Case Man takes GEC Plunge / fingers crossed as he leaps for the first time

No, I recommended one to a friend and it came with bad play. I have also asked about a LARGE number of them. Its nothing that will keep the knife from functioning but it will be something to dissapoint someone expecting solid lock up.
 
No, your right.
I think GEC knives are made of cocaine, but even that is not as addicting.

P.S.
I have never done Cocaine, this is purely a joke.
If you or a loved one are affected by an actual addiction, get help now!!!
 
rma100 said:
The Single Blade Weaver has the Easy Open feature and a blade pull of about 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 being extra light and 10 being a Bear Trap. The modified Hawkbill and bone handles makes it an attractive EDC Knife. This knife just screams "Work Knife" to me. The 26 Sleeveboard with the Wharncliffe main blade is also known as the "Little Carver". It has a blade pull of 8 or 9 on the same scale. It is somewhat small,but the heavy Wharncliffe blade is ideal for some REAL Whittlin' work.
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Sounds good on the Weaver Jack. I had both thumbs opereted on a few months back and am still gaining strength in my grip. Hopefully I can open the Sleeveboard.

jwh
 
I encountered play in my 72 for sure. Frankly, I suspect other companies do lockbacks better. Their slipjoints and liner-locks are astoundingly good though.
 
avoidspam said:
Having a few of each (sad I know), I'd go for the #73 pattern over the #72. The #73 comes with a liner lock too if you're after a bit of extra security:)
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I lean the other way. I have five #72s, and a few of them do have a bit of negligible vertical play if you grab the blade and intentionally wiggle it, but IMO, the subtle play is only an issue if you're trying to induce it. The #73 are nice, too, but several of the samples I've owned had borderline nail-breaker pulls and edge dings resulting from the blades rebounding into the backspring hump while snapping closed (the #85s suffer from the latter, too). I also find a liner lock on a strongly-sprung slipjoint both redundant and incongruous. It all comes down to personal preference, but I think GEC's lockbacks are some of their finest patterns, particularly the compact clip point versions.
 
richstag said:
No, I recommended one to a friend and it came with bad play. I have also asked about a LARGE number of them. Its nothing that will keep the knife from functioning but it will be something to dissapoint someone expecting solid lock up.
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I have handled scores of these knives and the ones I have seen with any blade play at all were maybe 5 or 6 that had a bit of negligible vertical play. One or two were possibly bad enough to warrant return to the factory. All STILL had a solid lock-up. Almost any knife will show some blade play if gripped by the handle and forcibly raunched by the tip.
 
I have had 3 #72s and 4 #73s and there is a reason that I have doubles of these patterns.

I have had blade play in both patterns, but I sent them in to GEC and they were fixed with no problem. One of the #72s I have, had some vertical play. I am really anal when it comes to blade play so I sent it in. Ever since it is as tight as can be and the knife isn't babied. I have seen more #72s with play than any other pattern, I am not saying stay away from this pattern, but don't be surprised if there is a little play. Sending it in to GEC will take any problems away though.

As far as a liner lock on a tough snapping knife goes, I am all in favor. I work, hunt and fish hard, I am put into situations where I don't need a knife to fail. I have used #73s with the liner lock and without, I liked the added safety and yes, there is added safety, IMO.
 
rma100 said:
I have handled scores of these knives and the ones I have seen with any blade play at all were maybe 5 or 6 that had a bit of negligible vertical play. One or two were possibly bad enough to warrant return to the factory. All STILL had a solid lock-up. Almost any knife will show some blade play if gripped by the handle and forcibly raunched by the tip.
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I called two dealers and had them check their ENTIRE stock.

Defend it all you want I'm just saying it how it is and I'm NOT talking about manhandling the knife to show it.
 
Which Dealers? How many did they have in their "entire stock"? I have over two hundred.
 
I didn't mean to throw off your thread JWH. I'm sorry. I've just known Ken on the forums for a while and the knives he is used to. I thought it was worth a mention if he was close to pulling the trigger.

All I'm saying is its a strong possibility with the 72's and it may or may not bother someone.
 
rma100 said:
Which Dealers? How many did they have in their "entire stock"? I have over two hundred.
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Glad to hear you are happy with your stock. They are two honest dealers that tell me like it is. They know me and know I don't like bladeplay. Maybe we should make a new thread to tally any further. I feel like we are doing nothing but killing JWH's excitement.
 
I'm not killing anything,simply stating MY experience. GEC has manufactured well over two hundred of these knives. I'm willing to bet less than a dozen have been returned for Warranty work. I can get the accurate figures from the Factory in the morning. I'm saying blade play is no more an issue with the 72's than any other pattern.
 
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Okay JWH, I won't worry then.

Rma100 - you can take about 100 of those and that will account for what I inquired on. I was even told they use shims and it is part of the design that leads to the play. I have also been told that you can send them in and have it changed.

I would love a 72 with no play. I'm glad to hear you have a stock of them in good order. I want GEC to prosper as a company because I love so many of their knives. I have shown TONS of support for them in the past.

I can not suggest a 72 without mentioning the chance of vertical and horizontal blade play.

That's really all I have to say.
 
If a problem can be fixed by sending back a knife for repair to fix blade play, it should have never been shipped in the 1st place. IMHO.
Harold
 
richstag said:
I didn't mean to throw off your thread JWH. I'm sorry. I've just known Ken on the forums for a while and the knives he is used to. I thought it was worth a mention if he was close to pulling the trigger.

All I'm saying is its a strong possibility with the 72's and it may or may not bother someone.
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Thanks Kevin, I was very close to pulling the trigger. Yep, you know me well enough to know I don't want to take a chance with blade play. I may get one yet, but I will make sure to call and get it checked out before I order a 72.
The thumb surgery i had almost two years ago didn't help, and that's why I was looking at the 72.


Thanks JWH for letting us get a bit OT in your thread:p:thumbup:
 
For your thumb it will be an amazing knife. They are buttery smooth and super easy to open. I think you will love it Ken if you track down the right one :)
 
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