GEC Tascosa Tang Question *Updated*

[MattWRog]

Greetings friends. I have a question about the finishing of the tang on this GEC 83 lockback. My search didn’t yield much. Does anyone else’s 83 have this slight ramp of extra material where the relief would be that the lock bar interfaces with? It’s pronounced enough that it looks intentional. I attempted to photograph it as best I could. This particular knife does have up and down play when locked. Thanks for any insight.

 

[afishhunter]

Is the lock bar flush with the bolsters when the blade is open and locked?
I don't have an 83, but none of my lockbacks have that ramp/nub/"oops", or whatever the correct technical term for it is.

To me, up/down play when locked indicates the lock bar isn't engaged properly. (fully?).

 

[MattWRog]

Is the lock bar flush with the bolsters when the blade is open and locked?
I don't have an 83, but none of my lockbacks have that ramp/nub/"oops", or whatever the correct technical term for it is.

To me, up/down play when locked indicates the lock bar isn't engaged properly. (fully?).

Yes the lockbar is flush. I almost wonder if it isn’t intentional on GECs part to make the lockbar flush and allow room for adjustment on assembly? I can see if that “hump” is too pronounced though that it could cause the play in the lock.

 

[MattWRog]

See if this shows better...

 

[Chief]

That is normal on 83s. I believe it might be a way for the lock to have some adjustment during assembly. Out of a dozen or so 83s I own, they all have some rock lock but the lock is sufficient for what it is, a small traditional knife.

 

[MattWRog]

That is normal on 83s. I believe it might be a way for the lock to have some adjustment during assembly. Out of a dozen or so 83s I own, they all have some rock lock but the lock is sufficient for what it is, a small traditional knife.

Thank you. I knew it was fairly common with these. Wasn’t so much concerned with the lock movement as I was curious about the odd tang design, if intentional. Nice looking group

 

[Chief]

Thank you. I knew it was fairly common with these. Wasn’t so much concerned with the lock movement as I was curious about the odd tang design, if intentional. Nice looking group

You are welcome sir. Talking with a maker about lockbacks and noticed the protrusion you mention while looking closely at the lock design. 83s are one of my favorites.

 

[BrotherJim]

When the 83's first came out, there was a fair bit of discussion concerning (slight) vertical blade play on lock-up
Then it was revealed that GEC had done something to tighten the 83's up although not revealed what exactly ... maybe this was it, maybe in part dunno.
I have two from 2015 and neither have the "ramp". They did have enough vertical play that it "bothered" me.
I fixed it by pinging the top edges where the spring and blade meet. Didn't take much and left no noticeable marks or indications.

 

[Un-Chained]

Chief
John, just wanted to say thank you for these pictures….. Specifically appealing is that 15 burnt-stag un-x-ld

 

[MattWRog]

Just wanted to share that I carefully removed the “bump” of material on the tang. Now this little guy locks up as tight as anything from the Moki factory. The only downside is now the lockbar sits lower when opened, which is fair trade off for me. Now everybody, take the dremel tool to your GECs, what could possibly go wrong !?

 

[brownshoe]

Lock rock is not "normal" for a lockback of any size.