Recently, I ordered 2 different 83s (Stag and autumn bone) from a BF dealer, and I called in my order after reading so many comments about "typical" GEC lockup. The rep on the phone, and I appreciate this, had to sort through 6 knives to find 2 that had no blade play. So after this phone call, I went through my all of GECs. No play on any of them. However, none are lockbacks. I expected to be able to get the stag handled GEC 83 that I wanted, but I had to settle for the 4th pick.
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GEC lockbacks
- Thread starter mazman
- Start date
Will Power
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 33,363
My experience for what it's worth is this: got an early 72 some years back and that had some disappointing play. Got rid of it....Bought a 99 Wall St. in stag this January and I can find no play in it (perhaps if you put it in a vice and move it vigourously it might! 
) Month or so I got a stag (killer popcorn
:thumbup: ) 83 and this has no play that I can induce by hand. Note, I live in Europe so I can't inspect knives in person or telephone somebody to do it for me etc. My impression is that the 64, 99, 83 patterns don't suffer from it and it could be received opinions gaining currency concerning play. Or maybe I'm extraordinarily lucky?
) Month or so I got a stag (killer popcorn:thumbup: ) 83 and this has no play that I can induce by hand. Note, I live in Europe so I can't inspect knives in person or telephone somebody to do it for me etc. My impression is that the 64, 99, 83 patterns don't suffer from it and it could be received opinions gaining currency concerning play. Or maybe I'm extraordinarily lucky?- Joined
- Mar 26, 2013
- Messages
- 3,544
My experience with GEC lockbacks is limited to the 3 Farm Locks I have, and all I can say is in spite of what I've read here and elsewhere about GEC's lockbacks, mine are tighter than a drum, with no play on any axis. Of course, this is not to say that with hard and abusive use, coupled with a healthy dose of neglect, that they won't develop some sort of play, but I'm not abusive or neglectful of my knives, so the issue is moot.
MadMaximus
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2014
- Messages
- 318
I currently own a #83 (green micarta), a #99 (green micarta farmer lock), and a #42 (also green micarta). The only one that has any play is the #42 and it is very slight and almost unnoticeable. I wouldn't worry. I've had quite a few 83s and all had ZERO play and were very tight, same thing with the farmer lock.