GEC #15 Impressions: Now I Understand The Hype

[@ratride1]

Made a one tank trip and drove out to GEC. Any knife enthusiast would enjoy this. A very down to earth factory. Gives you that mom and pop feel. They give tours of the factory and take you step by step how they make knives. The owner came up and did the tour with us. how cool is that. Very nice people. Fit and finish are excellent and the prices are so affordable for this level of knives.

[@TheStreamingEnderman]

Shame the secondary market is terrible...

[@t_mac6866]

I only have one GEC, a #77 Medium Barlow with natural canvas micarta scales. It was a gift from my wife and is a special piece to me. I have always wanted to track down a #92 Talon in green linen micarta but they hardly come up on the secondary market. Nothing wrong with my case knives, but GEC is a step above. Nice vid man, glad you were able to finally handle one!

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thanks bud, and yeah, it was a cool introduction to the brand. You have a lot of Case knives? What brands are you most into?

[@t_mac6866]

JT's Knife Life, for case knives I have a sod buster jr, swayback jack, swayback gent, and peanut all with chestnut bone handles. I would say my favorite brand is Spyderco because of the variety but I have a few knives from other brands as well like Kershaw, CRKT, Boker, Kizer, Victorinox.. I only have one Benchmade (a mini grip) that was given to me by my Uncle when I was first getting into knives. What about you?

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Benchmade is really my favorite brand, but I'd say Spyderco is the best one out there right now. Can't get enough from those two companies!

[@jasonoconnor9446]

You hit the nail on the head..have all sorts of knives but dnt get the same feeling of the old school slip joints and GEC knives r a beautiful example.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I really am hoping to get one for myself!

[@jasonoconnor9446]

JT's Knife Life just picked up the #81 bull moose with antique amber jig bone..gorgeous..i feel another addiction comming on :)

[@Xanduur]

I have two of these, in addition to three other GEC knives. It’s enough for me. For bigger tasks I use a fixed blade knife. For day-to-day tasks (note I didn’t say EDC) these GEC fit the bill.

[@rhino5419]

Hi. I agree. It just has something in style that the BM does not. It may be an old design but i say, "if it ain't broke, dont fix it". Good health and stay safe.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thank you! And yes. Something special about these knives.

[@thomaschainey3230]

Great video thanks. Love your knife looks great. I just ordered the GEC #15 🔪 Huckleberry Boy's Knife and if it is as nice as my GEC #62 pocket carver knife I will be very happy. I know the GEC knives have become very hard to come by and it was the chain on the knife handle that stop them from being sold out. That is lucky for me as I was able to get mine. I like the chain as I usually EDC my Victorinox SAK on a lanyard tethered to my belt by the key chain. I like to chain my wallet to my belt too. I wanted to get some other GEC knives but could not find any more I wanted. But I did get a couple of good knives from the premium line of Boker USA company the Boker Tree Brand Carver's Congress Whittler & the Large Stockman knife both manufactured in Soligen Germany stamped with Soligen and the chestnut tree logo on the blade so I know they are not the cheaper Boker plus line made in China and Taiwan. They are almost as good as GEC Great Eastern Cutlery Farm and Field. Try to buy USA when possible and will try to get in on the GEC knives when the new batches come out now that I know about them.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

They can be tough to grab but worth it. The 15 I have now is the Red Micarta Clip Point version and man do I love that one.

[@danaconover8363]

JT That is a great knife. Beautiful and functional, comfortable in your pocket and feels great in your hand! GEC builds a great knife.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I agree there!

[@jimhebrank3936]

Yes, there is something special about GEC'S and traditionals. I love them, they evoke a different time when craftsmanship and attention to detail mattered. Maybe someday I will get a Benchmade Proper, but for now, I collect GEC'S. Thanks!

[@TheFlyrodder68]

I have both as a collector. For practical use, my Spyderco PM 2 still gets the most usage. I like the GEC as a collector and how it holds it's value. Mine is purely for collection and not for usage and I know I can sell it as new for more than what I paid for it. My Benchmade Proper is my favorite slip-joint folder though. I like how much easier to open and close than my GEC #15. It is has a better steel no doubt. GEC is pure hype and for collectability. Thumbs up for the video.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thanks, I appreciate it. And yeah, I think carrying and using the Proper would be preferable. I do like the GEC though, just a good knife to have maybe.

[@troyounce3295]

$65-$85 !?! Boy have the prices changed in the last couple years

[@bdh3949]

I'm not really sure what you mean by hype. I've been carrying/using slipjoints since 1955, most made in the USA. My favorite one and one I still sometimes edc with is a Western Cutlery Stockman made in Boulder I bought at the smaller satellite McGuckin Hardware in 1974. The blades are a bit thinner but what the hell. It spent 15 years with me in the 80's & 90"s as my carry/rescue knife as a raft guide and ski patroler. It performed well in whatever knife role I put it. No flashy hype...it just always worked. It's retired from heavy work now but. Yeah, the good USA mfgs of traditional slipjoints are gone now, save the handmade in USA GEC's, and our choices are dwindling while prices for them skyrocket so I guess people hype up what is left on the market. Hopefully GEC (I love 'em btw) will have some competition, in what seems a strong marketplace, in the future and bring back the array of USA made traditionals we used to have.

[@franknowakowski3103]

BM Proper...$135 list..MAP of about $110. GEC #15 $68 , with far better looks, as well as fit & finish. Both made in the USA. I will give the nod to BM for after the sale service. They ARE 2nd to none for that. What's the "X factor" it's the handmade manufacture as well as grinding and polishing that adds to the superb fit and finish.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I get where you're coming from, and I really like GEC (I own a couple now) but I don't see anything in my Proper that is inferior to a GEC as far as fit and finish goes. Sure, GEC uses better handle materials and they look flashier, but build quality and grind is just as good from my Proper. Not knocking GEC, but I don't see this great glaring difference between the two. Now, the handmade aspect and unique attention that each GEC is given certainly carries some weight, but from a user's perspective that's not all too important.

[@franknowakowski3103]

I see a difference in price. BM is overpriced across the board.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Well, that debate can be had about most companies that make expensive knives. I don't know where they get their pricing structure, but they price knives they way they do for a reason. That said, I can easily look at the upgrades to a Benchmade from most cheaper knives (including GECs) and distinctly see where the extra charge comes from. So I don't see them all as overpriced.

[@Ohm.Slice.]

I'll have to check out gec and see if they have any canoe style slipjoints. I'm sure they do though. I carry a Buck canoe slipjoint as my secondary/ people friendly knife a lot. And that's like a $12 dollar knife so a really nice one above case quality does sound pleasant to me lol

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Hahaha agreed. Definitely would love to have one to keep!

[@Ohm.Slice.]

JT's Knife Life Yea sometimes you don't know you want something till you see it or have it, and that's definitely the case here for me. The fit and finish on that Gec looks so good it just leaves me longing for an overdue upgrade to my buck. Time to start saving lol, if they have dyed blue bone scales I'll hop all over it

[@tm2bow653]

The same with an awl and a bottle opener would be like a modern 1891 Victorinox

[@Leftycutlery]

GEC does some great work. It’s difficult to compare to more modern slipjoints. There is just something special about a GEC and knowing they were made by hand the same way they used to make them. Once you get one GEC it’s difficult to stop collecting.

[@bladecollector7]

Leftycutlery They are amazing

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I think I need one of my own. 👍

[@anvic63anvic64]

the beginning of the addiction...

[@anthonyp7051]

Have my 1st GEC. #54 and I agree with that taste. It’s just historical and there’s many more to get.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Agreed! I'd like one of my own too. Sooner rather then later!

[@jeremydavis3189]

I’m going to be lucky enough to get to hold this knife. I look forward to checking it out myself. Absolutely beautiful

[@bladecollector7]

Jeremy Davis yes you will

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I hope you see it the same way I do. 👍

[@gregp4334]

I definitely agree that there’s something special about GEC knives. I suggest you look into “Enigma” knives. They use super-steels for the blades, titanium liners yet they use both modern and more traditional cover materials with either brass or titanium pins. They use a traditional sleeve board pattern like the #15 but a bit larger. Beautiful mosaic pivots finish them off so they can be a gentleman carry but I’ve used mine hard and they take it and ask for more!

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

I have three GEC knives now. Two folders and a fixed blade. The most recent was a GEC/Farm Field Bullnose in brown micarta. It came dull as hell unfortunately, which through research I found is quite common. Luckily I live near Chris Reeve Knives and had them put a proper edge on it. Now I can touch it up and it cuts like a laser.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Great info, thanks for the commenr. Good to hear from you man!

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

You as well. GECs are dangerously addictive, as well as Case. Scored a Case Tribal Lock in antique bone. Lovely knife. They have a model of that now in carbon (CV) steel as well as the swayback aka "the poor man's GEC Viper."

[@excelsiortrading8050]

GEC is probably the best you're going to get when it comes to slip joints. They know their business.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Looks that way, absolutely!

[@MoosesGearGooReview]

nice looking blade. That silver polished bolster is really eye catching. Thank for sharing this brand.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Definitely my pleasure!

[@davidmayle6103]

I love my GEC #43 but I also like modern knife to. Carrying both is nice.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Gotta have a balance, I agree with that 👍

[@ogenmatic]

Check out the Lionsteel ‘Roundheads’ as well. Classic pattern & walk-n-talk with modern materials. M390 steel

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Those do seem pretty cool, yes sir!

[@magicdave93]

I also have a proper and I think it’s a good attempt at bringing slip joints into the modern world especially with the stupid knife laws in the UK and Canada! GEC make the best traditional slip joints in my opinion, the fit and finish is second to none! Great review!

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thank you! And to be clear, I really do enjoy my Proper. This was just something different, unexpectedly.

[@jackfarmboy]

Thumbs up for admitting you were wrong lol. I appreciate seeing someone doing something completely out of their zone, and your excitement was apparent. Never handled a GEC personally but you certainly peeked the interest .

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Yeah, this was a fun glimpse into an area of knife collecting that is very unfamiliar to me. Hopefully I'll get another look at one soon!

[@jordansherer3388]

This inspired me to go ahead and purchase one in green linen micarta

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Great, I hope you like it!

[@cocabandi]

I, like you, really like this particular GEC knife and I would take it over the Benchmade anytime. The size for urban use is perfect, and it, in the traditional knife design, is perfect. The only drawback, for me, is that I don't want a carbo steel blade in a knife that I would use when traveling. In not knocking CS, God forbid, but I get most use when doing food prep, and I don't want to do the extra maintenance that is required with a carbon steel blade. Sorry, but I dislike the metallic aftertaste CS gives you when cutting up food when on the road. I hear that GEC makes a stainless steel version of this knife. If so, please sign me up. I want one.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I prefer stainless also, to be honest. Didn't know they had a stainless version of this one. Definitely interested in that as well!

[@paddyspotatopeelers2154]

I like the proper and will hopefully get one.but I really would like the gec Barlow or the northwoods.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

There are quite a few that I think I'd like. I won't be picky!

[@pop4803]

If I've got the story right they started tiny with a few people that had worked with other knife companies for years and years. pretty cool and it shows in their work.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Very cool to see how something grows, especially if they keep their core values and continue to make excellent products.

[@slidetek]

They've also got the ball & chain versions coming out for a bit more. But I prefer without TBH. These really are heirloom knives, there's some real craftsmanship going on.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I absolutely agree, 100%.

[@ogenmatic]

What a GEC will get you is the intangible “character” factor from patina on the blade steel & scuffs on the wood & bolster. They’re really meant to be used & enjoyed. At the price of them that’s easy to do as well. Really like that particular model, JT. Where did you pick it up from?

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Bought it from knivesshipfree. Good price, fast shipping, had the one my friend wanted.

[@slidetek]

Knivesshipfree, gpknives and collectorknives all have different versions.

[@00YahSun]

And trust me, if you ever got an Esnyx knife in your hand, a single tear would fall from your face.

[@nicholasdavis388]

GEC W.R.Case and Northwoods and Texas cutlery are the best

[@captiankidandcrew]

Gec are the real addiction..

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I can see why!

[@jamescreosote8479]

I have almost the same model (mine came with a clip point blade). Either way, the quintessential "pocket knife" in its most basic form. Nice.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Exactly!

[@bladecollector7]

Well that’s a great looking knife and and great buddy

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Hahaha agreed on both counts. 👊🍻

[@thomaslanders1162]

Good video.. I'm getting burnt out on modern folders.. Been thinking about focusing more on Victorinox (have several LE's etc) or traditionals..I have two 319 Propers.. Got a 2nd G10 one at REI clearance for $60.. Quality is good but not great.. I'll probably try a GEC soon...

[@JTsKnifeLife]

That would be an interesting change of pace. Let me know how that goes, good luck man!

[@SuperSteelSteve]

Thomas Landers bro... I was just like jt and you... Picked up a GEC 71... Changed my knife life. Seriously man... There like $58.. Worth 2x that. You get it in your hand and realise " holy fuck ... I can actually EDC this!" They feel stout, tough... Like you can absolutely put them to work.

[@NGMountains]

Believe it or not, companies from yester year and the men who made those knives made them knowing that real men where going to use them for more than opening envelopes, postage boxes and cutting down cardboard boxes. This whole big United States was built by men without the use of a tactical hyped up folding knife. Blade stock doesn't need to be as thick as it is on those tactical knives, there's really no reason for the blade to come flying out the handle at light speed and the locking mechanisms on a knife is for idiots named Nancy. Unless you're going into a war zone for work ever morning the latest and greatest tactical knife is for wannabe warriors. Service men fought the first 2 World Wars not to mention Korea, Vietnam and kicked ass using traditional slipjoint pocket knives or an issue fixed blade. Keep that in mind when you feel the need to poo poo traditional slipjoints.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I don't have a problem with traditional slip joints. I carry one regularly now. But my preference is that the primary blade I use be a locking one. And even though my grandfather was most certainly a better man than I am, I guarantee you that he would have shit himself with excitement if he could have ever owned a knife with assisted opening or maybe an Axis lock. He would have thought that was cool as hell.

[@pop4803]

JT, these are a different universe, lol. As for slipjoints they are near perfection. Closest to these I think are Schatt & Morgan also very nice. Check them out.

[@excelsiortrading8050]

Harry Wright, S&M is under Queen Cutlery. I own a few of each.

[@pop4803]

Donn Testa , yes I owned a few before going to modern. S&M are usually very good, just a step up from queen which are great knives.

[@excelsiortrading8050]

queen went under some kinda major overhaul a few years ago now, I'd love to see what they're putting out now, I believe a partner of GEC bought queen but left it to continuing to produce it's own.

[@excelsiortrading8050]

Actually sad news, I just checked and queen company went under this January, all that's left now of the goodies and oldies is case and GEC, what a shame.

[@westsenkovec]

Nice! I always wanted a Bullnose in O1 but I was a bit too late.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Seems very hard to track down own models of these.

[@asphyxiate14]

How come you didn't reference alchemy1s channel. I see you comment on his vids sometimes and he does tons of g.e.c and tradition coverage. Plus the man deserves some more attention for the work he puts into his vids.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Sometimes I want to drop a reference or shout out in a video and I just forget or there just isn't the perfect transition to something like that. With Alchemy1, you're absolutely right. His channel is solid, and this video would have been a good time to talk about him. That said, I don't think I even knew about his channel until after this video was made, and if I did I was just getting into it.

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Very cool knife! :D

[@bumstudios8817]

Classic! Very nice

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Chris Sproles It really is! 👌

[@Tankman333]

its a freakin barlow in hand man!

[@FlushingMiBUBBAARMY]

Nailed it

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thanks man. I appreciate you watching!

[@bladecollector7]

Awesome video

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Benchmade failed horribly with the slipjoint. It looks like something you would carry at work and not edc or carry if you're in a suit for an event.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Depends on what you need a slip joint for I guess. I like my Proper a lot. I don't really see it as a Gent's piece, I see it as a functional edc that just doesn't lock. I don't think they failed at all, and the Gold Class version is just stunning.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

@@JTsKnifeLife then you are out of your god damn mind. The gold class version is absolutely hideous.

[@captiankidandcrew]

You need more.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Agreed.

[@davedonkey5663]

My favourite type of knife ,guess I am a nonconformist

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I wouldn't go that far hahaha, you're just on a bit of a different knife path than I went down. But now I'm understanding why, this knife was a sweet one.

[@00YahSun]

The feeling is natural... it's an original piece. The first folders were slips. GEC makes the best slipjoints. It's in your blood, like finding your roots. All knives have evolved from slipjoints. It's like a 65 Mustang vs a 2018 Mustang... which one would you really take if either were free and in mint condition? It's like the GEC is Jesus and the Proper is the modern day Pope lol which one do you choose? Lol

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Hahaha very nice metaphors there.

[@Lumpy_Peter]

I really doubt that first folders were slipjoints. What about friction folders and pheasant knives with prolonged tang (like sword peasant)?

[@00YahSun]

Peter M. U know what I mean. Of the first generation of collective pieces. The stuff grandad kept for years. Nobody ever collected friction knives. They were and still are just throwaway stuff.

[@hollywoodhefner2]

Don't get into GEC knives. This is a rabbit hole you dont want to fall into. Bought my first one about 3 months ago, and now I'm up to around 11 or 12 GEC knives.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

The addiction has you!

[@luhoop]

How ya like that walk and talk!

[@bladecollector7]

Once you start to get a patina on them then you really get attached

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Bladecollector 7 I believe it!

[@franknowakowski3103]

Almost amusing comparing the GEC to the overpriced BM. Two totally different manufacturing methods and general outlooks.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

As a lay person with no real insight into how GEC operates it's pretty interesting. And as much as I've really started to like GEC, the Proper is incredibly functional for a price that's pretty competitive with most after market single blade GEC models.

[@Sugardaddy501]

TL;DR they are built fantastic for the price; its time + practice + legacy.