Traditional Slipjoint Pocket Knives in 1095 Carbon Steel
Great Eastern Cutlery manufactures traditional slipjoint pocket knives in Titusville, Pennsylvania, using over 200 hand operations per knife. Founded in 2006, GEC produces knives under four brand names: Northfield UN-X-LD for mirror-polished blades with exotic materials, Tidioute Cutlery for working knives, Farm & Field Tool for durable daily carriers, and GEC-branded stainless steel models. Most knives feature 1095 high carbon steel blades with traditional patterns from the early 1900s golden age of American pocket cutlery. GEC releases sell out quickly; sign up for drop notifications to secure sought-after patterns before inventory runs out.
1095 High Carbon Steel and 440C Stainless
GEC uses 1095 high carbon tool steel across Northfield, Tidioute, and Farm & Field lines for edge retention and easy sharpening. The steel takes keen edges and mirror polish finishes, especially on Northfield blades, which receive hand-polishing. Carbon steel develops a natural patina over time that adds character and rust protection similar to seasoned cast iron. GEC-branded knives use 440C stainless steel for users who want corrosion resistance without patina. Both steels follow traditional heat treatment specifications that allow v-bevel sharpening on flat stones.
Jigged Bone, Stag, and Natural Handle Materials
Handle materials include jigged cattle bone, genuine stag antler, exotic hardwoods, and modern synthetics. Northfield UN-X-LD models feature desert ironwood, cocobolo, snakewood, and premium Indian stag processed at GEC's in-house Bone Works facility. Tidioute knives use practical ebony wood and natural bone covers. Farm & Field tools incorporate micarta, delrin, and acrylic for durability. Traditional patterns include congress, whittler, trapper, barlow, and stockman configurations with nickel silver bolsters and brass liners. Pin construction maintains period-correct aesthetics without visible screw hardware.
Limited Production Runs and Collector Demand
GEC operates on a limited-production model, running each knife pattern in small batches before moving on to new designs. Northfield UN-X-LD releases generate strong collector interest due to their exotic materials and mirror-polished blades. Popular patterns like the #77 Barlow, #47 Viper, #38 Whittler, and #46 Whaler often sell out within hours. Production blogs announce upcoming runs, but inventory at DLT Trading moves quickly. Collectors value GEC knives for their authenticity to historical patterns and craftsmanship comparable to pre-1950s American cutlery.
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