Case Copper Lock or GEC #72 Lockback?

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david childers

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Sep 20, 2013
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I am a big fan of Gec Knives. That being said, I recently got a case Copper Lock and I really like how it looks and feels in the hand and it is very sharp out of the box. I was wondering if anyone has experience with Gec lockback knives. I am sure the quality is great but are they worth the price difference when compared to a Copperlock. Thanks for any input.:)
 
They are both great knives. The CopperLock has a completely different feel than the 72's though. I have 3 of the 72 LB's, and yes they are worth the difference in price imho.
I still really like the Case CL's too though.
 
Let's put a couple pictures in here for reference.

Case Copperlock
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GEC #72 Lockback mini-Hunter
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As Mike said; they do have a different feel in the hand but I can't say the performance of either is head and shoulders above the other. I like both of them but if I had to pick, I'd pick the Coppperlock over the mini-Hunter. I think what persuades me to pick the Copperlock is that I like the lockback release mid-frame over the rear release of the mini-Hunter. But in the end, it is a matter of personal preference - neither knife is actually better than the other.

Edited to say; The Copperlock is 4 1/4" closed and the mini-Hunter is 3 7/8" closed. That may be the difference that might sway you between one or the other. There's also a mini-Copperhead that is 3 5/8" closed so you might want to consider that too. All that said, I still prefer the full size Copperhead.
 
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I have eight Copperlocks (four Mini and four Large) and only one # 72. In my experience, the Copperlocks carry a little easier (much easier for the Mini) and slice a lot better. The Large has plenty of frame to grab on to and the thinness has never been a problem, in use, for me. All of mine are Solid working knives and a favorite carry option.
 
Thanks, I may still get a #72, will just have to handle one and see how it feels. I am really happy with my copperlock and I'm sure I'll get more in the future, including the mini. My GEC collection may consist of other models. I presently have 3, two are Northfield and one Tidioute.
 
"deskil" hit the nail on the head when he spoke of the thinness of the Copperlock. For that reason, the large Copperlock despite it's length melts into your pocket.
 
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Just a thought for the OP... the GEC model 42 is closer in size to the Copperlock. You may want to take a look at them as well. It's one of my favorite models.

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I've gone through a bunch of 72s. All had a tiny amount of blade play. I have one Case Mini Copperlock, and it locks up solid with no play. I no longer have any more 72s. I still have the Mini Copperlock. I would go with the Copperlock. The Mini Copperlock is a smaller knife, and can ride in my watchpocket while the the 72 is a beefier knife that would not fit in my watch pocket. I had a regular Copperlock for a little while as well, and it had solid lock up with no blade play.
 
I have 4 CASE Mini-Copperlocks and one full-size, none of them exhibit any blade-play at all-some will try to tell you that play is inherent to all trad LBs but I don't accept that. The GEC LBs I've had have all had some play though...The thin handles on the CASE might not be everybody's cup of tea mind, but they're certainly well turned out.
 
My only experience is my Case Copperlock in Winterbottom jigged ginger ale bone. It's flawless in all regards... Believe it or not and stuff it in your pipe if you want. I was stunned by the quality of this little knife : no lateral play at all and no play at all in the lock. Ha, haaa... but that's not all : overall finish was what I can only name as nearly perfect. At around 60 $, call me just "flabbergasted". It's a tad small for an everyday user but I give it a ton of respect.
 
I handled the Carhart CopperLock last night. I was very pleased with how it felt in the hand. Svelte, yet not so much that you don't feel like you have a grip on it. I couldn't detect ANY play in the lock, which also impressed me. I could definitely see myself with one of these.
 
I've had a few mini Copperlocks, and a few 72 lockbacks. If you already have the copperlock, I would just add the 72. The 72 is the better knife of the two, but I wouldn't kick the copperlock out of bed either. Both good knives, the 72 edges the CL out though. I still have a 72 BTW, a Northfield.
 
Any time someone starts asking about this type of lockback, I have the urge to mention the Queen Mountain Man. A tad larger than the GEC lockback, also based on the old Remington Bullet pattern, with Queen's awesome D2 steel. My favorite of the bunch, having owned & carried a Copperlock and handled but not owned a GEC 72.
 
Keep in mind, if blade play in a lockback of any sort may be a major issue for you, then definitely go with the copperlock out of everything that has been suggested so far. If a tiny amount of play is not at all bothersome to you, and you prefer a non-stainless steel, then definitely go with the GEC 42 or 72. The GECs are incredibly well built knives that are meant for work. You can't go wrong either way. The Queen Mountain Man also looks like a nice option.
 
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