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Great Eastern Cutlery 2025 Rendezvous Roundup

With the Rendezvous about a week in the rearview mirror, I want to give my thoughts on my experience. Honestly, I was in a bit of a weird place leading up to the event as to my expectations. I just didn’t have the time or desire to prepare as much as I would have liked… I actually decided what knives I was bringing to sell at ~12:15 am the day of. Despite this lack of enthusiasm, it turned out to be another great year in several ways.

TL;DR? Video Recap

The People

I ended up setting up a little table display for Knife Thoughts and the Barlow Bearcat Club. Thanks to GEC for letting me use the table, as I forgot to bring my own. I got to see and talk with lots of old friends, fellow Bearcats, and other enthusiasts. It’s just nice to get to share your passion with others who understand it, and the Rendezvous is a great place to do just that for people like me who love traditional knives. There was a solid number of Barlow Bearcat Club members there, and we had a good meeting after the factory store closed down, but unfortunately I forgot to get a picture. It’s also always great to get to talk with Bill, William, Joan Mae, and everyone at GEC who actually bring the knives to reality and to gain insight into their process. I am generally a heavily introverted person, but I felt particularly comfortable and connected this year.

GEC Rendezvous 2025 Table Knife Thoughts Barlow Bearcat Club

The Knives

I got to Titusville earlier than expected, around 2:30 am on Friday, because I couldn’t sleep and decided to just head up… and I was still 72nd in line. People started arriving on Sunday again, with something like 50 there by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. It looked like a full on encampment. I thought, like I did last year, that there was no chance I’d get a Rendezvous Special. To my surprise, I was able to get one on my first trip through the store. Why? Many people, especially the hardcore collectors, go for SFAs (special factory assembly knives) first, as they are typically more rare and unique. I have been building a Rendezvous Special collection for over 10 years, so if I can get one I do, basically no matter what it is. This year GEC did three(!) different versions, and you were only able to purchase one per person in the store. They were all #86 Boomtown Barlows in American elk and stainless steel, but in all three blade shapes that the normal run had: clip point, spear point, and sheep foot. For me, this is a near ideal knife. The #86 Barlow is my favorite pattern, I prefer single blade, and I prefer stainless. I also don’t have any elk handled knives and have been wanting one. They had an acorn shield and I normally don’t prefer shields on Barlows, but they stamped it 19 for the year and honestly I don’t mind it. I mentioned that the Rendezvous Special was also an #86 Barlow last year to Bill and William, and both of them responded something like “oh really?” so that was pretty funny to know they don’t necessarily consider what last year’s was when deciding. It could be an #86 Barlow in a different configuration every year and I’d be happy for a long time. My other goal was to get a birth knife for my upcoming son, but I didn’t immediately see any other Barlows and my attention was caught by a “Special Factory Experiment” knife. It was a single blade carbon spear point #86 but it had rough cut pine handles, exposed pivot pins, hammered spring pins, and a new blade finish. William wouldn’t confirm what the finish is beyond saying he did it, but I would call it an acid stonewash. All of that comes together to make it look very much like the “Jess Crouch” and “Chris Wolfe” knives that inspired the aesthetic used on Northwoods Knives. So I got one of them, and I really like it. Then I realized there were single blade #77 Barlows, but knew they’d be all gone by the time I got a second trip through the store. Thankfully, long time Rendezvous attendee Jesse was kind enough to sell me one he got for cost… even before he knew I intended it as a birth gift. I got the tube signed by Bill, William, and Joan Mae (as I did for my other son’s birth gift Barlow I got at the 2022 Rendezvous), and it’s just what I was hoping to get. I did end up getting a second trip through the store, but just bought a shirt and a couple leather slips. I actually was really happy with this decision, as I’ve been trying to avoid buying knives unless I really want them and it felt good to make a decision in line with my values. I was also given a Spyderco Delica, and have been carrying and using and enjoying it ever since. So while the relationships are the real value of the Rendezvous, I came away thoroughly thrilled with my haul.

Rendezvous Special Special Factory Assembly GEC 2025

The Legacy

Another thing that made this year special was bringing my son to the picnic. My son has come with me to the GEC factory several times, and it’s become a fun little adventure we go on together. It would be too much for him to be there all day Friday, but he was all for going to the picnic. I did a lot more chasing and wrangling than talking and showing off knives, but I was happy for that. I also really enjoyed getting to give any kid who came up to my table on Friday a knife. It’s great to get to share the hobby with younger people, and it’s nice to be able to downsize my collection in a way that spreads some joy.

GEC Great Eastern Cutlery Rendezvous Special Knife Collection Display

The Details

If you have any questions about the Rendezvous, a great place to start is with my FAQ article below. You can also reach out via my contact page with any questions and I’ll do my best to answer. Last but certainly not least, I want to give a massive thank you to everyone at Great Eastern Cutlery for making it all possible and hosting such a great event. I’m already looking forward to next year… the 20th Anniversary!

GEC Rendezvous FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

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Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Review; Which is Best for YOU?

Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Standard Slim Titanium Short Bronze Mini Copper

If you search for bolt action pens, Tactile Turn will inevitably be one of the most discussed and recommended brands you find. They are made in the USA, have a great reputation for quality, and offer their unique namesake machined finish. However, when I tried to decide which model to choose, I found that comparison reviews were surprisingly scarce… so I’ve written this article (plus long form review and short comparison videos) to provide just that; a thorough review and comparison of Tactile Turn’s bolt action pens. Read on to learn about the different lengths, widths, and materials Tactile Turn offers.

In this Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Review
TL;DR? Short Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Video

Lengths: Standard, Short, & Mini

Tactile Turn’s bolt action pens come in three lengths: Standard, Short, and Mini. The two main differences between the lengths are the pen refills they take and… the length.

Portability

The Standard, Short, and Mini are 5.6″, 5.1″, and 4.4″ respectively. I think all three lengths have their place. The Standard is the most similar in length to your typical pens like a Bic Round Stic or Cristal, but is a little long for pocket carry in my opinion. In my carry it sometimes jabbed into my leg when bending over or sitting. The Mini is the best for carrying in an EDC pouch and just taking up the least space, but might feel a bit short in the hand when writing if you have wide hands like me. The Short feels portable enough, while still offering enough purchase for comfortable writing.

American Made All Metal Every Day Carry Spyderco Native 5 Peak Solutions Logan Tactile Turn Bolt Action Mini Copper

Refill Compatibility

The Standard takes Pilot G2 sized refills, the Short takes Parker sized refills, and the Mini takes Pilot G2 Mini refills. You can refer to Tactile Turn’s refill guide HERE, though it’s not exhaustive (for example, the Standard also can use UniBall One refills, which are very nice). There are a good number of G2 sized refills out there that fit in the standard, and they are easy to find in places like Walmart and Target. The Parker size of the Short allows for a veritable plethora of compatible refills, though they might not be as easy to find in brick and mortar stores. On the other hand, the Mini seems to ONLY take Pilot G2 Mini refills.
Technically, they’re “refills,” but you can’t seem to buy them on their own. You have to purchase full pens and discard the bodies (it’s not as sinister as it sounds, but I have to admit I don’t love the idea of wasting so much plastic). Honestly, you’re going to be able to find a refill you like in any of these sizes. There are plenty of options for the Standard and Short to find something that fits your writing style. The G2 Minis write nicely just like the full sized G2 , although I did have one leak (from carrying in cold temperatures, I am guessing). One big positive of the Short length for me is that it can take Fisher pressurized refills, using the adapter that they come with when purchased as refills. I have used Fisher Space Pens extensively, and like the versatility of their ink. So, while they all offer perfectly usable options when it comes to refills, I prefer the short length here also.

EDC Field Notes NGMCo Tactile Turn

Widths: Normal & Slim

Tactile Turn actually offers three widths, as they also make a thick body, but I only have the normal and slim to compare currently. Aside from the obvious difference in thickness, the slim and normal widths come with different clips.

Ergonomics

The normal width is similar to a Sharpie, whereas the slim is closer to a standard pen or pencil (such as a Bic Cristal). I think many prefer the normal thickness, considering it easier to write with, and I notice a general preference for thicker barrels among pen enthusiasts. That said, the slim was created in response to “the biggest request we’ve gotten over the past few years”. I think I prefer the ergonomics of the slim for my personal writing grip, though I don’t have a problem with the normal width. The slim also fits better in an EDC pouch, if that’s your preferred carry method.

Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Titanium Slim Standard, Chris Reeve Sebenza 31, Teale Designs Ti Pen Pry, American Bladeworks Slipjoint

Clip; Bent vs Machined

The normal width comes with a classic bent clip, while the slim has a machined clip. The bent clip attaches with a ring that is screwed into the handle between the cap and the barrel, whereas the machined clip screws into the side of the barrel with Torx screws. Machined clips are a big thing in the knife world, but they’re not a make or break point for me. I do appreciate the extra work that goes into the machined clip, but I like the look of both. The bent clip seems to be easier to put into and pull out of the pocket, while still offering plenty retention. Overall, they’re both good clips; if I had to choose I would probably go with the bent, but it’s not something that I think needs to factor greatly into the choice between a normal or slim width pen.

Materials: Titanium, Bronze, & Copper

Tactile Turn offers pens in many different materials. From plain stainless steel to exotic zirconium, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. I will be comparing three of their typical offerings: titanium, bronze, and copper. The main differences between these three materials are the hardness, weight, and oxidation potential.

Durability

Titanium is generally the hardest, and therefore the least likely to show scratches and dents, at a Brinell Hardness of around 300. (note: all these hardnesses depend on the specific alloy used, which I don’t think Tactile Turn publishes) Bronze is still relatively resistant at 75-220 BH, and I didn’t see any evidence of wear (aside from patina) in a few months of use. Copper is significantly softer, at around 35-90 BH. I noticed this softness clearly. My copper Mini developed some dings and scratches in the machining pretty quickly from carrying it next to other things. Also, the clip developed some play due to the copper deforming on either side of it from carrying it in my pocket. I was able to fix this with a simple application of super glue, but Will at Tactile Turn said they’re happy to make it right the few times this happens (I get the feeling they’re happy to make sure their customer is happy). They also offer a Lifetime Warranty on all their pens.

Tactile Turn Mini Bolt Action Copper Disassembly

Weight

Titanium is the lightest of the three, at about half the density of both copper and bronze. I will say, though my research indicates copper and bronze have a very similar density (and therefore weight), the copper somehow feels heavier. The weight probably comes down to personal preference, as I doubt any of these pens will be heavy enough to make much difference on a daily basis. Maybe you’ll prefer the titanium if you’re on an ultralight multi day backwoods hike, or the copper if you like some heft. For me, I enjoy both and it just depends if you value lightness or heft.

Patina

Finally, the subject of patina. Basically, patina is the change that comes from aging. In the case of copper and bronze, it is oxidation. Both copper and bronze begin their patina by losing luster and taking on a darker tone. After enough time and exposure, copper will turn a shade of green and bronze a shade of brown or black. Many EDC enthusiasts, especially traditional knife connoisseurs, love patina for the way it shows age and wear. Honestly, I can take it or leave it whether on knives or pens. I think it can look good sometimes, and sometimes I’d rather the tool remain the way it was when I got it.

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Tactile Turn Short Bronze and Mini Copper in Packaging Boxes Sealed

All of Tactile Turn’s bolt action pens, no matter the material, come with their namesake machine finish. The finish is raised circles superbly applied across the whole pen body. The finish is easy to feel but somewhat difficult to see in pictures. Also, it’s so well machined that the seam between the body and tip disappears into the finish when they’re screwed together. All this immediately gives an impression of class and attention to detail that is wholly welcome in a luxury pen.

Final Thoughts

Pens are one of man’s most basic tools. To be able to write, to store information through language, is one of the main things that allows us humans to achieve amazing feats; from building societies to designing the computer I’m writing this on. So it makes sense that every day carry enthusiasts like myself prefer to have a durable, stylish, and practical pen as part of their tool set. Will at Tactile Turn understands that desire.

Tactile Turn pens are some of the most highly regarded on the market, and for good reason as they offer just those characteristics. Whichever combination of length, width, and material you go with you’re sure to get a quality writing instrument backed by a company that’s proud of their product. Have a favorite Tactile Turn configuration, or questions about bolt action pens? Send me a message or connect on Instagram or YouTube!

Finally, I want to extend my appreciation to Will Hodges. This comparison was made possible in large part by his generosity in providing the Short Bronze and Mini Copper.

Long Form Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen Comparison Review Video

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What is EDC? A Simple Acronym with a Complex Definition

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard the term EDC… but what exactly does it mean? Well, to put it succinctly, it stands for Every Day Carry. EDC refers to the tools you carry on your person. EDC is a practice of being prepared for whatever life throws at you. However, if you dig in a little deeper you might find that there’s no universal agreement as to what EDC encompasses.

Every (Literally) Day Carry Purists

The most hardcore of gear enthusiasts will insist that it’s not EDC unless you carry it literally every day. You’ll find this sentiment in the comments of the EDC subreddit, r/EDC, of any post with tools that don’t show wear. While it’s true this is probably the original expression of EDC, and probably still the most common among the population overall, most enthusiasts vary their carry at least occasionally.

Two Mainstays (& gifts from my wife): Spyderco Ouroboros & Roadie

Everyday Carry Enthusiasts

Those who are enthusiastic enough about their carry to post online typically change their tools, making it more “everyday” carry than “EVERY” day carry. Some might change their carry randomly, some might rotate through a regular stall of choices, and most probably lie somewhere in between those two ends of the spectrum. This approach to EDC makes for a more engaging experience, though it might not allow you to get the most out of each piece of gear and can lead to excessive consumerism.

A full “Tiffany Blue” themed carry: Chris Reeve Sebenza 31 with Twice Born Customs bead, Twice Born Customs worry coin, Zero Feud C.U.P. pouch, Sean Yaw Barlow, Sage Grouse Leather slip, Gear Infusion EverRatchet Clip

(Almost) Every Day Carry Dabblers

Then there are those who don’t carry every day, let alone the same things every day, but still enjoy good tools. People who want to have a good knife for camping, or a flashlight to keep in their car for emergencies, or a good pen for journalling at home, and such. They might not carry their tools every day or everywhere, but they appreciate having them and discussing them. At least in my approximation, this is as valid an approach as the others.

Some great gear I carry, but not every day: Tactile Turn Standard Slim Bolt Action Titanium, NGMCo Middle Man Slick Not Thirsty Block Logo, Field Notes Vintage Edition

Essentially, EDC is about the appreciation, carry, and use of personal preparedness gear. You can make it their own, not only through the tools you carry but also how you carry them. No matter your job, lifestyle, or any other circumstances there’s always a way you can make Every Day Carry a part of your life. So, what is EDC to you?

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Interview with Andy Armstrong of RoseCraft Blades; Bringing Traditional Knives (and More!) to the Modern Market

RoseCraft blades has made a major splash in the knife market since its inception in 2021. They offer both traditional and modern knives, all with a unique flare. I have had the opportunity to check out many RoseCraft Blades knives and have been thoroughly impressed, particularly by the build quality and cover options of the traditional slipjoint models. Andy Armstrong, General Manager, was kind enough to answer a few questions about RoseCraft Blades. Read on to get an inside look at this exciting new knife brand!

RoseCraft Blades’ Story

RoseCraft Blades has introduced several traditional patterns with modern touches. When designing your takes on traditional patterns, what sources of inspiration do you pull from most?

You know, slip joints have been around and in production for more than 100 years. Most of the common patterns we know are about that old and that means there’s a history to draw from.

I love to find very old print catalog pages from brands like I-X-L, Schrade, Joseph Allen & Sons, Remington and so many more. These are usually hand-etched illustrations in pattern books that were originally offered to merchants across the country. 


You can find many of them in reprint editions and lots of them online.  I use those as inspiration to bring back older versions of classic patterns and patterns we haven’t seen in a while.


I like to look at a classic pattern and keep the general idea but add my own touches to it – make it mine. A sowbelly with a square end. A classic full-size swayback with a finger choil. A cigar with a clip point and a lambsfoot, instead of a small spear.


And then there are certain ideas that are inspired by newer knives. For example, years ago I had a Cold Steel Tuff Lite that I loved to carry and use – and for years, I had it in my head that you could make a knife of that style that had all the build qualities of a traditional slip joint, but the same workhorse attitude. That’s how a finger choil ended up partly in the blade and partly in the bolster of the Zambezi – a great little work knife for any job site.  And if I didn’t have that inspiration, I never would have designed the Clinch River Swayback that won BLADE Magazine’s Import Knife of the Year in 2023 – as it has a perfected finger choil like the Zambezi.

The new release of the Ocoee River Kayak has resin and wood handles that are relatively uncommon on knives. How do you decide what covers to use on each release?

Aren’t they pretty and very different from anything we’ve done so far? The burlwood and resin go so well together, and it completely changes the look of that knife.


I’ll try to answer your question in two parts. First, we work very closely with our factory on finding handle materials for our knives. Sometimes I’ll ask our Factory Rep if they can get a particular handle material and sometimes the Factory Rep will send me some new materials they’ve been offered. From there, we decide specifically on what colors and styles we want those covers to be in their final iteration – that’s the fun part.


The second part is just as important, but not as fun. You have to look at what you can do with a handle material and then which knives you want it on. As you’re probably aware, we design our slip joints in rounds of five (Round 6 is in production now). I’ll design first and then the very last step is to decide what handle materials go on each pattern.


Beyond that, we’re constantly reintroducing our popular patterns with new handle materials and that means finding a material that compliments the pattern and stands out from the previous iteration. As I write this, we’re checking in the best-selling Beaver Creek Barlow in both Bora Bora Blue Bone and Genuine Stag – major departures from our iterations in Bourbon Bone and Smoky Gray Bone. 

As both the GM and lead designer, how do you balance the business and creative aspects of your role at RoseCraft?

Coffee and anxiety medication. I’m kidding, of course, but sometimes I feel like that.

I think people imagine that we’re a big company with lots of employees. Not true at all. We’re a small family-owned business in Maryville, Tennessee. That means on any given day, I might max out at four people doing everything the company needs to do to keep running – most days less.


At this point, I can tell you that if you own a slip joint from us, I’ve opened and closed that knife personally at least once in our Quality Control check. My wife and I are usually pulling and packing your orders, and we’re all doing our best to design for the brand. 


It’s been a wild, glorious ride so far, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. If that means I add more gray to the beard than I would otherwise, so be it. I love what I do, and cross your fingers, we continue on our same trajectory into the future.  

RoseCraft Blades Blog

RoseCraft has been proactive in engaging with the knife community through Q&A sessions and videos. How has community feedback affected your design process?

It’s the perfect opportunity to hear what knife lovers love and want. And while, I don’t design solely based on what I hear from the knife community, I can tell you that at least one pattern can directly be attributed to that process. The Stinking Creek Sowbelly was brought up and discussed one weekend on the Slippy and Thrifty Live Show. 


I had not considered a one-bladed sowbelly pattern before. It wasn’t on the radar, but the more I thought about the idea the more I liked it. There was no going back after I drew it up. It needed to be made, and I think it turned out to be a fabulous knife for us. 

RoseCraft Blades Facebook Group

With the recent move of several traditional patterns to the RoseCraft Vault, can you share any insights into what collectors might expect to see in 2025 and beyond? Do you expect a focus on new patterns, or variations on existing patterns?

2025 will bring largely the same model of product release you saw through 2024. We’ll continue to release new patterns as they arrive, designing them in groups of five. Round 7 is on the drawing table now and Round 6 is in production.


And like last year, you’re going to see new iterations of popular patterns released throughout the year as well. And I’ll give this tip to RoseCraft Collectors. If you pay attention and buy when you get the chance, you may end up in the long run with a full line of RoseCraft patterns in Genuine Stag. 


You’re also going to see new handle materials that we’re using for the very first time and fixed blades this Spring.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this interview as much as I did! I want to thank Andy for responding with such detail and giving us a unique look into the inner workings of RoseCraft Blades. I’m looking forward to what the rest of 2025 brings for RoseCraft Blades!

If you would like to pick up a RoseCraft Blades knife, I highly recommend looking at Traditional Pocket Knives. Austin (who I also have an interview with which you can read at the link below) offers great service and you can also use my discount code KT10! Check out TraditionalPocketKnives.com at this link.

Continuing the Family Business; An Interview with Austin Jackson of Traditional Pocket Knives / C. Risner Cutlery

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Emisar D3AA EDC Flashlight Review; Does it Live Up to the Hype?

If you’ve ever looked into every day carry flashlights, you might have heard of the Emisar D4V2. It is the flashlight enthusiast’s benchmark for what a flashlight should be; bright, customizable UI, and small enough to carry. That said, many people (myself included) prefer an even smaller light than the 18650 size that the D4V2 offers. So it was with great fanfare that the flashlight forums welcomed the news of the AA based D3AA. Although it took me a while, I decided to pick one up and, now that I’ve carried and used it for a few months, will give you my thoughts on this powerful little light.

D1V2, D3AA, D4V2

Why the Hype?

The D3AA has a lot going for it. It boasts 3 LEDs, with many options for the specific emitter type. It has the Anduril 2 user interface that allows for EXTENSIVE customization. It has RGB auxiliary LEDs for extra flare. It has an upgraded driver that allows for better output and runtime. Maybe most notably, at least for me, it can use Lithium Ion, NiMH rechargeable, and normal Alkaline AA sized batteries. It can even use some 14500 Lithium Ion batteries with onboard charging. It also comes in several aluminum colors as well as titanium, which is one of the main reasons I picked one up; I wanted a flashlight in titanium (to match my other EDC gear), that could use the batteries I have on hand, while still being reasonably sized to carry and relatively bright. So the D3AA should be the ticket, right?

The D3AA with some easier to carry (but less impressive in specs) alternatives

Where Does it Go Wrong?

The Emisar D3AA is so close… but, for me, just misses the mark. Firstly, the clip leaves a lot to be desired. The area under the clip is small enough that it’s difficult to push it all the way to the end of the clip in jeans pockets. Also, the nubs that turn upward on each end of the retaining ring area of the clip are pronounced enough to be felt against the leg when the light is in the pocket and uncomfortable against the hand in use (cue the “you got soft hands brother” meme). I really wanted to carry it with a lanyard and matching copper bead, as shown in the pictures, but because the lanyard hole is so small I had to use a keyring which is awkward in the pocket and hand. Of course, I am absolutely amazed at the amount of light that this tiny thing can produce (whether with a Lithium Ion or with a NiMH, it’s bright). As always, Anduril 2 offers far more customization than anyone could ever need, and I like that I can set up a simple mode for my son to use (with greatly restricted brightness and NiMH batteries). The real deal killer is that, although it is quite small, it’s not small enough to be unobtrusive in carry, as I was hoping. It’s easier to carry than the D4V2, but just nowhere near a AAA form factor light. While I understand the AAA / 10440 size has a lower capacity to size ratio and there aren’t many options with customizable UIs (at least not with Anduril), I feel that it works better for me. So while I think the D3AA is a great light, my search for the perfect EDC flashlight continues. What should I try next?

If you want to try a D3AA, you can get yours at: https://intl-outdoor.com/led-flashlights/emisar-d3aa-14500-edc-led-flashlight.html

I suggest the following configuration: 519a Domed 4000k, add pocket clip, add magnet in tailcap, raised switch retaining ring, RGB switch backlight or warm white, and stainless bezel.

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