Defective GEC Question

I'm not really familiar with these knives folks but it appears that something's not allowing the spring to fully drop into its seated position, which would allow for a floppy blade. If that particular model has a catch piece you might consider that to be the culprit. Sometimes they twist, or have a burr on them that screws up the spring travel. Another possibility is that the spring is being pinched too tightly by the bolsters, but if that were the case I don't think you'd have such a slack blade. I'd definitely send it back, the repair will likely be more involved than you'd think. I wouldn't be too hard on them though, these kinds of things happen, and they do get by inspectors, especially if it's a tricky little knife. Sometimes those characters work fine for the inspector but no one else! Believe me I've seen it happen :grumpy: ;)

Eric
 
ea42 said:
I'm not really familiar with these knives folks but it appears that something's not allowing the spring to fully drop into its seated position, which would allow for a floppy blade. If that particular model has a catch piece you might consider that to be the culprit. Sometimes they twist, or have a burr on them that screws up the spring travel. Another possibility is that the spring is being pinched too tightly by the bolsters, but if that were the case I don't think you'd have such a slack blade. I'd definitely send it back, the repair will likely be more involved than you'd think. I wouldn't be too hard on them though, these kinds of things happen, and they do get by inspectors, especially if it's a tricky little knife. Sometimes those characters work fine for the inspector but no one else! Believe me I've seen it happen :grumpy: ;)

Eric
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Thanks Eric, this is precisely the kind of info I was hoping to get. Of course I'm not hard on them! I did send the knife to GEC. I figure it's never a good thing to complain to them. I just say what's wrong and can they please fix it. Hopefully she'll be back in my hands by the end of the month.
 
draggat said:
Thanks Eric, this is precisely the kind of info I was hoping to get. Of course I'm not hard on them! I did send the knife to GEC. I figure it's never a good thing to complain to them. I just say what's wrong and can they please fix it. Hopefully she'll be back in my hands by the end of the month.
Click to expand...

Remember to post back here when it returns. I'm keen to know what went wrong 'cos I'm always placing international orders from US dealers and it will definitely be a hassle for me to send something back to GEC from Singapore!
 
Eric, I have these 2 pics of one of my #89s that hopefully helps. It has 2 thin backsprings. The pen rides on one spring while the mail blade uses both. I don't have a pic of the insides with the blades open though.


 
Tightening the joint should not fix anything. For some reason the base of the tang is not getting good pressure contact from the backspring in the closed position. You should send it to GEC and ask the dealer to cover the $6 priority shipping costs for you. It should not have gotten past the factory QC or the dealer, but they are human and they get busy when picking/shipping. There are many days I don't have time to go over each shipment with a fine tooth comb. But if you like the knife otherwise it is silly to cost you and the dealer both money to ship it back to the person that shipped it to them; skip the middleman but let him cover the cost. Also ask the dealer to communicate with the factory on the issue/repair - many times that will help a little with turnaround.
 
The above post is correct, tapping will solve nothing, likely there was too much
taken off the bottom of the tang during assembly. the spring holds the knife closed,
not the liners under the bolsters.
Ken.
 
Why would you spend 3x the money for a knife that's not perfect? Send it back and tell them that you want THIS one fixed.
 
kc custom said:
The above post is correct, tapping will solve nothing, likely there was too much
taken off the bottom of the tang during assembly. the spring holds the knife closed,
not the liners under the bolsters.
Ken.
Click to expand...

This was my thinking as well. It sounds like the kick isn't under tension in the closed position. I do hope you receive good service with a prompt turn around.

Chris
 
scattershot said:
Why would you spend 3x the money for a knife that's not perfect? Send it back and tell them that you want THIS one fixed.
Click to expand...

I have not come across many perfect knives in my life. And sadly, no one person gets to decide what a knife is worth to everyone nor what the factory's options regarding warranty will be. The factory can decide, with some customer input, to repair / replace / or refund the knife. If it will cost them more than the knife is worth, or if they do not have any pen blades available right now; they will probably not fix THIS knife. But if they can build up the tang to correct the pressure you might be in luck.

Either way, you don't want one that has a free blade; so let them tell you your options. Also, just a thought, but make sure there is not an "S" or "2" stamped on the tang anywhere.
 
knifeswapper said:
I have not come across many perfect knives in my life. And sadly, no one person gets to decide what a knife is worth to everyone nor what the factory's options regarding warranty will be. The factory can decide, with some customer input, to repair / replace / or refund the knife. If it will cost them more than the knife is worth, or if they do not have any pen blades available right now; they will probably not fix THIS knife. But if they can build up the tang to correct the pressure you might be in luck.

Either way, you don't want one that has a free blade; so let them tell you your options. Also, just a thought, but make sure there is not an "S" or "2" stamped on the tang anywhere.
Click to expand...

The knife was not a factory second. I agree that no knife is perfect, especially considering that these are pretty much completely hand made. Some of us find perfection in imperfection though, similar to how some people view art. A loose, floppy blade however is something that should be repaired. Funny that you mention a 2 stamped on the blade.... it did have that, but that's part of the numbering system GEC uses to denote that the knife has 2 blades. At any rate, it's now the waiting game to see what happens. I will update when I know.

Scattershot, I'm not sure what you mean by spending 3x the money on the knife? It doesn't cost anything for warranty service, other than the postage to send it in and of course, the wait time.
 
ea42 said:
I'm not really familiar with these knives folks but it appears that something's not allowing the spring to fully drop into its seated position, which would allow for a floppy blade. If that particular model has a catch piece you might consider that to be the culprit. Sometimes they twist, or have a burr on them that screws up the spring travel. Another possibility is that the spring is being pinched too tightly by the bolsters, but if that were the case I don't think you'd have such a slack blade. I'd definitely send it back, the repair will likely be more involved than you'd think. I wouldn't be too hard on them though, these kinds of things happen, and they do get by inspectors, especially if it's a tricky little knife. Sometimes those characters work fine for the inspector but no one else! Believe me I've seen it happen :grumpy: ;)

Eric
Click to expand...

knifeswapper said:
Tightening the joint should not fix anything. For some reason the base of the tang is not getting good pressure contact from the backspring in the closed position. You should send it to GEC and ask the dealer to cover the $6 priority shipping costs for you. It should not have gotten past the factory QC or the dealer, but they are human and they get busy when picking/shipping. There are many days I don't have time to go over each shipment with a fine tooth comb. But if you like the knife otherwise it is silly to cost you and the dealer both money to ship it back to the person that shipped it to them; skip the middleman but let him cover the cost. Also ask the dealer to communicate with the factory on the issue/repair - many times that will help a little with turnaround.
Click to expand...

kc custom said:
The above post is correct, tapping will solve nothing, likely there was too much
taken off the bottom of the tang during assembly. the spring holds the knife closed,
not the liners under the bolsters.
Ken.
Click to expand...

After having read these three posts and a couple of others, I have to admit I was wrong about tightening the bolsters by squeezing or tapping in this case. Probably, sending it back is the best action you can take with this knife. Good luck with it and I hope GEC makes it right.

That said; I am not going to get rid of my vice or hammer.:rolleyes:
 
draggat said:
The knife was not a factory second. ........... Funny that you mention a 2 stamped on the blade.... it did have that, but that's part of the numbering system GEC uses to denote that the knife has 2 blades. .
Click to expand...

GEC also stamps an "S" on factory 2nds. They stamp a "2" on factory 2nds that are typically only sold to employees or in their factory store. This is what Mike was speaking of and these markings are not a part of the model number stamp.
 
I got home to a surprise package today... The #89 arrived in flawless condition from GEC. I have to say, that is incredible turn around time! I'm not sure what they did to fix the knife, but I'm very happy with the results and their service.

Yatsunil, seeing as you live in Singapore, I would say that you should make sure to contact the dealer and have them inspect the knife before you buy it. I should probably do the same. Of the few GEC dealers I've had interaction with, they've all had outstanding customer service. I would stick to authorized dealers though.
 
Glad things worked out well in the end.

I hear what you're saying about contacting the dealers and having them inspect the knife. Good advice which I'll adopt from now on. I must say that I've had excellent service from dealers who are members of this forum.

Linus
 
That is a great result draggat. Better than a cold tinnie at a bushfire.:thumbup:
I sent you a PM linus.
 
draggat said:
I got home to a surprise package today... The #89 arrived in flawless condition from GEC. I have to say, that is incredible turn around time! I'm not sure what they did to fix the knife, but I'm very happy with the results and their service.

Yatsunil, seeing as you live in Singapore, I would say that you should make sure to contact the dealer and have them inspect the knife before you buy it. I should probably do the same. Of the few GEC dealers I've had interaction with, they've all had outstanding customer service. I would stick to authorized dealers though.
Click to expand...

Wow that is excellent turn around time! Thank you for letting us know what the end result was & that they made things right.
 
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