GEC 23, 72, 73 questions

coyote711

coyote711

Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
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Hey guys. I see within the past couple months GEC has come out with some new 23's, 72's and 73's. Nice scales, lanyard holes, etc. I had an older 73 with nail breaker pulls and half-stops that I sold because I didn't care for those features just mentioned.

I'd appreciate knowing if these new ones still have the nail breaker pulls and half-stops. I'm looking for a single blade. I'd prefer a slip joint over the 72 lock back, but if the 23's or 73's are still nail busters w/half-stops I'd probably go for the 72. Yet, I've also heard of some issues with the 72's not locking up tight and/or having some side-to-side blade wobble. I wouldn't care for that either.

Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate anything you could tell me about these new models. Thanks! :thumbup:
 
Hi Keith,

I have a new run #23 in Ebony that is the lightest #23 I have. I can pinch it open. I have a new Cocobolo and Burnt Stag #73 and if I remember correctly, they weren't nail breakers but not as mild as the #23. I also got a #73 Bocote LL and that one was pretty mild though... I think it was my mildest #73.

Edit: Forgot to mention but they still do have half stops.
 
The new 73's that I have are no nail breakers but they still have a decent pull.
 
Keith, I have a newer #73. As Trand says, they still have half stops. Pull on mine is moderate, in fact, just about right---firm but not difficult, and definitely no nail breaker.

Andrew

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I'd second all of the above. I have a recent #73L too and find the pull just right for me. I also have 2 #72's, one has side play and the other has quite a lot of flex in the frame. The flex I put down to thin brass liners with Cocobolo scales, probably not a problem if you're only intending to use the knife lightly.

Sam
 
Trand ... Kevin ... Andrew ... Sam ... Thanks guys! :thumbup:

I just pulled the trigger on a #23 in Cocobolo! I had decided that I have enough bone handled knives (for now), and also a few in ebony, so I wanted to try a new handle material. I just kept coming back to this #23 in Cocobolo ... it looked so darn gorgeous that I couldn't not buy it, if ya know what I mean. ;)
 
I'm considering a #73. I have seen some custom slipjoints where the blades are flush with the backspring both at the half stops and when fully opened. I am looking for pics of one of the Northfields showing the back fully opened and and at the half stop. These knives are beautiful, does anyone have fotos from this angle?
 
Hi Jake,

I don't have a pic but I can pretty much guarantee you that the back spring will be proud (stick up) shy (sit lower) when the blade is in the half stop position. The backspring should be flush when closed and open. There's a good chance that the blade would be under bladed too (the top of the back of the blade sitting slightly lower than the top of the backspring). I think these 2 "issues" are the only things keeping GECs out of the Case/Bose and entry level custom knife level of fit and finish.

Edit: Thanks Sam!!
 
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2Dead said:
Hi Jake,

I don't have a pic but I can pretty much guarantee you that the back spring will be proud (stick up) when the blade is in the half stop position. The backspring should be flush when closed and open. There's a good chance that the blade would be under bladed too (the top of the back of the blade sitting slightly lower than the top of the backspring). I think these 2 "issues" are the only things keeping GECs out of the Case/Bose and entry level custom knife level of fit and finish.
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Thanks 2dead! That's what I would expect. I have heard here that GEC offerings were very close to that level. It won't deter me from picking up one though. :cool:
 
On my #73 the spring sits low on the half stop but spot on when open or closed. It's nice to have a knife with a flush spring in all three positions but far from a deal breaker for me.

Sam
 
avoidspam said:
On my #73 the spring sits low on the half stop but spot on when open or closed. It's nice to have a knife with a flush spring in all three positions but far from a deal breaker for me.

Sam
Click to expand...

Well, that's what I get for guaranteeing... :o I went back and actually checked this time, about 10 of my #73s and the springs on each one were "shy" (sat lower). Thanks for the correction Sam!!

I think I had #48s on the brain as those sit proud at half stop(and I checked this time... :cool:)
 
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