Does this Gerber need repaired?

[VictorLouis]

Hi all,

I just picked up an older Gerber, Taiwan made.

What captured me is that it opens EFFORTLESSLY, I can put the pad of my thumb on the nail-nick and sweep it open with no more effort than one of my Spydercos. The arc comes to a half-stop ala slip-joint, then the remainder to the lock-up. When you depress the lock, with the blade held horizontally, it will swing shut onto your fingers if you don't brace against the kick or hold on to the blade. When closed, you can rattle it like a maraca, with the blade slapping against each liner. BUT, there is minimal play when locked open. No more than any other knife of this style.

My initial research led me to believe it was a change-a-blade w/o the spares, simply left with the bottom blade.

http://s609.photobucket.com/user/pneuby/media/G2.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0


Thus, my "assumption" is this loosey-goosey fit was all about the swappable blades. But, on further examination, it's not the change-a-blade at all. In the locked position, i would be able to clearly see the deep u-notch opposite the lock-notch, just behind the ricasso. This blade doesn't have this at all. Nor was it machined off, as that would also be obvious. With a bit more effort, I found it was a 7522...

HTTP://s609.photobucket.com/user/pneuby/media/G1.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1


Since the design is clearly a clone of blade-swapper, I am thinking that the 'slop' is inherent with the model. I'd bumped an oldie in General, and someone suggested it needs work. Are any of you familiar with either so as to provide some input?

 

[knarfeng]

Howdy. This appears to be a question about an old Gerber lockback with nail nick, so that would fall within the range of Traditional.

The Ebay item has been removed and we don't link to non-BF vendors these days.

I think the fellas are going to need to see a pic of the actual knife in order to comment. You can upload photos to a hosting service such as photobucket, then copy and paste the IMG code into your post.

 

[VictorLouis]

You can upload photos to a hosting service such as photobucket, then copy and paste the IMG code into your post.[/COLOR]

Sorry for stepping on your toes. IMG code didn't work, only URL.

 

[sitflyer]

I don't have experience with this particular knife, however I have extensive experience with lock backs in general...

When you depress the lock, with the blade held horizontally, it will swing shut onto your fingers if you don't brace against the kick or hold on to the blade.

I have seen this from many different manufacturers, depressing the lock bar removes any and all tension on the blade and if the pivot is friction free, the blade on many a lock back will do this...

When closed, you can rattle it like a maraca, with the blade slapping against each liner. BUT, there is minimal play when locked open.

This is another normal phenomena that I have seen in lock back knives from different manufacturers, it in no way affects performance of the knife, the most important part is that the knife opens smoothly, and locks up with minimal play, and that there is enough tension on the tang by the lock bar to keep the blade in the closed position when not in use. If these criteria are present, then I personally would accept that all is normal with the design and construction of the knife...I would hone the edge if needed and use it and enjoy it.

just my .02 cent...

 

[knarfeng]

Copy the URL and paste it into your post. Then add the IMG code yourself, like this:

use the <reply with quote> to see what the code for this pic looks like:

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Linked to the OP's referenced pics and copied & edited the associated IMG urls, to display them in the OP's quoted post below.

With regards to the 'slop' being inherent in these, I remember a Navy co-worker of mine back in the mid-'80s who had a similar Gerber. His knife was so loose, he routinely 'flipped' the blade open without using the nail nick on it, or otherwise even touching the blade. Just an assertive flip of the wrist would do it. Our ship's store was selling them at the time (wish I'd bought a couple). Don't remember if Gerber was importing them (maybe from Japan, back then), or if it was one of their USA knives (Portland, OR).

I do seem to remember that Gerber had an 'International' line of knives (imported), some of which were based on the original USA patterns.


David

Hi all,

I just picked up an older Gerber, Taiwan made.

What captured me is that it opens EFFORTLESSLY, I can put the pad of my thumb on the nail-nick and sweep it open with no more effort than one of my Spydercos. The arc comes to a half-stop ala slip-joint, then the remainder to the lock-up. When you depress the lock, with the blade held horizontally, it will swing shut onto your fingers if you don't brace against the kick or hold on to the blade. When closed, you can rattle it like a maraca, with the blade slapping against each liner. BUT, there is minimal play when locked open. No more than any other knife of this style.

My initial research led me to believe it was a change-a-blade w/o the spares, simply left with the bottom blade.

http://s609.photobucket.com/user/pneuby/media/G2.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

Thus, my "assumption" is this loosey-goosey fit was all about the swappable blades. But, on further examination, it's not the change-a-blade at all. In the locked position, i would be able to clearly see the deep u-notch opposite the lock-notch, just behind the ricasso. This blade doesn't have this at all. Nor was it machined off, as that would also be obvious. With a bit more effort, I found it was a 7522...

HTTP://s609.photobucket.com/user/pneuby/media/G1.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

Since the design is clearly a clone of blade-swapper, I am thinking that the 'slop' is inherent with the model. I'd bumped an oldie in General, and someone suggested it needs work. Are any of you familiar with either so as to provide some input?

 

[VictorLouis]

Thanks for that, OWE ! Yes, I can easily inertial flip this open, but I don't do that sorta thing. Good to hear it sounds normal, from a couple of you. Yes, it's GERBER International on the LH, and TAIWAN on the right.