GEC liner Locks or slip joint?

M

mrjefe2u

Joined
Oct 19, 2010
Messages
253
On the longer single blade GEC's like the 73, do you prefer

a liner lock or standard slip joint?

I'm not likely to jab, plunge or pry with the blade.

Your turn.
 
On a traditional style knife, I much prefer just a simple slipjoint. As long as you keep it sharp and don't do anything silly it will serve you well with no problems.
 
I don't care for liner lock on trad knives. A lock back I like, along with slipjoints, but not liner locks.
 
It's a toss up for me. Day in and day out, I can't say I really need the lock, but it doesn't add much to the thickness or weight so I've picked up a few LL models here and there. I will say hearing that lock engage (especially on the 73s) gives a feeling of confidence and brings a smile to my face every time I open one.
 
I have to say that I have come to prefer the LL over a back lock. Both are obviously overkill since I am perfectly safe with a slipjoints. But the LL is great because it gives the strong backspring even more security (though the back lock is undoubtedly easier to manipulate.) And I have to agree with that thunk of the lock engaging, quite satisfying. These reasons are why I snagged a new 73 LL rather than the new 72. All are quality choices!
 
They are all good, but I am fond of GEC's liner locks, they do a terrific job with them.
 
It's not a deal maker or breaker for me either way. In general, I don't seek out knives with liner locks. If I happen to like a particular knife pattern or style and it comes with a liner lock then it won't stop me from getting one. Example being the Case Russlock. I prefer knives with more than one blade which usually means skipping a lock anyway.
 
After going through many #73s over the years, the only one I have left is a stag LL. Great knife.

stagLL.jpg~original
 
I like it, I'm very careful with my slippies but if a knife I like has a LL then I'm fine with it. Only one of my tradtionals has a LL (my #55). The others are plain slip-joints.
 
I have 3 73's. The first, was a linerlock, and after using it for a month or so, I started to resent the lock, and it's lived in the drawer since. I picked up my second, a nice Beavertail slippie, and it renewed my love for this model so much, I bought another in ebony from the latest run! The lock-up is so solid on these guys, the lock feels unnecessary, especially when you say "...not likely to jab, plunge or pry with the blade..." which I don't do either. I'd go with the slippie.

~Jim
 
The stiff pull, liner lock, and half stop don't seem like a great combination to me.

The position of the thumb seems dangerous, whether it is or not.
 
I like a Liner Lock just fine. Easy to use, comfortable to close, No Worries.
 
Lock back is fine, and in some cases preferred, for instance the large 23 pattern. I prefer a slipjoint though, for anything about 73/48 size and smaller. 48 and 23, give me a lockback. I've had some experience with liner locks on traditional knives other than GECs, and I didn't like them at all.
 
Lockbacks are ok, but I have had them fail after a lot of use - once the interconnect starts rounding off. I really like the way the Queen/GEC linerlocks are engineered; very little room for failure or accidental dis-engage. Although if it is going to have half-stops, I do wish they would move the tab back on all models like I did on the EZ Open below.

GEML852113ZAF.JPG


But there are many GEC's that have such stiff backsprings, it seems nominal gain to have a lock of any kind.
 
{But there are many GEC's that have such stiff backsprings, it seems nominal gain to have a lock of any kind.}

My sentiments exactly! If you have a 73 or 23 slip joint close on your hand, you must have been doing something VERY stupid!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top