GEC Lockback Scout--First Impressions

[matt1987]

After seeing the recent thread about these I had to pick one up. I had my eye on Ebony knives for quite sometime so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try one out. After a quick look over I decided to do a review/first impression thread since not much has been heard about this version.

Pros:Slim, centered blade, smooth light pull, decent heft, came sharp, assuring "click" when locking, matching dark ebony scales, ebony and nickle look wonderful together.

Cons: Let me first say that the cons are mainly for looks and doesn't really effect the way the knife works. so here goes.....

--the main blade has slight up and down movement when locked, it seems to me that the notch on the backspring doesn't fit snug with the notch on the blade, but I'm not too worried.

--Two pins on the handle are sunk in too deep. I personally like the pins flush with the scale.

--One side of the lanyard hole is over peened and has a slightly bigger lip than the other.

Other thoughts:
--The blade is wide. A bit wider than I judged by the pics. I kind of like it since it's easy to pinch open. But for looks, it's not my first choice.

--I partially blame the vendor for the cons. I e-mailed them on the day I ordered(gave my full name and order number) and simply said to check the knife for a solid lock up(no play) and flush pins. I got neither. This vendor I won't name here but he is well known around these forums and others have stated that this vendor would pick you out a good one if asked. Well I don't know who I have to hug to get that kind of customer service but I didn't get it.

All-in-all I'm happy with the knife and will use it.:thumbup: I'll get some pics up when I can.

 

[Modoc ED]

As far as the blade movement, did you open it smartly or just kind of let the lock lightly engage at the end of that "smooth light pull" you described. Try opening the knife smatrly and at the point where the blade lock engages, finish the blade opening with some umph. That extra effort might just completely, fully, engage the locking system.

Does anybody understand what I'm trying to say?

I know what I'm trying to say -- just hoping you're getting it. Sometimes my 67-year old mind just doesn't engage properly.

By-the-way. Where are the pictures of your new knife.

Sometimes, GEC will use a nice thick piece of handle material and as a result the pins may be set lower that you're used to. This is especially true with their stag handles.

 

[matt1987]

As far as the blade movement, did you open it smartly or just kind of let the lock lightly engage at the end of that "smooth light pull" you described. Try opening the knife smatrly and at the point where the blade lock engages, finish the blade opening with some umph. That extra effort might just completely, fully, engage the locking system.

Does anybody understand what I'm trying to say?

I know what I'm trying to say -- just hoping you're getting it. Sometimes my 67-year old mind just doesn't engage properly.

By-the-way. Where are the pictures of your new knife.

Sometimes, GEC will use a nice thick piece of handle material and as a result the pins may be set lower that you're used to. This is especially true with their stag handles.

I tryed to open the knife with more force, but it still moves. The pin issue is more about looks but you're probably right. Thanks for the help.

I need to dig out my digital camera. It's here somewhere.....

 

[Arathol]

The blade on mine moves slightly up and down also, but its not a lock up issue. The movement is caused by the spring flexing upwards when the blade is pulled up.
Mine also has two pins that are a bit deep. The top center pins are not flush like the other pins are, not a big issue.
The blade shape may seem a bit odd at first, but the thin, wide flat blade is very good at slicing and cutting.

 

[matt1987]

The blade on mine moves slightly up and down also, but its not a lock up issue. The movement is caused by the spring flexing upwards when the blade is pulled up.
Mine also has two pins that are a bit deep. The top center pins are not flush like the other pins are, not a big issue.
The blade shape may seem a bit odd at first, but the thin, wide flat blade is very good at slicing and cutting.

That made me feel better. I'm glad I didn't get a lemon. Thanks!

 

[dannyp]

The pins not being flush is pretty common for GECs. The pins that just hold the scales on will be shorter and the ones that go through the backspring will be ground flush after the knife is assembled. As previously mentioned, it will be more noticeable on thicker scales. I think it's just the way they make them.