GEC Slip joint break-in?

E

Erik.E

Joined
Aug 22, 2017
Messages
32
I just got my first GEC and I love it! It is a #74 in unused condition. I plan to make it a user and want to be able to open it easily. Right now it is a bit difficult. Not sure if it is spring tension or friction. Would love some input from experienced slip joint owners. Should I just keep opening and closing it, or do you guys do anything else to make opening a little easier? I have mostly owned locking folding knives before other than small stuff so not quite sure what to expect.

Thanks in advance.
 
I always flush the joint with WD-40 and compressed air on knives I’m going to use. I’ll soak the pivot in either WD-40 or oil and work the knife open and closed. Ill then blow the joint out with compressed air and repeat the process until the liquid stays clean. Over time it will get easier and smoother to opener the knife.
 
Awesome score on the #74!

It will definitely break in over time but may take a lot or a long time just by opening and closing. Regardless, this would be my recommendation for most cases.

As Ruhiger Sturm Ruhiger Sturm mentioned, flushing and cleaning the joints may help significantly in the beginning.

For nail breakers, some members have taken more significant measures to 'lighten' the pull on blade opening either by filing the tang ends, bending the back spring slightly, or even thinning the back spring a smidge. Some even have modified to make an easy open notch so that the blade can be grabbed with your fingers instead of using the nail nick. Here are some discussions I've found in the past. NOT for the faint of heart in my opinion...Good luck!

bending the back spring

easy open mod

success story
 
All of the above, but I also believe the knife trains you to an extent. It will become easier to open as you get used to the stiffness and find the best hand position for opening. One of my 23s was so stout, I thought id never be able to use it, now it's not too bad. When I hand it to others I see the struggle I used to have.
 
Lander boy Matt said:
All of the above, but I also believe the knife trains you to an extent. It will become easier to open as you get used to the stiffness and find the best hand position for opening. One of my 23s was so stout, I thought id never be able to use it, now it's not too bad. When I hand it to others I see the struggle I used to have.
Click to expand...
Second that! I actually use my middle finger nail to open the strong pull knives. I find it easier!
 
Once you get the gunk out, then you can leave the knife open in either the 1/3 or 2/3 open position, which maximizes the bend on the backspring. After a week or so the tension should relax some.
 
Lander boy Matt said:
It will become easier to open as you get used to the stiffness and find the best hand position for opening.
Click to expand...
I believe this too... at least i hope it's not that easy and quick to lose spring tension on a new pocket knife... I think you just get used to it and it 'seems' easier.
 
After messing around with it some more, I think I can describe it a little better. It is stiff to open + I can make the blade stick in any position between close and half stop, and half stop and open other than the last few degrees on either side of the half stop. I can't figure out if this is friction between tang and spring, or between tang and liners/bolsters.
 
JoKr JoKr posted this also for potential friction between the blade and the liners...I wouldn't do his but let the pro's handle it! 😅

2021 #85 Crown Lifter

That’s probably my only complaint about the natural canvas Micarta. I love the way it looks when it’s fresh/new, but it never stays that way. Exhibit A: Stages of Micarta.
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
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