GEC #73 a nailbreaker?

R

red05

Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Messages
337
I just received a GEC made Schrade Fire and Ice Trapper that is based on the #73 GEC. I like the knife but it is a nailbreaker. I broke my thumbnail opening it for the first time then my wife walk ups and tries to open it and breaks her nail. Is this normal for this pattern? I am debating on returning it or just keeping it. Will it loosen up over time as I use it? I have one other GEC (#56) and it is no where as near as tight as this is.
 
It CAN be normal for the 73. My nailbreaker 73 broke in well but only in smoothness. Not strength of pull. So if the pull is too much its not going to get too much better IMO.

For reference, most girls can't open the typical GEC. I have handed a few of them around just to see. When I got my GF a GEC I went with this one..
IMG_0746.jpg


Its the most limp springed knife I have felt. But its just right for her :)
 
I agree with Kevin. They can be nail breakers but they aren't all nail breakers. I don't consider any of mine below (missing is a Fire and Ice trapper and a new Farmer Jack) nail breakers but there are some that have firmer pulls than others (ie the pen blade on the jack, 4th from the left)
IMG_1778.jpg
 
Yes and no. I've got a 73 from 06, one of the first I suppose, 2 blades in stainless. It's sheer hell, you can feel the nails lifting....:eek::eek:

Later 73s are much milder, although I do confess to admiring a strong spring, the liner lock in stag is mild whereas the bone version is quite tough. They will mellow out, somewhat. One aspect could be the half stops and square end construction, possibly this gives a tougher pull. Certainly, the GECs without half stops are much easier (56 being one) without crossing into wimp territory.

Not sure about letting women open knives, that's OK of course, but if they break a nail.....you and the collection could be placed on Death Row:D
 
Willgoy, I sincerely thought it was the half stops until I received a bunch of newer 73s that are smooth as butter and then the Bull Nose that feels like a custom.

I am going to attribute it to the strength of the backsrping AND the half stop. The stronger the backspring pushes against those corners of the tang, the more it wants to dig in and make it trouble to open. Just my thoughts and theory :)
 
Kevin, you must be right as you've got the latest offerings and different patterns.

Whatever, these ARE admirable knives for work&looks!

Regards, Will
 
I may not be right, I would only believe me if a knifemaker agreed :D Just a theory and observations. There is also the observation that the newer ones seem to have the corners of the tang rounded just a bit compared to my older 73's.

They are very admirable knives IMO.
 
The #73 has always been known for that Bear trap snap and reliable half stop. Now, I have never lost a nail over a #73, but I have always enjoyed the loud report of a knife when closing/opening. I believe that they could be slowing the snap down, I hear a lot of people send their knives back because of the snap. This pattern does have a way of "numbing" the thumb when fresh from the tube, but after some good use it should smooth out.
 
This is an early #73. It was made in 2007 so it sounds like that may be part of the problem. And the corners of the tang are very square.
 
LMAO :)

During Christmas a lifetime best friend of mine, like a brother, came for the family dinner. He saw my Bull Nose. A knife that I consider to have moderate pull and extremely smooth action. He always likes to check out my knives. His occupation is networking/computers. To my surprise he was shaking a little to open to the half stop and then a little more to get it open.

IDK, working hands are a lot stronger then desk hands. He is my best friend outside of blood family, so I am certainly not poking fun at him.
 
I've filed a tiny bit off of the corners of the tang on my Jigged Cherry #73 (4th from the right) and, to me, it felt easier to open. The #73 was my go to knife when I knew I was going to be cutting a lot. It has since been replaced with my #71 which isn't as firm opening. YMMY though.
 
I have two of the Schrade Fire & Ice Trappers bulit by GEC on their #73 frame. This is one of them.

schradedarkbonetrapper1.jpg


I'd rate the pull on both of them at a stiff 8 when I got them. However, after I oiled the joints of the one I carry almost daily, and with many openings, I'd rate the pull of that knife (pictured above) a 7. The pull is smooth to the half-stop and then to the full open position.

Give your knife a chance. OIl the joints and open and close it a few times while using it.

These Schrade Fire & Ice knives are excellent and even exceed knives made by GEC with the GEC Brand during the 2007 time-frame as to fit and finish. The ringed bolsters and match-strike pulls are a plus for these knives.

As I said, give you knife a chance. I think in the long run you'll be pleased with it.
 
Yeah, I think I am going to keep it. I love the looks of it and the fit and finish are excellent. I like the jigging on the bone too. Maybe with some oiling and working it opened and closed I can get the pull down some.

Richstag, I think you may have found the problem. I am a Network Administrator :)
 
red05 said:
Yeah, I think I am going to keep it. I love the looks of it and the fit and finish are excellent. I like the jigging on the bone too. Maybe with some oiling and working it opened and closed I can get the pull down some.

Richstag, I think you may have found the problem. I am a Network Administrator :)
Click to expand...

Then I would say send it back and call a dealer and get them to hand pick you a nice easy smooth newer 73 :)

Like Ed and I and others said it will smooth out. With that said, I used mine everyday for a good while. Spent most of my free time opening and closing it. Tried million dollar super greases, 20 or so different super lubes, buffing compounds and even as it got very smooth over time it was still a strong pull. Just think, Ed's only went from an 8 to a 7. Mine even had the corners of the tang smooth and round over time.

With my new 73's and the 71 I haven't found a better lube then regular old mineral oil. When the phases of the moon line up just right, thats all it should take :)

I would send it back and get one thats right for you.

I have kept every knife I have ever bought aside from the ones I have given away though. So.... :)
 
Last edited:
Well, we've got a difference of opinion here but that's what these forums are all about -- discussion, opinion, and sharing our knowledge and experience. My .02¢ -- keep the knife and work out your issues with it. Use a little Rem Oil in the joint. Either way you go -- keep it or send it back -- I'm sure you will eventually find satisfaction.
 
Last edited:
I know what you mean about the taste. I too am used to apples and oil :) Yes, I believe GEC did an excellent job on these knives. I am glad I was able to pick one up. If I didn't like to use all my knives I would definately put this one away to keep it in great shape.
 
I left you a visitor's message on your profile page. You don't want to send that knife anywhere, except maybe to one of BF's resident knife mechanics. Just email me or drop me a visitor message if you need for me to elaborate on my message.

Ed J
 
That's why GEC came out with those blade openers a few years ago. I don't know if they still make them. You can find a similar product in the Steel Thumbnail on A.G.'s site. It can help a lot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top