GEC # 23--Bull Lock (LRL) or Liner lock or Slip Joint/ no lock/ UPDATE w/ Pics

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
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5,188
Hello all,

I was looking over GEC's Bull Lock on their Pioneers and was wondering what owners/ users of this feature thought about it after considerable use; if you have experience with it and the liner lock & slip joint variants in this pattern, I'd appreciate your comparisons and comments. I've used a #23 with a liner lock and think it's just fine. I have other GEC slip joints as well, and love them dearly. How does the Bull Lock compare in terms of practicality and comfort, and is the lever obtrusive in use and when carried (pocket? sheath?). I've done my homework in terms of internet searches, but still have questions.

Thanks,
Anthony
 
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Anthony, I could only find a few threads on this knife here, and none of them had a lot of responses. I am very interested in this knife myself, just never got around to getting one. You probably already read these threads, but if not, there are a couple of tidbits that might be of interest to you.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1192947-Bull-Locks?p=13661480#post13661480

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Bull-Lock-pocket-clip?p=13432743#post13432743

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ing-the-GEC-Bull-Lock?p=12557407#post12557407

here's a one off post in a thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...to-open-than-slippies?p=12575001#post12575001
 
Thanks--I've seen those, but I'll read through them again anyway. Let's see if we get any new info!
 
Since you aren't getting much feedback here, I will offer you some personal thoughts.
I do not own, and I've never handled, a locking GEC, so I can't give any real feedback on their linerlock or bull lock pioneer 23 pattern. Yet, from what I've seen in other knives (especially Spanish navajas), the bull lock tends to be a little uncomfortable in hand. This, added to the general thought that I do not care much about locking folders, would make me pick the slipjoint or linerlock version.
Just a personal preference of course :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Thanks Fausto; I actually like the liner lock GEC's (especially on one as big as a #23). The liner lock simply keeps the slip joint/ back spring from closing. As for the bull lock--one Youtube reviewer said it was not obtrusive. Jury is still out for me... thanks anyway. Anyone else?
 
my next buy will be a single-blade trapper with a lanyard hole. handle shape is basically useless where there are two or more blades. but no lock, please.
 
Aias said:
Thanks Fausto; I actually like the liner lock GEC's (especially on one as big as a #23). The liner lock simply keeps the slip joint/ back spring from closing. As for the bull lock--one Youtube reviewer said it was not obtrusive. Jury is still out for me... thanks anyway. Anyone else?
Click to expand...

I couldn't take it any longer, Just ordered an ebony 23 Bull Lock :) I'll let you know what I think about it after it comes in and I get to play with it for a couple days...

I've got a feeling I am going to like it though, here's a pic of my 23L, one of my favorite GEC's:

IMG_5628_zps46c05078.jpg


it just feels so natural in hand, like it was made for me.
 
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Ha! That's crazy! I'm a bad influence--or you were just looking for an excuse! :roll eyes: Either way--I can't wait to hear your thoughts. And as for the liner lock #23... I am familiar too--and a fan of the pattern/ lock:

Here is a double liner lock #23 trapper (sfo Mike Latham)
b69eeo.jpg


and a liner lock #23 pioneer
1626zyd.jpg


Sadly (for me), I gifted the latter knife, so now I am considering available options... until the next run of #23's come along.
 
if I go no lock/ slip joint, there is this #42 trapper that is excellent:
27y1ou8.jpg
 
Hi Anthony-I'm with Fausto on this. The lever lock is not the first one I'd go for. I have several Lock backs of various brands. Only one is the lever lock style and that is on a USA Schade rigging/sailor knife-the lever locks the spike open.
Its not one that I use at all but I reckon if I did- the lever would have broken long ago. They just seem ...i dunno...flimsy?
The GEC bull lock may be completely much better.
I've also got a couple of old Schrades smaller knives with liner locks that are virtually useless and don't lock open.
I definitely like the 23 for size tho.
To be brutally honest I think the bull lock lever would be the first thing to break if put to the test of hard work (not trying to break it).
That said-The pull on the Cocobolo Northfield is such that no lock is needed -The green Tidioute is only slightly softer and its turning 10 soon.
20150806_150001_zpsuhvcwtza.jpg
 
Lock-less is tempting... some nice ones still out there... now you are the bad influence! Keep 'em coming... I am worried about the bull lock's longevity too.
 
My burnt stag #23 linerlock sees plenty of work. I thought the bull lock looked too bulky, so never bought one.
I believe Trand (2Dead) has a couple, maybe PM him.

23stagLL_zps3a7a5ecc.jpg~original
 
I have a Bull Lock that sits pretty much unused. I guess I bought it more as a novelty because I thought the lock was kinda neat but actually thought I would carry/use it a lot. That just didn't happen. Not so much because of the comfort when using but more because of carrying limitations. A little too big for pocket carry and the lock interferes with it just slipping into a belt sheath.

At this point I guess I will hold off on another #23 until GEC releases the lock back version similar to the old Remington 1306. They really need to make a run of those :D :thumbup:
 
Thanks guys--I do like the added safety of the liner lock, especially when I use it on wood around the fire. I was worried about carry options with the bull lock too.
 
What is a "Bull Lock" ? If someone would post a picture then i and other ignoramuses would know.
kj
 
GronK said:
It's an 8-9 on the pull even with the extra leverage afforded by the long blade. Closing is just as hard with a lot of tension necessary on the lever. The up side is that when open it's as close to a fixed blade that you can fold up and put in your pocket as you'll ever find. Not a bit of wiggle vertical or horizontal.
Click to expand...
Quoted this post from an older thread for a pic for you Joe.
 
Hey Sitflyer,

When yours gets in, can you see if it will fit in at Buck 110 sheath (if you have one handy).

Thanks buddy... I keep trying to talk myself out of it, but I keep looking. I also guessed where you got yours... a blue creek some where east of me and west of you...;)
 
Aias said:
Hey Sitflyer,

When yours gets in, can you see if it will fit in at Buck 110 sheath (if you have one handy).

Thanks buddy... I keep trying to talk myself out of it, but I keep looking. I also guessed where you got yours... a blue creek some where east of me and west of you...;)
Click to expand...

You must have read my mind about the sheath, I have many Buck 110 sheaths, I want to try it in one of the better nylon ones.
P.S. I must have got the last one from Collectorknives ;)
 
Ah! Forgot one was still there! Cool. I have leather, nylon, and custom 110 sheaths--maybe it will fit... I still have a little concern regarding the durability of the lever itself. Then again, I've seen some old variants (users, online pics) and they all seem intact.
 
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