Cobalt Camel - GEC #65 Lockback

Rick

Rick

Joined
Nov 27, 1998
Messages
2,602
I haven't seen much chatter in these parts about the new lockback version of GEC's #65 "Ben Hogan," but I think they blew the doors off this one. IMO, it beats the venerable #72 in the walkie-talkie department with smooth action, easy lock release and zero-play lockup. The Northfield blade polish is brighter and cleaner than usual, too. This is a cobalt blue camel bone version from the medium-sized (23 pieces) factory test run.

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As usual, post 'em if ya got 'em!
 
Rick,
I don't own this knife, and it's not my cup of tea (too large) but I want to thank you for these pictures. The cobalt blue camel bone looks absolutely amazing, and your talent for photography does a great job to enhance its beauty :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
This looks awesome! Thanks for the pics, mine should be waiting for me when I get home from work today :)
 
That's a fine looking knife. Lovely color. Glad to hear that the lock up is completely solid.
 
Fine looking indeed, I was slobbering over the pictures on GEC's site, but a bit long for me.
Very cool color and I like how the dye in the bone is lighter by the lock, almost looks pre-worn.
Thanks for sharing!
 
Beautiful piece, missed out on that one....but I'm loving my calico bone, the coffee house acrylic isn't too shabby either.

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I like the 65 pattern for the long thin blade. A single blade knife is beautiful, but I have mixed feelings about the Lockback.
 
That's a beautiful knife Rick. Very nice bone coloring. It has a very sleek appearance. As usual great pictures.

I've been eyeing this knife too but not for the reasons anyone has expressed here. This knife, with it's slim frame, has the air of a stiletto, toothpick, or to use a cruder name - pig-sticker about it. Too bad it doesn't open with a button. It would fit right in in a bar on a Saturday night or any other night for that matter. Of course I don't have or use any knives for that purpose but as I said; this #65 Lockback has that air about it.
 
Great eyecandy! What a nice looker!!!
And performing as well as you say, it "walks the talk" also!!:D:thumbup:
 
Rick,

Beautiful photos and knife. I'm so happy to hear of the improvements that you mentioned. It sounds like a great knife, and I really like the bone.

Thanks for sharing it all with us.

Kevin
 
I sure like the look of it on the website. The length is just right for me, for a user. Plenty of length for cutting up apples and cheese for the boys' snack time. I regularly carry grandad barlows so the length is not too much.

One question, it looks like you can see "through" the rear of the lock bar in the cut out to depress it. I wonder why. I don't believe I have noticed that feature on any other lock backs I have ever owned.
 
Beautiful pics Rick!! I was trying to avoid this one but broke down and just ordered one myself.
 
Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the comments.

I agree with Ed. This large (4-1/2" closed), slim lockback is vaguely reminiscent of a stiletto, and might be intimidating to a knife-shy individual, especially when compared to your average GEC. I don't plan on carrying this one, as it's really too large for my needs, but it will receive a fair share of chicken-eyein', I can tell you that. :)

I noticed that they used what appear to be steel pins for the spring retainer and lockbar pivot, as opposed to the usual brass pins used across the board on the #72. Should provide more long term stability and wear resistance.

Bigfattyt: Yeah, there is a clearance gap under the lockbar. I've seen this before on a few slim lockbacks. A thicker bar would contact the cutting edge. It doesn't bother me aesthetically, but YMMV.
 
Beautiful knife! I've been so tempted but the camel bone was sold out before I could blink, and the calico disappeared at my favorite dealer too. I wish I could see a better pic of the pheasant feathers, sorta reminds me of some of the old celluloid.
 
Rick said:
I noticed that they used what appear to be steel pins for the spring retainer and lockbar pivot, as opposed to the usual brass pins used across the board on the #72. Should provide more long term stability and wear resistance.
Click to expand...

I thought I was just seeing things, but I guess it's true. I wish they would have went all steel for the pins and liners, that would be VERY cool!
 
Rick said:
Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the comments.

I agree with Ed. This large (4-1/2" closed), slim lockback is vaguely reminiscent of a stiletto, and might be intimidating to a knife-shy individual, especially when compared to your average GEC. I don't plan on carrying this one, as it's really too large for my needs, but it will receive a fair share of chicken-eyein', I can tell you that. :)

I noticed that they used what appear to be steel pins for the spring retainer and lockbar pivot, as opposed to the usual brass pins used across the board on the #72. Should provide more long term stability and wear resistance.

Bigfattyt: Yeah, there is a clearance gap under the lockbar. I've seen this before on a few slim lockbacks. A thicker bar would contact the cutting edge. It doesn't bother me aesthetically, but YMMV.
Click to expand...

My initial thought was for lock clearance, but I was not certain.

I have always really loved the look of the Ben Hogan, and I think, some time here soon, I need to expand my traditional to include lock backs!



confucius37 said:
I thought I was just seeing things, but I guess it's true. I wish they would have went all steel for the pins and liners, that would be VERY cool!
Click to expand...

I sure am a fan of the all steel models I have from GEC. It would have been another draw!
 
I like my model in calico bone very much. Agree that it won't see much more use than as an extravagant desk knife, maybe cut some limes for Friday nights, but the construction is top-notch!
 
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