GEC 72 Tidioute Autumn Gold Bone

2manyknives

2manyknives

Joined
Aug 9, 2006
Messages
718
This one arrived about 3 or 4 weeks back but I haven't had much time to look it over until the last few days. I have owned a few of these little folders and regard them highly. At under four inches closed and and thin through the grip they are nice sized pocket knives. There have been a few variations in blade shape and this one is the clip point version. Blade steel is 1095 and the grip scales are called Autumn Gold Bone














Overall fit and finish on my sample is quite good with no glaring gaps or flaws. The bone scales are nicely matched and the pull is light and smooth. Unlike most of my early GECs, this one was shaving sharp out of the box (or should I say tube?)


Here it is alongside some close relatives, including a couple of 73 linerlocks




Now the touchy subject. Lateral blade play was minimal but vertical play was very noticeable - much more than I regard as acceptable. I know the subject has been done to death but it wouldn't be right not to mention it when it happens. I have other GEC lockbacks with bladeplay problems and yet others that have little to no play. I have Queen, Buck and Spyderco lockbacks with the same problem. It is a problem to which the locking style is prone but it is not an inevitable consequence of building a lockback. I don't know whether there is much more to say on the subject. Unfortunately, this one has it.



Still, it's a nice knife and I like it. I'm a sucker for the pattern. Have just ordered 2 more model 42 lockbacks and will see how they go.
 
If the blade rattles and clicks when the knife is shaken, I'd return it to the maker for repair under warranty.
But that's just me..... Some here seem to find that acceptable.
 
Gorgeous handles on that knife. I love that jigging pattern. The knife pattern itself isn't one I would buy for my own use but it's a very nice looking one overall.
 
I love all the Autumn Gold jigged bone I have been seeing lately. The jigging on yours looks perfect!

All of the 72s I have ever handled over the past year have had vertical blade play, and a few have had lateral blade play as well. I think it might just be the nature of the beast with the 72 lockbacks. Perhaps it is something that will be addressed in future runs. In any case, I know GEC will take care of any unacceptable blade play (if one should deem it necessary). I think the 72 is a great knife and should not be overlooked due to this issue.

Thanks for the mini review!
 
That looks very nice. The color of the covers and the jigging are what sealed the deal for me.
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deskil said:
If the blade rattles and clicks when the knife is shaken, I'd return it to the maker for repair under warranty.
But that's just me..... Some here seem to find that acceptable.
Click to expand...

Ditto. Exactly what I would do. GEC will correct it for you no problem. Takes a few weeks turn around but I can't deal with blade play, so I'd send it in for correction.

Beautiful knife btw. I love single blade folders - sleek and trim!
 
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