARMY to properly sharpen all those knives. Rob, I think ALL the companies should send you a "Thank You" card with a hundred dollar bill in it. NOW maybe all those guys who thought it to be such a "mystery" can smack their own forehead & say "Why didn't I think of that, it makes sense". And the existing video makers who DID KNOW......well, they can smack their own foreheads too. Rob, YOU 'DA MAN, LOL. EXCELLENT video, enjoyed it.

[@SubUrbanNinja-EDC]

I know I am going to get a lot of hate for saying this but..... 1.) If I pay $50 to $300 for a slip joint, it should come razor sharp. It does not cost anything to machine sharpen a knife except a few minutes. It takes me a few minutes to make a Rough Ryder knife acceptably shart with my Lansky sharpener and a strop. And I am not even an experienced knife person. 2.) If I pay $50 to $300 for a slip joint, it should have a superior fit and finish. And it should be made out of genuine materials and better heat treated steel and steel material. 3.) If I pay $50 to $300 for a slp joint, it should have a lifetime warranty. 4.) If I pay $50 to $300 for s slip joint, yes...it better be made in the USA. Now with all that said. I love Rough Ryder knives. They are fun to collect. They are inexpensive. They are practical working knives. They are high quality made and put together well. I owned a Case knife before and I will be honest. That Case was no better than the Rough Ryders I have today. Even if that Case had a better steel and my Rough Ryders have a 440 steel, from what I can tell, the 440 steel on my Rough Ryder is working great. And their Carbon classic knives perform well too. Edge retention does not concern me. I am retired and I have all day to play with knives and sharpen and strop them after each use. Besides, what fun is it if your knives are all maintenance free?

[@davethebarber62920]

Nice review. Case does a really good job of having a mirror finish and has a much bigger selection of handle colors to choose from as compared to GEC. I feel case also is better at coming up with new designs and has history on its side. Its designs are classic. GEC usually feels like a more solid knife than case and the price reflects that. Thanks for another fine review.

[@dave308ek92646]

Great video, I have watched many of yours and they are informative. Makes my want a high end never resharpened slipjoint but I always seem to keep my old Schrade Waldens with lots of patina. The last one I bought the main blade of a 60's 80t for $9.99 was re-sharpend but the sheepsfoot was not and it shaved the hair off my arm. I couldn't believe it (maybe it was re-sharpened, haha).

[@Lars1540]

Hey Rob, just as you said that great eastern cutlery should send a spy over to case to learn how to do their scale to bolster transition, case should also send a spy over to great eastern cutlery to learn how to put proper tips on their knives! LOL maybe these two companies should just hook up and have a learning day with each other. On another note though, I honestly believe one of the best kept secrets in traditional slip joint folding knives is Imperial Schrade knife company! Sure, they don't have the fit and finish of case knives when it comes to scale to bolster transition, however after seeing the quality of great eastern cutlery's fit and finish, I don't think Imperial is really any worse. And I'm sure the Chinese MoV stainless steel being used in the imperial knives is not as good as those used in the GEC or case knives, however since the blades are so thin they are easily resharpened anyways as you stated with the knives in this video. But the real icing on the cake is that for the quality you are getting, you're only paying about eight dollars for an Imperial knife! You just can't beat that! I think they make fabulous EDC beater knives for the money!

[@ericm4658]

I just bought my first budget traditional, it was a Rough Rider stockman though (chinese brand with a shameless name) I've heard very good things about them Have you tried them? I had looked at the schrade imperials but I didn't like the handle materials. Maybe ill try one out.

[@Lars1540]

I've heard decent reviews about the rough riders, but the consensus is that if you have the money for a Case then you are much better off just getting the Case. As for the Schrade Imperial line of traditional folders, I own 3 different models- a stockman, trapper, and a sod buster. The steel is of horrible quality and will not take a keen edge, nor hold it. The back springs are also very stiff and cause the user to put a lot of stress on their finger nail to open the blades... Not something everyone can tolerate. So even despite the price point, I cannot recommend the Imperial knives. My advise is that if you're looking for a traditional slip-joint folder, just save up and get a Case. You will be much happier in the end and they have some pretty affordable models for those that are new to traditional models and don't have or necessarily want to spend a lot of money on their first traditional. The Trapper CV sells on Amazon for about $35. That's really good, and shouldn't break most people's bank either. Plus they use a great carbon steel in their blades as well! I have one and it gets atom-splitting sharp! Plus I put my own patina on the blades since it was carbon steel. But if you prefer stainless, they have those as well for just a bit more money. Good luck!

[@mr.quiltworth845]

Case, Queen, or GEC. They are even making barlows in Europe. I'll probably get a Case Barlow because barlows were considered working class knives back in the day, but they were made of carbon steel. So maybe GEC. Idk.

[@kennymacdowell1257]

Honestly kershaw comes with a very sharp edge on a Walmart 2 pack Christmas specials. So it can be done. Same for Camillus China made knives. With that said, I may have to look into getting one these GEC knives. :-D

[@jimbok2492]

I like your videos. Here i am watching one from 6 years ago but I dont see how you call it your edge while using a guided sharpener. Keep up the good work.

[@TheApostleP]

Setting the angle is about 3% of sharpening. So I guess it’s only 97% my edge.

[@Daves_Man_Cave]

Case is so hit or miss with the quality though... One is perfect, the next one is complete junk... I won't buy a Case knife unless I can inspect them and go through them personally to find a good one... Reached out to Customer Service last week over one that showed up with huge gaps, pins sticking out, a cracked slab, horrid transitions from the scales to the bolsters, etc... They haven't bothered to get back to me, probably because there are 5,000 people with similar complaints in line ahead of me...

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I get mirror-finish hair-whittling edges with my paper wheels, and it only takes a couple of passes per blade assuming there is no actual damage. I suspect there are some manufacturers who use paper wheels or something analogous. For example, every kershaw knife I have bought has had a mirrored razor edge. Those knives don't cost loads of money, so they must have found a way to automate the process. It seems like every traditional folder I buy has a mediocre edge, and I always need to touch it up on my paper wheels before I drop it in my pocket. Funnily enough, the most consistently sharp traditionals in my experience are the Rough Riders. Case is hit or miss.

[@tylermatthews1094]

Hey Rob , Im a Case collector if I sent you a couple would you do a review on them ? Ive noticed you are in a traditional knife craze right now, loving the traditional videos!

[@TheApostleP]

I'd be happy to, Tyler. All my shipping / contact info is in the description of my sharpening service video.

[@tylermatthews1094]

Sounds great ! I'll get your info and have them shipped to you as soon as I can. Thanks :)

[@TheApostleP]

Sounds great, buddy! I'll look forward to it :)

[@pietermoore]

There are a good bit of gec knives that don't have half stops. Other then that great points and great review of the two companies. Thank you sir. Only thing I'd liked to have heard about was blade play. Every case knife I've ever picked up had play and almost every gec has too lol. Part of the game I suppose.

[@TheApostleP]

Thanks for that bit of information, Pieter. I've probably only had in hand 7 or 8 patterns from GEC, and they've all had half stops, but I realize that's only roughly 10% of the patterns they make.

[@Jaybird-oo3ih]

Both companies make great knives, you'll find fit and finish issues in both companies from time to time, The one thing that I absolutely love about GEC is that most are made in 1095, that is what I love my pocket knives to be made in. and GEC generally has the best consistency with fine fit and finish. I like both companies but I find myself carrying a GEC more than a Case nowadays. Don't get me wrong, I have samples of both in my collections but GEC nowadays has the best fit and finish most often than not. no hand made knife is perfect, but like I said I prefer the 195 or CV blades in my knives.

[@05generic]

Reflecting on previous vids and the resurgence of traditionals, I could almost hear this one coming. ; )

[@TheApostleP]

Of course you could, Robert... :)

[@phillipjohnson2102]

It doesn't seem fair to compare a fifty dollar knife to a hundred dollar or more knife. I believe a better comparison would come from a case select or other premium case offering. Thanks.

[@TheApostleP]

phillip johnson Maybe so, Phillip, but the main points wouldn't change. This was the best Case I had on hand at the time of the video, but at twice the price, Case knives still have the same issues.

[@BradleyVictor]

Am I the only one for whom the audio isn't working properly? The music at the beginning comes through, but I'm not hearing you speak. I'd like to hear what you have to say!

[@TheApostleP]

It's fixed now I think...

[@BradleyVictor]

TheApostleP Still not working for me, but thanks for trying. I wondered if it was something on my end, but I can't seem to find an issue. Oh well, the problem only occurs on some of your videos. I've been enjoying the others!

[@sharpdad33]

My Northfield is decent. Not perfect....seems rushed. The moccasin case is too coarse and really scuffs up the nickel even more. They should wrap in wax paper prior to inserting. My stag GEC has awful off centering as of late. It's pretty new and developed bad play so needs to go in for warranty service. (I'll keep you updated if you care to be) otherwise besides these two most of my GECs have been great. My Case/Bose colab was perfect. I have the yellow Delrin Case XX backpocket (Bose) on the way. And a GEC #48 showing up soon along with an AG Russell yellow Delrin Sowbelly single blade clip showing up this week too! Haha I'll send any you want to review. I finally ordered a tripod to do slip joint reviews. I will talk again...

[@TheApostleP]

Great points all, buddy. I'm with you on the moccasin case, btw. I had the same issue with my Fremont Jack, but I wasn't sure whether it was from the case or just a poor polish. I do suppose though, that we "modern knife" guys need to shift our expectations just a bit with traditionals when it comes to things like blade play and centering. I think it's always going to be sort of hit & miss in those areas, and really always has been. That's why makers developed precision ground blade tangs, adjustable pivots and phosphor bronze washers on modern knives in the first place. To some degree, these little annoyances are part of what makes traditional knives traditional.

[@llamov]

Re: Paying for an edge. I collect American made knives, though admittedly older "users." I also own a few Chinese made sub $20 knives which were sharp; really sharp, out of the box. Now, the Chinese workman is not being paid $15 an hour plus benefits, but I'll never believe they're takinf an hour per blade to sharpen them. Do you know how they do it? I sure do not.

[@claytonbigsby6975]

Nice videos, Gec better than case. Just my opinion Old case are great current case are hit or miss. Love your gec Barlow videos, as a result i have close to 20 charlows

[@jojojeep1]

More than these knives And These guns, is that Bible you showed and what’s in it. Stay blessed

[@KYTO82]

Good Video I own both Case and Gec to me there are case knifes better than others I like to hand pick my Case knifes the thing that bothers me and it seems to have gotten better but still there on some case knifes is blade wobble again good video!

[@TheApostleP]

Blade play in traditionals, as much as we hate to admit this in the "modern age of knifemaking," is... *heavy sigh*... normal :( The Case Stockman in this video has a slight amount in the clip blade, but the Fremont Jack has more. I think that's a function of Derrick's decision to leave on the heat treat scale, which is severely decarburized steel, which wears away quickly by opening and closing, leaving nothing but wiggle... Part of its charm :)

[@markma7255]

Beautiful!

[@VOLTAGEVARIANT]

GREAT VIDEO !

[@rottenapple6109]

Not sure what the preamble with pistols is about. It has nothing to do with knives.

[@grandepatron]

Great vid. Good job.

[@19ADAM80]

Well since Case "lost" one of my knives in there repair dept., I've never felt the same about them, and never will!

[@Joe-jj3oh]

ADAM HENSON Did they send you a new one?

[@markturner5207]

I collected Case knives for years, then I bought my first GEC. I would give 100 Case knives for 25 GEC.

[@mqa1963]

I love the older vintage case knives the best . I have seen case knives slipping in quality in the last 10 years. sad.

[@xxbryan715xx]

I have that identical stockman. It was my first case and I wasn't that impressed. All of the reviews made it sound better than it is. Never even carried the darn thing

[@TheApostleP]

MIne is pretty much a splash of blue color on my traditional shelf... not much pocket time for it either. I guess I've become a carbon steel traditional snob :(

[@anthonyp7051]

I disagree. If we have the option to receive a sharpened blade/blades from the dealer,the extra coast will be totally satisfying every time. To know we are unboxing a knife with its designers intended edge is what I want from every buy. To think this is the reason or even just one of the reasons is a total let down. Also it allows me to replicate that edge when its time to bring that edge back instead of given it a edge I have experiment with. I even give the apex a whole new degree. So to all who are manufacturing knives,please give me the option. I’m not buying $10 knives and expecting the world in performance from them. I pay good $ for good products and mostly I’m paying outstanding coin for outstanding products. Give us the edge. We all know a sharp knife is a safe knife.

[@bruceswearingen7718]

That was a good critique..but the downside left me coveting all 3 knives

[@thunderbolt5354]

I have many case Knives They are all Have great Fit and Finish ! Screw all the Naysayers !

[@Prometheus1111]

as far as anyone sayin gec costs more, i have to disagree. the only knives i see cas xx offering that even come close to the quality of gec are the tony bose collaboratios that cost $200-$400 dollars apiece. i have a few of both and one being a eggs &hot sauce acrylic patterned #54 moose that would easily be $100+ had it been made by case xx. don't get me wrong, i like 'em both but, to me the gec is far better by comparison in every aspect.

[@recoveringknowitall1534]

Much prefer the case knives

[@twilightshooter4990]

There is no such thing as a 100% perfect knife.

[@Joe-jj3oh]

Twilight Shooter Yeah there is

[@Joe-jj3oh]

To some people there are perfect knives out there. It’s a matter of opinion.

[@joegelencser2571]

And they're all kind of lousy with no lock and I don't mean that shitty one like to new people put on God-bless everyone

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thanks

[@stevenwebb7347]

it's my birthday October the 5 I got a cupscout c

[@jasonwainwright83]

Case xx is the best

[@maguraboy]

There is absolutly no excuse for the out of the box bad cutting edge .I have a ton of Case knives and their cutting edges are a joke.Same with Buck and Benchmade.I have way too many whetstones and it is not a problem for me but I feel sorry for the suckers waving around a knife with a #240 toothy edge around,thinking they have a working,cutting tool.With the equipment and skill they have it takes not an hour but 10-15min(or less) to do a polished,low angle scalpel blade.With you theory you would sell a car without the wheels and tyres and call it a fair deal(because it is cost effective).Americans should finaly start larning from the Europeans and the Japanese-when you do something,do it right!Whether it is houses,cars or even food.It is the short term revenue/profit mentality causing mediocre products and services.Spyderco,Ontario rats and Cold Steel cut very well out of the box.

[@claytonbigsby6975]

I hate to admit it but case, and theur knives lately have been really crappy. I am no longer collecting case unless i inspect them. I had a lannys clip in ebony , one of the bose /case. Collaboration and even this knife left a bad taste on me. There was a big gap on the handle and bolster and the blade had some major wobble. I contacted case and shepherd hills cutlery, was so disappointed. I am in love and my collection of gec is getting bigger, now thats a true american company, well made, hands down best knufe company so far. Case has now only the reputation . Case please step up. Thanks Nice videos

[@cmd2four]

I really wanted to hear what you had to say about these beauties, but the washing machine behind you is all I could hear, had to fast forward to the next KZbinr, sorry.

[@hiboucanne5662]

tyfs

[@jojojeep1]

The average spa treatment for a knife is 40 bucks so if you’re doing them for 25 you doing people at service

[@JBBRAD9267]

It was all good until you started talking about sky daddy's and magic fairytales at the end

[@thunderbolt5354]

Slipjoint Guy Says case Knives are JUNK !

[@garrockwaters304]

too much noise

[@jclar3565]

GEC... now that Queen is out of business what are we left with knives that are named after a dead skunk made out of crap 1095 only

[@deathbyastonishment7930]

J Clar what's wrong with 1095?